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One Day in Bruges (Best Itinerary + Map)

• December 26, 2023

One day in Bruges walking itinerary that covers all the tourist attractions (+ a map and tips on how to see Bruges on a day trip).

Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe.

It is the perfect medieval fairytale destination for a weekend trip. Located in northwest Belgium, Bruges is the capital of West Flanders. The city is often called the Venice of the North because it’s crisscrossed by canals.

Charming squares with horse-drawn carriages, and picturesque canals lined with Gothic houses. Is there anything more to ask for?

One day in Bruges itinerary

This self-guided walking tour will show you the best of Bruges in 1 day. The itinerary is designed in such a way, that it’s suitable both for day-trippers and overnight visitors.

In fact, it’s an improved version of my Bruges one day itinerary that I followed when I visited the city in December.

Find a map of this Bruges itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites) at the end of the article.

Already have a hotel booked? See whether your hotel is in a good area in my guide to the best Bruges hotels on the canal .

One day in Bruges (the best day trip itinerary)

• Start the day with breakfast at That’s Toast!

Visit the Church of Our Lady

• Admire the facade of the Hospital of St. John
• See the most picturesque bridge

Explore the Quay of the Rosary

Eat a waffle at house of waffles, admire the architecture at market square.

• Climb the Belfry
• Visit the City Hall and Liberty of Bruges
• See the famous relic in the Basilica of the Holy Blood
• Finish your one day in Bruges with a beer at ‘t Brugs Beertje

Have breakfast at That’s Toast!

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM Start your day in Bruges with breakfast at That’s Toast! or Li O Lait .

That’s Toast! offers a great variety of savoury and sweet toasts. We tried the Triple Madame and the Triple French toasts. Both were so good, that I regretted we had only 1 day in Bruges and won’t have time for another visit.

If you prefer bagels with eggs for breakfast, then Li O Lait is your place.

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) is a 14th-century church. Its tower is the second-highest brick tower in the world (122.3 metres high).

However, the most famous treasure of the church is the artwork Madonna and Child by Michelangelo. It was the artist’s only sculpture that left Italy before Michelangelo’s death.

The entrance is free, but you have to pay to see the Madonna and Child.

Admire the facade of Hospital of St. John

10:30 AM – 10:50 AM The hospital of St. John (Oud Sint-Janshospitaal) is founded in the 12th century. This makes it one of the oldest surviving hospitals in Europe.

In the Middle Ages, it was a place, where nuns and monks were taking care of sick travellers and pilgrims. The exhibition features surgical and medical instruments as well as various religious artifacts.

Don’t visit the museum unless you’re interested in medieval medicine. Nevertheless, don’t miss to see the building from the outside. It’s a gorgeous red brick building with a lovely inner yard.

See the picturesque Bonifacius Bridge

10:50 AM – 11:10 AM Bonifacius Bridge is one of the most picturesque places in the city. Despite its medieval look, the bridge is rather new dating from the early 20th century.

11:10 AM – 11:40 AM Cross the bridge and continue towards the Quay of the Rosary (Rozenhoedkaai). Quay of the Rosary is the most photographed place in Bruges. Here the Groenerei and Dijver canals meet, creating a strikingly beautiful and romantic scene.

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM A trip to Bruges is not complete without waffles. So for a lunch, stop at House of Waffles . They have an extensive menu of waffles ranging from sweet toppings to heavy savoury options. We tried the ones with caramel and chocolate toppings.

02:00 PM – 02:15 PM Market Square (Markt) is the heart of the Historic centre. A weekly market is held here since 958. The square is dominated by the Belfry tower, surrounded by colourful medieval houses and Gothic buildings.

Climb the Belfry of Bruges

02:15 PM – 03:00 PM Belfry of Bruges (Belfort van Brugge) is one of the most famous belfries in Belgium. During the Middle Ages, the town archives were kept here.

The top of the tower (83m) is accessible by a steep staircase. Be prepared to climb 366 steps to the top. Nevertheless, the view totally worth the effort.

Time for chocolate

03:00 PM – 03:30 PM Oliviers Chocolate Shop & Bar is a must for every chocolate lover. It’s a family-owned chocolate shop that offers more than 60 different chocolates and truffles! Don’t miss to try the hazelnut hot chocolate.

For cramique (traditional Belgian bread) and meringue cakes stop at Aux Merveilleux de Fred . It’s a fine bakery with an incredible chandelier.

Burg Square

03:40 PM – 03:50 PM Burg Square means castle square in Dutch. The square took his name from the castle that Baldwin I, Count of Flanders built here in the 9th century. It was a military fortress used for defence against the Normans.

Visit the City Hall

03:50 PM – 04:10 PM City Hall (Stadhuis) is the most impressive building on Burg Square. And it’s definitely worth to take a peek inside. It is possible to visit the Gothic hall and Historic hall. The entrance fee also includes access to the Liberty of Bruges.

Liberty of Bruges

04:10 PM – 04:25 PM Liberty of Bruges (Brugse Vrije) is the city’s former law court. Today, the building houses the city archives. You can visit only the Renaissance hall where you can see the 16th century Charles V chimneypiece.

See the famous relic in Basilica of the Holy Blood

04:25 PM – 05:00 PM Basilica of the Holy Blood (Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed) initially served as a chapel of the Count of Flanders. It consists of a lower Romanesque church and an upper Gothic church. The latter houses a piece of cloth said to be soaked in the blood of Jesus Christ.

It’s free to visit the lower chapel, but there is an entrance fee to see the artifact.

Dinner at Ribs ‘n Beer

For traditional Belgian food visit Gruuthuse Hof or In Den Wittenkop . Try the Flemish stew with fries or the mussels.

However, if you need a break from the Belgian food, go to Ribs ‘n Beer or Paul’s Boutique Brugge . Ribs ‘n Beer is a little out of the Historic Centre, but believe me, it is worth the walk. The “all you can eat ribs” come in two main variations – grilled and slow-cooked (with different sauces).

I recommend booking a table in advance for all four restaurants.

Have a beer at ‘t Brugs Beertje

Finish the day with a glass of beer at ‘t Brugs Beertje . It’s an authentic beer pub with an excellent range of beers (over 300). If you like fruit beers, try Kasteel Rouge.

More ideas for your 1 day in Bruges

If you have more time, check out these tourist attractions.

Take a canal boat tour

See this magnificent city from a different angle by taking a boat tour. The canal boats run from March till the end of October. During the winter, the boats run only during the weekends (if the weather is not freezing). The trip lasts about 30min and costs €10 (only cash).

There are several companies to choose from. The starting points are Huidenvettersplein 13, Rozenhoedkaai, Wollestraat 32, Nieuwstraat 11 and Katelijnestraat 4.

Take a rickshaw tour

If you’re not into boats, take a rickshaw tour . It’s a great way to explore the city. Plus, the tour includes places that can’t be reached by boat.

Saint Saviour’s Cathedral

Saint Saviour’s Cathedral (Sint-Salvatorskathedraal) is the city’s oldest parish church. It’s a huge cathedral with beautifully coloured stained glass windows. Also, the church features a rich collection of Flemish paintings.

Lake of Love

Lake of Love (Minnewater) is a lovely park area with a lake, willow trees and swans. It’s the most peaceful and serene place in the city. Minnewater is perfect for a stroll or picnics. However, if you’re visiting the city in the winter, you’d better skip it.

Choco-Story

If you’re interested in the history of chocolate and the methods of its preparation, then visit the Chocolate Museum. There are free chocolate samples and a chocolate-making demonstration at the end of the tour. Please note that the museum closes at 5 PM.

You can book tickets in advance here .

Torture Museum

Torture Museum (Foltermuseum De Oude Steen) is housed in one of the oldest prisons in Europe! The unique exhibition is quite shocking and intriguing. You can see on display all kinds of torture instruments and devices.

Getting around in Bruges

You can find a detailed map of the itinerary here .

The historic centre is quite small and walkable. You won’t need public transport at all. You can download a city map here .

How to get to Bruges

Bruges is easily accessible by train from Brussels, Ghent or any major European city. The Central train station is about a 15min walk from the Historic centre. You can check timetables and book tickets online at SNCB official site .

If you’re arriving by car it’s best to leave it on the outskirts of the city. Many shopping streets are car-free during the weekends. The most convenient parking is at the Central train station (Chantrellstraat 42-62).

If you’re arriving from Brussels Airport, there is a direct train from the airport to Bruges. The journey is about 90min and it costs about €20.

Another option is by bus. FlixBus has several direct buses every day from the airport to Bruges. The journey is 2 hours, but the prices start at €5. The bus stops at Bargeplein, which is right next to the Central train station.

If you’re arriving from the Brussels South Charleroi Airport, there is only one direct option. The Flibco shuttle bus takes you directly to Bruges (2h journey).

Day trips from Bruges

If you’re interested in WWI this is a must. There were three major battles here and the city was almost completely destroyed in WWI. 

How to get to Ypres There is no direct train, so I recommend going by car or taking an organized tour.

Great War Flanders Fields Tour is the best option (for an organized tour). What I like about it is that the groups are small and the guide is very knowledgeable. The tour also includes the Menin Gate Memorial and the iconic poppy fields of Flanders.

Ghent is a small medieval city with a gorgeous castle. It’s a perfect destination for a day trip (find more information in my itinerary for a day trip to Ghent ).

How to get to Ghent The fastest way to get there is by train (20min journey). Take a train from Bruges train station to Gent-Sint-Pieters train station. From there you can take the tram (line 1) or walk 2km to the city centre.

It will take you about 50min by car.

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium. Again, it’s easier to get there by train (1h journey). Brussels can be done in a day (for the best experience follow my 1 day itinerary in Brussels ).

However, I would recommend you to stay at least one night. There are some interesting museums to visit and a lot of great restaurants. Plus, it’s a lot bigger than Bruges. 

How to get to Brussels Take a train from Bruges train station to Brussels Central train station. From there it’s a short walk to the historic attractions.

Antwerp is a medieval port city with a stunning cathedral. It’s a 1h 30min journey by train. It’s a better day trip from Brussels, but it can be done from Bruges, too.

If you plan to stay overnight, check out the best hotels in Antwerp city centre .

How to get to Antwerp Take a train from Bruges train station to Antwerp train station. The city centre is within walking distance from there. 

How many days in Bruges

Is one day in bruges enough.

1 day in Bruges is completely enough to explore its historic centre. If you follow this itinerary you can cover the main attractions only in a day.

Nevertheless, it’s worth staying at least one night to see the city at night time. The historic buildings are beautifully illuminated in the evenings. Plus, you can enjoy peaceful tranquillity and long walks along the canals.

If you plan to visit Bruges on a day trip from Brussels, take an early train at around 8 AM. There are trains every 20min and the journey is about an hour.

If you plan a trip around Belgium, divide your time between Brussels and Bruges. For example, stay 2-3 nights in each city. Then from Brussels, you can take a day trip to Antwerp. And you can easily reach Ghent from Bruges.

Best time to visit Bruges

Bruges is a very popular European destination for a weekend or day trip. Plus, the city is especially busy on weekends. Thus, if possible choose the weekdays for your vacation.

For sunny and warm weather, visit the city from May to September. The busiest period is July, August and of course Easter and Christmas.

Winters are not very cold with short daylight hours. During my visit in December, it was almost dark at 4 PM and the sun was rising after 8 AM. Nevertheless, December is a great time to visit Bruges because of the Christmas markets.

Practical information about Bruges

Belgium is a part of the Schengen Agreement (the European border-free area). So you don’t need a Belgium visa, but rather a Schengen visa. If your country is part of the Schengen Agreement, you’ll need only a valid passport or ID card.

The official currency of Belgium is the Euro. Although credit cards (mostly Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in Bruges, you’ll need cash. The smaller restaurants and merchants take only cash. Also, American Express is not popular and not accepted in most places.

Belgium has three official languages – French, German, and Dutch. Bruges is located in the Flemish Region of the country (the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium). However, most of the people are fluent in English, too.

Belgium operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. The associated plug types are C and E.

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About the author

The rickshaw tour we took was the perfect way to see the city. Our guide was very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions!

Hi Hazel, Totally agree with you! The rickshaw tour is the best way to see the city.

I don’t see the “day in Brugge” map you refer to in your article… Where May of find that?

It is right at the beginning of the section – Getting around in Bruges (the first sentence after this title). Here is a direct link to the map , in case you still can’t find it.

Bonjour, hello Milena,

If you had to choose between doing a day in Bruges or doing a day in Ghent, which one would you choose and why? We will be coming from brussels. Thanks in advance!

Hi Christine,

If I had to choose between Ghent and Bruges, I’d definitely choose Bruges. The city is much prettier and more charming than Ghent with many beautiful buildings. In addition, Bruges offers more memorable attractions and the food is better.

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Bruges Itinerary

Last Updated on February 5, 2024

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Located in the Flanders region of Belgium , most people pay a visit to Bruges as a day trip from nearby Ghent or Brussels . While you can get a decent sense of the city in one day, planning a 2 to 3 days in Bruges itinerary is best to get the full experience.

With this amount of time, you’re going to find yourself immersed in so much local culture, cuisine, and history that it might be difficult to know exactly how to spend your days.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Bruges?

Most visitors consider 2 days in Bruges to be the sweet spot for getting to know the city without running out of things to do. Within two days, you can catch the central landmarks, wander the quaint cobblestone streets, and devour a stack of Belgian waffles. You’ll see a good amount of the city with a pretty packed itinerary. 

However, 3 days allows you to explore the city at your leisure, try the different local cuisines, or take a day trip. It’s worth it to take on Bruges (spelled as Brugge in Flemish) at your own pace.

Bear in mind that this beautiful little city is popular with tourists, so it does tend to get busy during Belgium’s peak travel months. The crowds are usually, however, only spending one day in Bruges and the city can clear out in the evenings as day trippers go home.

If you can navigate the crowds for a couple of days, you’ll be rewarded with darling architecture, delicious chocolate, and charming alleys.

Depending on how many days to spend in Bruges you have, you might prioritize visiting historic sites or cultural landmarks. A foodie traveler might consider exploring the many options for waffles and chocolate that Bruges has to offer. Nevertheless, a visit to Bruges is easy to navigate.

Getting To & Around Bruges

The simplest way to get around Bruges is by foot. This is especially true if you’re sticking to the historic city center whose charm makes Bruges famous. In fact, you can cross the entire city in about 30 minutes by foot.

There is a bus system, but it’s only useful for getting from the train station into the city. Even then, the walk from the train station is only about 20 minutes. There is no airport in Bruges–the closest airport is in Brussels.

If you’re arriving into Brussels and heading directly to Bruges, expect the train ride from the Brussels airport to take around 90 minutes. You can view train schedules here. The Bruges train station is located only about a 10-15 minute walk from the old town.

If you’re only coming to the city for one day, it is possible to go on an organised day trip such as this full-day tour from Brussels or this full-day tour from Amsterdam .

2 to 3-Day Bruges Itinerary

Everything during your trip to Bruges can be mixed and matched whether you’re seeing Bruges in 2 days or 3. There are lots of things to do in Bruges, here are our suggestions. 

Day 1 – City Center Highlights

Take a walking tour.

One of the best ways to experience Bruges is by foot. You can set out on your own to discover all the unique corners of the city, or if you’d like to learn a little bit more about Bruges, you can take a guided walking tour. You have no shortage of options here.

There are both free and paid guided tours throughout the city. Most tours begin in the city center. If you’re opting for a private and paid guided tour, make sure to book it in advance. Some options include this guided tour or this private tour.

There are three main types of walking tours in Bruges: historic center tours such as this walking tour and boat cruise , food & drink tours such as this beer tour or this food tour with a local , and night tours with an emphasis on local legends and ghost stories such as this dark side of Bruges tour.

Church of Jerusalem

The Church of Jerusalem, or Jerusalem Chapel, is a fascinating slice of history. From the outside, the church might not catch your eye, but that all changes once you step inside.

The chapel is the private one of the Adornes family and was built in 1429 inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. As you admire the interior, keep a close eye out for the tomb in the center of the church, the stained glass windows, and the Holy Cross relic.

Today, the chapel is still used by its original family for private events, classical concerts, and lectures. However, visitors can experience the site by paying a small fee and entering through the Adornes Estate. 

Market Square & Burg Square

Market Square and Burg Square are the two main squares of shops and restaurants in Bruges. You’ll likely want to stay in an accommodation somewhere around these areas during your weekend in Bruges. Market, or Markt, Square is the more central of the two.

The modest skyline here is dominated by the Belfry of Bruges, an 83-meter-tall tower. You can climb to the top of the tower for a great view out over Bruges. During the winter months, Market Square is adorned with holiday lights and an iconic Christmas market. You can sit on the outdoor patios of restaurants along the square to admire its charm and people-watch.

Burg Square is quieter than Market Square, but no less eye-catching. Look out for the horse-drawn carriages and small green spaces where you can relax on a sunny day.

The city’s administration still exists in the 14th-century Gothic Town Hall that you’ll notice immediately upon entering the square. The buildings here were built over a few centuries, and the diverse architectural styles reflect that. While here, pay a visit to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Liberty of Bruges, and the Deanery. 

