8-Day Family-Friendly Brussels Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

9:00AM

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive at Brussels Airport, check into your hotel, and settle in for the day.
Take a taxi or pre-arranged shuttle from the airport to your hotel.
EUR 60, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Savor a traditional Belgian meal of mussels and fries at the iconic Chez Léon near the Grand Place.
Walk from the hotel to Chez Léon, approximately a 15-minute walk.
EUR 15 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Grand Place Exploration

Marvel at the grandeur of Brussels' famous central square with its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Walking tour around Grand Place.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Manneken Pis

Visit the cheeky statue of Manneken Pis, a symbol of Brussels humor that’s perfect for family photos.
A short 10-minute walk from Grand Place.
Free, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Chocolate Tasting Tour

Indulge in a guided chocolate tasting adventure through Brussels' renowned chocolatiers.
Book a tour that starts around the area of Manneken Pis.
EUR 25 per person, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Café des Mots

Dine on delicious local dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR 20 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Culture and Fun

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with fresh pastries and organic bread in a cozy atmosphere at Le Pain Quotidien.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR 10 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Atomium Visit

Explore the iconic Atomium, an architectural wonder, and learn about Belgian history and science.
Take the metro from nearby your hotel to Heysel station.
EUR 16 per adult, EUR 8 per child, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Brasserie de la Patinoire

Enjoy lunch at this family-friendly brasserie with Belgian dishes and a relaxed vibe, close to Atomium.
Short walk to the restaurant.
EUR 15 per person, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Mini-Europe

Visit Mini-Europe, a park showcasing miniature replicas of famous European landmarks, fun and educational for kids.
Adjacent to the Atomium, a quick walk away.
EUR 17 per adult, EUR 11 per child, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Royal Palace & Park

Stroll through the beautiful Royal Park and admire the stunning Royal Palace of Brussels.
Take the metro back towards the city center and walk to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pizza Pino

Savor delicious Italian fare at a family-friendly restaurant that offers a range of pizzas and pastas.
Walk to Pizza Pino, about a 15-minute stroll.
EUR 15 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

7:30AM

Travel to Bruges

Take an early train to Bruges and enjoy the scenic landscapes of Belgium.
Walk to Brussels Central Station to catch the train.
EUR 15 per person, round trip, 1 hour

9:00AM

Breakfast at Greet's

Start your day in Bruges with a delicious breakfast of waffles and coffee at Greet's.
Short walk from the station.
EUR 10 per person, 1 hour

10:00AM

Canal Tour

Enjoy a scenic boat tour of Bruges' beautiful canals, a must-do for families.
Walk to the boat tour starting point near the city center.
EUR 10 per adult, EUR 8 per child, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Belfry of Bruges

Climb the Belfry for stunning views over the city, a fun activity that's a bit of a workout too!
A 10-minute walk from the canal tour dock.
EUR 12 per adult, EUR 6 per child, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at De Halve Maan Brewery

Enjoy a tour of the brewery and lunch with Belgian beer and hearty local cuisine at the brewery's restaurant.
Walk to the brewery which is nearby.
EUR 20 per person, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Market Square

Wander around the bustling Marketplace and see the Cloth Hall, with quaint shops and flavors of Bruges.
Short walk from the brewery.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Brussels

Take an evening train back to Brussels after a fun day in Bruges.
Walk to the train station.
Included in earlier transport cost, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at La Roue d'Or

Enjoy a delightful dinner of classic Belgian dishes and desserts at a family-friendly restaurant.
Short walk from your hotel in Brussels.
EUR 20 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Ghent Adventure

Ghent, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to gear up for a day trip to Ghent.
On-site at your hotel.
Included in the hotel fee, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Ghent

Hop on a train to Ghent to discover its medieval architecture and vibrant culture.
Walk to Brussels Central Station.
EUR 10 per person, round trip, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Gravensteen Castle

Explore the medieval Gravensteen Castle and learn about its fascinating history.
Walk from the train station to the castle.
EUR 12 per adult, EUR 8 per child, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at De Graslei

Relax and enjoy lunch by the river at one of the family-friendly restaurants along De Graslei.
Short walk from the castle.
EUR 15 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the STAM Ghent City Museum

Learn about Ghent's rich history through interactive exhibits that are great for families.
Walk from the restaurant to the museum.
EUR 10 per adult, EUR 5 per child, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through the Historic Center

Take a leisurely walk through Ghent's picturesque streets and enjoy the charming atmosphere.
Walking tour around the area.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Train back to Brussels

Take the train back to Brussels after an exciting day in Ghent.
Short walk to the train station.
Included in earlier transport cost, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at The Old Oak

End the day with a hearty meal at this family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of options.
Walk from your hotel.
EUR 20 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Day Trip to Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading out to Antwerp.
On-site at your hotel.
Included in the hotel fee, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Antwerp

Take the train to Antwerp and discover its beautiful architecture and rich culture.
Walk to Brussels Central Station.
EUR 10 per person, round trip, 40 minutes

10:30AM

Cathedral of Our Lady

Visit the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady, Home to works by the artist Rubens.
Walking distance from the train station.
EUR 10 per adult, EUR 2 per child, 1 hour

11:30AM

Antwerp Zoo

Spend the morning exploring the exciting Antwerp Zoo, home to a variety of animals – perfect for kids.
A short walk from the Cathedral.
EUR 25 per adult, EUR 20 per child, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at De Groenplaats

Dine at a casual restaurant in Groenplaats, offering local beers and comfortable family dining.
Walk back to Groenplaats for lunch.
EUR 15 per person, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Rubens House

Visit the Rubens House, the former home of the famous painter, and discover his artistic legacy.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
EUR 10 per adult, EUR 5 per child, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Shop at Meir Street

Take a stroll down Meir Street and explore shops for souvenirs or a sweet treat.
Walk to Meir Street, a lively shopping area.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Brussels

Catch the train back to Brussels after a day filled with fun activities.
Walk to the train station.
Included in earlier transport cost, 40 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Chez Léon

Enjoy another delicious meal at the popular Chez Léon, a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR 20 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Day Trip to Leuven

Leuven, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
On-site at your hotel.
Included in the hotel fee, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Leuven

Board a train to Leuven, home to vibrant university life and historic architecture.
Walk to Brussels Central Station.
EUR 10 per person, round trip, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit the University Library

Explore the magnificent University Library, a beautiful icon of Leuven filled with history.
Walking distance from the station.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Old Market Square

Wander through the Old Market Square, an area bustling with cozy cafes and shops.
Short walk from the library.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Domus Brewery

Enjoy a delightful lunch with a selection of local beers and traditional cuisine at this brewery.
Walk to Domus Brewery nearby.
EUR 15 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit M-Museum

Explore modern art and exhibits at M-Museum in Leuven, great for both adults and kids.
A short walk from the restaurant.
EUR 8 per adult, EUR 4 per child, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll in the Park

Relax at the beautiful city park and let your children play in the playgrounds.
Walk to the nearby park.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Brussels

Take a train back to Brussels after enjoying your time in Leuven.
Walk to the train station.
Included in earlier transport cost, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at La Roue d'Or

Finish your day with another lovely meal at La Roue d'Or, known for its friendly service.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR 20 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: War History at Waterloo

Waterloo, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before heading to Waterloo.
On-site at your hotel.
Included in the hotel fee, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Waterloo

Board a train to Waterloo to visit one of the most famous battlefields in history.
Walk to Brussels Central Station.
EUR 10 per person, round trip, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit the Battlefield

Take a guided tour of the Waterloo Battlefield, a thrilling and educational experience for the family.
Follow signs from the train station to the battlefield.
EUR 15 per adult, EUR 10 per child, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Ferme de l'Abreuvoir

Enjoy a delightful meal at this rustic restaurant, perfect for families.
Short drive or bus ride to the restaurant.
EUR 15 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Lion's Mound

Climb the Lion's Mound for panoramic views of the historic battlefield.
Short bus ride to the site.
EUR 5 per adult, EUR 3 per child, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore the Wellington Museum

Learn more about the Battle of Waterloo at the informative Wellington Museum, ideal for history buffs.
Walk to the museum from Lion's Mound.
EUR 5 per adult, EUR 3 per child, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Brussels

Take the train back to Brussels after an informative day.
Walk to the train station.
Included in earlier transport cost, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at The Old Oak

Reflect on your day with a family meal at The Old Oak, known for its cozy atmosphere.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR 20 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Last Day in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Brussels before departing.
On-site at your hotel.
Included in the hotel fee, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Magritte Museum

Explore the surreal works of the artist René Magritte at this fascinating museum.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR 10 per adult, EUR 5 per child, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Delve into a treasure trove of art ranging from the old masters to modern pieces, great for family appreciation.
Walking distance from the Magritte Museum.
EUR 8 per adult, EUR 5 per child, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

On your last day, enjoy one more meal at the iconic Chez Léon before heading home.
Short walk from the museums.
EUR 20 per person, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Final Stroll in Brussels

Take one last walk through Brussels to soak in the sights and pick up any last-minute souvenirs.
Walking tour around the city.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Departure

Prepare for your departure from Brussels, cherishing the memories made.
Travel back to the airport by taxi or public transport.
EUR 60, 1 hour
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