While you’re contemplating a household vacation in Western Europe, it’s straightforward to miss a go to to Belgium with youngsters – however from its cities to its chocolate and historical past, there’s lots 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 will discover seashore escapes by the coast in addition to countryside to discover, to not point out nineteenth and twentieth century war-time historical past.
So if you happen to’re questioning the place to start, this information to Belgium with youngsters provides 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 data
Attending to Belgium
Being a small nation, Belgium presently has simply 5 worldwide airports. However due to its political significance, these airports are properly linked to many locations the world over.
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 most important and busiest airport within the nation.
For those who’re flying to Brussels from many European locations, you might also arrive at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). Situated 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 immediately 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 practice Thalys can get you to Belgium very quickly in any respect. And from the UK, you’ll be able to bounce on the Eurostar from London St Pancras station and attain central Brussels in as little as 2 hours.
For those who’re taking a European highway journey, you may also drive to Belgium by way of the neighbouring nations 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 vital components to contemplate when deciding when to go to Belgium.
Through the winter months, temperatures in Belgium can attain freezing and wet days are frequent. Nonetheless, this additionally means there are a lot smaller crowds and decrease costs, so it’s a great time of yr to seek out offers if you happen to’re visiting on a price range.
The exception is throughout December when guests flock to Belgian cities to expertise their lovely Christmas markets. For those who take pleasure in 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 through the summer season months, bringing a energetic environment to the nation. It’s vital to keep in mind that summer season can be peak vacationer season, so you’ll be able to anticipate a lot bigger crowds and better costs too.
Like a lot of Western Europe, spring and autumn are the very best 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 the town parks and flower gardens in full bloom, whereas Autumn sees the Belgian countryside painted in lovely shades of pink and orange.
What to see
Whereas Brussels and Bruges are actually essentially the most well-known vacationer locations in Belgium, there’s lots 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 Positive 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, Avenue Artwork, Nightlife (it’s a giant college metropolis) |
| Antwerp | Diamond Capital of the World, Style, Rubens, Positive Artwork, Historic Zoo |
| Liège | Nature, Cultural Heritage Websites, Native Meals, Snowboarding & Winter Sports activities, Massive Christmas Market |
| Ostend | Seaside, Coast, Biking, Avenue Artwork |
| Ardennes | Nature, Mountains, Rivers, Strolling and Watersports, Historical past & Saxophones in Dinant |
| Brabant Wallon | Waterloo (Website of Napoleon’s defeat within the Battle of Waterloo) |
| Ypres | Flanders Fields Battlefield and Cemetery, Second World Warfare Museums and Memorials |
Detailed articles
For extra tips about visiting Belgium with youngsters, try a few of my posts:
The very best issues to do in Brussels with youngsters
The very best issues to do in Bruges with youngsters
The very best issues to do in Ghent with youngsters
The very best issues to do in Antwerp with youngsters
The greatest snowy metropolis breaks in Europe
Travelling inside Belgium
With its small dimension, Belgium is a fast, straightforward, and inexpensive nation to get round, and public transport is commonly essentially the most handy methodology of transport.
There’s a complete rail community operated by SNCB/NMBS that connects each nook of the nation. Actually, you’ll be able to journey between Brussels and another vacation spot in Belgium by practice in below 2 hours so it’s straightforward to plan a day journey or three. Fare costs are mounted, so it doesn’t matter while you guide.
It’s additionally doable to discover Belgium on a highway journey. There’s a great highway community connecting all main cities and cities, though Belgian roads are considerably infamous for his or her uneven surfaces and potholes, so be additional 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 might require an IDP to hire a car).
Throughout the cities, one of the best ways to maneuver round is normally on foot or by public transport within the greater cities – in case you are taking a highway journey, bear in mind 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 out there for getting round most locations, plus Brussels has its personal metro system too. The Delijn app enables you to verify routes and purchase tickets in cities in Flanders, together with Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp (Antwerpen).
With canals winding via the cities and countryside, you may also discover multiple boat tour to strive – whereas many are brief guided boat journeys, you may also discover by water with corporations like Le Boat.
Biking is a well-liked pastime and methodology of transport in Belgium too. For those who’re feeling significantly lively, you should use bikes to get across the cities and cities, or profit from the nation’s many scenic biking routes.
Flight assets
Skyscanner is the web site I have a tendency to begin with to check charges for my flights.
Cash-saving tip: Don’t enter any dates to scan the very best out there 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 youngsters, try my high ideas
Lodging assets
Once I plan a metropolis break in Belgium with youngsters, I typically desire my very own house – and together with as well-known household pleasant favourites reminiscent of AirBNB, I’m a giant fan of Plumguide which has a variety 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 gives the very best offers, together with free cancellation.
Security ideas
Belgium is a really secure 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 massive cities and round busy vacationer sights. Take primary precautions and take care of your belongings when out and about.
Cash saving ideas
Like most nations in Western Europe, Belgium isn’t the most cost effective nation to go to. Nonetheless, in case you are visiting on a price range, there are some straightforward methods to economize in Belgium with youngsters.
- Go to throughout low season to save lots of on flights and lodging.
- Stick with road meals reminiscent of Belgian frites (fries), mitraillette (crammed baguettes), sausage, kebabs, and waffles reasonably 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) reasonably than imported wine or spirits.
- Discover a free strolling tour, however do go away a small tip if you happen to can.
- Stroll or hire a motorbike reasonably than flagging down taxis.
- Go to on the primary Sunday of the month when most museums are free.
- Convey a reusable water bottle to profit from free consuming water.
For extra tips about methods to save lots of on a metropolis break with youngsters, together with metropolis passes and discovering low cost (or free) excursions, try this publish.
Packing for Belgium
Whether or not you’re visiting Belgium throughout spring, summer season, or autumn, it’s greatest to pack a couple of mild layers and a water-proof jacket or umbrella.
It doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to, rain is frequent (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.
Through the winter months, you’re going to need to be ready for temperatures dropping near zero (typically even beneath). Pack loads of layers and a heat coat, in addition to hat, scarf, and gloves if doable.
Ebook listing
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 High 10 Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp & Ghent to see you thru all the primary cities in Belgium with youngsters.
Belgium has a giant 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 bear in mind there’s an uncomfortable quantity of informal racism in a number of the tales), whereas The Smurfs are additionally Belgian.
And Asterix followers can be completely satisfied to be taught there’s additionally Asterix in Belgium that includes everybody’s favorite Gauls.
Covid assets
Earlier than making any journey reservations, you’ll want to verify the COVID restrictions presently in place in Belgium for households.
Disclosure: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Ghent Graslei/Graffiti Avenue/Frozen canal photographs copyright MummyTravels, all different photographs courtesy of Depositphotos
