Visiting Bruges With Kids in a Day Trip From Brussels

Bruges enchants young and old alike from the moment you arrive. Its proximity to Brussels makes it the perfect place for a family getaway where you can enjoy its charming streets, canals and, of course, its cuisine.

If you are travelling with children, there are a few things you should keep in mind, which I will summarise below:

If you are thinking of taking a trip to Bruges from Brussels, it is best to opt for an organised excursion where you will not have to worry about timetables and travel. You have two options:

• Book an excursion to Bruges.
• Or take the opportunity to visit two cities and book an excursion to Bruges and Ghent

You will travel by private bus, which makes the journey very comfortable (the little ones can take the opportunity to take a nap) and the timings are very good: you won't have to get up too early, as you only need to be at the meeting point at around 10 a.m. You will be back in Brussels before 8 p.m. after a fantastic day in Bruges.

Your guide will take you on a tour of the city's highlights, but you'll also have free time to enjoy the local cuisine, canals and even parks! These organised excursions allow you to adapt to the pace of your little ones without having to worry about anything other than enjoying your family day out to the fullest.

As in any northern European city, bear in mind that some bars and restaurants only serve food from 12 noon onwards and do not always extend this beyond 1.30 pm. Children tend to eat early, but keep these opening hours in mind if you want to avoid disappointment and finding the kitchen closed. If you want to be on the safe side, opt for a private gastronomic tour.

The typical menus you'll find in Bruges offer everything from fish and soups to meat and combination plates. You're sure to find an option that perfectly suits the tastes of the whole family.

I have put together this short gastronomic guide with the best places to eat in Bruges. I'm sure it will help you plan your menus (it also includes the best place in Bruges to eat and buy chocolate!). Otherwise, don't worry, because there are plenty of street food stalls and some bars and restaurants with non-stop food service. The same goes if you need to buy drinks or soft drinks during your walk around the city.

The city's canals and bridges will captivate you from the very first moment. Walking around Bruges is wonderful, but getting to know the city from aboard a small boat that allows you to see its streets from the water is even better.

The little ones (but certainly the grown-ups too) will love sailing through the city's waters, discovering its colourful houses and passing under some of its beautiful bridges. It's also a great way to rest your legs while you relax and continue enjoying the views. Sounds good, right? This service is also available in winter, so even if it's cold, put on your coats and set sail!

Another option for exploring the city in comfort when the little ones need a rest is to book the Brussels tourist bus.

We all know that Belgium is the capital of chocolate, but until you get there and try one of its delicacies, you can't say you've been to Belgium.

Throughout your tour of Bruges, you'll come across many chocolate shops, all of which give off an unmistakable aroma that's impossible to resist. You should know that there is a Chocolate Museum in Bruges that can be fun.

If you choose to go straight to tasting the best, you can visit The Old Chocolate House, a delight for the whole family, or book a chocolate workshop that includes tasting.

It's cold in Belgium in winter, that's obvious, but it can also be cold if you visit Brussels in early spring or autumn. That's why it's best to check the weather forecast a few days before packing your bags, as it will help you know what kind of weather you'll actually encounter.

It rains or is windy quite often, but Belgians are more than used to it and you'll see that life doesn't stop for them under any circumstances. Pack some comfortable shoes, a raincoat and an umbrella, and off you go! If you're travelling in summer, you may encounter a heatwave, so check the forecast to be as prepared as possible.

A tip: If your trip coincides with a day when it's not raining, don't hesitate to book a bike tour to explore the city. Both adults and children will love it!

Bruges is known for its canals and cobbled streets, but it also has green spaces to enjoy with the little ones if they feel like spending some time relaxing. That's why I highly recommend booking a trip to Bruges.

Once in the city, near the centre you will find the Koningin Astridpark, a very peaceful green area with a large lawn ideal for picnics and beautiful flower gardens that are at their best in spring.

Another park I recommend is Minnewaterpark, closer to the water of the canals and surrounded by a lake where you can easily see white swans bathing in the water. It's like a fairy tale!

If you've opted to book the most comprehensive excursion to Ghent and Bruges, Gavensteen Castle is something that will impress your children.

Located in the heart of Ghent, this imposing castle was the home of the Counts of Flanders. If the outside is impressive, the inside is breathtaking. You can read more about it here: Gavensteen Castle.

If chocolate bars aren't your children's favourite, they're sure to enjoy a delicious Belgian waffle for afternoon tea (and you probably will too!). In that case, book a waffle workshop in Brussels that includes tasting these delicacies for the sweetest members of the family

Also, keep in mind that any street stall will make the best waffles you can imagine, but if you're looking for something exceptional, head to Chez Albert and choose your piece of paradise for afternoon tea. You won't regret it!