Best 33 Things To Do In Brussels With Kids in 2024

Even though nearby cities like Paris and Amsterdam get more attention, the capital city of Belgium is an excellent place for a family vacation with kids. We spent three days in Belgium’s capital, putting together this list of the 33 Best Fun Things To Do In Brussels With Kids In 2023.

There is something for everyone to enjoy, from the recognizable Manneken Pis monument to the Atomium and the Museum of Natural Sciences.
Pack your bags and prepare for an adventure as we examine the best things to do in Brussels with kids.

Best Things To Do

1. Train World

One of our son’s favorite things to do in Brussels is visit an indoor railroad museum, the perfect place to spend a cold or rainy day. This museum opened in 2015, making it one of Europe’s newest railroad museums. Train World explores the history of the Belgian railway and how it changed the country’s economy, society, and culture. This museum has many engines and carriages on permanent exhibition and is an excellent place to visit on a rainy day.

The train station in Schaarbeek used to be in the same building as the Museum. It was built in 1885 and is now a historical site.

Click here to buy Train World tickets.

Also, here is our full post about the museum. The above City Card also covers Train World and Autoworld.

2: Autoworld

Autoworld is a car museum in Parc Du Cinquantenaire, a big park built in the 1800s and is a fun way to spend a rainy day.

Autoworld has many exhibits on two levels: old cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. It also features interactive displays and temporary exhibitions. The Museum opened in 1986 in the historic Cinquantenaire Park in the center of Brussels.

Click here to buy AutoWorld tickets, or here to read our complete guide on Autoworld. Free entry is included if you have the Brussels card or City Card.

3. Day Trip to Bruges

A day trip to Bruges is fun and one of the most popular tourist attractions. The best way to get there from Brussels is to take a train for one hour from the Central Station in Brussels. We went there on our most recent trip as one of our day trips.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bruges is a beautiful medieval city northwest of Belgium. People call Bruges “Venice of the North” because the canals that run through the city make it look like Venice.

Bruges was one of Western Europe’s most important trading cities during the Middle Ages. Bruges was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe during this time, and it was also a major cultural center with a thriving arts scene and many famous artists.

Click here for our complete guide on things to do in Bruges, including a walking tour, canal boat ride, and great food.

Bruges is an easy train ride from Brussels, or you can also book a complete day trip tour from Brussels to both Bruges and Ghent

4. A Lesson on How to Make Waffles

After taking in the historical sites, going to a waffle-making class with your kids is fun and tasty. In this class, you’ll learn how to make Belgian waffles from scratch in a bakery or waffle shop, then eat them when you’re done! Make sure to arrive hungry, and you’ll get to take the leftovers with you.

5. The Royal Museum for the Armed Forces and Military History

The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is next to Auto World. It is an excellent place for kids and their families interested in military history and technology.

From the Middle Ages to today, this military Museum tells the story of the Belgian military. It has a lot of displays, like weapons, uniforms, vehicles, and other tools that the Belgian army has used over the years.

The extensive collection of tanks and other military vehicles is among the best things for kids at the Museum. They can also learn about the history of the vehicles and how the military used them in wars.

6. Grand Place

The Grand Place, also known as the Grote Markt, is the main square in Brussels, Belgium, and the most popular tourist attraction. UNESCO has named Grand Place a World Heritage Site. It’s one of the city’s most well-known and recognizable landmarks, and many people think it’s one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.

The Grand Place is surrounded by fancy guild halls and the city’s Town Hall, considered one of the most beautiful town halls in the world.

Since the Middle Ages, the Grand Place has had a long and exciting history. There have been many vital markets, festivals, and ceremonies there. It is now a hub of city life and a popular place for tourists.

The beautiful designs of the buildings around the Grand Place are one of its best features. Some of the city’s best examples of Gothic and Baroque architecture can be seen in the guild and town halls. They have a lot of intricate carvings and decorations.

7. Manneken Pis

A well-known statue called the Manneken Pis, standard, is situated in the heart of Brussels, Belgium.
The statue, which shows a little boy peeing into a fountain, has come to represent the city.

