Family-Friendly Flanders and Brussels Inspiration for Holiday Planners 2
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Family-friendly Flanders and Brussels Inspiration for holiday planners Ostend CONTENT ANTWERP 10 BRUGES 16 BRUSSELS 22 GHENT 28 MECHELEN 34 LEUVEN 40 THE COAST 48 THE KEMPEN 58 LIMBURG 64 2 The Castle of counts, Ghent SIMPLY FAMILY FRIENDLY We have everything... Welcome to Flanders, a small region excelling in craftsmanship, from delicious chocolate to Flemish Masters. The art cities of Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen make every city trip an unforgettable experience full of culture, relaxation and delicious dining, all of which is set against the unique backdrop of several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Come and discover the rich culture and heritage available outside the cities with a comprehensive range of amusing excursions and pleasant bike rides. In short, Flanders has everything necessary to offer families an unforgettable stay. …particularly for families. There are few places that offer such a versatile array of activities for all ages. From the hippest food spots and the most hospitable accommodation, to fascinating museums and fun attrac- tions. It’s a place where sea, green spaces and historic cities can be visited within a stone’s throw from each other. For a memorable experience, Flanders and Brussels has plenty to offer for a short, easily accessible family break, there’s a good reason why Flanders and Brussels are known as a great family-friendly destination. Flanders may be relatively small in size, but big in terms of what it has to offer. This brochure aims to provide a whole range of tips, interesting destina- tions and activities for a great family trip, all within Flanders’ historic cities and places beyond. Wishing you a fun filled inspirational trip! 3 FLANDERS AND BRUSSELS IN A NUTSHELL THE FLEMISH COAST THE MAJORITY OF FLANDERS IS FLAT BORDERS THE NORTH SEA. SO CYCLING WITH CHILDREN IS EASY, THE LENGTH OF THE COAST IS EVERY YEAR, OVER ESPECIALLY BECAUSE OF THE MANY CYCLING HUBS. NO LESS THAN 108 MILES THESE MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO DETERMINE THREE THE LENGTH OF YOUR OWN ROUTE MILLION PEOPLE KILOMETRES67 VISIT AN ATTRACTION FLANDERS ALSO FROM THE NETHERLANDS OR MUSEUM AT THE COAST BOASTS A NUMBER OF TO FRANCE THRILLING AMUSEMENT PARKS, SPREAD ACROSS IN SOME PLACES THE WHOLE COUNTRY IN THE MAJOR CITIES THE BEACH IS THE PLACES OF INTEREST 500 1/3MILE ARE LOCATED WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE METRES WIDE! OF EACH OTHER THE WEATHER CAN BE SEVERAL ART CITIES ARE SITUATED IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE ALL CITIES HAVE FUN IN THE WATER ALONG THE WATER AND A MAJORITY OFFER MERCURIAL IN MOST PLACES: A CINEMA BOAT EXCURSIONS, GIVING VISITORS A CHANCE FLANDERS HAS (OR SEVERAL) TO DISCOVER THE CITY IN AN EXTRAORDINARY WAY. MORE THAN YOU CAN ALSO GO BOATING IN THE REGIONS, WHICH IS WHY EVERY CITY FOR EXAMPLE BY HIRING A KAYAK, AND REGION OFFERS CANOE OR MOTORBOAT. BOTH INDOOR AND 170 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SWIMMING POOLS A CHARMING EXPERIENCE: LOOKING FOR A LOW BUDGET IN THE MAJOR CITIES YOU CAN TAKE A RIDE IN BUT COSY STAY IN THE CITY? AN OLD-FASHIONED OPT FOR HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE A HOSTEL STAY! THEY SET OFF FROM CENTRAL LOCATIONS, AND IT’S NOT USUALLY NECESSARY TO RESERVE IN ADVANCE. 4 FLANDERS AND BRUSSELS IN A NUTSHELL THE FLEMISH COAST THE MAJORITY OF FLANDERS IS FLAT BORDERS THE NORTH SEA. SO CYCLING WITH CHILDREN IS EASY, THE LENGTH OF THE COAST IS EVERY YEAR, OVER ESPECIALLY BECAUSE OF THE MANY CYCLING HUBS. NO LESS THAN 108 MILES THESE MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO DETERMINE THREE THE LENGTH OF YOUR OWN ROUTE MILLION PEOPLE A handy route planner is http://www.fietsroute.org/cycle-node-planner KILOMETRES67 VISIT AN ATTRACTION FLANDERS ALSO FROM THE NETHERLANDS OR MUSEUM AT THE COAST BOASTS A NUMBER OF TO FRANCE THRILLING AMUSEMENT PARKS, SPREAD ACROSS IN SOME PLACES THE WHOLE COUNTRY IN THE MAJOR CITIES THE BEACH IS THE PLACES OF INTEREST 500 1/3MILE ARE LOCATED WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE METRES WIDE! OF EACH OTHER THE WEATHER CAN BE SEVERAL ART CITIES ARE SITUATED IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE ALL CITIES HAVE FUN IN THE WATER ALONG THE WATER AND A MAJORITY OFFER MERCURIAL IN MOST PLACES: A CINEMA BOAT EXCURSIONS, GIVING VISITORS A CHANCE FLANDERS HAS (OR SEVERAL) TO DISCOVER THE CITY IN AN EXTRAORDINARY WAY. MORE THAN YOU CAN ALSO GO BOATING IN THE REGIONS, WHICH IS WHY EVERY CITY FOR EXAMPLE BY HIRING A KAYAK, AND REGION OFFERS CANOE OR MOTORBOAT. BOTH INDOOR AND 170 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SWIMMING POOLS A CHARMING EXPERIENCE: LOOKING FOR A LOW BUDGET IN THE MAJOR CITIES YOU CAN TAKE A RIDE IN BUT COSY STAY IN THE CITY? AN OLD-FASHIONED OPT FOR HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE A HOSTEL STAY! THEY SET OFF FROM CENTRAL LOCATIONS, AND IT’S NOT USUALLY NECESSARY TO RESERVE IN ADVANCE. 