Basilica of the Holy Blood

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a strange little chapel, which is why it should absolutely be on your Bruges itinerary.

This 12th-century Romanesque chapel is home to a vial containing a cloth believed to be stained with the blood of Christ.

The chapel itself is a beautiful site to explore, but the lore of the stained cloth draws curious visitors from across the world. From the outside, the chapel is small, built snuggly between two neighboring buildings. If you’re walking too quickly, you might go right past it.

There are usually many visitors at this historic landmark, so try to visit early in the morning or late in the evening. 

Day 2 – Canal Tour, Museums & More

Take a canal boat tour.

If you’re trying to see as much of Bruges as possible, you should add a canal boat tour to your itinerary. When you first step foot in the city, you’ll quickly notice how canals and waterways weave their way through.

Wandering the city by foot is great, but seeing it from the water provides a new perspective. There are a handful of companies that offer boat rides such as this 2-hour tour to visitors throughout the day, rain or shine. The boat takes riders through the main sections of the canal, between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage.

Tour guides provide unique context and history for the parts of Bruges the boats pass to make it an educational as well as exciting way to spend your time. 

Visit the Choco-Story Museum or the Frietmuseum

Chocolate lovers most likely already know Belgium is known for its chocolate. You can take that a step further by visiting the Choco-Story Museum.

Here, you’ll walk through the history of chocolate in Belgium through stories, photos, and taste tests. Walk through the museum to see artefacts from how chocolate has been made over the years and a demonstration of how this delicious chocolate is made. You can book a tour here.

Continue your food experience of Bruges with a visit to the Frietmuseum, or the only known museum dedicated to the history of potatoes.

Potato fries are popular and famous in Belgium. Did you know that fries originate in Belgium? Pay a visit to this museum to learn about the history of fries, how they have been used in other cultures, and how they’re made. You can buy tickets here.

Alternatively, beer lovers should consider heading to the Halve Maan brewery in order to learn more about the brewing process of Belgium’s famed beer and even sample a bit!

Finally, make sure to round out your visit by tasting some of the best fries in the world. 

Eat a Belgian waffle

Chances are you’ve eaten a Belgian waffle before. These thick, warm, and delicious waffles can be found in many places around the world.

As the name would suggest, they originate in Belgium, so naturally, you’ll find the best Belgian waffles here. There are many places throughout Bruges to get a tasty waffle. Some are very popular with tourists, so you can expect to wait in line.

Chez Albert is the most famous waffle shop in Bruges and you can get your waffles sweet or savory. Once you’ve secured your waffle, find somewhere comfortable to sit in Market or Burg Square to enjoy your delicious treat. 

If you want to learn more about how to make waffles, you can book a 1.5-hour workshop here.

Church of Our Lady & Michelangelo’s Madonna with Child

The Church of Our Lady is a Gothic church with a tower that rises high in the skyline. The tower itself is 115.5 meters tall and made of brick making it the second-tallest of its kind in the world.

Today, the church is known for the amount of priceless art pieces that live safely within its walls. Perhaps the most famous of these pieces is Michelangelo’s Madonna with Child. This marble statue is located front and center.

Make sure to budget some time to admire the many paintings and architecture at your leisure. There’s a lot to see inside the Church of Our Lady. 

Day 3 – Ghent, Ostend or Ypres

If you want to venture out of the city when seeing Bruges in 3 days, consider a day trip to somewhere nearby.

Both Bruges and Ghent are considered the fairytale cities of Belgium. Ghent is larger while Bruges has the intimate and charming feel of a small town.

The good news, if you’re staying in Bruges, is that Ghent is only a 30-minute train ride away. Like Bruges, it’s very easy to walk around Ghent but consider calling a taxi or rideshare from the train station.

While in Ghent, make sure to visit Gravensteen, a 10th-century castle with a moat, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, and Saint Nicholas’ Church. The main square is full of Belgian shopping and restaurants to fill your day trip with delicious food and plenty to explore. 

Shake things up a bit by heading to the coast.

Ostend, coupled with the Ostend Harbor and beachfront, is a great day trip if you want to get away from the tourist crowds. In Ostend, you’ll find historic landmarks from the Second World War, the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church, and a museum of fine arts.

Ostend Harbor is the main port for ferries heading to Britain, but it has also been a popular local seaside spa destination since the early 1900s. Walk along the beach or the boardwalk to enjoy the fresh ocean air before heading back to Bruges. 

History buffs will appreciate a day trip to Ypres. The city captures Belgium’s part throughout 20th century wars, especially a series of battles fought between 1914 and 1918 as part of the First World War.

The most famous landmark is the Menin Gate, which historically served as the starting point for soldiers readying themselves to march into war. For more context on the battles fought here, visit the Hooge Crater Museum.

It’s located inside an old church building that was constructed over a battlefield and showcases plenty of interactive exhibits to help explain the history. Take your time exploring the cathedrals and architecture.

This is another great option if you’re looking for a day trip from Bruges that will most likely get you away from the usual tourist crowds. You can book an organised tour here.

Where to Stay in Bruges

Hotel Fevery – Offering double rooms and rooms with balconies, this 3-star hotel in the centre of Bruges is a good option for mid-range visitors. They offer breakfast, private parking and an on-site bar.

Boutique Hotel Die Swaene – A plush and opulent hotel, this is an excellent choice for those visiting Bruges on a luxury budget. There are several ornate rooms and countless amenities to ensure an excellent stay.

Snuffel Hostel – Boasting a 120-bed capacity, this hostel has both dorms and private rooms, a bar for socialising and a perfect location for exploring all Bruges has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bruges hotels!

Whether you’re a traveler motivated by food, history, or culture, Bruges has something for you. It’s a charming little city full of impressive architecture, historical landmarks, and tasty local food. Use this sample itinerary for Bruges to help guide your trip and enjoy your time. 

Are you planning to visit Bruges? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Bruges or Ghent: Which Belgian City to Visit?

Brussels or Bruges: Which Belgian City to Visit?

Amsterdam vs Brussels: Which City to Visit?

About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

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The Perfect One Day in Bruges Itinerary

Beautiful Bruges, with its fairytale architecture, lovely canals, and tasty treats (see: frites, chocolate, beer), is a delightful small European city–and whether you’re taking a day trip to Bruges or spending the night, you can see quite a bit of the city with only one day in Bruges.

Bruges (or in Flemish, Brugge) is our favorite city in Belgium, and while its phenomenal beauty does bring in the tourist crowds, that’s no reason to stay away: the city definitely lives up to the hype.

Heading to Flanders and want to make sure you make the most of your opportunity to see Bruges in a day?

This one day Bruges itinerary will show you how!

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Bruges

Map of your itinerary for bruges, belgium, getting around during a day in bruges, more than one day in bruges, belgium, tips for seeing bruges in a day.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Start your day at Market Square (Markt).

Bruges’ Markt is a colorful delight of a town square.

D ominated by the towering Belfry on one side and an array of colorful buildings on another, this is the perfect spot to start your one day in Bruges.

You’ll see horse-drawn carriages queueing up toward the center, frite carts selling piles of delicious treats, and if you happen to be visiting in December , one of Bruges’ legendary Christmas markets.

Climb the Belfry for great views of Bruges.

Want to get amazing views of Bruges from above?

Before leaving the Markt, head 366 steps up to the top of the towering Belfry.

Tickets run 14 Euro as of the time of writing this Bruges blog post.

If you’re trying to snap photos of the Belfry itself from the foot of the tower, though, don’t be surprised if you can’t get the picture quite right–the belfry actually leans to the east!

Stroll over to the Bruges City Hall.

Completed in the 15th century in a late-Gothic style, the Bruges City Hall is truly remarkable to see from the outside.

And since it’s practically around the corner from the Markt and close to the next stop on this one day in Bruges itinerary, it’s well worth a quick photo op!

Step inside the Basilica of Holy Blood.

Located in Burg Square, right next door to Bruges City Hall sits one of the most interesting houses of worship in Bruges–and one that you might walk right by without realizing it was a church at all if you don’t know it’s there.

The Basilica of Holy Blood contains two chapels: a lower Romanesque one and a neo-Gothic upper one, and it’s the upper chapel where the most interesting feature of the chapel lies.

The chapel houses an impressive relic: a vial of blood and cloth that is said to contain the blood of Christ from the time of his crucifixion.

Take a canal cruise.

Bruges’ canals are absolutely beautiful, and there’s no better way to experience them than from the water.

Hop onto a canal cruise to get a quick tour of the history of the city while taking in absolutely gorgeous views, including views of Bruges’ most famous viewpoint–the Quay of the Rosary.

Of all the places to visit outlined on this one day Bruges itinerary, we’d consider this the most unmissable!

If you’d like to combine a canal cruise with a walking tour of the best of Bruges, this combined tour is a great option.

Meander through Bruges’ streets.

After wrapping up your canal cruise, spend part of your one day in Bruges meandering through the beautiful Old Town streets.

Be sure to stop for lunch and potentially snacks (most importantly, Belgian frites and chocolate) along the way.

Keep an eye out for chocolate shops and lace sellers (another specialty of the region), and consider doing a little souvenir shopping as you explore Bruges.

Make your way to St. Salvator’s Cathedral.

Dating to the 10th century (but not without major renovation work throughout the centuries), Belgium’s beautiful cathedral is absolutely worth a quick peek during your one day in Bruges.

Pay a visit to the Groeningemuseum.

Best known for its superb collection of Flemish primitives, Bruges’ premier art museum houses an impressive amount of Belgian art through the centuries and makes an excellent afternoon stop during your Bruges itinerary.

Snap photos at Bonifacius Bridge.

Located very close to the Groeningemuseum, the Bonifacius Bridge and the Arents courtyard next to it are arguably some of the most photogenic spots in Bruges–in our opinion, anyway. 

The beauty of Bruges’ architecture and canals is on full display here, despite the fact that the beautiful bridge was built in the 20th century, making it one of the newest in the city!

Stop by the Church of Our Lady.

The stunning Church of Our Lady is right by Bonifacius Bridge, and is one of the most notable churches in Bruges, especially for being the home of a striking Madonna and Child sculpture completed by Michelangelo in 1504.

The church is also known for being the final resting place of Charles the Bold (the last Valois Duke of Burgundy) and his daughter, Mary.

Head over to Minnewater Lake.

Making your way to Minnewater Lake will take you over and along some of Bruges’ lovely canals before you arrive at the peaceful lake, which is the perfect place to kick back and relax.

Also known as the Lake of Love, keep an eye out for the Lovers Bridge while there, and of course for all the beautiful swans that call the park home.

If you’re visiting the city on a Bruges day trip, finishing up at Minnewater Lake will leave you fairly close to the train station, making it an excellent final stop on this one day Bruges itinerary.

If you’re spending the night in Bruges, after visiting Minnewater Lake, you’ll no doubt be ready to dive into a hearty Belgian dinner.

B sure to order at least one of Belgium’s famous beers with your meal!

If you can, we highly recommend spending a night in Bruges as part of this one day in Bruges itinerary!

Since it’s so popular to take a day trip to Bruges, visitors who are able to spend a night in city will have the privilege of seeing it without its crowds, which is a special experience!

H ere are some of the loveliest hotels to consider staying in, depending on the budget you have in mind for your Bruges trip.

Hotel Notre Dame — Cozy Hotel Notre Dame is located within a quick walk of most of Bruges’ major sights, including a five-minute walk from Town Hall.

This cozy hotel boasts comfortable rooms, an included continental breakfast, and excellent reviews.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Notre Dame!

The Black Swan Hotel  — Housed in a 17th-century building just around the corner from Grote Markt, the popular Black Swan Hotel is perfect for visitors to Bruges looking to stay in a beautiful, centrally-located building without a luxury price tag.

Be sure to check out the gorgeous conservatory, where an included breakfast is served each morning!

Check rates & book your stay at The Black Swan Hotel!

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce  — Luxurious Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce is a stunning boutique hotel located in a prime location within Bruges.

You can find this property not only along a canal but at the place where two canals meet!

Featuring magnificent rooms decorated with antique decor, wonderful views, and exceptional reviews, Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce is the go-to choice for luxury seekers or those celebrating a special occasion during their trip to Belgium.

Check rates & book your stay at Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce!

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

This one day Bruges itinerary is designed to be entirely walkable!

If you would like, you can spend the entire day on foot, and that includes getting to and from the Bruges train station.

The train station is about a 20-minute walk from Market Square, and most of the walk is quite charming .

With more than one day in the city, you can find plenty more fun things to do in Bruges to keep you busy!

C onsider tracking down the beautiful Bruges windmills, paying a visit to some of Bruges’ quirkier museums like the Frite Museum and Beer Wall, and lingering in plenty of chocolate shops (or even taking a chocolate workshop ).

Of course, if you have longer than a day in Bruges, there’s no reason you need to stay in the city at all !

Bruges is perfectly located for taking countless day trips, including to Ghent , Brussels, Antwerp, and the WWI battlefields near Ypres , just to name a few.

Spend the night if you can.

While you can certainly get a lot of sightseeing done on a day trip to Bruges, spending the night will allow you to experience the city at its absolute best (read: most uncrowded) in the early morning before the daytrippers arrive, and in the evening after they leave.

If you’re visiting during the summer high season or (to a lesser extent) during the Christmas markets, this is even more true.

Consider taking a “free” walking tour.

With only one day in Bruges, some of the city’s secrets and stories will no doubt remain hidden–but you can uncover quite a few by taking a “free” Bruges walking tour!

We loved the walking tour we took on our first trip to Bruges and walked away having learned quite a bit about the city.

If you enjoy walking tours, consider starting your morning with a tour that leaves from the Markt!

We left “free” in quotation marks, because while these tours advertise as being free, what they really mean is that you can set your own price.

T he tour guides are paid based on tips, so be sure to compensate them for their time after the tour!

If you’d rather take a more traditional walking tour with a set price in advance, this walking tour gets excellent reviews and includes a canal cruise.

Book your Bruges walking tour today!

Get inspired to visit by watching In Bruges.

Starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two Irish hitmen hiding out in Bruges, the 2008 dark comedy features plenty of scenes showing off the beauty of the city.

I f you watch In Bruges before arriving to spend one day in Bruges yourself, you’ll no doubt spot a few filming locations as you explore!

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “The Perfect One Day in Bruges Itinerary”

Bruges is one of my favorite European cities. It may be tiny, but it’s so charming. I came here with my mom for a day last year and we just adored it. Your itinerary was pretty similar to ours. Like you say in the article, we wish we had stayed overnight in a hotel to explore it just a bit slower over two days, but one is also enough. Gorgeous photos, and thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much, Lauren! Agreed, it is so charming–we’ve visited twice now and are definitely open to a third trip, lol. Glad you guys had a fantastic day in Bruges!

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A weekend in Bruges, Belgium: 2-day Bruges itinerary

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

How to spend a weekend in Bruges: The best things to see, do, eat and drink in the pretty Belgian city of Bruges in a two-day itinerary featuring its historic buildings, canal boats, beer and chocolate.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

With its cobbled streets, crooked bridges, meandering canals and UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval buildings, Bruges has to be one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. It’s a popular day trip destination, but it’s worth making a weekend of it to take full advantage of Bruges’ historic charms, as well as the Belgian beer and chocolate.

Bruges’ compact size means you can fit a lot into a weekend, and it’s quieter and more atmospheric in the mornings and evenings. So here’s my two-day Bruges itinerary to help you plan the perfect weekend in Bruges, with what to see, where to eat, drink and stay.

How to spend a weekend in Bruges

Friday evening

Check into your accommodation, then start your weekend in Bruges at 2be to try one of Belgium’s most famous exports – its beer. This bar and beer shop is known for its huge ‘wall of beer’, with over 2500 bottles lined up along one side of the building.

They sell beers from across Belgium, and you can sample a few in a beer tasting flight (just watch out for the 12% alcohol brews). There’s a waterside terrace overlooking the picturesque Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) which is a great spot to watch the tour boats sailing by, though be prepared to queue for a table on a sunny evening.

Then head to De Gastro on the other side of the canal for dinner. This family-run restaurant is an informal spot serving traditional French and Belgian dishes made with local ingredients, like rabbit and prunes in beer sauce or Zeebrugge fish stew.

Saturday morning

Start the day in the heart of Bruges at the Grote Markt or market square – it’s one of Bruges’ busiest spots so get there as early if you can to see it before the day-trip crowds arrive. This pedestrianised square (though watch out for horse-drawn carriages) is surrounded by historic gabled buildings, many now housing restaurants and cafés.

Towering above them is the medieval Belfort (belfry). It was built in the 13th century and its 47 bells were used to announce the time and as a fire alarm. And if you’ve seen the black comedy In Bruges , it’s also where one of the characters comes to a messy end.

You can climb to the top of the 83-metre-high tower for spectacular 360-degree views out across Bruges’ rooftops. Though unlike Ghent , whose belfry has a lift, you have to climb 366 narrow, steep spiral stairs to get to the top, so it’s not one for the claustrophobic.

The neighbouring Burg square has been the administrative centre of Bruges for centuries. It’s surrounded by grand buildings, including the 14th-century Staduis (City Hall) with its golden vaulted ceiling and painted walls telling the story of the history of Belgium.

