5-Day Family Friendly Cultural Immersion Itinerary in Belgium

Day 1: Explore Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Maison Dandoy

Start your day with a delicious breakfast including Belgian waffles and freshly brewed coffee at Maison Dandoy, renowned for its authentic treats.
Located in the city center, reachable by foot or public transport.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Atomium

Experience the iconic Atomium, a unique building from the 1958 World Expo, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top.
Take Metro Line 6 from the city center to Heysel station, then walk 10 minutes.
EUR16, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at Chez Léon, famous for its moules-frites (mussels and fries), a must-try Belgian dish.
Return to the city center via Metro and walk to the restaurant.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Manneken Pis

Check out the quirky statue of Manneken Pis, which kids will find amusing as you learn about its quirky backstory.
A short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 30 minutes

2:00PM

Royal Palace of Brussels

Explore the stunning Royal Palace of Brussels and its surrounding park, where children can roam freely.
A pleasant 10-minute walk from Manneken Pis.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Chocolate Tasting at Chocopolis

Dive into the world of chocolate with a guided tasting session, perfect for satisfying the sweet tooth!
Short taxi ride or a 20-minute walk.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Sister Brussels Café

Wind down with dinner at this cozy café, known for its hearty Belgian dishes and local beers.
A short walk from Chocopolis.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Charming Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café 't Huidevettershuis

Enjoy a traditional Belgian breakfast, complete with croissants and artisanal cheeses.
Travel by train from Brussels to Bruges (1 hour).
EUR20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Canal Boat Tour

Take a delightful canal boat tour of Bruges, where you'll glide past medieval architecture and picturesque bridges, ideal for family photos.
Starting point is near the main square, about a 10-minute walk.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Marktplatz

Stroll through the bustling Marktplatz, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere while admiring the historic belfry.
A 5-minute walk from the boat tour end point.
Free, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Explore the Biscuit Factory

Visit the Bruges Biscuit Factory for a fun-filled cookie-making session that the whole family will enjoy!
Located downtown, easily accessible by foot.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at De Halve Maan Brewery

Relish a classic Belgian lunch with a brewery tour at De Halve Maan, known for its locally brewed beers.
5 minutes on foot from the Biscuit Factory.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Church of Our Lady

Marvel at the stunning architecture and historic art collections of the Church of Our Lady, including Michelangelo's Madonna.
A 10-minute walk from the brewery.
EUR8, 1 hour

3:30PM

Chocolate Museum Visit

Indulge in the world of Belgian chocolate at this interactive museum featuring workshops and tastings.
A 15-minute walk from the church.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant 't Zwart Huis

Enjoy a scrumptious dinner with local specialties in an enchanting medieval setting.
A short walk back to the main square.
EUR30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Ghent

Ghent, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with a wholesome organic breakfast with freshly baked pastries and breads.
Take a train from Bruges to Ghent (30 minutes).
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Gravensteen Castle

Explore the remarkable Gravensteen Castle, with its towers, dungeons, and great history that captivate both kids and adults.
A short walk from the café.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Stroll through the Historic Center

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Ghent's medieval streets, dotted with street performers and local shops.
Easily navigable on foot.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit STAM - Ghent City Museum

Learn about Ghent's rich history through interactive exhibits, a family-friendly experience.
A 10-minute walk from the historic center.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at De Graslei

Savor a meal along the canal with stunning views, featuring hearty Belgian fare.
A scenic walk along the canal.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit The House of Alijn

Explore the museum focusing on daily life through the ages in Ghent, perfect for engaging the younger audience.
15-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Ride on the Lieve River

Take a fun boat ride on the Lieve River, offering a unique perspective of Ghent’s beauty.
Boarding point near the House of Alijn.
EUR12, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Pakhuis

Wind down with a hearty dinner in an atmospheric setting, featuring Belgian dishes and local beers.
A 10-minute walk away.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Art and Culture in Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Kick off your day with a delightful breakfast featuring pancakes and smoothies.
Train from Ghent to Antwerp (1 hour).
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Royal Museum of Fine Arts

Explore magnificent art collections including Rubens, capturing the essence of Antwerp’s artistic spirit.
A quick tram ride from the café.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Walking Tour of Antwerp Cathedral

Take a guided tour of the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady, a UNESCO World Heritage site, explaining its splendid architecture.
Easily reachable via foot.
EUR12, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore the Zoo at Antwerp

Spend some time at the Antwerp Zoo, well known for its lovely green spaces and diverse animals, a wonderful family attraction.
Adjacent to the Cathedral.
EUR20, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Het Pomphuis

Enjoy a sumptuous meal in a converted pump house overlooking the water, known for its seafood.
15-minute taxi ride from the zoo.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shop at Meir

Take the opportunity to shop along the fashionable Meir avenue, full of exciting stores and local shops.
A brief taxi or tram ride away.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Short Visit to MAS Museum

Stop by the MAS Museum, with engaging exhibits and an observation deck for breathtaking views of the city.
Short tram ride from Meir.
EUR10, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Bistro Den Gouden Engel

End your day with a delicious dinner featuring a selection of Flemish croquettes and other local specialties.
5-minute taxi from the MAS Museum.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return to Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with fresh bread and pastries before preparing for your final day.
Take the train back from Antwerp to Brussels (45 minutes).
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Discover the rich collection of art at the Royal Museums, which will immerse you in Flemish masterpieces.
Located close to the café, an easy walk.
EUR10, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stroll through the Magritte Museum

Explore the surreal works of René Magritte in a museum dedicated to the Belgian genius.
A short walk from the Royal Museums.
EUR8, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Bozar

Savor a delightful lunch at this fine restaurant located within the Brussels Palace of Fine Arts.
A 5-minute walk from the Magritte Museum.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Parc du Cinquantenaire

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the Parc du Cinquantenaire, where kids can play while you stroll through the gardens.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore the European Parliament

Take a guided tour of the European Parliament, where the family can learn about European politics in a fun way.
Short taxi ride from the park.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Chez Léon

End your journey with another delightful meal at Chez Léon to reminisce about the great Belgian food you've enjoyed.
Return to the city center by taxi.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability