tourist guide to bruges

Let’s explore Bruges

Bruges travel guide

For me, visiting Bruges is like stepping into a real-life fairytale. I love the magic that oozes from every corner of the city and the atmosphere is utterly enchanting.

In my Bruges travel guide, I share my top recommendations for when to visit, how to get around and places to see. Plus my favourite spots for a good beer and a bite to eat!

About the author

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

A pocket-sized European city with a big heart, the quaint city of Bruges is a real-life fairytale destination. As one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Western Europe, visiting Bruges is a chance to travel back in time. In fact, the historic centre of Bruges is so historically significant that it has been appointed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Full of quaint charm and a fairytale aesthetic, Bruges is an intimate city that doesn’t try to do too much. Known affectionately as the Venice of the North, its 80 bridges frame the meandering canals which intertwine with the winding cobbled streets. Discover pockets of green throughout the city, from small hidden gardens to the larger grassy expanse which surrounds this Belgian city.

The beating heart of Bruges lies in the Markt Square, flanked by gorgeous Flemish architecture and overlooked by the towering Belfry. Architecture and aesthetics aside, the food and drink specialities of Bruges include fries, waffles, chocolate and beer – need I say more?

Whether you’re visiting for the architecture and ambience, the canals and culture, or the waffles and windmills, unearth the beguiling city in my Bruges travel guide.

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How to get to Bruges

If travelling from the UK, the easiest way to get to Bruges is by Eurostar from London to Brussels. Alternatively, travelling by plane is the most convenient option for those travelling from further afield.

By plane:   The closest airport to Bruges is Brussels Airport, approximately 110km from Bruges. Direct flights are available from London, US, Canada, and more.

From the airport, you can get the train to Bruges, which takes around an hour and a half. Or a taxi should take around 75 minutes, although this is likely to be more expensive.

By train:   If you’re travelling from London in the UK, getting the train is by far the easiest option. Catch the two hour Eurostar train from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi. Then it’s a direct train from Brussels to Bruges, which takes around one hour.

Brussels Midi station is well-connected to a number of other European countries, including France, Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.

By car:   If you’re travelling from a nearby neighbouring European country then driving to Bruges is another option. If coming from the UK, you can take the Eurotunnel over to France and then drive into Belgium. Note that parking is limited in Bruges and you certainly don’t need a car to get around, as the city is small enough to get everywhere on foot.

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How to get around Bruges

Bruges is a wonderfully compact city. I think that being so small is part of its charming, fairytale appeal. Plus, it also makes Bruges a great option for solo travellers, as there’s no need to navigate any complex public transport systems.

By foot: In my opinion, the only way to explore Bruges is by wandering its unspoiled streets on foot. You can reach even the furthest corners of the city relatively easily by walking. If you struggle with mobility then it’s worth noting that there are cobbles everywhere. It’s all part of the city’s quaint charm, but can make accessibility difficult. 

By bus:  The bus offers a convenient way of getting from the railway station to the centre of Bruges. They leave every 5-10 minutes and take passengers to the Market Square. There’s no need for a bus once you’re in the city centre, but it can be handy for station transfers.

By horse & carriage:  Live out the ultimate fairytale fantasy and make a one-off trip by horse and carriage. The horses are well looked after so there’s no need to sacrifice any ethics for a romantic horse & carriage ride through the city. It’s not the cheapest way to see the city, but it’s definitely the most memorable. 

By bike:  Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the outskirts of the city, where you’ll find quaint villages and rolling green countryside. You can get around the city centre by bike – and many of the locals do just that – although I think the main hub of Bruges is still best explored on foot so you can take in all the sights.

By taxi:  The only time you’ll really need a taxi in Bruges is to get from the station to the centre. If you don’t fancy the bus, there are usually plenty of taxis available at the station. It’s a relatively short journey so prices are generally quite reasonable.

By car:  You simply don’t need a car to explore Bruges. If you’re doing a road trip then it’s no problem to arrive by car. But once you’ve parked up, you’re not going to need it until the end of your Bruges excursion – unless you’re doing a day trip of course!

Best time to visit Bruges

Note that most attractions are closed on Mondays and that a lot of restaurants don’t open until the latter part of the week.

There are still plenty of options for dining out, but you’ll need to book in advance to guarantee a spot. This does mean it’s generally a little quieter from Monday to Wednesday.