5 Amsterdam The Netherlands London Bruges Antwerp The Coast 1h54 1h51 Ghent Mechelen FLANDERS Leuven Cologne 1h47 Brussels EUROPE 1h22 France Wallonia BELGIUM Paris DISCOVER FLANDERS WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY Antwerp > Brussels 45 km (50 min.) [via Mechelen] HOW TO GET Antwerp > Mechelen 25 km (25 min.) Antwerp > Bruges 95 km (1 hour 40 min.) TO FLANDERS Antwerp > Ghent 65 km (1 hour) AND BRUSSELS? Antwerp > Leuven 64 km (53 min.) [via Brussels] The major cities are all located in close proximity to Brussels > Mechelen 35 km (45 min.) one another and can easily be reached by car and Brussels > Bruges 100 km (1 hour 45 min.) [via Ghent] public transportation. On www.visitflanders.com/en/ Brussels > Ghent 65 km (1 hour) plan-your-trip you find useful information on how to Brussels > Leuven 30 km (30 min.) get to Flanders and Brussels. Mechelen > Leuven 25 km (40 min.) Bruges > Ghent 50 km (55 min.) Bruges > Leuven 130 km (1 hour 40 min.) [via Ghent] Ghent > Leuven 90 km (1 hour 25 min.) [via Brussels] 6 Amsterdam The Netherlands London Bruges Antwerp The Coast 1h54 De Haan 1h51 Ghent Mechelen FLANDERS Leuven Cologne 1h47 Brussels EUROPE 1h22 France Wallonia BELGIUM GETTING AROUND Paris All major cities are closely located and easily accessible by car and public transport. You can get around Flanders in various ways. BY TRAIN BY (RENTAL) CAR DISCOVER - Travel through Flanders safely and easily by train, - Cars can be rented from various places. For example at enjoying connections to all cities. the airports and in the centre of the cities , hire locations FLANDERS - Train travel is free for passengers under the age of 12. are often close to the central station. - Young persons between the ages of 12 and 26 can travel - Freedom and flexibility. for just €6.40 (one-way). - A child seat is mandatory for children under 1.35 metres WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY - Discounted fares are available for families with three or (often easy to add to your booking). more children. - Ensure a smooth and pleasant journey with these top tips: - Train tickets can be purchased at train stations or online. • Avoid traffic jams (6 - 9:30 am and 4 – 7.30 pm). - www.belgianrail.be • Always bring plenty of water and snacks. • Park your car outside the cities and take the bus or tram to the centre. BY BUS, TRAM OR METRO • Rent a car with air-conditioning (during summer months). - Get around the city or regions smoothly and without the • stress of parking by bus, tram or metro. - Children under the age of 6 travel for free. BY COASTAL TRAM - Tickets are available at the ticket kiosk in the station or 68 stops between Knokke and De Panne. In summer the from machines. Coastal tram runs every ten minutes, in winter it runs every - www.delijn.be en www.stib-mivb.be (Brussels) twenty minutes. Read more on page 57. Turn the page for up to 72 pages full of family-friendly tips. Get to know six charming cities in three hospitable regions, and everything they can offer to holidaymakers of all ages. 7 Ghent SIX STUNNING CITIES ANTWERP BRUGES BRUSSELS GHENT MECHELEN LEUVEN 9 MAS, Antwerp Grand Place, Antwerp ANTWERP WELCOME TO ANTWERP - Discover Antwerp ZOO, one of the oldest in the world. - Find out more about one of the city’s most famous resident artists, Peter Paul Rubens. - Don’t miss out on one the best (free) views of the city from the roof of the MAS museum. - Look out the many budget-friendly hostels to spend the night with the family. Top Tip! For an overview of “child-friendly” places in Antwerp see: www.visitantwerpen.be/en/kinderen-en SLEEPING & WAKING UP Arass Hotel *** Hilton Antwerp Old Town **** Located in the Zurenborg district, known for its beautiful archi- An historical building in the environs of the cathedral, offering tecture, and accessible public transport. All rooms are equipped family rooms or suites. Babysitting is available on request and the with a kitchenette and the hotel is located close to a supermarket. restaurant caters for children. www.arasshotel.com www.hilton.com Astoria Hotel *** HotelO Kathedral *** A pleasant hotel in the centre of Antwerp. Children up to and in- A modern and stylish hotel adorned with Rubens images on the cluding 11 years old can stay for free in their parents room. They walls of the rooms and a view of the beautiful, Antwerp Cathe- also offer family rooms, which are connected via an adjoining door. dral. Families with children can easily book a room with an ad- https://nl.astoria-antwerp.com joining budget single room attached. https://hotelokathedral.com Crowne Plaza *** A comfortable hotel with indoor pool. Near the most beautiful Leopold Hotel **** parks on the outskirts of the city; plenty of opportunity for play A stylish boutique hotel with many family rooms with intercon- spaces and restaurants.