If you want to go inside the Staduis, tickets cost €8 and also cover the Burgse Vrije (Liberty Bruges) next door – though this is only open at weekends. This 18th-century Baroque former courthouse is now used as the City Records Office and is decorated with golden statues and oak carvings, and has a carved chimney dating from 1531.

Also in the Burg is the Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed (Basilica of the Holy Blood). This double-decker chapel has a Romanesque church below and a neo-Gothic church above. It gets its name from a piece of cloth stained with blood on display there, which was supposedly wiped from Christ’s wounds by Joseph of Arimathea after the Crucifixion.

From the Burg, head southwest across the canal towards the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady). If you’re feeling hungry, stop off at the House of Waffles to pick up another of Belgian’s favourite treats, with both sweet and savoury versions.

Saturday afternoon

The Church of Our Lady is a Gothic Roman Catholic church built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Its 115-foot-tall tower is the highest point in Bruges, and one of the tallest brick towers in the world. And inside there’s a museum * displaying the church’s artistic treasures, including a marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child by Michelangelo.

Next carry on south along the canal and cross the pretty Wijngaard Bridge to the Begijnhof. This peaceful square has 30 whitewashed houses set around a central garden. It was built in the 13th century for the beguines – religious women who didn’t take formal vows but lived together and never married. Today it’s home to a community of nuns.

South of the Begijnhof is Minnewater Park – also known as the Lake of Love and a favourite for a romantic stroll. Legend has it if you cross the bridge with your partner, your love with last for eternity. And look out for the swans, which are one of the symbols of Bruges.

Finish the afternoon with a brewery tour at De Halve Maan – The Half Moon. The brewery makes the popular Brugse Zot beer and runs 45-minute tours in English for €16 (book in advance at busy times). The tour goes through the brewing process and takes you along narrow passageways and up ladders onto the rooftop for views over Bruges.

The tour ends with a beer tasting, and there’s also a bar and restaurant. You can eat overlooking the brewing hall or on the terrace. The menu uses beer in dishes like carbonnades flamandes (Flemish beef and beer stew) and Brugse Zot beer paté.

Then head back into the centre of Bruges, stopping at the Rozenhoedkaai which is atmospherically lit up at night. If you fancy a nightcap – and a change from beer – call into the Brugse Gin Club , a speakeasy-style bar with just 20 seats. Knock on the door and if there’s space you can choose from their 500 gins, served with a jazz soundtrack.

Sunday morning

For something a bit different, take a morning walk through the medieval Kruispoort city gate to the east of the city, where you’ll find an area of parkland dotted with windmills. There were originally 25 of them which were used to grind grain to make flour, but only four are left now – the Sint Janshuismolen mill from 1770 is still in use too.

Then call into That’s Toast for brunch, which is served all day. As you’d guess from the name, toast features heavily on the menu, including the savoury Triple Madame with ham, cheese and egg, or you can indulge in a feast of French toast and mimosas.

Bruges’ old town has more canals than roads, so a good way to see a different side of the city is by taking a boat trip. Trips around the canals last half an hour and run from five landing stages around the city centre – Rozenhoedkaai is the busiest, so try one of the quieter spots a bit further out of the centre if the queues there are too long.

Or why not get out of the city centre and explore a bit further afield with a boat trip out to the nearby town of Damme? The historic river boat Lamme Goedzak sails from Bruges to Damme four times a day from April to November and takes 35 minutes each way (you can also walk one way along the canal path which takes around 90 minutes).

The boat leaves from just outside Bruges’ city walls and follows a long, straight canal – originally built so that Damme could be used as a port for Bruges – for four miles. Damme has a book market and a central square surrounded by restaurants for lunch.

Sunday afternoon

Along with beer, Belgium’s other famous export is chocolate, and there are plenty of opportunities to try and buy it around Bruges. The Chocolate Line does amazing handmade chocolates with sometimes bizarre flavour combinations, like Miss Piggy (bacon and almond praline), Havana (tobacco leaves) and Atlanta (Coco Cola ganache).

If you want to find out more about chocolate, Bruges has a whole museum dedicated to it in a former wine tavern built around 1480. Choco-Story * is split into three sections, taking you through the history of cocoa and chocolate-making right back to the Aztecs, how chocolate is made and what it’s been used for. There’s also chance to try some samples.

Or get hands-on with an afternoon chocolate-making class .* This 2.5-hour tour was one of the highlights of our weekend in Bruges. You learn to make professional-style Belgian pralines and mendiants (chocolate discs studded with dried fruit and nuts).

The class starts with a lesson in how to temper chocolate to make it smooth and shiny. Then you craft the delicate shells for the praline and fill them with ganache or fillings like nuts and caramel. Any leftovers are used to make a rich hot chocolate, and you end up with around 30 handmade pralines to take home as the perfect souvenir of Bruges.

Map of things to do in Bruges

The details

When to visit bruges.

Bruges has a temperate oceanic climate, which means it doesn’t usually get too hot or cold. But it does get quite a lot of rain, so pack an umbrella and be prepared for showers. The peak summer season in July and August has the warmest weather with average high temperatures of 21°C (70°F), but also sees the biggest crowds and highest prices.

Spring is a great time to visit Bruges, with low rainfall and average highs of 12–16°C (54–61°F). Autumn temperatures are similar but it tends to be wetter. And winter is mild with average daytime highs of 6ºC (43°F) and nighttime lows of 2°C (36ºF). December is a popular time to visit for the Christmas markets, but January is usually quiet.

How to get to Bruges

Bruges has two train stations – the main station Brugge is around 20 minutes walk south of the historic centre, or Brugge-Sint-Pieters is 25 minutes’ walk to the northwest.

It’s just under an hour by train from Bruges to Brussels Midi/Zuid station, where you can connect to high-speed international routes to Paris (1 hour 20 minutes), Amsterdam (2 hours) and London St Pancras (2 hours). There are also frequent trains linking Bruges to other Belgian destinations like Ghent (25 minutes) and Antwerp (1.5 hours).

Bruges’ nearest airport is Brussels-Zaventem, which is 1.5 hours away by train. There are hourly direct trains and more frequent services where you change at Brussels Midi. There’s also Brussels South Charleroi Airport, which is popular with budget airlines. From there you can take a Flibco shuttle bus to Bruges, which takes 2 hours 10 minutes.

Getting around Bruges

The historic centre of Bruges is fairly small so it’s easy to explore on foot – though beware there are a lot of uneven cobbled streets. Many streets in the centre are car-free or have limited vehicle traffic, but there are bus services. Buses run between Brugge train station and the city centre up to every five minutes, stopping at ’t Zand Square.

A single ticket costs €2.50, and you can also get day tickets, three-day tickets and 10-journey tickets (known as a lijnkaart ). You can buy them from the ticket shop or vending machines at the station, or you can also use contactless payment onboard.

Where to stay in Bruges

Eco-certified B&B Bariseele * is a romantic, adults-only escape on a quiet street 10 minutes from the Grote Markt. Their three en-suite bedrooms have kitchenettes, sofas and dining areas. Breakfast (which you can have in your room) comes with chocolate included, and there are bikes for hire, a guest sauna and lots of local insights from owner Benny.

Located in a converted 18th-century townhouse, The Pand * has a great central location near Rozenhoedkaai. It’s an elegant place to stay, with antique furniture, sparkling chandeliers and a wood-panelled library. There are 26 bedrooms, from small Charming rooms to a Master Suite with whirlpool bath, plus a bar and courtyard garden.

Or the Flanders Hotel * is a good-value option a short walk to Bruges’ historic centre. Its 50 bedrooms are modern and stylish, with rainfall showers and air conditioning, and some have balconies. There are also two gardens and a small indoor swimming pool.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Bruges?*

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Bruges holidays

Bruges holidays and city breaks.

Few cities lend themselves better to a short visit than Bruges, one of Belgium's prettiest destinations. With its winding cobbled lanes, picturesque canals and colourful history, the city feels modelled from a fairytale. Bruges holidays, in fact, feel like stepping into a storybook. The old town’s historic heart has changed so little since medieval times that the entire city centre has been made a UNESCO World Heritage site. Naturally, a Bruges city break is popular with day trippers: trains from Brussels take just under an hour, and the old town can be crossed on foot in half an hour. It’s worth booking a weekend break in Bruges, though, if only to sample its remarkably good dining scene.

Things to do in Bruges

Explore the rich culture of Bruges

The best way to see the city is to explore on foot, but a boat tour of the canals is a fun way to get your bearings. You’ll get a swan’s eye view of the city and lively details from its fascinating past. You can hop on at one of five stops along the route, between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage. Colin Farrell fans are also in for a treat with a tour of 15 locations from his dark comedy film In Bruges . Shopping is one of the best things to do in Bruges.

Bruges' chocolate delights

The city is famous for its chocolate shops: you’ll find one at practically every street corner around the central square. Make sure you leave some space in your bags for other treats to bring home – Bruges has some excellent concept and designer stores.

Things to see in Bruges

It’s easy to imagine medieval life in full swing on Markt, Bruges’s grand central square. Its weekly market has been going for a good thousand years, and you can still grab picnic essentials here come Wednesday mornings. Look out for the neo-gothic Provincial Court on the eastern side of the square and the bronze statue of local heroes Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. You’ll also find horse-drawn carriages for romantic tours of the city. Sint-Joris restaurant, on Markt’s northern side, is a good spot for a pit stop: expect friendly service, cold beer and classic Flemish fare.

Hansa District

North of the Markt, this atmospheric district has kept much of its historic character. Spanish traders settled on Spaanse Loskaai (Spanish Quay), while merchants from the Baltic Hanseatic League set up shop on Oosterlingenplein, or Easterner’s Square. Tranquil Jan van Eyckplein (named after the famous Flemish painter) was once a wealthy, cosmopolitan port. Views from the Spiegelrei canal towards the Burgher’s Lodge are some of the finest in town. See if you can spot the Toll House and the narrow Rijkepijndershuis, the porters’ house illustrated with figures carrying heavy loads

Built on top of the Cloth Hall, the Belfry soars 83 metres high above the city, casting its long shadow over Markt below. It’s worth climbing the 366 steps to the top. The views over Bruge are beautiful, but even more impressive is the enormous musical drum used to run a complex system of gears, strings and 47 bells. Time your visit for one of the 11am Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday concerts to see the carillon in action and feel its full power. In summer, evening concerts take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9pm; grab a spot in the courtyard to listen.

A 15-minute walk south from Markt, this lovely lake and surrounding park feels a world away from the bustle of central Bruges. Its nickname – the Lake of Love – comes from the tragic story of lovers Minna and Stromberg. Legend has it that couples who cross the Minnewater Bridge will be blessed with eternal love. With its weeping willows and pairs of swans gliding gracefully over the water, it’s a perfect spot for a romantic stroll. If you’re less inclined towards romance, cross over to the Beguinage nearby: this community for emancipated single women is now home to Benedictine nuns.

Church of our Lady

After years of painstaking work, the brick-clad Church of our Lady has been restored to full medieval glory. It’s easy to spot from the street, thanks to its tall distinctive steeple. Shipped from Siena by a wealthy Bruges family, a delicate Michelangelo marble of the Madonna and Child is the highlight, but you’ll find other treasures within. There’s a grand triptych of the Passion, plus the gloriously gilded mausoleums of Charles the Bold and his daughter Mary of Burgundy. Entrance to the church is free, but tickets are needed for the museum section containing most of these works.

Where to stay in Bruges

In a city so small and so ancient, the best places to stay in Bruges are central, stylish and full of character. From grand hotels with unique histories to homely B&Bs, there’s something for every budget. You could bed down in cosy guesthouses with a lively bar scene, say, or elegant stays tucked away behind stained-glass windows and timbered façades. If you’re travelling on foot, it can be a good idea to book somewhere by the station, or the uneven cobblestones might make short work of your suitcase wheels. For the ultimate experience, look for a room with canal views. Hotels in Bruges tend to fill up quickly, so book early – especially if you’re looking for cheap places to stay in Bruges.

Best places to eat in Bruges

For a city of its size, Bruges packs a mighty gastronomic punch. With some exceptions, such as the fabulous Tanuki , don’t expect exotic cuisine or fusion flavours. The best places to eat in Bruges draw their inspiration from French and Flemish traditions. Eating in Bruges is a joy, thanks to fashionable restaurants, careful plating and an abundance of fresh local produce. The super-sized mussels at Breydel de Coninck make for a memorable moules frites. Locale works with – you guessed it – locally sourced seasonal and organic produce. If you have something to celebrate, book a table at one of two Michelin-starred restaurants: Zet'Joe or Sans Cravate .

Where to drink beer in Bruges

Propped up on the edge of the water, Brouwerij De Halve Maan Brewery has been churning out Brugse Zot – the city’s strong, hoppy beer – since 1856. Book one of the daily tours for a crash course in brewing; entrance comes with a taster or three, best enjoyed in the beer garden. This being Belgium, it’s by no means the only beer-tasting spot in town. Bierbrasserie Cambrinus has an attractive wood-panelled room and more than 400 different beers on its menu. Check out local bands at hip late-night venue De Kelk in the Sint-Anna quarter – the craft beer and cocktail selection isn’t bad, either.

Where to brunch in Bruges

There’s nothing like a proper brunch to get in the mood for a day of exploring. Thankfully there are plenty of trendy spots in Bruges to start the day right. Right on the picturesque Jan van Eyckplein, Blackbird claims to serve the best breakfasts in town. It’s hard to argue with the cosy café’s colourful take on the most important meal of the day. The menu’s vegan-friendly: expect fluffy pancakes, nutrient-packed bowls and sparkling mimosas. Overslept? Not to worry – That’s Toast serves delicious breakfasts, proper coffee and freshly mixed juices until mid-afternoon.

The best waffles in Bruges

There’s nothing quite so restorative as a warm, freshly baked waffle when you’ve been hitting the cobblestones all day. You could just follow your nose to the nearest stall (this is Belgium, after all), but waffles aren’t all made equal. On Katelijnestraat, Otto Waffle Atelier rustles up oat waffles garnished with tempting toppings, like a rather grown-up rhubarb and ginger compote. Look for the Arlecchino van by the Markt, where Liège and Brussels style waffles are cooked to order. If you’d rather sit in, make a beeline for Lizzie’s Wafels ’ extra-large, heaven-scented creations.

Best time to visit Bruges

An all-weather knockout, Bruges can be enjoyed in any season. In spring, daffodils bloom in the Beginjhof’s tranquil gardens; it’s a good time to experience the city at a more leisurely pace. Look out for the Procession of the Holy Blood, a colourful tradition that has been taking place on Ascension Day since 1304. Summer crowds can get a bit wearing, though there’s plenty of peaceful pockets to be found off the beaten path. Make time for a visit to the Sint-Janhuis windmill in Park Kruisvest. The Christmas Market in Bruges is magical – but if you miss that special time of the year, De Witte Pelikaan sells handcrafted Christmas ornaments throughout the year.

Book a train and hotel package to Bruges

Eurostar city breaks to Bruges don’t begin and end with the travel, we also give you the opportunity to select your hotel and book the full trip with us.

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The Ultimate One Day in Bruges Itinerary for a Perfect City Trip

The gorgeous gothic city of Bruges, also known as Brugge in Flemish, looks like it’s stepped out of the pages of a fairy tale, with its medieval buildings and meandering canals. Most of the best things to see in Bruges are within short distance of each other- often within walking distance, so you’ll be able to do a lot in just one day in Bruges!

This 1-day Bruges itinerary was written by Zhen from Greedy Girl Gourmet .

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, the small commission will help me produce more free content for you. For more information, please refer to my  privacy policy .

Table of Contents

One Day in Bruges Itinerary

Europe gets hot in summer, so my favorite times to visit Bruges are spring or fall when the temperatures are slightly lower but with enough sunlight, allowing you to pack a lot in one day. Let me guide you through this itinerary for spending one day in Bruges!

Morning: Markt Square, Breakfast and Boats

Visit the market square.

I suggest starting your day at the iconic Market Square, where you can:

• Marvel at the iconic 83-meter-tall Belfry Tower of Bruges (Belfort van Brugge), a UNESCO World Heritage Site tall enough to be seen from most parts of the city. Those who are more fit may want to climb the 366 steps up to the top to hear the bells ring from close-up, as well as get a bird’s eye view of the canals and surrounding buildings. However, note that the number of people allowed to do so is quite limited, so expect to queue for some time. (I highly recommend booking a ticket in advance.)
• Admire the Provincial Court (Provinciaal Hof): in the 13th century boats could reach this building!
• Try some of the famous Belgian waffles with a cup of hot chocolate.

If you’re in Bruges on a Wednesday, there has been a weekly market held at Market Square since 1985. You can check out some of the stalls, but it’s mostly fresh produce, so it may only interest those staying somewhere with an attached kitchenette for cooking. Market Square is also the meeting place for free walking tours, which is a fun way to spend a few hours in Bruges and hear some local insights into the city.