Personally, I think it’s worth the more limited dining options for a more peaceful experience of the city.

One of the key shoulder seasons, I think spring is a wonderful time to visit Bruges. The city becomes adorned with colourful flowers in every nook and cranny.

European cities don’t get much prettier than Bruges in spring. If you’re visiting in spring, be sure to stop by Beguinage, as it will be covered in a blanket of white and yellow daffodils. Aim for late spring to benefit from fairer weather.

As you’d expect, summer is the most popular time to visit Bruges. The weather is at its best, although still mild and not scorching. Temperatures tend to hover around 19-20 degrees Celsius and rain is less likely – although still pack an umbrella!

The warmer weather does mean a lot of tourists. As Bruges is such a small city, the high volume of tourists is, unfortunately, very noticeable.

Another shoulder season, autumn is a great time to visit if you’d prefer to avoid the droves of tourists that the summer months attract. As the leaves turn golden brown, the city takes on a cosy charm.

Be sure to visit parks like Minnewater to get the full autumnal experience. If you’re visiting in late autumn, be aware that the weather will be chilly and rain quite likely. So pack accordingly!

The main reason that people visit Bruges in winter is due to the delightful Christmas markets. Wander the pretty wooden chalets, go for a skate on the ice rink, and indulge in traditional street food and drink.

As you can imagine, the weather will be cold. If you’re lucky, you may get to see Bruges covered in a glistening blanket of snow for the ultimate postcard-perfect visit.

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Frequently asked questions, how long to spend in bruges.

I’d say that three nights and two full days is a good amount of time to spend in Bruges. Given its small size, you may run out of things to do if you spend longer there. An alternative option is to add on another night and spend your third day in pretty Ghent, which is just a half hour train ride away.

Is Bruges overwhelmed with tourists?

Due to its small size, the city can feel overwhelmed with tourists during peak times. My recommendation? Do not miss out on an early morning stroll around the city, before the crowds descend. It’s the best time to see the unspoiled streets and remarkable beauty of Bruges in all its glory.

Is Bruges a good destination for solo travellers?

Bruges is an excellent destination for solo travellers. In fact, I often recommend it as a great starting point for anyone new to the world of solo travel. You don’t need to navigate any complex public transport systems, English is widely spoken, and it’s a very safe city with low crime rates.

Is Bruges expensive?

Bruges is a relatively expensive city, especially when it comes to food and drink . Just be sure to eat away from the tourist areas (definitely don’t eat on the Market Square) and the prices will be less inflated.

How many Michelin star restaurants in Bruges?

There are currently two Michelin star restaurants in Bruges: Zet’Joe by Geert Van Hecke and Sans Cravate. Bruges is also home to two Bib Gourmand restaurants and 15 other Michelin recommended eateries.

There are some exceptional restaurants in Bruges by exciting, innovative chefs. If you love a spot of fine dining, you’ll find plenty of options in Bruges. Just make sure that you book ahead of time.

Are there Christmas Markets in Bruges?

The main Christmas market takes place in the central Markt, where there is also a tempting ice rink. A second Christmas market takes place in the Simon Stevinplein square.

Wander the cosy wooden chalets, indulge in delicious home-made treats, and do a spot of Christmas shopping. It’s guaranteed to be an unbeatable festive atmosphere.

What are the food and drink specialities in Bruges?

Belgium is famous for waffles, chocolate, beer and fries – all the healthy treats in life! It follows that all of Belgium’s specialities can be found and sampled in Bruges. 

Bruges highlights

Historic centre.

The historic centre of Bruges is one of the city’s main appeals. In fact, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, owing to its layout being the same as it was in the Middle Ages.

The mediaeval centre is a hub of gothic architecture and quaint streets, all with a lively city feel.

Be sure to wander the historic centre on foot, along hidden streets and romantic bridges. The canals wend their way around the cobbled streets which are lined with recognisable Flanders architecture.

Go shopping, indulge in a traditional Belgian waffle, or pause for a moment in one of the many cafes or bistros.

Explore by canal

A visit to Bruges would not be complete with a journey along the canals. Gain a different perspective on the historic centre by seeing it from the calming waters.

There are plenty of canal boat tours available throughout Bruges, with insightful commentary that brings the city to life.

Try to go relatively early, when they open at around 10am to avoid long queues. I recommend picking one up from the jetty at Rozenhoedkaai, as you can enjoy an alfresco drink in the area afterwards.