A modest bronze sculpture named Manneken Pis stands around 60 cm (24 inches) tall.
Jerome Duquesnoy the Elder, a sculptor from Brussels, produced it around the beginning of the 17th century, and the work has since become synonymous with the city.
The statue is situated in the center of Brussels at the intersection of the Rue de l’Etuve and the Rue du Chêne.

8. Eat Some Frites

In Brussels, you must have frites, commonly called French fries, a famous Belgian cuisine. They are generally produced with thick-cut potatoes deep-fried twice, creating a crispy outside and a soft and fluffy interior. Various dipping sauces, such as mayonnaise, ketchup, or scandalous, are typically provided with them.

In Belgium, fries have a long tradition and are regarded as one of the national meals. They are believed to have been created in the late 1700s and were first offered for sale by street sellers in Brussels and other Belgian cities. Nowadays, you can find frites at almost every café and eatery in the town and in fripperies (fried shops) that only serve this food.

It would be best to try the classic “frites” with mayonnaise when visiting Brussels. It’s a traditional Belgian combination in almost all fripperies and fast food outlets. You can even experiment with more distinctive kinds, including cheese-topped or curry-flavored fries.

Frites are a tasty and filling treat ideal as a quick snack or as a side dish to a main course. Therefore, while visiting Brussels, don’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy some delectable Belgian frites, whether searching for a delightful snack or a filling lunch.

9. Choco-Story Brussels

Choco-Story is a chocolate museum in Brussels, Belgium.

It used to be called the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate and explains the history of chocolate and has many exhibits and things to do that chocolate lovers of all ages will enjoy. The Museum is one of the world’s most visited chocolate museums. It tells the story of chocolate from its start in ancient America to the present day.

Choco-impressive Story’s main draw is its collection of tools and artifacts for making chocolate, such as old tools and machines. Learn how chocolate has been made for hundreds of years and learn about the different ways that different kinds of chocolate are made.

The Museum also has fun displays and activities for people of all ages.

Visitors can watch chocolate being made in the Museum’s on-site chocolate factory. They can also take a class on making chocolate or join a tasting of different kinds of chocolate. Several temporary exhibits at the Museum change throughout the year. These show other parts of chocolate’s history or how specific techniques or innovations have changed how chocolate is made.

Choco-Story also has a shop where people can buy chocolate, chocolate-related items, and other gifts. There is also a café where people can eat and drink hot chocolate or chocolate-based dishes.

Click here to book your Choco-Story tickets or the combined chocolate-making experience.

10. Spend A Day In Ghent

Ghent is another excellent day trip. It is about halfway between Brussels and Bruges on the same train line.

Both Ghent and Bruges are beautiful and historic cities in Belgium. They are both great places to visit for a day trip from Brussels, but each has unique features and sights that make it worth seeing.

Ghent is a city in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is known for its well-preserved medieval buildings, long history, and active cultural scene. The city has several famous landmarks, such as St. Bavo’s Cathedral, known for its renowned altarpiece, and the Belfry of Ghent, which has excellent city views.

Gravensteen is a well-known place to visit in Ghent with older kids. It is a medieval castle and showcases old punishment tools. Ghent is also known for its beautiful squares and canals, such as the Graslei and Korenlei, lined with colorful guildhouses.

Take the train to Ghent or book a tour that covers both Ghent and Bruges.

11. Mini Europe

Are you ready to see a miniature version of Europe? Look no further than Mini-Europe, a theme park considerably scaled down from a typical European nation.

Mini-Europe is an outdoor park in Brussels that showcases scale replicas of some of Europe’s most recognizable structures and sites. The park contains 350 models of well-known forms, places, and monuments from 80 cities in 30 nations, ranging from the Colosseum in Rome to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

You’ll get to see the iconic European landmarks without having to fret about jet lag or getting lost in strange cities. A park is an excellent option for a day out with the kids because it is also very family-friendly.

Despite its diminutive size, the park offers enough excitement and fun. It is an excellent approach to teaching kids about the history and architecture of several European nations, from the animation displays to the realistic noises and lighting effects.

