Day 1 : Brussels → Bruges → Brussels

7:30 AM – Breakfast near your hotel

Leave your hotel by 8:15 AM.

Step 1: Hotel → Brussels Central Station

Bruxelles-Central railway station

Transport:

If staying in the city centre: Walk or take the Metro.

Avoid taxis unless your hotel is far from a metro station.

Reach the station by 8:30 AM.

Step 2: Train to Bruges

Brugge railway station

Train duration: About 1 hour

Trains run frequently (roughly every 30 minutes).

Arrive around 9:45 AM.

Step 3: Station → Historic Centre

Option 1 (Recommended with child):

Take Bus 1 or Bus 2 from the station.

Get off at Brugge Markt.

Journey: 10 minutes

Option 2

Walk 20 minutes.

10:00 AM – Stop 1

Markt

The main square with colourful buildings.

Spend 45 minutes.

10:45 AM – Walk (2 minutes)

Stop 2

Belfry of Bruges

Take photos.

With a 3-year-old, you can skip climbing the tower.

Spend 20 minutes.

11:10 AM – Walk (3 minutes)

Stop 3

Burg Square

Historic square with beautiful architecture.

Spend 20 minutes.

11:30 AM – Walk (1 minute)

Stop 4

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Quick visit.

Spend 20 minutes.

12:00 PM – Walk (5 minutes)

Stop 5

Rozenhoedkaai

One of the most famous photo spots in Belgium.

Spend 20 minutes.

12:30 PM – Lunch

Enjoy lunch around Markt.

Try Belgian fries, waffles or local cuisine.

Allow 1 hour.

1:45 PM – Canal Cruise

Take a 30-minute canal boat tour (boats depart from several nearby jetties).

Perfect for resting while seeing the city.

2:30 PM – Walk (10 minutes)

Stop 6

Minnewater Park

Relax while your son enjoys the open space.

Spend 45 minutes.

3:30 PM – Walk (15 minutes)

Return to:

Brugge railway station

4:00–4:30 PM

Train back to Brussels.

Arrive around 5:30 PM.

Dinner near your hotel.

Day 2 – Brussels

8:30 AM – Breakfast

Start around 9:00 AM.

Stop 1

Grand-Place

Spend 45 minutes exploring Belgium’s most famous square.

Walk (5 minutes)

Stop 2

Manneken Pis

Quick photo stop.

Spend 15 minutes.

Walk (7 minutes)

Stop 3

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Beautiful covered arcade with chocolate shops and cafés.

Spend 45 minutes.

Walk (10 minutes)

Stop 4

Mont des Arts

One of the best viewpoints in Brussels.

Spend 30 minutes.

12:00 PM – Lunch

Have lunch near the city centre.

Step 5: City Centre → Atomium

Take the Metro from:

Gare Centrale/Central Station

Line 1 or 5 to Beekkant

Change to Metro Line 6 towards King Baudouin

Get off at Heysel/Heizel

Journey time: 25–30 minutes.

Stop 5

Atomium

Spend 1.5–2 hours.

Walk (5 minutes)

Stop 6

Mini-Europe

Excellent attraction for children.

Spend 1.5–2 hours.

Optional (if your son still has energy)

Walk a few minutes to:

Osseghem Park

A pleasant green space to relax before heading back.

Return to City Centre

Take Metro Line 6 back to the centre.

No taxi needed.

Transport Summary

Route

Best Transport

Brussels Hotel → Central Station

Walk/Metro

Brussels → Bruges

Train

Bruges Station → Centre

Bus 1 or 2

Bruges Centre

Walk

Brussels Centre → Atomium

Metro

Atomium → Mini-Europe

Walk

Return to Hotel

Metro

Approximate Costs (per adult)

Brussels → Bruges return train: €18–35

Bruges local bus (if used): around €2.50–€3

Brussels metro ticket: around €2.50 per journey, or consider a day pass if you’ll make several trips.

Canal boat tour: approximately €15–20 (children may receive reduced fares depending on the operator).

This itinerary covers the highlights of Bruges and Brussels while keeping travel straightforward and affordable