14 day itinerary for Brussels

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Brussels

Welcome to Brussels! After checking into your accommodation, head to the Grand Place, the central square of the city. Admire the stunning architecture of the guildhalls and the Town Hall. Enjoy a delicious Belgian waffle from one of the nearby vendors. In the evening, explore the vibrant Sainte-Catherine area for dinner at a seafood restaurant.

Day 2: Atomium and Mini-Europe

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Atomium, a unique building representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Explore the exhibitions inside and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top sphere. Afterward, visit Mini-Europe, where you can see miniature replicas of famous European landmarks.

Day 3: Comic Strip Route and Chocolate Tour

Embark on a self-guided tour of Brussels' Comic Strip Route, featuring colorful murals of beloved comic book characters like Tintin and the Smurfs. In the afternoon, indulge in a chocolate tour to learn about the history of Belgian chocolate and sample delicious treats from local chocolatiers.

Day 4: Day Trip to Bruges

Take a day trip to the picturesque city of Bruges, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming canals. Explore the historic center, visit the Belfry of Bruges for panoramic views, and don't miss the opportunity to try some famous Belgian fries.

Day 5: Royal Palace and Parc du Cinquantenaire

Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels, the official residence of the Belgian royal family. Explore the beautiful rooms and stroll through the surrounding Parc de Bruxelles. In the afternoon, head to Parc du Cinquantenaire to relax in the park and visit the impressive Triumphal Arch.

Day 6: Belgian Comic Strip Center and Magritte Museum

Discover more about Belgium's comic book heritage at the Belgian Comic Strip Center, housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building. Then, visit the Magritte Museum to explore the works of the famous surrealist artist René Magritte.

Day 7: Day Trip to Ghent

Spend the day exploring the historic city of Ghent, known for its medieval architecture and picturesque canals. Visit Gravensteen Castle, stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei waterfront, and enjoy a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective.

Day 8: Autoworld and Cinquantenaire Museum

Visit Autoworld, a museum dedicated to vintage cars, located in the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Explore the impressive collection of classic automobiles before heading to the nearby Cinquantenaire Museum to learn about art and history.

Day 9: Belgian Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour

Embark on a Belgian beer tasting experience to sample a variety of local brews and learn about the brewing process. Consider taking a brewery tour to see firsthand how Belgian beer is made and enjoy a traditional meal paired with different beers.

Day 10: Royal Greenhouses of Laeken and Josaphat Park

Visit the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, a stunning complex of greenhouses that are only open to the public for a few weeks each year. Afterward, relax in Josaphat Park, a beautiful green space perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

Day 11: Museum Day

Dedicate this day to exploring Brussels' museums. Visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium to see works by famous artists like Bruegel and Rubens, then head to the Musical Instruments Museum to discover a unique collection of musical instruments from around the world.

Day 12: Shopping and Street Art

Spend the day shopping in Brussels' trendy neighborhoods like Avenue Louise and Rue Neuve. Discover vibrant street art in areas like the Marolles district and the Châtelain neighborhood. Don't forget to try some delicious Belgian fries from a local friterie.

Day 13: Day Trip to Antwerp

Take a day trip to Antwerp, a vibrant city known for its fashion, diamonds, and art. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, explore the historic district of Het Zuid, and stroll along the waterfront at the MAS museum. Don't miss the chance to try some Antwerpse Handjes, a local cookie specialty.

Day 14: Farewell Brussels

On your last day in Brussels, take a leisurely walk through the Sonian Forest, a peaceful green oasis on the outskirts of the city. Enjoy a final meal of moules-frites (mussels and fries) at a traditional brasserie before bidding farewell to this charming city.

I hope this itinerary gives you a good mix of sightseeing, culture, and fun activities for your family-friendly trip to Brussels! Let me know if you need any more recommendations or tips. Safe travels!