If daring, you may even take a simulated Airbus A320 flight over Europe without ever leaving the ground.

Tickets to Mini-Europe are included with the City Card.

So, on your next vacation to Brussels, check out Mini-Europe if you’re seeking a fun and distinctive way to discover Europe. Without all the calories, it’s just a tiny taste of the continent!

12. Atomium

The Atomium is a massive replica of an iron crystal created for Expo 58, the 1958 World Fair. The tubes join nine steel spheres to form a tower of 102 meters (335 feet). Each 18-meter (59-foot) diameter sphere is home to galleries and displays.

Atomium, a symbol of Brussels and a work of art in architecture provides a fantastic view of the city from its top sphere. Located a short walk from mini-Europe, you can see the entire city from the globe, providing amazing panoramic views.

An elevator will take visitors to the top sphere, with a panoramic view of Brussels and the surrounding area. The spheres also house several exhibit rooms that showcase the Atomium’s history, the 1958 World Fair, and the history of science and technology.

The Atomium is open daily, and guests can buy tickets to see the displays and the interior of the spheres. Additionally, the Atomium conducts guided tours that go into greater detail regarding the history, architecture, and the 1958 World Fair.

Click here to book Atomium tickets

13. A Museum For Comic Strips

The Comic Strip Museum is ideal for parents to take their children and relive their childhood experiences with comics!

This Museum, or Belgian comic strip center situated in Brussels, is devoted to presenting Belgian comics’ lengthy history and significant cultural impact. The Museum has many graphic novels and comic books, ranging from more modern creations to timeless series like Tintin. The interactive and exciting displays make it the ideal vacation spot for families.

You’ll learn about the life and work of the well-known Belgian cartoonist Hergé, who created Tintin, in a part of the Museum devoted to him. Tintin’s escapades will come to life for children in the Museum’s exhibitions and interactive displays.

You can view the creative process of creating your favorite comics at the Museum, which has a collection of original comic strip artwork. Additionally, the Museum features a workshop area where you can try drawing your comic strip if you feel creative.

14. Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences

The Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences is an excellent Brussels city museum. The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is another name for this place.

This Museum covers natural sciences and has a wide range of exhibits, such as fossils, minerals, and live animals, as well as interactive displays and educational activities.

Entrance is included with the 49-museum Brussels City Card; click here to see all included attractions.

It has been around for a long time and is one of the most important museums in Belgium. It’s one of the oldest in the country, starting in 1828. The Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences focuses on the natural history of Belgium and the area around it. There are many fossils in the Museum, including some of the world’s most essential and well-preserved fossils.

15. Royal Palace

The King and Queen of Belgium have their official residence at the Royal Palace of Brussels, also called the Palace of the Nation. The palace, a magnificent example of 19th-century architecture in the center of Brussels, is open to the public for tours for a portion of the year.

Since the late 19th century, the Palais Royal has been the official house of the Belgian royal family. It has a long history. It was first built as a townhouse for an influential aristocrat, but then the Belgian government bought it. Over the years, the palace has had many upgrades and additions. As a result, it is now a large and grand building.

The palace is open for guided tours and has several staterooms, including the Throne Room, the Mirror Room, and the White Room. The palace also includes lovely gardens and a park accessible to the public in the summer.

Only guided tours are available during the few months of the year when the palace is open for visitation, typically between July and September. Visitors can pre-book tickets; because it is a popular attraction, it is advised to do so in advance.

So, on your next trip to the city, stop by the Royal Palace of Brussels to see a peek at royal life and take in some stunning architecture. It’s a magnificent structure that is sure to dazzle!

16. Brussels Aquarium

In the center of Brussels is a public aquarium called the Brussels Aquarium, also called the “Natura Artis Magistra.” It was founded in 1835, making it one of Europe’s first zoos. The Aquarium showcases various aquatic species worldwide, including fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The Aquarium is an excellent place for kids to learn about the sea and its inhabitants because it includes a collection of over 6,000 animals of 400 different kinds.