Embark on a Boat tour

Bruges is a very walkable city, but one of the best ways to see it is definitely by taking a boat tour through its waterways. Before 2016, you used to be able to see Fidel, the cutest golden retriever, hanging out or sleeping in one of the windows of Côté Canal but, unfortunately, he has since passed on.

However, you may still be lucky enough to see swans gliding by your boat, during the (approximately) 30-minute journey which will take you past many of Bruge’s most famous attractions, between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage. The canals were built as part of the city’s old shipping industry and are now also UNESCO World Heritage sites. Along the way, the boat captains will share many anecdotes and fun facts about the city.

Where and when you can board a boat ride: Huidenvettersplein 13, 8000 Brugge (5 minutes from the Belfry.) The boat rides are available if you visit between early March and mid-November. During other times, their availability will be at the discretion of the boat companies.

Explore Burg Square

Just 3 minutes from Market Square is Burg Square , one of the oldest bits of the city center and where all the important decisions about Bruges are made. Even today, the city administration of Bruges still occupies the imposing, 14th-century Gothic Town Hall.

Here, you can visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek). The 12th-century church gets its interesting name from a religious artifact that is thought to hold a drop of blood from Jesus Christ. One of the best Gothic buildings in Bruges, the church is also free to enter (although if you want to visit the museum in the church, there is a fee). Admire buildings from every period of Bruges’ history: the medieval town hall, the neoclassical court of justice, or the baroque deanery. For lunch, there are waffle vendors here as well as many cafes and restaurants.

Afternoon: Chocolate museum, art museum and/ or Brewery Tour

Discover the chocolate museum.

As a chocoholic and Asian food blogger, visiting Choco-Story , the Chocolate Museum where you can learn all about the history and process of chocolate-making in Belgium is one of my favorite things to do in Bruges. And, of course, indulge in some of the freshly made sweet treats! I learned enough to make my own Matcha Nama Chocolate when I got back (click through for the recipe).

You can visit the museum alone or combine it with a workshop where you get to make your own chocolates . Together, the museum tour and class will take about 1.5 hours. Even if you don’t take part in a workshop, the tour itself ends with a demo and tasting session, which is included in the price. You will need to climb stairs in the museum, so it may be an issue for the elderly and less mobile. (My Asian travel blog, alovelettertoasia.com , focuses on traveling with elderly relatives, so I always take note of how accessible attractions are.)

Visit the Art Museum ( Groeningemuseum )

In the Groeningemuseum you can view six centuries of Flemish and Belgian art, from Flemish Primitive art to 18th and 19th-century pieces and modern artworks. (The historic collections are better than the modern ones though). Audio guides in various languages are available, but the information provided is quite sparse, so Google will be your best friend here. Enjoy seeing works by Jan van Eyck, Hans Mewling, Gerard David, and many other artists.

Depending on how much time you spent at the earlier attractions, you may or may not have time for a Brewery Tour . I’m not a huge fan of beer, but since we’re in Belgium , how can we not visit one of Bruges’ historic breweries? I recommend De Halve Maan Brewery (Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan) where you can sample local Belgian beers (even unfiltered ones) and learn about the brewing process from the past to the present day. The tour lasts for around 45 to 60 minutes.

For those of you who skipped walking to the top of the Belfry, you can also get a good view of the city from the brewery’s roof. The brewery also has a restaurant, so you can have an early dinner here to wash down the beer (the meat stew is great!). Like the Choco-museum, this brewery tour involves climbing steps- some quite narrow and steep- so consider yourself forewarned!

Evening: Stroll along the Quay of the Rosary

Take a stroll along the scenic Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary.) Located beside the canal, this is a gorgeous spot where you can practice your photography skills and try to capture the sunset. If you didn’t grab a bite at the brewery’s restaurant, there are many eateries nearby where you can stop for dinner, or maybe grab some traditional Belgian frites (fries) from a local vendor.

Alternatively, you can visit first thing in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds. If you did that, you could visit Minnewater Lake , or the water of love, in the evening instead. This quiet park with over 3000 trees is about 15-20 minutes from the city center and a favorite place for lovers to take a stroll: it is said that despite its association with tragic romance, lovers who cross the bridge together will live happily ever after. Ironically, the lake is said to be named after a young lady Minna, who was in love with a warrior Stromberg but forced by her family to marry someone else. To escape a loveless marriage, she ran away and ended up dying in Stromberg’s arms.

What to Eat in Bruges

Some local specialties to try in Bruges are:

• moules-frites (mussels and fries): there is even a Fries Museum in Bruges! Poules Moules is a popular place to eat this.
• carbonade flamande : this Flemish beef stew cooked in beer is the perfect comfort food for winter and my favorite dish of the trip
• chocolate : be sure to try the city’s own chocolate, the Bruges swan or Brugsch Swaentje.

Where to stay for one day in Bruges

The best place to stay for one day in Bruges would depend on your budget! The city is also close enough to Brussels and Ghent that you could stay at either place or train over. (I’d say yes to a day trip to Brussels but not to Ghent- Bruges is much prettier than Ghent, in my opinion.) If you decide to base yourself in Bruges, I highly recommend staying in the old city center (so much prettier.) Some hotels you can consider include:

The Dog House : if you’re traveling with your pooch or just a dog-lover, this dog-friendly, luxury bed-and-breakfast is perfect for you. Located very close to the center of Bruges- but not right smack in the middle of the madness- it has stylish interiors, an area for your best friend to chill, and an outdoor courtyard.

Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges : For those with a larger budget, go for this hotel that has historic charm but modern conveniences, such as a wellness center and hammam.

B&B Huis Koning : situated along Canal Reien, this charming adults-only bed and breakfast makes for a wonderful stay within easy distance of Grote Markt. They only have four rooms (AC-ed!) so you have to act fast!

Don’t forget to save this post for spending one day in Bruges!

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If you set out to design a fairy-tale medieval town, it would be hard to improve on central Bruges (Brugge in Dutch), one of Europe's best preserved cities. Picturesque cobbled lanes and dreamy canals link photogenic market squares lined with soaring towers, historical churches and lane after lane of old whitewashed almshouses.

Best Things to Do

Attractions, must-see attractions.

The heart of ancient Bruges, the old market square is lined with pavement cafes beneath step-gabled facades. The buildings aren't always quite as medieval…

Groeningemuseum

Bruges’ most celebrated art gallery boasts an astonishingly rich collection that's strong in superb Flemish Primitive and Renaissance works, depicting the…

Museum Sint-Janshospitaal

In the restored chapel of a 12th-century hospital building with superb timber beamwork, this museum shows various torturous-looking medical implements,…

Towering 83m above the square like a gigantic medieval rocket is this fabulous 13th-century belfry. There’s relatively little to see inside, but it’s…

Just east of the Markt, the less theatrical but still enchanting Burg has been Bruges' administrative centre for centuries. It's in this area you'll find…

Kasteel van Loppem

Around 10km south of Bruges, Kasteel van Loppem is a mid-19th-century brick castle-mansion which had its moment of fame at the end of WWI when it was…

Bruges’ delightful begijnhof dates from the 13th century. Despite the hordes of summer tourists, remains a remarkably tranquil haven. Outside the 1776…

Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed

The western end of the stadhuis morphs into the Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed. The basilica takes its name from a phial supposedly containing a few drops…

Top picks from our travel experts

17 of the best experiences in bruges.

Try the fabulous Garre draught beer, which comes with a thick floral head in a glass that’s almost a brandy balloon; the pub will only serve you three of…

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

Dominating its surrounds, this 13th-century church was reopened in 2015 after extensive renovations. Its enormous 115m spire is unmissable throughout much…

St-Bonifaciusbrug

Stand atop the 20th-century stone Bonifacius bridge, itself amply photogenic, for lovely vistas of the canal and surrounds.

The beautiful 1420 stadhuis features a fanciful facade that’s second only to Leuven’s for exquisitely turreted Gothic excess. Inside, an audioguide…

Concertgebouw

Bruges’ stunning 21st-century concert hall is the work of architects Paul Robbrecht and Hilde Daem. It takes its design cues from the city’s three famous…

Het Zand Square

Under ongoing redevelopment since 2015, ’t Zand is Bruges' largest public square and a major transport hub, fringed with shops, hotels and restaurants…

Frietmuseum

Follows the history of the potato from ancient Inca grave sites to the Belgian fryer. The entry fee includes a discount token for the basement frituur …

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Bruges, Belgium

Bruges may be the most photogenic city in Europe — with scenic canals, cobblestone streets, and twinkling Christmas markets.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

• Best Hotels and Resorts

Best Things to Do

Best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Amsterdam may be known for its picturesque canals, but it's far from the only European destination with such appeal. Located in northwest Belgium, Bruges enchants travelers with its scenic waterways, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture.

Compact and chock-full of photogenic landmarks — notably the Belfry of Bruges and 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall) — the capital of West Flanders is prime for walking tours and aimless wandering. It’s also a joy for cycling. From the hidden passages with secrets ready to be discovered to the bustling squares, the city exudes a storybook atmosphere . The sweet smell of waffles and chocolate wafts out of confection shops. Cozy bars and quayside breweries pour Belgian beer for tourists and locals. Restaurants give visitors a taste of local cuisine with menus that spotlight cheese croquettes and beef stew. 

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Many travelers opt to visit Bruges as a quick day trip from Brussels (the direct train runs frequently and takes less than an hour). However, it’s certainly worth staying the night to experience the full scope of its charm, from the early morning light that shines over the rooftops to the ambience when the sun goes down.

We talked to local tour guides to discover the best places to see, eat, drink, and stay in Bruges.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Stay at Hotel Van Cleef for picturesque views and posh design that chronicles Bruges through the ages. 
• Admire the beautiful architecture on a scenic boat ride along the canals. 
• Climb 366 steps to the top of the symbolic Belfry of Bruges for sweeping vistas (and a well-deserved sense of accomplishment). 
• If only visiting for the day, be sure to book a historic walking tour to hit all the key attractions.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate-drizzled waffle from House of Waffles Brugge.

Courtesy of The Pand Hotel

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Hotel van cleef.

Housed inside a stately neoclassical mansion on the fringe of the quieter Sint-Anna Quarter, Hotel Van Cleef captures the many charms of Bruges through the centuries. It’s grand and elegant yet intimate, with a mix of vintage and modern decor, eye-catching art, and a glorious canalside terrace that’s perfect for starting the day with Belgian waffles. 

Hotel Dukes' Palace

The only five-star property in the city, Hotel Dukes' Palace oozes opulence with noble pomp and circumstance galore, but it’s not overly stuffy or fussy. The beauty of a stay here lies within the quiet luxury that permeates everything from the regal restaurant to the deluxe suites featuring ornate fabrics, period furnishings, and marble bathrooms. 

The Pand Hotel

Tucked inside an old carriage house dating back to the 18th century, The Pand Hotel , a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World , feels like a nostalgic hidden gem. Precious antiques, collectibles, and art fill the atmospheric library and lounges. Sanctuary-like suites are outfitted with exquisite textiles, fireplaces, and four-poster beds. The patio is the perfect spot for a cocktail. 

Grand Hotel Casselbergh

Located in the heart of the city, Grand Hotel Casselbergh blends past and present beautifully. Occupying carefully renovated historic houses and a newly built annex, the property is a bastion of timeless character with nods to both medieval and modern-day Bruges. In addition to canal-view rooms, it has a subterranean spa, a jewel-box bar, and a breakfast restaurant. 

T+L Backpack Quiz

Hotel de orangerie.

Hotel de Orangerie , a former 15th-century Carthusian convent, is now a boutique bolthole and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It possesses a picture-perfect canalside location near Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres and character-filled interior spaces for guests to unwind. There’s a cozy salon for afternoon tea and aperitifs, as well as bedrooms decorated with floral wallpaper, sumptuous fabrics, and antiques. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Canal Boat Ride

A tour along the historic canal is a must when in Bruges. “It’s a wonderful way to discover the city from another viewpoint,” says Rik Callens , a ToursByLocals guide in Bruges. “While cruising along the scenic waterways, visitors will see beautiful architecture and many charming surprises only visible from the water.” Boats depart at regular intervals throughout the day and into the early evening. 

Belfry of Bruges

Built in the 13th century, the towering medieval Belfry of Bruges in Markt is a symbol of the city and not to be missed. “Visitors can climb the 366 steps to the top for incredible views,” explains Albert Casasín , a ToursByLocals guide in Bruges. 

Burg Square

Located in the center of Bruges, Burg Square houses some of the most monumental and magnificent landmark buildings in the city, including the 14th-century City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Afterward, stop by one of the many nearby artisan chocolate shops for decadent, handcrafted truffles and bonbons.

Groeningemuseum

After familiarizing yourself with the key landmarks, Natalie Tall , a ToursByLocals guide in Bruges, suggests visiting the Groeningemuseum ​. “It's quite exquisite with an impressive collection of art by Flemish and Belgian masters that span the course of centuries. Definitely do the audio tour to gain a deeper understanding.” 

Lake of Love

The Lake of Love, which sits next to Minnewaterpark in the southern part of the city, is an alluring and relaxing place that’s steeped in natural beauty. In the winter, visitors spin around the ice rink, which is illuminated by twinkling lights. Summer, meanwhile, means picnics and concerts.

One of Casasín’s absolute favorite restaurants in Bruges, De Stove is small, cozy, and situated in the heart of the city. “It’s a place that transmits charm and authenticity with incredible food and a warm atmosphere,” he says.

“Dining at Bruut is always such a treat,” says Tall. “It’s an elevated dining experience that comprises 10 courses prepared by a talented chef, personal service, and impeccable wine pairings.”

One Restaurant

One Restaurant serves delicious local dishes, plus cocktails, wine, and a good selection of Belgian beers, in a wonderfully gorgeous setting with an intimate dining room and a foliage-framed patio.  

De Twijfelaar

Casasín recommends De Twijfelaar because of its creative dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The colorful, art-filled dining room matches the spirit of the menu. Plus, there’s a lovely terrace for dining in the summer. 

House of Waffles Brugge

Have a hankering for something sweet? You’ve come to the right place. The Flemish capital is very much a dessert mecca. House of Waffles Brugge satisfies cravings with freshly made golden waffles topped with drizzled chocolate and strawberries. 

agustavop/Getty Images

Bruges supplies numerous reasons to visit in every season. Spring brings daffodils. The weather is pleasant in the summer. Want to avoid the crowds? Consider shoulder season in the fall. If you’re keen to get swept up in the yuletide spirit, it’s worth planning a trip in December to experience the famous holiday markets and light displays that turn the city into a real-life Hallmark card. 

Bruges is quite accessible, with direct trains leaving from Brussels regularly. The journey only takes about 55 minutes and costs less than $20. 

It’s easy to navigate Bruges on foot. Free historic walking tours are available, if you’re looking to pack in all the key attractions and gain some valuable insights along the way. That’s certainly not to put anyone off aimless wandering. Boat rides along the canal offer a unique perspective. Cycling and carriage rides round out the list of transport methods. 

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Bruges travel blog — the fullest bruges travel guide for a perfect bruges on a budget trip for the first-timers.

Dubbed the “Venice of Nordic”, the city of Bruges (Brugge) tops the list of the most beautiful places in Belgium. Anyone who has ever been to Belgium must definitely visit this place that ‘In Brugge’ movie was filmed. Bruges has a romantic beauty with many mossy ancient bridges across on small canals and beautiful medieval European architecture. Bruges is a dream destination not only for couples but also for many solo travelers. Here you will see the signature beauty of Bruges in many beautiful and small ancient buildings, enjoy delicious food, walk or cycle through the alleys of the old town. So, is Bruges worth visiting and what to do in Bruges? Let’s check out our Bruges travel blog (Bruges blog, Brugge blog, Brugge travel blog) with the fullest Bruges travel guide (Bruges city guide, Bruges visitor guide, Brugge travel guide, Brugge city guide) for a perfect Bruges on a budget for the first time from best places to visit, top things to do, where to stay, what to eat… to find out the answer!

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Bruges travel blog: Getting to and around Bruges

Means of transportation from major tourist cities in Belgium such as Brussels, Ghent to Bruges is extremely convenient. You can easily catch the train, bus or blablacar to getting here for just under EUR 10/way. Note that for young people under 26 years old when traveling by train will be discounted with GoPass only €6/way when traveling from anywhere in Belgium. If you go to Belgium from other cities, you can also take a plane, train or bus. I usually find deals on RyanAir and GoEuro, see more here .

• Ghent and Bruges Day Tour from Brussels

The best way to discover Bruges is to walking around the roads and alleys and visiting many chocolate shops everywhere. You can also rent a bicycle to cycle around, go to the nearby beach in the summer or further to the Northeast to explore the windmill fields. If you prefer to be more luxurious and romantic, you can take a boat along the canals of Bruges, passing the In Brugges filming spots located next to the beautiful, luxurious restaurants. Tourists in Bruges often go to these locations to take photos and check-in which are very crowded. Riding by horse-drawn carriage around the city is also an interesting experience.

• Bruges Day Tour from Brussels

Brugge travel blog: When is the best time to visit Bruges?

