Visiting Bruges With Kids in a Day Trip From Brussels

Bruges enchants young and old alike from the very first moment they visit. 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 gastronomy.

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

If you're thinking about a trip to Bruges from Brussels, it's best to opt for an organised tour where you won't have to worry about schedules and travel times. You have two options:

• Book an excursion to Bruges.
• Or take the opportunity to visit two cities and book a trip 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 timetable is very good: you won't have to get up very early, as you have to be at the meeting point around 10 am. You will be back in Brussels by 8 p.m. after a fantastic day in Bruges.

The guide who will accompany you will give you a tour of the city, but you will also have some free time to enjoy its gastronomy, its canals or even its parks! These organised excursions will allow you to adapt to the pace of your little ones without having to worry about anything but making the most of your family day out.

As a northern European city, be aware that some bars and restaurants offer lunch service from 12 noon onwards and do not always extend beyond 13:30. Younger children tend to eat early, but bear these times in mind if you don't want to be disappointed and find a kitchen closed, and if you want to play it safe, opt to book a private gastronomic tour.

Among the typical menus you'll find in Bruges to eat, there will be everything: fish, soups, meat, mixed dishes? You're sure to find an option that suits the tastes of the whole family.

I've put together this little gastronomic guide to 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 to buy chocolate!) Otherwise, don't worry because street food st alls and some bars and restaurants with non-stop food service are guaranteed. The same applies if you need to buy drinks or refreshments from them during your stroll through the city.

The canals and bridges of the city will leave you spellbound from the very first moment. Strolling through Bruges is a marvellous experience, but even more so is discovering the city on board a small boat that allows you to see its streets from the water.

The little ones (but no doubt the older ones too) will love sailing through the city's waters, discovering its colourful houses and passing under some of its beautiful bridges. Plus, it's a great way to rest your legs while you relax and still enjoy the views. Sounds good, doesn't it? Well, this service is also available in winter, so even if it's cold, put your coats on and go sailing!

Another option to get to know the city in comfort when the little ones need a break is to book the Brussels sightseeing bus.

We all know that Belgium is the chocolate capital of the world, but until you get there and try one of its delicacies, you won't be able to tell that you're in Belgium.

Throughout your tour of Bruges you will come across many chocolate shops, all of which have an unmistakable aroma and are impossible to resist. You should know that there is a Chocolate Museum in Bruges, which can be fun.

If you choose to go straight to tasting the best, you can visit The Old Chocolate House, a treat for the whole family, or book a chocolate workshop where tasting is included.

It gets cold in Belgium in winter, that goes without saying, but it can also get cold if you visit Brussels in early spring or autumn. So it's best to check the weather forecast a few days before you pack your bags, as it will help you to really know what kind of weather you're in for.

It's not uncommon for it to be rainy or windy, but Belgians are more than used to it and you'll find that life never stops for them. Pack comfortable shoes, a mackintosh and an umbrella and off you go! On the other hand, if you are travelling in the summer, you may encounter a heat wave, so check the forecast to be as well prepared as possible.

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 - adults and children alike will love it!

Bruges is famous for its canals and cobblestone streets, but it also has green spaces to enjoy with the little ones if they want to spend some time relaxing. For this reason, I highly recommend you book an excursion to Bruges.

Once in the city, close to the centre you'll find the Koningin Astridpark, a very peaceful green area with a large grassy area 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 with a lake around it where it's easy to see white swans bathing in the water - fairytale-like!

If you have opted to book the most complete excursion, to Ghent and Bruges, the Gavensteen Castle is something that will not leave your children indifferent.

In the heart of the city centre of Ghent, this imposing castle was once the home of the Counts of Fiandra. If it is imposing from the outside, its interior is breathtaking. You can read more about it here: Gavensteen Castle.

If chocolate bars aren't your children's forte, they're sure to enjoy a good Belgian waffle as a snack (and you probably will too!). In that case, book a waffle workshop in Brussels which includes a waffle tasting for the sweetest of the house

. Also, bear in mind that any little street stall will prepare the best you can imagine, but if you're looking for something exceptional, come to Chez Albert and choose the piece of heaven you're going to snack on. You won't regret it!