The Aquarium is divided into different areas, including the Amazonian forest, coral reef, shark tank, and penguin pool. Each location is created to closely resemble the creatures’ native environments, giving visitors an engaging and instructive experience.

The Aquarium also provides lectures to teach visitors more about the ocean and its creatures and engaging activities for kids, such as feeding the animals. The Aquarium also features a playground for kids who need to burn off some energy after a long day of aquarium visits.

The Brussels Aquarium is open daily, and you can purchase admission tickets there. The Aquarium is wheelchair accessible and provides multilingual guided tours.

17. Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum, sometimes called the “Musée des Enfants,” is a museum in Brussels created with children in mind. Families can enjoy themselves and learn new things there. Various interactive displays and activities are available at the Museum, all intended to be entertaining and informative.

Each themed area at the Museum, such as the construction zone, scientific lab, and art studio, is intended to encourage kids to explore, experiment, and learn through play. Children can also acquire new skills and techniques in the Museum’s workshops.

18. Brussels Planetarium

In the center of Brussels is a public planetarium called the Brussels Planetarium, also called the “Planetarium de Bruxelles.” Families can discover more about the cosmos and its secrets there. Various interactive exhibits and games meant to be entertaining and instructive are available at the planetarium.

Modern projection technology in the planetarium enables guests to appreciate the majesty of the night sky in a way that is impossible with the naked eye. The planetarium also provides a range of shows and discussions on subjects like astronomy, space travel, and the most recent scientific findings.

Families may discover more about the cosmos and its wonders at the Brussels Planetarium. Families with children of various ages should visit because the exhibits and activities are for all ages.

19. Aqualibi

We didn’t get a chance to check out this water park, as we were in Brussels in January only for a few days. Aqualibi is located in the Wavre municipality, around 20 minutes from Brussels. Families can enjoy themselves and cool off there during the sweltering summer months. The water park offers many water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and kiddie areas, among other water rides and activities.

Families with kids of all ages will love Aqualibi since it offers something for everyone. The park offers a selection of exhilarating water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, kiddie areas, and an adult spa area, among other water rides and activities.

In addition, there is a picnic area, a restaurant, and a bar in the park, so you can eat something as you enjoy the park. Aqualibi also offers a range of amenities like locker rooms and showers so guests can store their stuff and rehydrate after a day of water fun.

Aqualibi is open from May through September.

20. Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) focuses on presenting the background of musical instruments worldwide. Families can learn a lot about the development of music in this place. The Museum offers a wide variety of entertaining and instructive exhibits and activities.

More than 8,000 musical instruments from many cultures and historical periods, including ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and instruments from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, are housed in the Museum. Visitors can hear the instruments and learn more about their history and use by engaging with the interactive exhibitions. Visitors can also enjoy concerts and activities at the Museum.

Families may discover more about the evolution of music and its cultural significance at the MIM.

There is also a gift shop and a cafe in the Museum.

Entrance is included with the 49-museum Brussels City Card; click here to see all included attractions.

21. Take A Chocolate Making Class

A fun and tasty activity for your kids is taking a chocolate-making lesson in Brussels. It’s a terrific way to learn more about the science and art of chocolate production. The length and substance of the many chocolate-making classes offered in Brussels vary.

Most programs usually begin with a tour of the chocolate factory, where you may learn about the development of chocolate and how it is made. Following that, you’ll get to manufacture your chocolate under the direction of a skilled chocolatier. You’ll learn about many chocolate varieties, how to temper chocolate, and how to create various shapes and embellishments. Making truffles, chocolate bars, and other chocolate treats is another topic in some seminars.

22. Illusion Brussels

The Illusion Brussels is a small museum in the Belgian city of Brussels that’s all about the science of optical illusions and how people see things.

There are many different kinds of exhibits in the Museum, like optical illusions, holograms, and interactive games. It also has educational activities that help people learn about the science of how we see things and how our brains process what we see.

The displays at the Museum of Illusions are meant to amaze and amuse people of all ages.

The museum has many optical illusions, like the Ames room, the gravity hill, and the infinity room, and learn about the science behind their work.

There are also interactive holographic exhibits like 3D street art and a mirror maze.