Seeking out the hidden pockets of Bruges via the waterways is an absolute must.

Bruges breweries

It’s no secret that Belgium is famous for its beer. What better excuse to get seven pints deep, all in the name of ‘soaking up the culture’!

Bruges has three working breweries: De Halve Maan, Bourgogne des Flandres, and Fort Lapin. For a popular guided tour, head to De Halve Maan to learn more about the process of creating their award-winning beers.

A tour would not be complete without a tasting, so make sure you leave time – and room – for this. If you still haven’t had your fill of beer, you’ll find beer infused dishes in many of the restaurants.

Sound like a dream come true? Book a table at Cambrinus, which offers entire menus prepared with beer (and the longest beer menu you’ll ever see).

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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

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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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“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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A Guide to the Best Things to do in Bruges, Belgium

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 9th March 2023

Categories Belgium

Last Updated on 9th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Bruges . The name alone probably conjures up visions of fairytale canals, gingerbread houses, and quirky bars serving plenty of Belgian beer. Well, if you’re looking for the best of the city which is known as Brugge in Flemish, then here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Bruges , including insider tips and things to know before visiting for the first time.

For more information, be sure to check out our suggested one day itinerary for Bruges and our perfect Belgium itinerary .

Where is Bruges?

What is bruges known for, how long do you need in bruges, #1 take a boat tour of the canals, #2 sample a waffle, #3 go up the belfry, #4 snap photos of brugge markt, #5 visit the bruges christmas market, #6 de halve maan brewery, #7 seek out hidden gems, #8 admire the view from the quay of the rosary, #9 sample some fries (with mayo), #10 eat some chocolate, #11 visit ten wijngaerde (bruges beguinage), #12 relax in minnewater, #13 discover burg square, #14 visit 2be beer, #15 basilica of the holy blood, #16 st salvator’s cathedral, #17 groeningemuseum, #18 historium bruges, #19 blinde ezelstraat, #20 learn about lace, #21 eat in a local restaurant, bruges travel tips, how to visit bruges, where to stay in bruges, what is the population of bruges, what are the best free things to do in bruges, is bruges safe to visit.

Bruges can be found in Flanders, which is the Flemish speaking part of Belgium. Located not far away from the sea, the city is around an hour’s train journey away from the Belgium capital city of Brussels. A historic settlement, Bruges has enjoyed city status since the 12th-century, when it was an important hub of trade.

Bruges is the largest city in the Province of West Flanders and boasts a population of just under 120,000 inhabitants. The closest cities to Bruges include the quirky city of Ghent (known as Gent in Flemish) and Ostend, which is right by the sea.

Undoubtedly, Bruges is most famous for its picturesque architecture, wealth of canals, and UNESCO world heritage status. The city is also known for its lace making, which was traditionally made my nuns.

Today, there are a number of lace shops around the city, as well as a Lace Centre where visitors can learn all about the history of lace making in Brugge. In terms of nicknames, Bruges is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ on account of its many canals and waterways.

The name Bruges itself actually derives from the Viking word for ‘wharf,’ and is a true testament for just how long Brugge was an important trade hub in Europe. The city rose to true prominence around 1000 years ago, when it came to be known as the most textile market in Europe.

Bruges is actually much smaller than many visitors first anticipate and so, in truth, it’s fairly easy to see the best of Bruges over the course of a day. If you want to enjoy all of Bruges’ attractions, including by going for beer tastings and visiting the museums, then I would recommend staying in the city for two or three days.

Best things to do in Bruges

Of course, as well as meandering among the waterways of Bruges, one of the best ways to experience the water is by taking to the water yourself. Easily one of the most popular things to do in Bruges, there are plenty of tour companies which offer guided boat tours of the water, whereby you can sit back and relax, listen to a guided commentary about the history of the city, and soak up the sights.

There are five landing stages where the various visits depart from and tours last for around half an hour. In this time, a captain will guide you through the iconic Bruges canals, which were originally constructed to serve as shipping lanes for the city. Book your Bruges boat tour and guided walking tour here in advance.

If I’m honest, one of the best ways to occupy yourself while on any trip to Belgium is to sample all of the local food. Waffles are probably one of the first things that come to mind when you think of Belgian cuisine, but a Belgium fact that you may not know about is that there are actually a number of types of waffle.

