Once you’re contemplating a household vacation in Western Europe, it’s simple to miss a go to to Belgium with children – however from its cities to its chocolate and historical past, there’s loads to find right here.
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The shock is simply how a lot is packed into this comparatively small nation: in addition to the well-known metropolis breaks, you’ll find seaside escapes by the coast in addition to countryside to discover, to not point out nineteenth and twentieth century war-time historical past.
So when you’re questioning the place to start, this information to Belgium with children offers you concepts on planning a household vacation in Belgium, together with ideas for a metropolis break or 4, when to go, the place to remain and extra.
Sensible information
Attending to Belgium
Being a small nation, Belgium at present has simply 5 worldwide airports. However because of its political significance, these airports are properly related to many locations internationally.
The capital metropolis of Brussels is dwelling to 2 main airports; Brussels Worldwide Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL).
Most US and worldwide flights arrive at Brussels Worldwide Airport (BRU), aka Zaventem Airport, which is the biggest and busiest airport within the nation.
In the event you’re flying to Brussels from many European locations, you may additionally arrive at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). Positioned to the south of the capital, Charleroi Airport is a hub for a number of low-cost European carriers, together with Ryanair, TUI Fly, and Wizz Air.
Some low-cost carriers additionally fly straight from European locations to Belgium’s three different airports; Ostend Bruges (OST), Antwerp (ANR), and Liege (LGG).
From France, Netherlands, and Germany, the excessive velocity prepare Thalys can get you to Belgium very quickly in any respect. And from the UK, you’ll be able to soar on the Eurostar from London St Pancras station and attain central Brussels in as little as 2 hours.
In the event you’re taking a European highway journey, it’s also possible to drive to Belgium by way of the neighbouring international locations of France, Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg for an actual household journey journey.
There are not any direct ferry routes from the UK to Belgium, however you’ll be able to take ferries to the northern French ports or Amsterdam and drive from there.
When to go
The climate and vacationer numbers are the 2 most essential elements to think about when deciding when to go to Belgium.
Throughout the winter months, temperatures in Belgium can attain freezing and wet days are widespread. Nonetheless, this additionally means there are a lot smaller crowds and decrease costs, so it’s a very good time of 12 months to seek out offers when you’re visiting on a price range.
The exception is throughout December when guests flock to Belgian cities to expertise their lovely Christmas markets. In the event you get pleasure from Christmas festivities and don’t thoughts getting wrapped up within the chilly climate, December is a good time to go to.
In peak summer season, temperatures in Belgium are heat and nice. Many festivals and celebrations additionally happen in the course of the summer season months, bringing a energetic ambiance to the nation. It’s essential to do not forget that summer season can also be peak vacationer season, so you’ll be able to count on a lot bigger crowds and better costs too.
Like a lot of Western Europe, spring and autumn are the perfect instances to go to Belgium. Temperatures are nonetheless nice however there are fewer vacationers round and costs are usually cheaper.
In spring you’ll be able to expertise town parks and flower gardens in full bloom, whereas Autumn sees the Belgian countryside painted in lovely shades of purple and orange.
What to see
Whereas Brussels and Bruges are definitely essentially the most well-known vacationer locations in Belgium, there’s loads extra to see all all through the nation – together with loads of hidden gems.
From charming medieval cities and grand historic castles, to scrumptious meals and enjoyable winter sports activities, there’s one thing to do in Belgium for the entire household.
| Metropolis/Area | Highlights |
| Brussels | Capital Metropolis, Grand Place, Royal Palace, Royal Museums of Advantageous Arts of Belgium, Manneken Pis, EU HQ, Mini Europe, Comedian Strip Museum, Chocolate, Beer |
| Bruges | Medieval Structure, Picturesque Canals, Grand Place, The Belfry Tower, Chocolate Museum, Horse & Carriage Rides, Lace Making Outlets, |
| Ghent | Gravensteen Fort, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Flemish Frites With Andalouse Sauce, Road Artwork, Nightlife (it’s an enormous college metropolis) |
| Antwerp | Diamond Capital of the World, Trend, Rubens, Advantageous Artwork, Historic Zoo |
| Liège | Nature, Cultural Heritage Websites, Native Meals, Snowboarding & Winter Sports activities, Large Christmas Market |
| Ostend | Seashore, Coast, Biking, Road Artwork |
| Ardennes | Nature, Mountains, Rivers, Strolling and Watersports, Historical past & Saxophones in Dinant |
| Brabant Wallon | Waterloo (Web site of Napoleon’s defeat within the Battle of Waterloo) |
| Ypres | Flanders Fields Battlefield and Cemetery, Second World Conflict Museums and Memorials |
Detailed articles
For extra tips about visiting Belgium with children, try a few of my posts:
The very best issues to do in Brussels with children
The very best issues to do in Bruges with children
The very best issues to do in Ghent with children
The very best issues to do in Antwerp with children
The finest snowy metropolis breaks in Europe
Travelling inside Belgium
With its small measurement, Belgium is a fast, simple, and reasonably priced nation to get round, and public transport is commonly essentially the most handy technique of transport.