Bruges is always crowded with tourists, so you should avoid going to in June, July, August and Christmas (December) when traveling here. This is also true for other extremely hot tourist destinations in Europe such as Venice, Santorini, Pisa, … The good time to travel to Belgium is in the spring (March, April) when the climate has warmed, or in autumn (September, November) when the weather in Bruges is very beautiful. I came here at the end of November and throughout the city, especially in the evening, magically decorated for Christmas. At this time, tourists in Bruges are not too crowded, so you can enjoy all the magical atmosphere characteristic of Bruges, and also do not disturb the locals.

Bruges travel blog: Best places to visit, top things to do in Bruges

Bruges is a tiny city in the small Kingdom of Belgium, but there are countless things to do and experience here. The sights and attractions not to be missed are concentrated around Burg Square (City Hall, The Golden Palace of Justice, Brugse Vrije Museum, Basilica of the Holy Blood); and Grote Markt Central Square (Historium Bruges Museum, Belfry bell tower). Some of the other impressive attractions that only Bruges has are its beer museum and mossy old bridges.

Wandering in the old town

Or you don’t need to have a specific plan to go anywhere. You can wander here all day without getting bored, walking along the canal, watching the architectural works create a scene even more beautiful than a picture.

Burg Square

Burg Square is one of the most beautiful architectural places in Bruges, located right next to the central square. Visit the magnificent City Hall (free admission to the museum on the first floor), the Golden Palace of Justice next door (€ 4 for people under 26), Brugge Vrjie museum , Basilica of the Holy Blood (known as the place where Jesus’ blood is kept).

Grote Markt Central Square

Belfry bell tower is one of the tourist attractions in the square, because from here you can enjoy the panoramic view of the city of Bruges. However, the entry tickets are quite expensive and the view is not beautiful on bad weather. In front of the tower are two famous shops selling fries of the city, worth a try. Grote Markt is surrounded by many restaurants, and cafes with the price quite expensive, but in return, you can watch the flow of people crossing the square and the colorful old houses.

If you want to learn more about Belgian history, culture, art, you should visit the Historium Museum , the Groeninge Museum (art museum), Frietmuseum (potato fries museum), … If you like learning about the history of Bruges, you should go to Historium museum. There are three floors of interactive electronic exhibition showcasing the city from its inception, experiencing its golden age and long history to this day. Bruges was once one of the major ports – the largest trading center in Europe before. The city is also famous for its embroidery.

Joining free walking tour

Bruges is one of the most expensive cities in Belgium because it is the best tourist city in Belgium and locals mainly earn their income based on tourism services. In order to discover Belgium quickly and save the optimal cost, I joined in Can You Handle It walking tour. Tour itinerary: Old bridges – Queen Astrid Park – Old House – Fish Market – Burg Square – Chocolaterie de Burg – Grote Markt – food street of Sint Amandsstraat. When you join this tour, you immediately receive a 15-20% discount when you visit the Beer Museum and buy chocolates in Marleen shop (read more about Marleen below). This is one of the best of the dozens of free walking tours I’ve ever experienced. This tour also departs in other major tourist cities in Germany and Belgium (Ghent, Cologne, Stuttgart). In Cologne, I also took this tour and still stay in touch with my guide who is very cute. See details here: http://cyhitours.com

Brugge travel blog: Where to stay in Bruges?

Bruges is one of the cities attract the largest number of tourists of Belgium. Therefore, even the cost of a hostel or guesthouse in this city is extremely expensive compared to the average price of the region. Couch-surfing and AirBnB are also always full during the peak tourist season (June to August – a time when it is estimated that the number of tourists is greater than the locals here). Some of the hostels I’ve used to stay at an affordable price, nice bars and very good atmosphere are St Christopher’s Inn Hostel at The Bauhaus and Charlie Rockets . From Charlie Rockets, you can also take a free walking tour around the city that departs several times a week.

Charlie Rockets Youth Hostel : Formerly the largest cinema in Bruges, Charlie Rockets is now one of the best hostels in Bruges decorated in an impressive vintage style (wallpaper newspaper, European-style chandelier, live music stage, …). In the lobby, there is a magnificent bar, a billiard room with 5 large tables, inside of all 19 rooms equivalent to 76 beds. Dorm bed price starts from € 18/night. The double room price is € 55/night, including breakfast. Choose stay here, you will be given a Bruges card to get ticket discounts at many attractions and restaurants around Bruges. (You can check rates, reviews and book on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

St Christopher’s Inn Hostel at The Bauhaus : If you are a true backpacker that love Belgian beer, you should experience 1 night at Bauhaus. The hostel bar has over 25 Belgian beers, including the region’s rarest specialties such as Trappist and Brugge Rot. The location of this hostel is convenient for traveling. Although the building and lobby are somewhat ancient, the interior room is designed in a modern style, ensuring comfort. (You can check rates, reviews and book on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Botaniek Hotel , a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $114/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Dukes’ Palace Bruges , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $174/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Jan Brito , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $139/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel De Medici , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $147/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $138/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Navarra Brugge , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $124/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Check out more top and best hotels in Bruges on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Bruges blog: What and where to eat in Bruges?

Although not as famous as France or Italy, but it would be a big mistake if you miss the opportunity to enjoy Belgian cuisine. In this small country, you will find a harmonious combination of French, German and Dutch cuisines.

Fastfood: The famous Belgian fast food is waffle (combined with a variety of creams and fruits, just looking will make you mouthwatering !) And chips (deep-fried in Belgian style, big and crunchy fries, served with ketchup or mayo).

Big meals: Definitely salty foods to try are moules, beer stew beef served with bread or chips and mustard (Carbonade Flamande) at ‘t Vagevuur restaurant (Address: Sint-Amandsstraat 23, 8000 Brugge, Belgium / Hours: 10:30AM–10PM) . I got a free glass of wine only with meal of EUR 15.

If you want to discover more about Belgian cuisine, you should avoid eating in the main square of Grote Markt because the restaurants here are extremely expensive. Another restaurant with cheap Western food is Pasta Presto (Address: Sint-Amandsstraat 17, 8000 Brugge, Belgium / Hours: 11:30AM–8:30PM; Monday, Sunday: Closed) that serving take-away fast food such as pizza, spaghetti, hamburger, …

Belgian chocolates: Belgian chocolates are plentiful, the best to buy is in chocolate shops but it is cheaper to buy in supermarkets, just buy the famous brands such as Côte d’or, Godiva or Neuhaus is OK.

In Bruges there is also a chocolate road (Chocolaterie de Burg). Here you can taste a dozens of different hand-made chocolates such as Choco Beer (chocolate filled with beer), Speculoos Cookies (chocolate biscuits), Florentine (dark chocolate or caramel-filled milk and almond specially made from Bruges), … I bought chocolate at the Marleen shop (Address: Burg 15, 8000 Brugge, Belgium) because of the affordable price, discount after take the walking tour and they even give me try it before I buy.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Bruges you can refer to

• Bruges Day Trip From Amsterdam
• Bruges Day Tour from Paris
• Highlights of Bruges 2-Hour Rickshaw Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Bruges: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Bruges 1 day itinerary — How to visit Bruges in a day & What to do in bruges in one day trip ? And Belgium guide here .

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Bruges Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip

Planning your travels to Bruges? Don’t miss this handy Bruges travel guide – what to see, the best time to visit, where to stay and other travel tips for the perfect trip. 

Bruges (Brugge in Flemish) is, quite frankly, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. 

A maze of gorgeous canals twinkling in the sun, quirky buildings with stepped roofs and elaborate patterns – it’s no wonder that it’s an eternally popular city break destination. 

The old capital of Flanders, the interesting buildings and picturesque canals make it easy to picture what Bruges would have looked like in medieval times – and also form the basis of its nickname “ The Venice of the North ”.

I’ve visited Bruges a number of times and yet, I never tire of its views. But don’t just think of this as a pretty place, a bland backdrop for Insta poses and not much else. Once the epicentre of Belgium’s cloth industry and a commercial hub, you can spy relics of the city’s former importance around every corner. 

Add to that a quiet charm and more than its fair share of quirky spots and you have a destination that should go straight to the top of your European travel bucket list . 

It’s time to discover Bruges.

Click here to open my guide to Bruges attractions – complete with an accompanying Google Map for you to save to your phone.

Where Is Bruges? Why Should I Visit?

Bruges is a mid-size city in northwest Belgium. It’s the capital of the West Flanders region, and has a population of around 110,000. 

This means it’s a relatively small city but with a big reputation.

Another reason for Bruges’ popularity is that it is super easy to get to from a number of other cities/ ports both within Belgium at from further afar. Some of the cities within two hours’ travel from Bruges include Amsterdam (Netherlands), Brussels (Belgium) and Dunkirk (France).

How to Plan Your Travel to Bruges: Before You Go

Best Time to Visit Bruges

Overall, Bruges has a pretty mild climate – meaning things can get chilly but not totally freezing, even in the winter. The reverse is also true – summer is definitely on the warm side, but not scorching.

Whenever you can go! Okay, moving away from the travel blog cliches to give you a proper answer.

This means you do have a fair bit of choice as to the best time to visit Bruges. Personally, I like travelling in the spring – around April/May.

At this time, things are warming up and the flowers are out in force. However, the mad crowds that arrive in June/July/August loom further away on the horizon, giving you a little more room to breathe.

The only time I would potentially avoid Bruges is January. You can certainly visit at this time, and it’s a quiet time to go – but some attractions are closed. 

So, if you have anything you absolutely must see, make sure you check it’s open before you book your January journey.

Read Next: When is the Best Time to Visit Bruges? A Step by Step Guide

Handy Resources for Getting To Bruges

Since Bruges is so close to various transport hubs, getting there is pretty much a piece of cake. 

If you’re wondering “how do I get to Bruges”, you’ll be happy to hear that there are plenty of great options.

The nearest airport is Oostende-Brugge International Airport (OST). It’s a half-hour drive to the centre of Bruges or you can get a bus/train combination that takes around 45 minutes (excluding connections). 

By Train 

Bruges’ Centrum station is about a 20 minute walk to the centre of town. It’s connected to the UK via the Eurostar (you need to change in Brussels to a normal train – the cost is included in your ticket) and to many other European destinations by train. 

Here are some handy resources to help you on your way to gorgeous Bruges:

• Skyscanner – the best website for finding cheap flights to Bruges. It instantly compares various booking sites and airlines, and will even let you search the whole month so you can snap up a bargain.
• Eurostar – worried about your carbon footprint or just not keen on flying? I love catching the Eurostar. It’s convenient from central London, fast and you get to admire some scenery on the way.
• Rail Europe – if you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe, then you’ll probably want to book your ticket via Rail Europe. There’s lots of connections from France, the Netherlands and more.

Where to Stay in Bruges

Bruges is a fairly compact city, meaning even if you stay on the outskirts you won’t be hiking for miles to find the main attractions.

That said, I personally recommend staying around the Markt/Burg area when you travel to Bruges. This is the most happening part of the city, and you’ll have tons of cool stuff right on your doorstep.

This means less time walking between destinations and more time spent actually seeing the sights of Bruges.

I understand that staying in the centre can be pricey (and bustling), so if you are looking for a more affordable or quieter option, there are other choices. The area around Minnewater Park is peaceful and relaxing, while Sint Anna is a good choice if you’re looking for value for money.

High End – Hotel De Orangerie 

De Orangerie is the perfect option if you’re looking for a high-end stay in the centre and boasts luxury rooms in a converted 15th century monastery.

Check rates and reviews for Hotel De Orangerie

Mid-Range – Novotel Centrum 

The Novotel isn’t going to set anyone’s world alight but it is contemporary and comfortable, and very well-priced for its location. 

Check rates and reviews for Novotel Centrum

Read more: Where to Stay in Bruges: The Best Neighbourhoods and Hotels in the City

Packing for Your Bruges Trip

Bruges’ mild climate and tendency for rain (ah, just like London) means you’ll probably want to pack a few layers and a brolly any time of year. However, exactly what to pack does depend a fair bit on the season and forecast.

Read more: My Comprehensive Europe Packing Guide.

Bruges City Guide: What to Do During Your Bruges Trip

Top 5 Things to do in Bruges 

Short on time and keen to see the absolute most unmissable spots in Bruges? I’ve got you.

It simply would not be a Brugge travel guide unless I recommended a visit to the Belfort Tower. It’s Bruges most iconic attraction, and a definite must see.

The tower is 86 metres high and was built back in 1240, and then expanded significantly in the 15th century.

Today, it is most famous for the amazing view you can get from the top. You’ll have to climb over 300 steps to make it, but trust me – the sore legs are totally worth it for the gorgeous views.

Markt & Burg Squares

Bruges boasts not one but two gorgeous squares. The first is Markt Square, where you’ll also find the Belfort.

It’s one of the prettiest market squares in Europe – and anyone who’s been to Europe knows that the continent isn’t short on market squares. It’s particularly charming with its Flemish buildings and market stalls.

Within an easy walk is Markt’s little sister, Burg. Archaeological evidence shows that people have lived here for close to 2000 years – although most of the buildings you can see are from the 14th century onwards.

Minnewater Park/Lake of Love

Most Brugge travel blogs describe the city as ‘romantic’ and that’s pretty accurate. But things get sickly sweet over at Minnewater Park.

Local legend says the park is named after Minna, a local girl who’s father tried to marry her off to a man who wasn’t her true love. To escape the wedding, Minna ran away towards the parkland, eventually falling, exhausted, into the arms of her love – and promptly dying.

Romantic? Depressing? You decide. Either way, the park is very beautiful and a must-see in Bruges.

Within the park you’ll find a pretty lake crossed by a bridge. Rumour has it you’ll find everlasting love with whoever you cross it with, so cross carefully.

Canal Cruise

Bruges is one of a couple of cities known as ‘The Venice of the North’ and it’s arguably the most beautiful. 

It makes sense, then, that canal cruising would be an unmissable activity on any Bruges vacation.

Taking a canal cruise will let you see some of the most beautiful views in Bruges from the water. Plus, it’s relaxing and peaceful – so what’s not to love?

Try A Few Local Delicacies

Bruges may not be an obvious choice for one of the great foodie cities of the world, but there are great places if you know where to look.

The city boasts plenty of fabulous local delicacies that you should definitely try while in Bruges, Belgium.

First and arguably most importantly – Belgian beer. If you are even a little bit keen on a good pint, you’ve simply got to try it.

Equally tempting is delicious Belgian chocolate which is a true revelation, particularly when paired with a scrummy waffle or two. If you’re going the savoury route then mussels or Flemish stew are musts.

Read More: Things to Do Bruges, the Venice of the North

Or check out these brilliant guided tours and activities.

Suggested Bruges Trip Itineraries 

Looking for some ideas for how to spend your time during your travels to Bruges? Look no further.

If you’ve got just one day in the city, then pop on your walking shoes and get ready to explore.

I recommend concentrating on the central area, around Markt and Burg squares. You’ll be able to check out Bruges icons like the Belfort and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, as well as soak up the atmosphere of the squares themselves.

Make sure to try some chocolate and beer as you wander.

Read More: A Day Trip to Bruges: What to do in Bruges in One Day

Two Days 

Two days – perhaps a weekend – in Bruges will give you a little more time to explore the city. With two days, you’ll be able to see the central highlights above, as well as head out further.

A little further away from the city you’ll be able to enjoy more unusual sights including the Beguinage, Minnewater Park, Sint Janshospitaal and the City Ramparts. This will give you a pretty good perspective on what Bruges has to offer.

And don’t forget the all important beer, chocolate and mussels. 

Read More: Weekend In Bruges – The Perfect Itinerary

Hidden Bruges – Unusual Things to Do

The crowds can get a tad overwhelming in Bruges, so shake them off by heading out to these hidden gems.

Sint Janshospitaal

Who doesn’t want to spend their holiday checking out a medieval hospital in Bruges?

Lots of people, apparently, which is why this is one of my favourite hidden gems. It’s such a quirky look at history, and a fabulous attraction in Bruges.

Frietmuseum

Whoever dreamed up a museum devoted entirely to French fries was a genius, in my opinion. 

If you’re looking for something different to what’s usually featured in Bruges, Belgium travel guides, then I highly recommend paying a visit to the Frietmuseum . Just maybe not when you’re hungry (or when you are –  you get free fries at the end of your visit).

City Ramparts

If the concrete and crowds of Bruges ever get too much, just head to the city ramparts on the outskirts of town (otherwise known as Windmill Walk).

Here you’ll find plenty of locals jogging and walking, but far fewer tourists. Those who skip over this are doing themselves a disservice if you ask me, as you get a gorgeous view of four old windmills as you walk.

How to See the Best of Bruges for Free 

Trying to save your euros? With my Bruges travel tips, you’ll be able to see the best of the city – without spending a single cent.

• DIY walking tour – Bruges is a compact, flat city that is easily walkable. Take a look at my Bruges tourist map and hit the road – you’ll easily be able to explore the highlights of Bruges without spending a penny.
• While some of Bruges’ attractions have entry fees, plenty don’t. In particular, if you focus on visiting the parks, squares and churches, then you’ll find that Bruges can be very easy on the wallet.
• Once a year on Flanders Heritage Day, many of the attractions in Bruges waive their entry fee. It’s a budget dream come true – although the crowds can be enormous.