The most common type of waffle that you’ll find in every touristic location in Belgium is that of the Brussels waffle, which is famed for being rectangular in shape with cut outs. The waffle is then often topped with sweet additions such as cream or melted chocolate.

The other most common type of Belgian waffle is the Liége waffle, which is more asymetrical in shape and features large chunks of sugar. When it comes to sampling a waffle in Bruges, some of the best-reviewed shops include Chez Albert and Fred’s. For those who want to dive even deeper into waffle culture in Belgium, it’s possible to book a waffle workshop like this one.

If you’re in search of a bird’s eye view of the city, then you simply must climb the belfry, which stands at 83 metres tall, and as a result, encompasses a walk up of over 300 steps (366 steps). From the top, you can see the moated canal that rings its way around the city, as well as all of the other iconic attractions that Bruges has to offer.

The belfry is known as Belfort van Brugge in Flemish and dates all the way back to the 13th-century. The original belfry was constructed in 1240 to act as a watchtower with 47 bells though unfortunately burnt down during a devastating fire before.

Reconstruction began following the 1280 fire, though later 15th-century additions include the octagonal staircase at the top of the tower and Gothic revival style decoration on the roof. Today, visitors can go up the Bruges Belfry for a fee.

The best time to visit the Bruges Belfry is earlier in the day as it’s the most popular tourist attraction in the city. For obvious reasons, the belfry soon reaches full capacity and so it’s not unusual to be waiting up to an hour to ascend the tower (particularly around midday). Book your Belfry tickets on the official website here.

Like most historic cities in Europe, Bruges has its very own grand piazza in the centre of the city, around which the rest of the city is built. Head to the square and you’ll soon discover lively music performances, several buildings of note, and plenty of restaurants and cafés.

With this being said, one of my top Europe travel tips is to actually avoid the most touristy spots for food as they’re often overpriced and you’ll likely find better quality food just a few streets away.

The main square in Bruges itself was founded as a market square in 958 and a weekly market has been held on the square ever since. Nowadays, market day is every Wednesday morning.

At Christmastime, the main Christmas market of Bruges takes place in Grote Markt. Lying in the shadow of the towering belfry, the annual event has dozens of traditional wooden chalets selling Christmas market food and small gifts. There’s often also an ice skating rink. In 2021, the Bruges Christmas market will take place from the 26th November 2021 to the 9th January 2022.

Of course, Belgium is famed for its beers and so one of the more popular things to do in Bruges that has to do with Belgian cuisine is to take a beer tour. The best place in the city to do this is the De Halve Maan Brewery, which also functions as a café and bar serving local fare and beer brewed on site.

The tour itself takes visitors around the brewery and teaches you about the beer making process, as well as the history of beer in Belgium. The price of every tour ticket includes a complimentary beer. There’s also a souvenir shop where you can buy beer to take home with you.

No matter how visited any place is, there are always hidden gems and secret spots worth scouting out and Bruges is no exception. One of the coolest places to discover in the city is a former hospital turned museum which is a true hidden treasure in the very heart of the city.

Yet another is a quiet park named Minnewaterpark which boasts the likes of giant chess boards and a plethora of benches where you can enjoy a picnic on a summer’s day.

For even more inspiration for your trip to Bruges, be sure to check out our guide to the best secret spots in Bruges . If you prefer guided visits, then this hidden gems tour of Bruges will surely reveal more city secrets to you.

If you’re looking for that ‘classic Bruges view’ then you simply need to head to the Quay of the Rosary, which is known as the Rozenhoedkaai in Flemish. The viewpoint is at the precise location where the Dijver and Groenerei canals meet and allows visitors to enjoy a view of classic brick buildings framed with weeping willow trees.

If you happen to be in Bruges in the evening, then it’s also one of the best ways to see the city lights glittering in the reflection of the canal water. Nearby, you’ll soon find the Fish Market (which is still in operation a few days a week) and Tanners Square.

Beer aside, one of the biggest foodstuffs that Belgium is famous for is fries (chips). Known locally as frietjes, the best way to consume these deep fried potatoes is together with fritessaus (which is a kind of creamy mayo).

You should note that the price of mayo is often added onto the price of fries and another popular option of topping is a curry ketchup. Two of the best fries stalls can be found at the foot of the belfry. They’ve been in operation (and in competition!) for over 100 years!