23. Enjoy A Park

Families may enjoy the great outdoors and spend quality time together in Brussels’ numerous lovely public parks and green spaces. The following parks and green areas are among the most well-liked in Brussels:

Parc du Cinquantenaire, this Brussels park, is a great place to enjoy its large open spaces with a pond, lovely gardens, and several monuments, such as the triumphal arch, from which you can see much of the city.

The Parc de Bruxelles, the city’s central public park, is close to the Royal Palace and the EU neighborhood. It has a sizable pond, playgrounds, and a range of visitor activities.

The Parc de la Woluwe, the largest public park in Brussels, is situated in the Woluwe-Saint-Lambert commune. It has a lake, playgrounds, and a botanical garden.

The Parc Roi Baudouin is a park in the city’s north with a sizable lake, playground, picnic area, and greenery.

The Bois de la Cambre is a sizable forested area near the city center that is well-liked for picnics, strolls, and bike rides.

24. Sewer Museum

The Brussels Sewer Museum is a different kind of Museum that may appeal to older children. It is also known as the Musée des Égouts de Bruxelles. It’s not like a typical museum.

Its purpose is to show how the city’s sewer system has changed and how it works. The museum is in the basement of the city’s historic central wastewater treatment plant. It has many old sewer pipes, tools, and other things used to build and care for the sewer system.

You learn about the history of the sewer system and how it has changed over time. Take a guided tour of the Museum to see the old sewer tunnels, learn about the history and technology of the sewer system, and see the different machines and tools that keep the system running. You lso learned how hard it is to deal with trash and sewage in a big city and how the city’s sewer system works to keep the city clean and safe.

Entrance is included with the 49-museum Brussels City Card; click here to see all included attractions.

25. Toy Museum

The Brussels Toy Museum, also called the Musée du Jouet, has a lot of old and new toys, games, and other playthings on display. It tells about the history of games and toys. The Museum has more than 5,000 toys from the 18th century.

You can learn about the history of dolls, action figures, board games, and mechanical toys by looking at them and seeing how they have changed over time. There are also many interactive exhibits in the Museum, such as a play area where kids can try out some of the toys on display.

26. Beer Tasting

This one’s more for the parents, but the beer in Brussels is also well-known.

There are many traditional Belgian breweries in the city, some of which have been open for hundreds of years.

Belgian beer is known for having a unique taste and being very complex. It comes in many different styles, such as lambic beer, made with wild yeasts and aged in oak barrels, and strong Belgian ales, known for their high alcohol content and rich, complex flavors.

The Cantillon Brewery is one of the most well-known beer-related places in Brussels. It is one of the last traditional lambic breweries in the city. You can take tours of the Cantillon Brewery and learn about the history of lambic beer and how it was traditionally made. They can also try some of the famous beers made by the brewery.

There are also a lot of bars and pubs in Brussels that serve Belgian beer and have a wide variety of beers on tap, including many local and regional beers. For example, the Delirium Café is known for having one of the largest selections of beer in the world, with over 2,000 different kinds. Another well-known beer event in Brussels is the “Brussels Beer Weekend,” which occurs every September.

Trappist monks make Belgian beer, also known as “Trappist beer.” The Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance includes Trappist monks. They have made beer for hundreds of years to raise money for their monasteries and other good causes. Belgium has been making beer for a long time, and Trappist monks have been a big part of that. Today, there are only 11 Trappist breweries worldwide, six of which are in Belgium. There are Dubbels, Tripels, and Quadruples made at these breweries. Because their tastes are so deep and complex, they are often described as fruity, spicy, or floral.

27. Belgian Chocolate Village

Go to the Chocolate Village in Belgium. The Belgian Chocolate Village is an excellent place for chocolate lovers of all ages. Here, kids can learn about the history of making chocolate in Brussels, watch chocolate being made, and try some delicious chocolate.

Brussels is known for many things, but chocolate and waffles may be its most famous exports. In Brussels, chocolate is more than a treat—and an art form. There are a lot of proud chocolatiers in the city. They work in both old and new chocolate shops.