Where to Eat in Bruges 

For a pretty small city, Bruges seriously punches above its weight in the food stakes. Here are some of the best restaurants in the city.

• Park Restaurant – if you’re looking for a place to splurge (you are on holiday after all) then you’d better snap up a sought-after table at Park Restaurant. This innovative restaurant serves up classic European fare with a twist, and is mouth-wateringly good. 
• Fred’s Waffles – chocolate, ice cream and waffles – ah, the holy trinity. It doesn’t get much better than enjoying a delightfully decadent dessert from the humble shop of Fred’s Waffles. Prepare to be dazzled by the choice (and the deliciousness).
• ‘T Bagientje – it may be difficult to believe, but one of Bruges’ best (and most affordable) restaurants is hidden away near the train station. Locals and visitors alike love this place, so if you’re looking for some classic Belgian dishes – you better head on over.

Read More: Where to Eat in Bruges – 7 Must-Try Restaurants and Cafes

Where to Drink in Bruges 

Beer is kind of a big deal in Bruges – but even if you’re not a fan, you’ll find alternatives on the menu at Bruges’ best watering holes. 

From chic cocktail bars to grungy pubs (always a winner in my book), there’s plenty to choose from. Here are my favourites.

• The Beer Wall at 2Be – the secret is kind of in the name. A great place to drink beer is a must on any Bruges city guide, and this one will give you a dazzling amount of choice. If you’re overwhelmed, ask the staff for some recommendations for local varieties.
• Bourgogne des Flandres – get right to the source of Belgium’s amazing beer and enjoy it straight from the brewery. This one recently returned to the city after a 60 year absence, and boy am I glad we got it back.
• De Garre – what could  be better than Belgian beer, you ask? Well, how about Belgian beer served up with some delicious cheese to the side. That’s what you’ll get from the cosy bar, De Garre.

Read Next: The Bruges Beer Guide: Where to Find the Best Beer in the City.

Day Trips from Bruges  

Good transport links and proximity to other cities makes Bruges a great base for day trips. Here are some of the best to add to your Bruges tourist guide:

• Antwerp – to experience a different Belgian city, I say make the hour and a half journey to Antwerp. This stylish city has a very different feel than Bruges, not least because it’s five times the size. If you love culture or fashion, this is a great option.
• Domburg – if the sun is shining (or you aren’t deterred easily) then a trip to the seaside is one of my top day trips from Bruges. The picturesque town of Domburg is particularly popular with local holidaymakers, and has some great sandy beaches.
• Lille – funnily enough, the closest day trip on this list is actually in France, not Belgium – but don’t let that deter you. It takes just an hour to get to the picturesque little town of Lille. Although it is distinctly French in character, you may also notice that it has plenty of Flemish influence too.

In need of Bruges day trip inspiration? 

Bruges Travel Guide: Basic Tips and Tricks for Making the Most of Your Stay 

Top bruges travel tips .

• A common piece of Bruges travel advice is to book in advance if you’re visiting in summer – and oh boy, is it true. The city really struggles to deal with the number of tourists it receives, so make sure you snap up some good accommodation early.
• If there are any “must sees” on your itinerary, check their opening hours. In particular, many restaurants close Sunday to Tuesday, while some attractions shut down during the month of January.
• Although mild, Bruges’ weather can be unpredictable. Don’t just rely on general trends, but check the weather forecast before you go.

Tipping In Bruges 

• Tipping is not customary in Bruges or anywhere in Belgium. The bill that you receive will include VAT (tax) as well as a service charge, and it’s fine not to pay anything else. That said, a small tip – around 5% or a couple of euros – is appreciated, especially if you feel the service was exceptional.

Facts About Bruges 

• You probably know that Bruges was the setting for the Colin Farrell film In Bruges . His overall grumpiness about Bruges doesn’t seem to have deterred the crowds, however.
• This year, Bruges has decided not to hold their usual ice sculpture festival or build the usual ice rink, due to climate change.
• Bruges is a city that really values education – it’s home to several world class educational institutions, and you can’t leave school until you are eighteen years old.

Handy Phrases for Travelling to Bruges 

The local language in Bruges is West Flemish, a unique language which is basically the same as Dutch. Luckily, English is widely spoken in Bruges – but you can win some brownie points with the following phrases.

• Hey, oe est? (Hi, how are you?)
• Klappe ghy Ingels? (Do you speak English?)
• Merci (Thank you)
• Santé (Cheers – when drinking beer)

Read More Bruges Travel Guides

Bruges travel guides and tips.

Read the full collection of Bruges travel guides and articles from The Discoveries Of.

The Best Things to do in Bruges, Belgium: Exploring the Venice of the North

What to see and do during your trip to Bruges.

Where to Stay in Bruges: The Best Areas + Hotels For Your Trip

The best places to stay in Bruges - a neighbourhood and hotel guide.

A Weekend in Bruges: How to Plan The Perfect Bruges City Break

How to plan the perfect two day escape to Bruges.

A Day Trip to Bruges: How to Plan + See the Best of Bruges in a Day

Seeing the best of Bruges in a day and tips for a one day trip.

Best Airbnbs in Bruges: Cool, Quirky & Stylish Spots For Your Stay

Cool Airbnbs in Bruges that are perfect for your stay.

Bruges Map: A Handy Tourist Map of Brugge’s Must-See Attractions

A map of Bruges' top tourist attractions - ready for you to download to your phone.

The Best Places to Eat in Bruges: Restaurants + Cafes You Shouldn’t Miss

The restaurants and cafes serving up the best food in Bruges - for all budgets.

The Bruges Beer Guide: Discovering The City’s Best Beers, Bars + Breweries

Exploring Bruges' thriving beer scene - the best breweries, pubs and more.

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Why Go To Bruges

Swans swim its canals; medieval buildings shadow its cobblestones; willow trees weep over its lake; rich chocolates peer from behind its windows; pints of Belgian blondes sit on its cafe tables; and carillon chimes fill its air with music: This is Bruges (or Brugge in Dutch). This idyllic city in northern Belgium is more touristy and yet more quaint than the capital city of Brussels . Plan a trip to Bruges for a taste of medieval Europe in the 21st century, for a friendly small-town feel with world-class charms (the Historic Centre of Brugge , to name one) and, of course, for the beer, fries and chocolate. Whatever your reason for coming to Bruges, you'll be charmed.

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Best of Bruges

Best hotels in bruges.

• # 1 in Hotel Dukes' Palace Bruges
• # 2 in The Pand Hotel
• # 3 in Hotel de Orangerie

Best Things to Do in Bruges

• # 1 in Rozenhoedkaai
• # 2 in Historic Centre of Brugge
• # 3 in Markt

Popular Tours

Round-Trip Shuttle Service from Zeebrugge to Bruges

(777 reviews)

from $ 27.34

Deluxe Bruges Shore Excursion from Zeebrugge Cruise Port

(15 reviews)

from $ 72.19

Guided boat trip and walk

(295 reviews)

from $ 48.12

Bruges Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Bruges is from June to August, when the weather is mild, and the trees are green. Still, the weather year-round is characterized as chilly and damp – summer temps usually don't climb higher than the 70s. Spring and fall are considered shoulder seasons that see fewer tourists and cooler temperatures, with average highs hovering in the 50s. In the winter, temperatures drop but don't reach freezing, and the city offers a variety of holiday events, including its famous Christmas markets. Fall and winter also bring the greatest chance of rain, so keep an umbrella at the ready.

Weather in Bruges

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Hop on a boat tour Canal tours are a great way to get an overview of Bruges. You'll easily find boat operators departing from jetties around the city offering 30- to 45-minute tours. The famous Rozenhoedkaai is a popular spot to hop on a tour.

Indulge in some chocolate Belgium is known for the sweet stuff, so be sure to pause for a chocolate break at a well-known chocolate maker like The Chocolate Line or Sukerbuyc .

Consider a daytrip to Brussels Brussels is an hour's train ride southeast of Bruges, making it an ideal daytrip.

How to Save Money in Bruges

Get a Discover Bruges Card If you stay at a Hotels Regio Brugge member hotel , you have access to a free card , which offers discounts on area attractions and shops.

Get a Musea Brugge Card This card grants you access to a variety of museums, including the Groeningemuseum , over a period of three days for 28 euros (or about $31).

Rent a bike Bruges caters to cyclists. You'll find that bike lanes dot the city and even head into nearby coastal towns.

Culture & Customs

Once a hub for artists of the Flemish Primitive style of painting, art is front and center in Bruges. There are numerous museums with artwork, as well as churches, convents and even a medieval hospital that each boast their own collection of impressive works.

Make sure to bring some euros with you, which is the currency of Belgium. When eating out, it's unlikely you'll need to tip, as it's included as part of the restaurant bill, and restaurant workers earn better compensation than those in the U.S. It's OK to leave a few euros for excellent service, but generally not more than 10% of your bill.

In Bruges, you'll find the locals speak Flemish natively, but many also speak English well.

What to Eat

Residents of Bruges love their beer, Belgian fries and chocolate – Bruges even has its own official city chocolate: the Bruges swan, or Brugsch Swaentje . Bruges offers plentiful chocolate shops, pubs and a handful of breweries, as well as attractions that tell the story of each of the country's celebrated foods, including the Bruges Beer Experience , Choco-Story and Frietmuseum. But the dining scene in Bruges is much vaster than these three staples.

Gruuthuse Hof , which has been open since the mid-1700s, is popular with tourists and serves traditional Belgian dishes like beef stew and duck, and waffles for dessert. For a casual meal, the De Halve Maan Brewery also has a restaurant on the premises with a limited menu if you want a bite with your beer.

If you're celebrating a special occasion or just in the mood to splurge, consider Le Mystique , which serves a blend of French and Flemish cuisine. The restaurant is historic as well, dating to 1869. Dishes with a Flemish touch include beef with braised chicory and seafood, including sea bass and oysters. Flemish cuisine is known for its fries and waffles, as well as beef stew, Belgian endive, and of course, Brussels sprouts. A meal at Bistro Refter is equally indulgent as it's headed by Michelin-starred chef Geert Van Hecke, who offers a contemporary take on Belgian cuisine with dishes like roasted cockerel, fish, steak and, of course, fries.

When it comes to safety, Bruges generally has a low crime rate, is clean and safe for traveling alone, though as in any tourist destination, be aware of pickpocketing and traveling by yourself at night. The State Department does encourage citizens to exercise extreme caution when visiting Belgium due to terrorist groups continuing to plot possible attacks there.

Getting Around Bruges

The best way to get around Bruges is on foot. The city is small – in fact, you can walk from one end to the other in about 30 minutes. Biking is the second-best way to get around. There's also a bus system, but it's most useful in getting from the train station to the city center rather than for exploring the city. Cars are not recommended, since Bruges' streets are narrow and webbed with canals. You can also hire taxis at several taxi stands. The closest major airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), so most visitors take the train into Bruges. The ride from the airport to Bruges is about 90 minutes; tickets start at 21 euros (or around $23). According to the tourism office, taxis from the airport to Bruges cost a flat rate of 200 euros (or about $222). The train station is located just southeast of the city center, about a 20-minute walk from the historic city center or a five-minute bus ride.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A valid passport is required for citizens of the United States to travel to Belgium. U.S. citizens can stay for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. At customs, you'll have to present a return airline ticket, as well as a passport that is valid for at least three months after the date of your departure. If you're planning to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days, you'll have to obtain the proper visa before leaving the U.S. Keep in mind: The U.S. Department of State issued an advisory for travel in Belgium in December 2018 due to terrorism, warning travelers of potential terror attacks. The State Department recommends registering for the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) so that you'll receive alerts and be easier to locate in the event of an emergency. For more information, visit the State Department's  website .

Considered one of the most photographed areas of Bruges, Rozenhoedkaai , or Quay of the Rosary, is a picturesque spot where the Dijver and Groenerei canals meet.

Explore More of Bruges

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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“Somewhere within the dingy casing lay the ancient city,” wrote Graham Greene of BRUGES , “like a notorious jewel, too stared at, talked of, and trafficked over”. And it’s true that Bruges’s reputation as one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in western Europe has made it the most popular tourist destination in Belgium, packed with visitors throughout the season. Inevitably, the crowds tend to overwhelm the city, but you’d be mad to come to Flanders and miss the place: its museums hold some of the country’s finest collections of Flemish art, and its intimate, winding streets, woven around a skein of narrow canals and lined with gorgeous ancient buildings, live up to even the most inflated tourist hype. See it out of season, or in the early morning before the hordes have descended, and it can be memorable – though not so much on Mondays, when many of the sights are closed.

Jan van Eyckplein

Kantcentrum & jeruzalemkerk, onze lieve vrouwekerk, st-salvatorskathedraal, the groeninge museum, the hospitaalmuseum and the memling collection.

The obvious place to start an exploration of the city is in the two principal squares: the Markt , overlooked by the mighty belfry, and the Burg , flanked by the city’s most impressive architectural ensemble. Almost within shouting distance, along the Dijver, are the three main museums, among which the Groeninge offers a wonderful sample of early Flemish art. Another short hop brings you to St Janshospitaal and the important paintings of the fifteenth-century artist Hans Memling , as well as Bruges’s most impressive churches, the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk and St-Salvatorskathedraal .

Further afield, the gentle canals and maze-like cobbled streets of eastern Bruges – stretching out from Jan van Eyckplein – are extraordinarily pretty. The most characteristic architectural feature is the crow-step gable, popular from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century and revived by the restorers of the 1880s and later, but there are also expansive Georgian-style mansions and humble, homely cottages. There are one or two obvious targets here, principally the Kantcentrum (Lace Centre), where you can buy locally made lace and watch its manufacture, and the city’s most unusual church, the adjacent Jeruzalemkerk . Above all, however, eastern Bruges excels in the detail, surprising the eye again and again with its sober and subtle variety, featuring everything from intimate arched doorways and bendy tiled roofs to wonky chimneys and a bevy of discrete shrines and miniature statues.

Brief history

Bruges started out as a ninth-century fortress built by the warlike first count of Flanders, Baldwin Iron Arm , who was intent on defending the Flemish coast from Viking attack. The settlement prospered, and by the fourteenth century it shared effective control of the cloth trade with its two great rivals, Ghent and Ypres (now Ieper), turning high-quality English wool into clothing that was exported all over the known world. An immensely profitable business, it made the city a focus of international trade, and at its peak the town was a key member of – and showcase for the products of – the Hanseatic League , the most powerful economic alliance in medieval Europe. Through the harbours and docks of Bruges, Flemish cloth and Hansa goods were exchanged for hogs from Denmark, spices from Venice, hides from Ireland, wax from Russia, gold and silver from Poland and furs from Bulgaria. The business of these foreign traders was protected by no fewer than 21 consulates, and the city developed a wide range of support services, including banking, money-changing, maritime insurance and an elementary shipping code, known as the Roles de Damme .

Despite (or perhaps because of) this lucrative state of affairs, Bruges was dogged by war . Its weavers and merchants were dependent on the goodwill of the kings of England for the proper functioning of the wool trade, but their feudal overlords, the counts of Flanders, and their successors, the dukes of Burgundy (from 1384), were vassals of the rival king of France . Although some of the dukes and counts were strong enough to defy their king, most felt obliged to obey his orders and thus take his side against the English when the two countries were at war. This conflict of interests was compounded by the designs the French monarchy had on the independence of Bruges itself. Time and again, the French sought to assert control over the cities of West Flanders, but more often than not they encountered armed rebellion. In Bruges, Philip the Fair precipitated the most famous insurrection at the beginning of the fourteenth century. Philip and his wife, Joanna of Navarre, had held a grand reception in Bruges, but it had only served to feed their envy. In the face of the city’s splendour, Joanna moaned, “I thought that I alone was Queen, but here in this place I have six hundred rivals”. The opportunity to flex royal muscles came shortly afterwards when the city’s guildsmen flatly refused to pay a new round of taxes. Enraged, Philip dispatched an army to restore order and garrison the town, but at dawn on Friday May 18, 1302, a rebellious force of Flemings crept into the city and massacred Philip’s sleepy army – an occasion later known as the Bruges Matins : anyone who couldn’t correctly pronounce the Flemish shibboleth schild en vriend (“shield and friend”) was put to the sword. There is a statue celebrating the leaders of the insurrection – Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck – in the Markt.

The Habsburgs , who inherited Flanders – as well as the rest of present-day Belgium and Holland in 1482 – whittled away at the power of the Flemish cities, no one more so than Charles V , the ruler of a vast kingdom that included the Low Countries and Spain. As part of his policy, Charles favoured Antwerp at the expense of Flanders, and to make matters worse, the Flemish cloth industry began its long decline in the 1480s. Bruges was especially badly hit and, as a sign of its decline, failed to dredge the silted-up River Zwin , the town’s trading lifeline to the North Sea. By the 1510s, the stretch of water between Sluis and Damme was only navigable by smaller ships, and by the 1530s the city’s sea trade had collapsed completely. Bruges simply withered away, its houses deserted, its canals empty and its money spirited north with the merchants.