There’s a complete rail community operated by SNCB/NMBS that connects each nook of the nation. In reality, you’ll be able to journey between Brussels and some other vacation spot in Belgium by prepare in underneath 2 hours so it’s simple to plan a day journey or three. Fare costs are fastened, so it doesn’t matter whenever you ebook.
It’s additionally doable to discover Belgium on a highway journey. There’s a very good highway community connecting all main cities and cities, though Belgian roads are considerably infamous for his or her uneven surfaces and potholes, so be further cautious when driving on smaller roads.
UK residents don’t want an Worldwide Driving Allow (IDP) to drive right here for intervals as much as 185 days, and US driving licenses are additionally legitimate (although some automobile rent corporations could require an IDP to hire a automobile).
Inside the cities, one of the simplest ways to maneuver round is normally on foot or by public transport within the larger cities – in case you are taking a highway journey, remember that a number of Belgian cities have low emissions zones within the centre so there could also be an added cost to drive in.
Whereas Belgian cities and cities are extraordinarily walkable, trams and buses are additionally obtainable for getting round most locations, plus Brussels has its personal metro system too. The Delijn app helps you to test routes and purchase tickets in cities in Flanders, together with Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp (Antwerpen).
With canals winding via the cities and countryside, it’s also possible to discover multiple boat tour to attempt – whereas many are brief guided boat journeys, it’s also possible to discover by water with corporations like Le Boat.
Biking is a well-liked pastime and technique of transport in Belgium too. In the event you’re feeling notably lively, you need to use bikes to get across the cities and cities, or take advantage of the nation’s many scenic biking routes.
Flight sources
Skyscanner is the web site I have a tendency to start out with to check charges for my flights.
Cash-saving tip: Don’t enter any dates to scan the perfect obtainable instances to go OR merely enter ‘Belgium’ as a substitute of a particular airport – it’s possible you’ll get a less expensive flight!
For extra methods to save lots of on a metropolis break with kids, try my high ideas
Lodging sources
Once I plan a metropolis break in Belgium with children, I usually choose my very own residence – and together with as well-known household pleasant favourites equivalent to AirBNB, I’m an enormous fan of Plumguide which has a spread of lodging that’s been individually vetted.
Nearly all of their locations to remain in Belgium are within the south and east of the nation, in addition to on the north coast between Ostend and De Haan, round half-hour from Bruges.
You’ll discover extra self-catering lodging across the coast too, in addition to family-friendly accommodations throughout the nation. Reserving.com normally presents the perfect offers, together with free cancellation.
Security ideas
Belgium is a really protected nation to go to as a household. Crime charges are low and it’s unlikely that something will occur to have an effect on you.
As with most European locations, pickpocketing and petty theft can happen in huge cities and round busy vacationer sights. Take primary precautions and take care of your belongings when out and about.
Cash saving ideas
Like most international locations in Western Europe, Belgium isn’t the most affordable nation to go to. Nonetheless, in case you are visiting on a price range, there are some simple methods to economize in Belgium with children.
- Go to throughout low season to save lots of on flights and lodging.
- Keep on with avenue meals equivalent to Belgian frites (fries), mitraillette (stuffed baguettes), sausage, kebabs, and waffles somewhat than consuming at fancy eating places.
- Look out for set menu lunch offers for round €20 per particular person.
- Drink native beer (there are over 1,000 breweries within the nation) somewhat than imported wine or spirits.
- Discover a free strolling tour, however do depart a small tip when you can.
- Stroll or hire a motorcycle somewhat than flagging down taxis.
- Go to on the primary Sunday of the month when most museums are free.
- Convey a reusable water bottle to take advantage of free consuming water.
For extra tips about methods to save lots of on a metropolis break with children, together with metropolis passes and discovering low cost (or free) excursions, try this put up.
Packing for Belgium
Whether or not you’re visiting Belgium throughout spring, summer season, or autumn, it’s finest to pack just a few mild layers and a water-proof jacket or umbrella.
It doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you go to, rain is widespread (do you know it rains extra in Belgium than within the UK?), evenings can get chilly, and also you by no means know when the climate’s going to show.
Throughout the winter months, you’re going to need to be ready for temperatures dropping near zero (generally even beneath). Pack loads of layers and a heat coat, in addition to hat, scarf, and gloves if doable.
E-book record
Lonely Planet journey guides are all the time my favorite start line – in addition to the Lonely Planet Information to Belgium & Luxembourg, there may be additionally a smaller metropolis information, Pocket Bruges & Brussels.
Alternatively Tough Guides has a Pocket Tough Information Bruges & Ghent and there’s a DK Eyewitness Prime 10 Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp & Ghent to see you thru all the primary cities in Belgium with children.
Belgium has an enormous historical past of comics and graphic novels, that are a enjoyable possibility for youths – even when they don’t essentially work as an introduction to the nation.
The Adventures of Tintin is essentially the most well-known (though remember there’s an uncomfortable quantity of informal racism in among the tales), whereas The Smurfs are additionally Belgian.
And Asterix followers can be pleased to be taught there’s additionally Asterix in Belgium that includes everybody’s favorite Gauls.
Covid sources
Earlier than making any journey reservations, make sure to test the COVID restrictions at present in place in Belgium for households.
Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Ghent Graslei/Graffiti Road/Frozen canal pictures copyright MummyTravels, all different pictures courtesy of Depositphotos
