This easy cross-border trip pairs Belgium’s storybook cities with the Netherlands’ canals and museums, using short train journeys between countries. It’s family-friendly, with relaxed sightseeing, parks, hands-on attractions and plenty of time for treats.
Budget
Approximately €700–€1,100 per person for five days, excluding international travel and accommodation; includes intercity trains, local transport, meals and the listed paid attractions, with costs varying by season and choices.
Best time to visit
April to June or September, for mild weather and comfortable sightseeing; book accommodation and popular attractions ahead during school holidays.
Brussels: Grand-Place and the city centre
Stay around the compact historic centre for iconic architecture, chocolate and a playful museum visit.
Morning
See the
Admire the ornate guildhalls and Brussels City Hall, then wander nearby pedestrian streets. Allow about 5 minutes on foot to the next stop.
FreeMorning
Visit the
Explore the city’s history and see the famous Manneken Pis wardrobe collection inside the Maison du Roi. It is about a 5-minute walk from .
About €10 adults; free for children under 18Afternoon
Browse the
Original comic art and colourful displays make this a fun stop for families. Take a taxi or public transport for around 10–15 minutes from the area.
About €13 adults; €6 childrenEvening
Dinner near Sainte-Catherine
Choose a family-friendly restaurant around , a lively dining area roughly 10 minutes away by taxi or 20 minutes on foot from the Comic Strip Center.
About €20–€35 per person
Brussels: green space and miniature landmarks
Spend the day in the north-east of Brussels, balancing an expansive park with a memorable miniature city visit.
Morning
Play and stroll in
Enjoy garden paths and open space; check access and opening areas before you go, as parts of the royal estate may be restricted. It is around a 15-minute taxi ride from central Brussels.
FreeAfternoon
Explore
See miniature versions of famous European landmarks, with interactive displays that work well for children. It is about a 10-minute walk from ’s main visitor area.
About About €20 adults; €14 childrenEvening
See the
Admire Brussels’ striking landmark and, if energy allows, visit the exhibition spaces. It is roughly a 5-minute walk from ; evening opening hours vary by season.
About About €16 adults; €8 children
Antwerp: old town and riverside
Take a short train ride to Antwerp, then explore its central sights and broad riverside promenade.
Morning
Train to Antwerp and visit the Cathedral
Travel from Bruxelles-Central to Antwerpen-Centraal in about 45–55 minutes, then take a tram or walk around 15 minutes to the cathedral. Check current train times before departure.
About About €12 adults; children’s rates varyAfternoon
Explore
Enjoy the historic square, guildhalls and Brabo Fountain, with time for a relaxed lunch nearby. It is about a 5-minute walk from the cathedral.
FreeAfternoon
Walk along the Scheldt at
Visit the riverside castle and enjoy views over the water and harbour. It is around a 5-minute walk from .
FreeEvening
Dinner in Antwerp’s old town
Stay close to the historic centre for a relaxed meal, avoiding a cross-city journey at the end of the day. The nearby restaurant streets are within about 5–10 minutes on foot.
About €20–€35 per person
Amsterdam: canals and hands-on science
Travel to Amsterdam and focus on the central canal district and Oosterdok, where the main family attractions sit close together.
Morning
Train to Amsterdam and stroll the canal belt
Take a train from Antwerp to Amsterdam Centraal, usually around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on service. From the station, walk about 10 minutes to the canal belt for an easy first look at the city.
About Train about €25–€50 one way, depending on service and bookingAfternoon
Take a canal cruise
A one-hour cruise gives the family a comfortable overview of Amsterdam’s bridges and canal houses. Most central boarding points are about 5–10 minutes on foot from the canal belt.
About About €18 adults; €10 childrenAfternoon
Discover
Try hands-on science exhibits and head to the rooftop terrace when open. It is around a 15-minute walk from central canal-cruise boarding areas.
About About €17.50 per person; children under 4 freeEvening
Dinner around
Choose an early family dinner in the central area, about a 10-minute walk from NEMO. Reserve ahead during busy periods.
About €20–€35 per person
Amsterdam: Museumplein and Vondelpark
Keep the final day flexible with one major museum, a nearby park and an easy central evening.
Morning
Visit the
Choose a few highlights rather than trying to see everything, and book a timed entry in advance. From central Amsterdam, allow about 15–20 minutes by tram or 25 minutes on foot.
About About €22.50 adults; free for visitors under 18Afternoon
Relax in
Let children stretch their legs on the paths and lawns, or pause for a snack at a park café. It is about a 10-minute walk from the .
FreeEvening
Take an easy final stroll at
Return to the city centre for a last look at the historic heart of Amsterdam and dinner nearby. Allow around 15–20 minutes by tram or taxi from .
Free
Good to know
Getting around
Use trains between Brussels, Antwerp and Amsterdam, and buy tickets through official rail operators. In cities, short walks and trams are often easier than driving.
Family pacing
Keep some flexibility around museum visits and plan snack breaks; check each attraction’s opening hours, age policies and advance-booking requirements.
Currency
Belgium and the Netherlands both use the euro (€). Prices here are estimates and can change.
Travel documents
Check passport or national ID requirements for every traveller and confirm any entry rules that apply to your family.