Some four centuries later, Georges Rodenbach ’s novel Bruges-la-Mort e alerted well-heeled Europeans to the town’s aged, quiet charms, and Bruges – frozen in time – escaped damage in both world wars to emerge as the perfect tourist attraction.

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Jan van Eyckplein , a five-minute walk north of the Markt, is one of the prettiest squares in Bruges, its cobbles backdropped by the easy sweep of the Spiegelrei canal. The centrepiece of the square is an earnest statue of Van Eyck , erected in 1878, whilst on the north side is the Tolhuis , whose fancy Renaissance entrance is decorated with the coat of arms of the dukes of Luxembourg, who long levied tolls here. The Tolhuis dates from the late fifteenth century, but was extensively remodelled in medieval style in the 1870s, as was the Poortersloge (Merchants’ Lodge), whose slender tower pokes up above the rooftops on the west side of the square. Theoretically, any city merchant was entitled to be a member of the Poortersloge, but in fact membership was restricted to the richest and the most powerful. An informal alternative to the Town Hall, it was here that key political and economic decisions were taken – and this was also where local bigwigs could drink and gamble discreetly.

Beyond the east end of the Spiegelrei canal is an old working-class district, whose low brick cottages surround a substantial complex of buildings that originally belonged to the wealthy Adornes family, who migrated here from Genoa in the thirteenth century. Inside the complex, the Kantcentrum (Lace Centre), on the right-hand side of the entrance, has a busy workshop and offers very informal demonstrations of traditional lacemaking in the afternoon (no set times). They sell the stuff too – both here and in the shop at the ticket kiosk – but it isn’t cheap: a smallish Bruges table mat, with two swans, for example, costs €20–25; if you fancy having a go yourself, the shop sells all the gubbins.

Across the passageway from the Kantcentrum is one of the city’s real oddities, the Jeruzalemkerk (Jerusalem Church; same times & ticket as the Kantcentrum), which was built by the Adornes family in the fifteenth century as an approximate copy of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem after one of their number, Pieter, had returned from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The interior is on two levels: the lower one is dominated by a large and ghoulish altarpiece, decorated with skulls and ladders, in front of which is the black marble tomb of Anselm Adornes, the son of the church’s founder, and his wife Margaretha. There’s more grisliness at the back of the church, where the small vaulted chapel holds a replica of Christ’s tomb – you can glimpse the imitation body down the tunnel behind the iron grating. To either side of the main altar, steps ascend to the choir, which is situated right below the eccentric, onion-domed lantern tower.

Next door to the Gruuthuse, the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk is a rambling shambles of a building, a clamour of different dates and styles whose brick spire is – at 122m – one of the tallest in Belgium. Entered from the south, the nave was three hundred years in the making, an architecturally discordant affair, whose thirteenth-century grey-stone central aisle is the oldest part of the church. The central aisle blends in with the south aisle, but the later, fourteenth-century north aisle doesn’t mesh at all – even the columns aren’t aligned. This was the result of changing fashions, not slapdash work: the High Gothic north aisle was intended to be the start of a complete remodelling of the church, but the money ran out before the work was finished.

In the south aisle is the church’s most acclaimed objet d’art, a delicate marble Madonna and Child by Michelangelo . Purchased by a Bruges merchant, this was the only one of Michelangelo’s works to leave Italy during the artist’s lifetime and it had a significant influence on the painters then working in Bruges, though its present setting – beneath gloomy stone walls and set within a gaudy Baroque altar – is hardly prepossessing.

Michelangelo apart, the most interesting part of the church is the chancel beyond the black and white marble rood screen. Here you’ll find the mausoleums of Charles the Bold and his daughter Mary of Burgundy, two exquisite examples of Renaissance carving, their side panels decorated with coats of arms connected by the most intricate of floral designs. The royal figures are enhanced in the detail, from the helmet and gauntlets placed gracefully by Charles’s side to the pair of watchful dogs nestled at Mary’s feet. Oddly enough, the hole dug by archeologists beneath the mausoleums during the 1970s to discover who was actually buried here was never filled in, so you can see Mary’s coffin, the urn containing the heart of her son and the burial vaults of several unknown medieval dignitaries, three of which have now been moved across to the Lanchals Chapel.

Just across the ambulatory from the mausoleums is the Lanchals Chapel , which holds the imposing Baroque gravestone of Pieter Lanchals, a one-time Habsburg official who had his head lopped off by the citizens of Bruges for corruption in 1488. In front of the Lanchals gravestone are three relocated medieval burial vaults , each plastered with lime mortar. The inside walls of the vaults sport brightly coloured grave frescoes , a type of art which flourished hereabouts from the late thirteenth to the middle of the fifteenth century. The iconography is fairly consistent, with the long sides mostly bearing one, sometimes two, angels apiece, and most of the angels are shown swinging thuribles (the vessels in which incense is burnt during religious ceremonies). Typically, the short sides show the Crucifixion and a Virgin and Child. The background decoration is more varied with crosses, stars and dots all making appearances as well as two main sorts of flower – roses and bluebells. The frescoes were painted freehand and executed at great speed – Flemings were then buried on the day they died – hence the delightful immediacy of the work.

The earthly remains of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold

The last independent rulers of Flanders were Charles the Bold , the Duke of Burgundy, and his daughter Mary of Burgundy , both of whom died in unfortunate circumstances, Charles during the siege of the French city of Nancy in 1477, she after a riding accident in 1482, when she was only 25. Mary was married to Maximilian , a Habsburg prince and future Holy Roman Emperor, who inherited her territories on her death – thus, at a dynastic stroke, Flanders was incorporated into the Habsburg empire.

In the sixteenth century, the Habsburgs relocated to Spain, but they were keen to emphasize their connections with – and historical authority over – Flanders, one of the richest parts of their expanding empire. Nothing did this quite as well as the ceremonial burial – or reburial – of bits of royal body. Mary was safely ensconced in Bruges’s Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk, but the body of Charles was in a makeshift grave in Nancy . The Emperor Charles V, the great grandson of Charles the Bold, had – or thought he had – this body exhumed and carried to Bruges, where it was reinterred next to Mary. There were, however, persistent rumours that the French, the traditional enemies of the Habsburgs, had deliberately handed over a dud skeleton, specifically one of the knights who died in the same engagement. In the 1970s, archeologists had a bash at solving the mystery. They dug beneath Charles and Mary’s mausoleums in the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk , but, among the assorted tombs, they failed to authoritatively identify either the body or even the tomb of Charles; Mary proved more tractable, with her skeleton confirming the known details of her hunting accident. Buried alongside her also was the urn which contained the heart of her son, Philip the Fair, placed here in 1506.

From St Janshospitaal, it’s a couple of minutes’ walk north to St-Salvatorskathedraal (Holy Saviour Cathedral) a bulky Gothic edifice that mostly dates from the late thirteenth century, though the ambulatory was added some two centuries later. A parish church for most of its history, it was only made a cathedral in 1834 following the destruction of St Donatian’s by the French. This change of status prompted lots of ecclesiastical rumblings – nearby Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk was bigger and its spire higher – and when part of St Salvators went up in smoke in 1839, the opportunity was taken to make its tower higher and grander in a romantic rendition of the Romanesque style.

Recently cleaned, the cathedral’s nave has emerged from centuries of accumulated grime, but it remains a cheerless, cavernous affair. The star turn is the set of eight paintings by Jan van Orley displayed in the transepts. Commissioned in the 1730s, the paintings were used for the manufacture of a matching set of tapestries from a Brussels workshop and, remarkably enough, these have survived too and hang in sequence in the choir and nave. Each of the eight scenes is a fluent, dramatic composition featuring a familiar episode from the life of Christ – from the Nativity to the Resurrection – complete with a handful of animals, including a remarkably determined Palm Sunday donkey. The tapestries are actually mirror images of the paintings as the weavers worked with the rear of the tapestries uppermost on their looms; the weavers also had sight of the tapestry paintings – or rather cartoon copies, as the originals were too valuable to be kept beside the looms.

Entered from the nave, the cathedral Schatkamer occupies the adjoining neo-Gothic chapter house, whose nine rooms are packed with ecclesiastical tackle, from religious paintings and statues through to an assortment of reliquaries, vestments and croziers. The labelling is poor, however, so it’s a good idea to pick up the English-language mini-guide at the entrance. Room B holds the treasury’s finest painting, a gruesome, oak-panel triptych, The Martyrdom of St Hippolytus , by Dieric Bouts (1410–1475) and Hugo van der Goes (d. 1482). The right panel depicts the Roman Emperor Decius, a notorious persecutor of Christians, trying to persuade the priest Hippolytus to abjure his faith. He fails, and in the central panel Hippolytus is pulled to pieces by four horses.

From the east side of the Markt, Breidelstraat leads through to the city’s other main square, the Burg , named after the fortress built here by the first count of Flanders, Baldwin Iron Arm, in the ninth century. The fortress disappeared centuries ago, but the Burg long remained the centre of political and ecclesiastical power with the Stadhuis (which has survived) on one side and St-Donaaskathedraal (which hasn’t) on the other. The French army destroyed the cathedral in 1799 and although the foundations were laid bare in the 1950s, they were promptly re-interred – they lie in front of and underneath the Crowne Plaza Hotel .

The southern half of the Burg is fringed by the city’s finest group of buildings, beginning on the right with the Heilig Bloed Basiliek (Basilica of the Holy Blood) named after the holy relic that found its way here in the Middle Ages. The church divides into two parts. Tucked away in the corner, the lower chapel is a shadowy, crypt-like affair, originally built at the beginning of the twelfth century to shelter another relic, that of St Basil, one of the great figures of the early Greek Church. The chapel’s heavy and simple Romanesque lines are decorated with just one relief, carved above an interior doorway and showing the baptism of Basil in which a strange giant bird, representing the Holy Spirit, plunges into a pool of water.

Next door, approached up a wide, low-vaulted curving staircase, the upper chapel was built a few years later, but has been renovated so frequently that it’s impossible to make out the original structure; it also suffers from excessively rich nineteenth-century decoration. The building may be disappointing, but the large silver tabernacle that holds the rock-crystal phial of the Holy Blood is simply magnificent, being the gift of Albert and Isabella of Spain in 1611. One of the holiest relics in medieval Europe, the phial of the Holy Blood purports to contain a few drops of blood and water washed from the body of Christ by Joseph of Arimathea. Local legend asserts that it was the gift of Diederik d’Alsace, a Flemish knight who distinguished himself by his bravery during the Second Crusade and was given the phial by a grateful patriarch of Jerusalem in 1150. It is, however, rather more likely that the relic was acquired during the sacking of Constantinople in 1204, when the Crusaders simply ignored their collective job description and robbed and slaughtered the Byzantines instead – hence the historical invention. Whatever the truth, after several weeks in Bruges, the relic was found to be dry, but thereafter it proceeded to liquefy every Friday at 6pm until 1325, a miracle attested to by all sorts of church dignitaries, including Pope Clement V.

The phial of the Holy Blood is still venerated and, despite modern scepticism, reverence for it remains strong. It’s sometimes available for visitors to touch under the supervision of a priest inside the chapel, and on Ascension Day (mid-May). it’s carried through the town centre in a colourful but solemn procession, the Heilig-Bloedprocessie , a popular event for which grandstand tickets are sold at the main tourist office from March 1.

The shrine that holds the phial during the procession is displayed in the tiny Schatkamer , next to the upper chapel. Dating to 1617, it’s a superb piece of work, the gold and silver superstructure encrusted with jewels and decorated with tiny religious figures. The treasury also contains an incidental collection of ecclesiastical bric-a-brac plus a handful of old paintings. Look out also, above the treasury door, for the faded strands of a locally woven seventeenth-century tapestry depicting St Augustine’s funeral, the sea of helmeted heads, torches and pikes that surround the monks and abbots very much a Catholic view of a muscular State supporting a holy Church.

The Groeninge Museum possesses one of the world’s finest samples of early Flemish paintings, from Jan van Eyck through to Hieronymus Bosch and Jan Provoost. These paintings make up the kernel of the museum’s permanent collection, but there are later (albeit lesser) pieces on display too, reaching into the twentieth century, with works by the likes of Constant Permeke and Paul Delvaux.

Arguably the greatest of the early Flemish masters, Jan van Eyck (1385–1441) lived and worked in Bruges from 1430 until his death eleven years later. He was a key figure in the development of oil painting, modulating its tones to create paintings of extraordinary clarity and realism. The Groeninge has two gorgeous examples of his work, beginning with the miniature portrait of his wife, Margareta van Eyck , painted in 1439 and bearing his motto, “als ich can” (the best I can do). The painting is very much a private picture and one that had no commercial value, marking a small step away from the sponsored art – and religious preoccupations – of previous Flemish artists. The second Eyck painting is the remarkable Madonna and Child with Canon George van der Paele , a glowing and richly symbolic work with three figures surrounding the Madonna: the kneeling canon, St George (his patron saint) and St Donatian, to whom he is being presented. St George doffs his helmet to salute the infant Christ and speaks by means of the Hebrew word “ Adonai ” (Lord) inscribed on his chin strap, while Jesus replies through the green parrot in his left hand: folklore asserted that this type of parrot was fond of saying “ Ave ”, the Latin for welcome. The canon’s face is exquisitely executed, down to the sagging jowls and the bulging blood vessels at his temple, while the glasses and book in his hand add to his air of deep contemplation. Audaciously, van Eyck has broken with tradition by painting the canon among the saints rather than as a lesser figure – a distinct nod to the humanism that was gathering pace in contemporary Bruges.

The Groeninge possesses two fine and roughly contemporaneous copies of paintings by Rogier van der Weyden (1399–1464), one-time official city painter to Brussels. The first is a tiny Portrait of Philip the Good , in which the pallor of the duke’s aquiline features, along with the brightness of his hatpin and chain of office, are skilfully balanced by the sombre cloak and hat. The second and much larger painting, St Luke painting the Portrait of Our Lady , is a rendering of a popular if highly improbable legend that Luke painted Mary – thereby becoming the patron saint of painters. The painting is notable for the detail of its Flemish background and the cheeky-chappie smile of the baby Christ.

Also noteworthy is the spookily stark Surrealism of Paul Delvaux ’s (1897–1994) Serenity . One of the most interesting of Belgium’s modern artists, Delvaux started out as an Expressionist but came to – and stayed with – Surrealism in the 1930s. This painting is a classic example of his oeuvre and, if it whets your artistic appetite, you might consider visiting Delvaux’s old home, in St-Idesbald, which has been turned into a museum with a comprehensive selection of his paintings (see The Atlantikwall).

The Groeninge also owns a couple of minor oils and a number of etchings and drawings by James Ensor (1860–1949), one of Belgium’s most innovative painters, and Magritte ’s (1898–1967) characteristically unnerving The Assault ; for more on Magritte

Opposite the entrance to the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk is St-Janshospitaal , a sprawling complex that sheltered the sick of mind and body until well into the nineteenth century. The oldest part – at the front on Mariastraat, behind two church-like gable ends – has been turned into the slick Hospitaalmuseum, while the nineteenth-century annexe, reached along a narrow passageway on the north side of the museum, has been converted into a really rather tatty exhibition-cum-shopping centre called – rather confusingly – Oud St-Jan .

The Hospitaalmuseum divides into two, with one large section – in the former hospital ward – exploring the historical background to the hospital through documents, paintings and religious objets d’art. Highlights include a pair of sedan chairs used to carry the infirm to the hospital in emergencies, and Jan Beerblock’s The Wards of St Janshospitaal , a minutely detailed painting of the hospital ward as it was in the late eighteenth century, the patients tucked away in row upon row of tiny, cupboard-like beds. Other noteworthy paintings include an exquisite Deposition of Christ , a late fifteenth-century version of an original by Rogier van der Weyden, and a stylish, intimately observed diptych by Jan Provoost, with portraits of Christ and the donor – a friar - on the front and a skull on the back.

The old chapel inside the Hospitaalmuseum displays six wonderful paintings by Hans Memling (1433–1494). Born near Frankfurt, Memling spent most of his working life in Bruges, where Rogier van der Weyden instructed him. He adopted much of his tutor’s style and stuck to the detailed symbolism of his contemporaries, but his painterly manner was distinctly restrained, often pious and grave. Graceful and warmly coloured, his figures also had a velvet-like quality that greatly appealed to the city’s burghers, whose enthusiasm made Memling a rich man – in 1480 he was listed among the town’s major moneylenders.

Of the six works on display, the most unusual is the Reliquary of St Ursula , comprising a miniature wooden Gothic church painted with the story of St Ursula. Memling condensed the legend into six panels with Ursula and her ten companions landing at Cologne and Basle before reaching Rome at the end of their pilgrimage. Things go badly wrong on the way back: they leave Basle in good order, but are then – in the last two panels – massacred by Huns as they pass through Germany. Memling had a religious point to make, but today it’s the mass of incidental detail that makes the reliquary so enchanting, providing an intriguing evocation of the late medieval world. Equally delightful is the Mystical Marriage of St Catherine , the middle panel of a large triptych depicting St Catherine, who represents contemplation, receiving a ring from the baby Jesus to seal their spiritual union. The complementary side panels depict the beheading of St John the Baptist and a visionary St John writing the Book of Revelation on the bare and rocky island of Patmos. Again, it’s the detail that impresses: between the inner and outer rainbows above St John, for instance, the prophets play music on tiny instruments – look closely and you’ll spy a lute, a flute, a harp and a hurdy-gurdy. Across the chapel are two more Memling triptychs, a Lamentation and an Adoration of the Magi , in which there’s a gentle nervousness in the approach of the Magi, here shown as the kings of Spain, Arabia and Ethiopia.

Memling’s skill as a portraitist is demonstrated to exquisite effect in his Portrait of a Young Woman , where the richly dressed subject stares dreamily into the middle distance, her hands – in a superb optical illusion – seeming to clasp the picture frame. The lighting is subtle and sensuous, with the woman set against a dark background, her gauze veil dappling the side of her face. A high forehead was then considered a sign of great womanly beauty, so her hair is pulled right back and was probably plucked – as are her eyebrows. There’s no knowing who the woman was, but in the seventeenth century her fancy headgear convinced observers that she was one of the legendary Persian sibyls who predicted Christ’s birth; so convinced were they that they added the cartouche in the top left-hand corner, describing her as Sibylla Sambetha – and the painting is often referred to by this name.

The sixth and final painting, the Virgin and Martin van Nieuwenhove diptych, is exhibited in the adjoining side chapel. Here, the eponymous merchant has the flush of youth and a hint of arrogance: his lips pout, his hair cascades down to his shoulders and he is dressed in the most fashionable of doublets – by the middle of the 1480s, when the portrait was commissioned, no Bruges merchant wanted to appear too pious. Opposite, the Virgin gets the full stereotypical treatment from the oval face and the almond-shaped eyes through to full cheeks, thin nose and bunched lower lip.

At the heart of Bruges is the Markt , an airy open space edged on three sides by rows of gabled buildings and with horse-drawn buggies clattering over the cobbles. The burghers of nineteenth-century Bruges were keen to put something suitably civic in the middle of the square and the result was the conspicuous monument to the leaders of the Bruges Matins, Pieter de Coninck, of the guild of weavers, and Jan Breydel, dean of the guild of butchers. Standing close together, they clutch the hilt of the same sword, their faces turned to the south in slightly absurd poses of heroic determination.

The biscuit-tin buildings flanking most of the Markt form a charming architectural chorus, their mellow ruddy-brown brick shaped into a long string of pointed gables, each gable of which is compatible with but slightly different from its neighbour. Most are late nineteenth- or even twentieth-century re-creations – or re-inventions – of older buildings, though the old post office , which hogs the east side of the square, is a thunderous neo-Gothic edifice that refuses to camouflage its modern construction. The Craenenburg Café , on the corner of St Amandsstraat at Markt 16, occupies a modern building too, but it marks the site of the eponymous medieval mansion in which the guildsmen of Bruges imprisoned the Habsburg heir, Archduke Maximilian, for three months in 1488. The reason for their difference of opinion was the archduke’s efforts to limit the city’s privileges, but whatever the justice of their cause, the guildsmen made a big mistake. Maximilian made all sorts of promises to escape their clutches, but a few weeks after his release his father, the Emperor Frederick III, turned up with an army to take imperial revenge. Maximilian became emperor in 1493 and he never forgave Bruges, doing his considerable best to push trade north to its great rival, Antwerp.

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updated 30.04.2021

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Travel Guide to Bruges, Belgium

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Bruges (Brugge in Dutch), the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in Belgium, is located in the northwest corner of Belgium. Bruges is a mere 44km from Ghent to the southeast and 145 from Brussels.

The medieval center of Bruges is remarkably well preserved and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Bruges had its golden age around 1300 when it became one of the most prosperous cities of Europe. Around 1500, the Zwin channel, which provided Bruges with its access to the sea, started silting up, and Bruges began losing its economic strength to Antwerp. People began to abandon the center, which helped to preserve its medieval features.

Bruges is an art city. Renowned Bruges painter Jan van Eyck (1370-1441) spent most of his life in Bruges and a statue honoring him is found in the square named after the sculptor, Jan Calloigne.

Today Bruges is once again a thriving community with a population of 120,000 people, and the medieval center is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Getting There

Brussels National Airport is the main airport for Bruges.

The smaller Oostende airport is just 24km (15 miles) from Bruges on the coast but offers very few flights.

Bruges is on the Oostende to Brussels train line (see our Belgium Map for rail lines). There are frequent trains from Brussels , Antwerp, and Ghent. It is a ten-minute walk from the train station to the historic center.

For detailed instructions, see: How to Get From Brussels to Bruges or Ghent .

If you have a car, don't try to drive around the narrow streets of the center. Park outside the walls (easier in early morning) or head for the main rail station and use the underground parking.

If you'll be in London, you can take the Eurostar train direct to Brussels. Your ticket actually includes onward travel to any city in Belgium: free travel to Bruges! Read more about the  Top Eurostar Destinations from London .

Getting to Bruges the Romantic Way

During the summer season, Lamme Goedzak , a paddle steamer, will take you from the interesting little town of Damme to Bruges in about 35 minutes along the canal. You'll find plenty of parking in Damme, and you can rent bicycles there as well.

The most important detail to remember is that all museums in Bruges are closed on Monday.

The most popular art museum is the Groeninge Museum, covering Low Country painting from the 15th to the 20th centuries, featuring painters such as Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, and Hieronymus Bosch.

Museum times and entrance fees (don't forget to scroll down to the special offers) are found at the Groeninge Museum web page .

You knew there had to be a museum of fries, so yes, there's a Frietmuseum .

Places to Stay

There are many hotels in Bruges since it is a very popular European destination. The highly rated hotels tend to sell out of rooms in the summer, so reserve early.

Compare prices on Bruges hotels with TripAdvisor

You can also peruse our list of recommended Bruges Hotels.

Rail Passes

If you are coming into Belgium on the Eurostar , remember that on the London to Brussels route, your Eurostar ticket (buy tickets direct) is good for continuing on to any station in Belgium.

Don't Miss Attractions in Bruges:

One of the most popular attractions in this medieval city is a canal trip. Boats depart from the Georges Stael landing stage at Katelijnestraat 4 every 30 minutes, daily from 10h00 to 17h30. Closed from the middle of November to the middle of March.

Bruges is known for chocolate, lace, and to a lesser extent diamonds. The diamond museum is at Katelijnestraat 43. You can buy a rock of your choice at Brugs Diamanthuis at Cordoeaniersstraat 5. Chocolate shops are everywhere; you can also pop into the chocolate museum Choco-Story . The municipal lace Museum is on the main canal at Dijver 16.

The Belfort en Hallen (belltower of the market) is a symbol of Bruges and the tallest belfry in Belgium. Climb the 366 steps to top for a panoramic view of Bruges; on a clear day, you'll see all the way out to the sea.​

The 12th-century basilica Heilig-Bloedbasiliek, or chapel of the Holy Blood, on Burg square contains a rock-crystal vial containing a fragment of cloth stained with what is said to be the coagulated blood of Christ. They bring it out on Fridays for veneration, but if that's not your thing the basilica is still worth a visit. On Ascension Day the relic becomes the focus of the Procession of the Holy Blood , in which 1,500 Bruges citizens, many in medieval garb, form a mile-long procession behind the relic.

You probably don't think of visiting sites of early public housing on your vacation, but Bruges has a considerable number of whitewashed almshouses, many clustered around a cozy inner courtyard. They were popular ways of currying favor with God in the 14th century by wealthy townspeople or guilds and then 46 blocks of these have been preserved.

Bruges is a great walking town (or you can rent bicycles and go around like natives). The cuisine is top notch (although a tad expensive), and the beer is some of the best in the world (try the Brewery De Gouden Boom at Langestraat, 47 which has a small but interesting museum).

Like old-time motorcycles? You can see more than 80 motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters at the Oldtimer Motorcycle Museum in Oudenburg (Close to Ostend).

Bruges, Beer, and Chocolate

Bruges hosts a popular beer festival at the start of February that runs through early March. You buy a glass and get tokens used to fill it up with your selected beers. There's also a culinary side--chefs exhibit dishes cooked with beer. This is Belgium after all.

If you miss the festival--don't worry, there are plenty of bars and restaurants brewing and serving Belgian beer. A popular venue is 't Brugs Beertje at Kemelstraat 5, between the Market and the Zand, not far from the Bruggemuseum-Belfort. Opens at 4 pm through 1 am, closed Wednesday.

The Bruges Chocolate Museum is found in the Maison de Croon, which dates from around 1480 and was originally a wine tavern. Inside you'll learn about the history of Chocolate in Bruges. Workshops are held for adults and children as well.

And if you're going to Choco-Late, you might as well stay on the Bruges Ice Wonderland Sculpture Festival starting in late November.

And speaking of festivals, the largest religious festival in Bruges is Heilig-Bloedprocessie , the Procession of the Blood, held on Ascension Thursday, 40 days after Easter. The holy blood relic is carried through the streets and the folks following are dressed in medieval costume.

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In Bruges: The best sights to see, restaurants to visit and places to stay on a solo trip

S olo travel is something that’s becoming increasingly popular, but so many people think that they wouldn’t be able to do it. The truth is that absolutely anyone can take off and go on a trip alone – it’s just about overcoming the fear of being somewhere by yourself. This is easier if you pick somewhere safe and welcoming to go, like Bruges in Belgium.

With an extremely low crime rate, it’s considered one of the safest places in Europe for solo travellers, and it’s a relaxed and interesting place to explore alone. My recent trip there was one of the nicest getaways I’ve ever been on, and now I’m itching to do some more solo exploring.

Going on a holiday alone has so many benefits, and while a good group holiday or a romantic getaway is always fun, there is nothing like being away and exploring on your own terms. The benefits of a solo holiday far outweigh the negatives, and I guarantee once you take that first trip alone, you’ll be hooked.

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I have spoken to people who say that one of the biggest things that is holding them back from going away alone is the thought of sitting in a restaurant alone, or going to see the sights alone. While it seems like it would be boring, one of the most peaceful things you can do is taking yourself out solo. The thought of sitting in a restaurant by yourself might be scary at first, with no-one to talk to and nothing to fill the silence, but it’s so calming to have some time alone enjoying your food, or your coffee or your cocktail. Bring a book, do some journaling or even have a good scroll through Instagram.

Bruges is a great place for this, because it’s completely normal to see people out and about alone in the city. Everywhere I went, there was at least one other person who had come solo. The locals are also friendly and chatty and everyone I interacted with spoke English perfectly, which makes the experience of being alone abroad even easier.

It’s also a stunning city, full of history, stunning architecture, delicious food and of course, plenty of chocolate and beer. I flew into Brussels Airport, got the train to Bruges and spent four days there. While I enjoyed it, in retrospect two or three days would be plenty to see all the major sights and keep yourself busy. By the last day, I found myself looking for things to do, so a shorter trip would probably have made more sense as it’s a small city.

One of the biggest upsides to going somewhere alone is that you’re free to do absolutely whatever you like, without answering to anyone or following plans put in place by a group. Here are some of my top picks of what to do, where to eat and drink, and where to stay in Bruges.

Bruges Beer Experience : If you love beer (or even if you don’t), the Beer Experience is a fun and interactive museum where you can learn about the process of making beer as well as some hilarious historical stories about its uses. It’s a great museum for anyone heading alone, as it is guided via a tablet and headphones so you can peacefully walk around at your own pace. You have the option to add a beer tasting at the end, where you can choose three beers to try. A personal favourite of mine was the Rodenbach Fruitage – a refreshing raspberry beer that I wish we had in Ireland now that the summer is here! With a tasting, the whole experience was €18, which I found a great price for an interesting and fun afternoon.

Minnewater Park : This is also known as the Lake of Love, and it’s a stunning spot for a wander around. Surrounded by beautiful trees and greenery , there are also a few restaurants and cafés nearby so you can stop off for a coffee or some food and soak in the sights.

A boat ride through the canals : There are a number of different companies that offer boat rides on the canals – you can spot them near all of the bridges. Canals weave all throughout the centre of Bruges and it’s a fun way to explore more of the city’s sights.

Burg Square : This grand, majestic square is lined with monumental landmark buildings. From the Basilica of the Holy Blood through the Liberty of Bruges to the Deanery, this is a great place to take in the history of the city and the beautiful architecture built throughout the ages.

Choco-Story Chocolate Museum : If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss Choco-Story. As the name suggests, the interactive museum guides you through the story of how chocolate as we know it today came to be, as well as live demonstrations on how to make Belgian chocolate and free samples.

Food and drink:

Amuni : This is a “slow food” Italian restaurant that specialises in Neapolitan pizza. Their menu is full of sustainably sourced ingredients, the selection of topping options is huge and the dough is light and airy. My prosciutto and burrata pizza was one of the nicest ones I’ve ever had, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for a solo visitor. They also have pasta and main course options for anyone who isn’t a huge pizza fan.

De Pepermolen : As a big foodie, I was determined to visit a higher end restaurant during my time in Bruges and De Pepermolen repeatedly came up as a recommendation when I was researching good food spots. Despite being a white tablecloth, sophisticated restaurant, the prices weren’t overly expensive and it had a warm and welcoming vibe, with a number of other solo diners there at the same time as me. The beef carpaccio starter was the stand out of my meal – but remember to book in advance as it’s a small venue.

Opus Latino : Hidden beside the stunning Burg Square, the outdoor terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee, a cocktail or a beer with a book on a warm day.

Market Square : There are a number of food options in the main Market Square, from food trucks with freshly fried Belgian frites or waffles, to cafés and bars dotted around the outskirts with a perfect view of the busy square. While these places can be a bit overpriced, it is worth it to enjoy a drink or some lunch on a sunny afternoon, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

I stayed at the Martin’s Relais hotel, which is less than 10 minutes away from the Market Square and within walking distance to all the major tourist attractions. While it was an older building , it was maintained beautifully and the rooms were spacious. I opted for breakfast at the hotel, which was a lovely spread of continental options like pastries, cheeses, meats, fruit and cereals, along with warm meals like eggs and bacon. They also included cava, for anyone that fancied a mimosa with their breakfast – a fun touch!

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I've visited over 50 cities in Europe. London and Paris were great, but these 5 lesser-known locations are worth a visit.

• After traveling to over 50 cities in Europe , I've enjoyed visiting some lesser-known locations.
• Bath, England, is a great place to visit for Roman ruins and beautiful architecture.
• I also loved traveling to Bruges, Belgium, which is both historic and romantic.

I've visited over 50 cities in Europe, and while I love global tourist hubs like London and Paris , I also try to seek out smaller cities and towns.

With over 13 million Americans predicted to travel to Europe this summer, it could be the right time to check out the off-the-beaten-path destinations on your travel bucket list .

These are five lesser-known destinations in Europe I recommend visiting.

Bath, England, is just a 90-minute train ride from London.

As you probably could have guessed from this city's name, Bath is known for its Roman baths. These baths, dating back to AD 70, are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.

Bath is known for its beautiful Georgian architecture , which can be admired in places like the Royal Crescent, which features a crescent-shaped row of 30 houses.

I also loved visiting the Circus, which is made up of townhouses arranged in a circular pattern. These areas showcase Georgian architecture and are what makes walking around Bath feel unique.

If you're a book lover, you can visit during the annual Jane Austen Festival in September, where people dress up, and the city is taken back in time.

The train from London to Bath takes about 90 minutes, making this city the perfect day trip.

Mostar is a beautiful city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mostar really surprised me. It didn't look like anywhere else I'd been, with the towering Old Bridge connecting the two sides of the city. The 16th-century bridge, rebuilt after the 1990s war, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The city also has a well-preserved Ottoman quarter with charming cobblestone streets. During my time in Mostar, I loved drinking Bosnian coffee, taking in the views of the city, and feasting on local dishes like ćevapi.

Bruges, Belgium, is a romantic city.

Bruges is a well-preserved medieval town. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visiting feels like stepping back in time.

The best thing I did was take a boat ride on the canal, admiring the architecture while cruising through Minnewaterpark, commonly referred to as the Lake of Love .

Bruges is a laid-back destination that makes a convenient day trip from nearby Paris and Brussels. The city is perfect for couples looking to indulge in Belgian beer and chocolate.

Heidelberg, Germany, embraces modern life without losing its historical charm.

Heidelberg has striking views around every corner. The city is home to a centuries-old castle as well as the oldest university in Germany .

I enjoyed walking along Philosophenweg (also called Philosopher's Way), where professors sought solitude and academic inspiration. The path was especially beautiful during my trip in the fall.

We loved spending time in the city, which had lots of nice restaurants and cool bars. Heidelberg does an amazing job of embracing the new while holding on to its historical charm.

Andorra La Vella is a hidden gem in the Pyrenees mountains.

Andorra La Vella is the capital of Andorra, a country in the Pyrenees between France and Spain .

Every restaurant we dined at featured dishes influenced by the surrounding countries. If you want to try authentic Andorran food, head to a borda — a traditional house once used for agricultural purposes . Now, these buildings are used as charming restaurants.

Andorra la Vella is a great day trip from Barcelona, but the city deserves more than a one-day visit.

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