4-Day Family Friendly Rail Trip to Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with a simple organic breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, known for its delicious pastries and fresh coffee.
Walk to the cafe located in the city center, approximately 15 minutes from your accommodation.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Atomium

Explore the iconic Atomium, a unique architectural structure and museum offering stunning panoramic views of the city.
Take metro line 6 to Heysel, the entrance is a short walk away.
EUR16 (Adults), EUR8 (Children), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Enjoy classic Belgian mussels and fries for lunch at this local favorite near the Grand Place.
Take a short metro ride back to the city center.
EUR30 (for family), 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through the Grand Place

Wander around the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning guildhalls and the Town Hall.
Located just a short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Manneken Pis

See the famous statue of the little boy peeing, which is a humorous symbol of Brussels.
A quick 10-minute walk from the Grand Place.
Free, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Return to hotel and relax

Spend some time resting and preparing for dinner.
Walk back to your accommodation.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fritland

Try the famous Belgian fries at this casual eatery surrounded by local vibes.
Located near the city center, a short walk from your hotel.
EUR20 (for family), 1 hour
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Day 2: Day Trip to Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel to fuel your day ahead.
Enjoy your meal before heading out.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Bruges

Take an early train to Bruges to maximize your day in this fairy-tale city.
Catch the train at Brussels Central Station.
EUR25 (Family round trip), 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the Market Square

Visit the bustling Market Square and admire the medieval buildings and Belfry tower.
A short walk from the train station.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Belfry of Bruges

Climb the Belfry tower for breathtaking views over Bruges.
The Belfry is located in the Market Square.
EUR12 (Adults), EUR6 (Children), 1 hour

11:00AM

Walk along the canals

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along Bruges' scenic canals and picturesque views.
Easily accessible from the Belfry.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at De Halve Maan Brewery

Taste local dishes and famous Bruges beer at this charming brewery restaurant.
Located along the canals, approximately a 15-minute walk.
EUR40 (for family), 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Explore this stunning basilica known for housing a relic of Christ's blood.
Walking distance from the brewery.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Chocolate Tasting at Choco-Story

Indulge in a chocolate workshop or tasting session to experience Belgium's finest chocolates.
Close to the basilica, around a 10-minute walk.
EUR20 (for family), 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Train back to Brussels

Catch an afternoon train back to Brussels and unwind after a delightful day.
Return to Bruges station.
Included in round trip., 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at hotel

Enjoy some family time and relax before dinner.
Walk back to accommodation.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Dominican

Dine in style at this lovely restaurant serving traditional Belgian cuisine.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR40 (for family), 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Ghent

Ghent, Belgium

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for the journey with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel.
Have breakfast before heading to the train station.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Ghent

Board a train to Ghent for another day of exploration.
Catch the train from Brussels Central Station.
EUR20 (Family round trip), 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Gravensteen Castle

Explore the medieval Gravensteen Castle and its fascinating history.
A short walk from the train station.
EUR12 (Adults), EUR5 (Children), 2 hours

11:00AM

Stroll the Graslei and Korenlei

Wander along the beautiful riverfront, soaking in the atmosphere and vibrant architecture.
A leisurely 20-minute walk from the castle.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Pakhuis

Enjoy a hearty lunch at this unique restaurant housed in a former warehouse.
About a 10-minute walk from the riverfront.
EUR35 (for family), 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral

Admire the stunning architecture and the famous Ghent Altarpiece inside this majestic cathedral.
Short walk from the restaurant.
EUR4 (Adults), Free (Children), 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Citadelpark

Take some time to unwind in the serene surroundings of this lovely park.
A 15-minute stroll from the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Train back to Brussels

Return to Brussels after a rewarding day in Ghent.
Walk back to the station.
Included in round trip., 30 minutes

4:00PM

Rest at hotel

Enjoy some downtime to recharge for the evening.
Back to your accommodation.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Nuetnigenough

Savor delicious local dishes at this cozy spot in the heart of Brussels.
A short walk from your hotel.
EUR30 (for family), 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Final Day in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at local café

Indulge in a relaxing breakfast at a nearby café, soaking in the local atmosphere.
Choose a café within walking distance.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Royal Palace of Brussels

Explore the stunning Royal Palace and its surrounding gardens, displaying a rich history of Belgium.
Short walk from breakfast spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore the Mont des Arts

Stroll through the beautiful Mont des Arts area adorned with gardens and impressive views.
An approximately 10-minute walk from the palace.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Exki

Enjoy a healthy and quick lunch at Exki, known for fresh salads and soups.
Walk to the Exki location nearby.
EUR25 (for family), 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Magritte Museum

Delve into the fantastic world of surrealism at this incredible museum dedicated to René Magritte.
Short walk from the restaurant.
EUR8 (Adults), EUR4 (Children), 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Last-minute shopping at Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Indulge in some last-minute shopping at this stunning arcade filled with boutiques and chocolate shops.
A pleasant walk from the museum.
Free to browse, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at hotel

Rest at your hotel to prepare for your departure.
Return to your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at La Roue d'Or

Savor one last family dinner at this classic Belgian restaurant known for its local dishes.
A short stroll from your hotel.
EUR40 (for family), 1.5 hours
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