28. Mont des Arts

Close to the Grand Place is a cultural area known as the Mont des Arts (Mount of Arts). It is located in the Magritte Museum, the Music Instrument Museum, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. From the Royal Library of Belgium’s terrace, there is a beautiful view of the city.

The Mont des Arts is a fantastic location to learn about the city’s rich cultural legacy and find some of the top institutions in Brussels. A sizable collection of Belgian and European artwork from the 15th century can be found in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium or Bozar. The most incredible collection of its kind in the world, the Music Instrument Museum has over 8,000 instruments worldwide. René Magritte, a well-known Belgian surrealist artist, is the subject of the Magritte Museum.

Due to the museums’ interactive and informative activities for kids, the Mont des Arts is a fantastic spot to spend a day with the family. Additionally, there are several terraces and gardens nearby where you can unwind and enjoy the stunning views of the city.

The Mont des Arts is close to the Grand Place and is readily reached by public transit. Tickets are available for purchase at each Museum’s entry and are open daily.

29. Magritte Museum

For kids interested in art galleries: René Magritte, a well-known Belgian surrealist artist, is the subject of the Magritte Museum, a museum devoted to his creations. 

It provides a thorough overview of the artist’s life and works and is situated in the historic Sablon neighborhood in the center of Brussels.

The Museum houses a sizable collection of works by Magritte, including his paintings, sketches, and sculptures, and his personal effects, including letters, pictures, and movies. 

Visitors can learn the development of the artist’s style and methods thanks to the displays’ chronological presentation of the artist’s early works through his final ones.

Along with permanent displays, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions that explore various themes and facets of Magritte’s and other artists from the same period’s work.

For families who appreciate art and are curious about the origins of surrealism, the Magritte Museum is a great destination. 

The well-curated exhibits offer knowledge about Magritte’s life and work.

30. See Some Of The Berlin Wall

Parts of the Berlin Wall, a physical partition between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, may be seen at a few locations throughout Brussels.

The Parc Cinquantenaire: The park next to the Parlamentarium is home to a piece of the Berlin Wall on display by the European Parliament.

A tiny portion of the Berlin Wall is on display at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, along with other items and exhibitions from the Cold War.

The European Union Quarter: In the European Quarter, a piece of the Berlin Wall is on display at the institutions of the European Union.

31. Cathedral of St. Michael

In the center of Brussels is a stunning Gothic church called the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. It is worthy of a visit because it is the city’s most significant religious structure.

The patron saints of Brussels, St. Michael and St. Gudula, are honored in the cathedral. It was constructed in the 13th century, and over the years, it has undergone numerous extensions and renovations. Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architectural styles are present in the cathedral.

The cathedral’s interior features stunning stained-glass windows, an amazing organ, and majestic chapels for the saints. Additionally, the Cathedral is home to various paintings and sculptures, including a collection of tapestries from the fifteenth century that features biblical events.

Visitors are welcome to the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula every day, and admission is free. There are also multilingual guided tours offered. It’s a beautiful location to enjoy the tranquil ambiance while learning about the city’s history and architecture. Wheelchair users can visit the Cathedral as well.

If you’re interested in history architecture or want to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the terrace, it’s well worth a visit.

32. Belvue Museum

The Historical Museum, known as the Belvue Museum, presents an overview of Belgium’s political, social, and cultural history. It covers the tale of the nation from its inception to the present.

The Museum has hands-on displays, videos, and audio tours vividly depict Belgian history. 

A wide range of subjects is covered, such as the nation’s participation in the European Union, the Industrial Revolution, the World Wars, and current political and social challenges.

33. Le Botanique

Le Botanique is a cultural center near the Botanical Garden in the heart of Brussels. It features a concert hall, an art center, and a garden café.

The concert hall is a popular venue for live music, theater, and dance performances; it hosts a wide range of events, from indie rock to electronic music, as well as comedy and spoken word events. The center features contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events, such as film screenings, debates, and workshops.

The garden café is an oasis of greenery in the city’s heart; it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a drink or a meal, surrounded by the beautiful plants of the Botanical Garden.