Waffles, fries… and chocolate. If you’re a fan of sweet food then you most definitely can’t miss out on the chance to sample local Belgian chocolate while in Bruges.

The most famous chocolatier to have come from Bruges is undoubtedly Jeff de Bruges, though this famous chocolate shop can be found across Europe and is not exclusive to Brugge. As a chocolate lover’s paradise, when in Bruges there are plenty of other chocolate shops worth checking out as well.

Some of the top rated chocolatiers in Bruges include Chocolate Dumon, Pralinette, and The Chocolate Line. If the shop has a small picture outside or on the door which says ‘Gilde van de Brugse Chocolatiers,’ this means that the chocolates are handmade in Bruges.

Those looking to sample the local sweet treat, as well as learn more about the history of chocolate in Bruges, and Belgium as a whole, should be sure to book onto a Belgian chocolate workshop like this one .

Incredibly well-reviewed, highlights include making at least 30 chocolates to bring home with you, as well as discovering some of the techniques of chocolate making. Find more tour details here.

One of the more calm and quiet spaces to visit during your time in Bruges is the historic beguinage. The term ‘Beguinage’ comes from the French words ‘béguinage’, which is used to denote a housing complex which was constructed so as to house beguines.

These were religious women who lived together as part of a community but didn’t have to take any vows, relinquish their possessions, or retire from the world. Today, beguinages can be found all over Western Europe, but notably in Northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

The beguinage of Bruges was founded in 1245 and women voluntarily practiced a life of religious devotion, though they were free to leave at any time. Today, the complex comprises of a central green space courtyard (though you’re not allowed on the grass) , a simple church, and 30 houses that were constructed in the 1500s.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city crowds, then you might consider visiting the district of Minnewater (Lake of Love), which is where several green spaces can be found, as well as the Bruges beguinage.

Set a little outside of the historic city centre (so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes if you’re planning a visit), here you’ll find wooded areas, peaceful views of the water encircling Bruges, and even a secret castle turned restaurant, Kasteel Minnewater.

After visiting the Grote Markt (the main central square of Bruges) , the next most famous city square is that of the Burg Square. Once the site of the former fortress of Bruges, today the area is home to the town’s Gothic city hall, as well as several other historic buildings. Be sure to bring your camera along because the gilded architecture and fanciful details of the buildings are truly a feast for the eyes.

Bruges actually has a rather unusual claim to fame in that beer literally flows through pipes beneath the city’s cobbled lanes. Around 2 miles worth of pipeline flow at a speed of 4,000 litres of beer an hour betwen De Halve Maan brewery and its bottling plant outside of the city centre.

Well, so iconic is the beer in Bruges that beer connoisseur and amateurs alike will probably enjoy a visit to 2be Beer where they can go beer tasting. The menus include explanations as to what certain beers taste like and the tasting centre also has a small shop selling souvenirs.

Though one of the more touristy things to do in Bruges, if you’re curious about beer culture then this is one of the better places to head to. Not to be missed is the world-famous ‘beer wall,’ which allegedly includes every single type of Belgian beer, all in one place, on shelves set up against a wall. For even more information, check out our Belgium beer guide.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is so-called because it houses a relic which is allegedly Holy Blood that was collected by Joseph of Arimathea. The ecclesiastical building itself is a Romanesque and Gothic creation that was constructed in the 12th-century.

Yet another church that’s worth a visit during your time in Bruges is St Salvator’s Cathedral (known as Sint-Salvatorskathedraal in Flemish). This is the largest and oldest church in the city.

Rather interestingly, the now cathedral was originally built as a church and was never meant to serve as the main place of worship in Bruges. St Salvator’s has only enjoyed cathedral status since the 19th-century.

If you’re looking for one of the best rainy day activities in Bruges, then you should consider heading to one of the many Bruges museums located across the city. One of the more popular is that of the Groeningemuseum which features six centuries worth of Flemish and Belgian painting.

For those wishing to delve deeper into the history of Bruges, the Historium Bruges is the place to head to. Located within the famed market square, this museum is part experience and part museum and guides visitors through the history of Bruges, with a particular focus on the city’s ‘golden age’ through a virtual storytelling experience.

Steps away from Burg Square, one of the most narrow and charming streets in Bruges can be found in the form of Blinde Ezelstraat. Literally translated into English as the ