5 day itinerary
Bruselas, Brujas, Gante Y Amberes
Personalized with:Niños en navidad Niños en navidad
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!
- : Head to the stunning , where you can admire the beautiful Christmas tree and festive decorations. The kids will love the lights and the atmosphere!
Afternoon:
- : Take a short walk to see the famous statue. Kids often find it amusing!
- : 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).
- : 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.
- : 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).
- : Start your day with a visit to . Kids will love exploring the castle and learning about its history!
Afternoon:
- : 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).
- : Start your day at the , 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:
- : 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:
- : 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.
- : Visit the , a unique building and museum. Kids will love the futuristic design and the views from the top!
Afternoon:
- : Right next to the , 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 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! 🎄✨