5 day itinerary for Bruselas, Brujas, Gante Y Amberes

Itinerary

Spending five days in Belgium during the Christmas season with kids sounds like a magical adventure! The festive atmosphere, twinkling lights, and delicious treats will surely create unforgettable memories. Here’s a fun and family-friendly itinerary for your trip to Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp:

## Day 1: Brussels - The Heart of Belgium

Morning:

• Arrival in Brussels: Start your day with a warm breakfast at a cozy café. Try some Belgian waffles topped with chocolate or fruit – a hit with kids!
• Grand Place: Head to the stunning Grand Place, where you can admire the beautiful Christmas tree and festive decorations. The kids will love the lights and the atmosphere!

Afternoon:

• Manneken Pis: Take a short walk to see the famous Manneken Pis statue. Kids often find it amusing!
• [Christmas Market](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Christmas%20Market&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround"): Explore the nearby Christmas market (Plaisirs d'Hiver) where you can find crafts, gifts, and delicious treats like hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a family-friendly dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional Belgian dishes like stoofvlees (beef stew) or mussels.
• Ice Skating: If the kids are up for it, head to the ice skating rink set up in the city center. It’s a fun way to end the day!

## Day 2: Bruges - The Fairytale City

Morning:

• Travel to Bruges: Take a train to Bruges (about 1 hour).
• Canal Tour: Start your day with a scenic boat tour of the canals. The views are enchanting, especially with the Christmas lights!

Afternoon:

• Market Square: Visit the Markt and climb the Belfry for a panoramic view of the city. The kids will love the adventure of climbing the stairs!
• Chocolate Tasting: Stop by a chocolate shop for a tasting session. Kids will enjoy sampling different chocolates and maybe even making their own!

Evening:

• Dinner: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. Try some Flemish stew or a hearty pizza.
• [Christmas Market](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Christmas%20Market&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround"): Explore the Bruges Christmas market in the evening. The atmosphere is magical with all the lights and decorations!

## Day 3: Ghent - A Blend of History and Fun

Morning:

• Travel to Ghent: Take a short train ride to Ghent (about 30 minutes).
• Gravensteen Castle: Start your day with a visit to Gravensteen Castle. Kids will love exploring the castle and learning about its history!

Afternoon:

• St. Bavo's Cathedral: Visit the cathedral to see the famous altarpiece, "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb." It’s a great way to introduce kids to art and history.
• Lunch: Grab lunch at a local café. Try some local specialties like waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish stew).

Evening:

• Christmas Lights: Stroll through the city to see the Christmas lights and decorations.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. Consider trying some local fries with a variety of sauces!

## Day 4: Antwerp - The Diamond City

Morning:

• Travel to Antwerp: Take a train to Antwerp (about 1 hour).
• Antwerp Zoo: Start your day at the Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world. The kids will love seeing the animals, and it’s right next to the Central Station!

Afternoon:

• Cathedral of Our Lady: Visit the stunning cathedral and see works by Rubens. The architecture is breathtaking!
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a nearby café. Try some Antwerp-style hand-cut fries!

Evening:

• [Christmas Market](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Christmas%20Market&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround"): Explore the Christmas market in the city center. There are plenty of stalls with crafts, food, and festive treats.
• Dinner: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. Consider trying some local seafood dishes!

## Day 5: Back to Brussels - A Bit of Everything

Morning:

• Return to Brussels: Head back to Brussels for your final day.
• Atomium: Visit the Atomium, a unique building and museum. Kids will love the futuristic design and the views from the top!

Afternoon:

• Mini-Europe: Right next to the Atomium, Mini-Europe is a fun park where you can see miniature models of famous European landmarks. It’s interactive and engaging for kids!
• Lunch: Have lunch at a nearby café.

Evening:

• Final [Christmas Market](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Christmas%20Market&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround") Visit: Spend your last evening at the Christmas market in Brussels. Enjoy some last-minute shopping and indulge in delicious treats.
• Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps trying some Belgian beer (for the adults) and a dessert to celebrate your trip!

Tips for Traveling with Kids:

• Transportation: Belgium has an excellent train system, making it easy to travel between cities. Consider getting a rail pass for convenience.
• Snacks: Always have some snacks on hand for the kids, especially when exploring.
• Pacing: Keep the pace relaxed and allow for downtime, especially if the kids need a break.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Belgium! Enjoy the festive spirit and have a fantastic trip! 🎄✨