Le Botanique is a great place to discover Brussels’s cultural scene; it offers various events and activities that cater to all tastes and ages. The cultural center is open daily, and the events schedule can be found on its website. It’s easily accessible by public transportation and within walking distance of the city center.\

Getting Around Brussels

In Brussels, the public transport and train stations are not the same. The metro system, STIB/MIVB, differs from the train system run by SNCB/NMBS, the national railway company.

Metro

The Brussels metro has four lines connecting many of the city’s most popular neighborhoods and tourist spots. Many of the city’s most popular tourist spots, like the Grand Place, the European Quarter, and the Atomium, are connected by frequent metro trains.

Brussels has four metro lines, each marked with a number and a color. These lines connect many of the city’s most popular tourist spots, like the Grand Place, the European Quarter, and the Atomium.

At around 5 a.m. From 6 a.m. to midnight, the metro runs every 2–5 minutes, and from 6 p.m. to midnight, it runs every 10–15 minutes.

Trains

The national railroad company, SNCB/NMBS, runs the trains in Brussels. These trains connect Brussels to other cities in Belgium and Europe. The train stations are outside the city center, and most intercity and international travel occurs there. They are more significant than metro stations and usually have more services, like shops, restaurants, and places to store your bags.

So, metro stations and train stations are not the same and serve different purposes. Most people use metro stations to get around within the city, while most people use train stations to get out of the town.

Besides the central station, train stations are outside the city center, and most people use them to go to other cities or countries.

They are more significant than metro stations and have more services, like shops, restaurants, and places to put your bags.

The STIB/MIVB also sells different kinds of tickets, such as single tickets, passes for more than one day, and group tickets, which give visitors more choices. You can buy tickets at the stations for the metro, tram, and bus or at the machines that sell tickets at the metro, tram, and bus stations.

Kids Travel Free

Metro: In Brussels, the metro (not the train), tram, and bus rides are free for kids under six as long as they are with a paying adult. A ticket for a child between the ages of 6 and 11 usually costs about half as much as a ticket for an adult. Children over 12 must pay the extra or total price for an adult ticket.

Trains: For trains, children under 12 can ride for free on SNCB/NMBS trains as long as they are with an adult who has a ticket.

In short, kids under six can ride the metro, tram, and bus system STIB/MIVB for free, and kids between the ages of 6 and 11 pay less. At the same time, the SNCB/NMBS national railroad company lets kids under 12 have free access as long as they are with an adult with a ticket.

Where Are The Best Places For Families To Stay In Brussels?

The Funkey Hotel

The Funkey Hotel in Brussels, Belgium, is superb for families. While not the fanciest hotel, the price is reasonable, and it has excellent reviews. There are a lot of amenities and things for kids to do, such as complimentary snacks and drinks and brightly colored rooms.

The hotel is in the Ixelles neighborhood, south of the city center. Shops and restaurants surround it, and it’s also close to the Bois de la Cambre park, which is an excellent place for a picnic or a bike ride.

Click here for more information or to book

The Dominican Hotel

We stayed here on our most recent visit. The Dominican Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Brussels’s city center. It is in the historic part of the city, near the Grand Place and the famous Manneken Pis statue. The hotel’s design mixes old and new, making its rooms elegant and comfortable. The Dominican features a small sauna and steam room. The location is excellent, with plenty of restaurants and stores nearby.

Click here for more information or to book

Hilton Grand Place

The location of the Hilton Grand Place Hotel is one of its best or worst features. The hotel is right by the central train station and the metro station, making it easy to get around the rest of the city. If you plan to travel around the area a lot, it is a great place to stay. However, there are more excellent neighborhoods if you’d like somewhere quieter.

Overall, the Hilton Grand Place Hotel is an excellent choice for families looking for a high-end hotel in the center of Brussels that is close to the city’s main tourist attractions and has comfortable amenities for the whole family.

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Here are some of the best hotels and VRBOs around the Grand Place area, one of the best areas to stay in Brussels

Recap

While not as well known of a tourist destination as some other European cities, Brussels is a great city to spend a few days on a family holiday.