3 Days in Brussels Itinerary
Chocolate, waffles, and a fairy-tale day trip to Bruges
Brussels surprises families with its mix of grand architecture, world-class chocolate, quirky comic book heritage, and easy access to medieval Bruges. The Belgian capital is compact enough to explore on foot, yet packed with enough to fill three days without rushing. Add in Belgian waffles, moules-frites, and some of the friendliest locals in Europe, and you have an ideal family city break.
Day 1: Grand Place & Historic Centre
Day 1: Medieval Splendour & Chocolate Heaven
Grand Place
Start at Brussels' UNESCO-listed central square, one of Europe's most beautiful. The gilded guild houses and Gothic Town Hall are stunning. Visit the Tourist Office in the Town Hall for maps.
Manneken Pis & Chocolate Shops
Walk to the famous (if tiny) Manneken Pis statue. Then explore the chocolate shops on nearby streets. Pierre Marcolini, Neuhaus, and Leonidas offer tastings.
Belgian Waffles & Lunch
Try authentic Liege waffles (denser, sweeter) from Maison Dandoy or a Brussels waffle (lighter, rectangular) near Grand Place. For lunch, try stoofvlees (beef stew) or croquettes.
Belgian Comic Strip Centre
Belgium is the birthplace of Tintin, the Smurfs, and Lucky Luke. This museum in an Art Nouveau building celebrates comic art with interactive exhibits.
Dinner in Sainte-Catherine
Head to the Sainte-Catherine district for excellent seafood. The old fish market area has family-friendly restaurants serving moules-frites (mussels and chips).
Chocolate Workshops
Several chocolatiers offer family chocolate-making workshops. Book in advance at Zaabr or Laurent Gerbaud for a hands-on experience kids will love.
Day 2: Day Trip to Bruges
Day 2: Medieval Fairy Tale
Train to Bruges
Catch an early train from Brussels-Central or Brussels-Midi to Bruges. Trains run every 30 minutes. No booking needed - just turn up and buy tickets.
Bruges Markt & Belfry
Arrive at Bruges' stunning medieval market square. The brave can climb the 366 steps of the Belfry for panoramic views.
Lunch in Bruges
Try stoofvlees met friet (beef stew with chips) at a cafe on the Markt, or find a quieter spot on Walplein square.
Boat Trip on Canals
A canal boat trip is the best way to see Bruges' medieval architecture. Multiple departure points around the centre - just join the queue.
Explore & Chocolate Shopping
Wander the cobbled streets, crossing picturesque bridges. Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood or just enjoy getting lost. Stock up on chocolate from local shops.
Return to Brussels
Catch an evening train back to Brussels. Direct trains run until late evening.
Bruges Day Trip Timing
A day trip is perfect for families - you see the highlights without needing a hotel. Arrive by 10am and leave around 6pm for a full day.
Day 3: Atomium & EU Quarter
Day 3: Futuristic Icons & Mini-Europe
Atomium
Brussels' most iconic landmark is this giant atom structure built for the 1958 World Fair. Take the escalators through the spheres for exhibitions and panoramic views.
Mini-Europe
Right next to the Atomium, Mini-Europe features 350 miniature models of European landmarks at 1:25 scale. Interactive elements let kids trigger eruptions, launches and more.
Lunch near Atomium
The Atomium has a restaurant in the top sphere, or there are casual options in the surrounding park area.
EU Quarter & Parlamentarium
See where EU decisions are made. The Parlamentarium is the European Parliament's visitor centre with excellent interactive exhibits explaining how Europe works.
Leopold Park & Natural Sciences Museum
Leopold Park is a lovely green space for a break. The adjacent Natural Sciences Museum has Europe's largest dinosaur gallery.
Final Dinner in Brussels
Return to the centre for a final Belgian feast. Try carbonade flamande or vol-au-vent at a traditional brasserie near Grand Place.
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Build My Packing ListPractical Tips for Brussels with Kids
- Language - Brussels is bilingual (French/Dutch). English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Currency - Belgium uses the Euro. Cards accepted almost everywhere.
- Public transport - Metro, tram and bus network is excellent. A day pass costs around 8 EUR. Children under 6 travel free.
- Weather - Belgian weather is unpredictable. Pack layers and a rain jacket regardless of season.
- Walking - The historic centre is compact and walkable. Cobblestones are common so bring sturdy shoes.
- Tipping - Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service.
Where to Stay with Kids
Best areas for families:
- Grand Place area - Most central, walking distance to everything, can be touristy and noisy
- Sainte-Catherine - Great restaurants, slightly quieter, still very central
- Sablon - Upscale area, antique shops and chocolatiers, elegant atmosphere
- EU Quarter - Modern, quieter at weekends, good for Atomium day
Hotel Tip
Many Brussels hotels offer family rooms sleeping 4. Alternatively, apartment rentals offer more space and kitchen facilities for 80-150 GBP per night.
Budget Guide
Brussels is moderately priced by Western European standards. A family of four can expect:
- Accommodation - 80-150 GBP/night for a central family room or apartment
- Meals - 60-100 GBP/day for all meals (waffles and frites keep costs down!)
- Attractions - 40-60 GBP/day for family entrance fees
- Bruges day trip - 60-80 GBP including train, boat trip, lunch and treats
Free Brussels
Many Brussels highlights are free: Grand Place, Manneken Pis, parks, EU visitor centres, and window shopping in chocolate shops!
Getting There
Brussels has excellent connections from the UK. Brussels Airport has direct flights from most UK airports (1.5 hours). Eurostar trains from London St Pancras take just 2 hours and arrive in the city centre - often more convenient than flying.
From the airport, trains to Brussels-Central take 20 minutes (11 EUR per adult). From Eurostar, you arrive at Brussels-Midi which has metro connections to the centre.
Eurostar with Kids
Eurostar is brilliant with families - no luggage limits, no liquids restrictions, and kids under 4 travel free. Book in advance for the best fares.
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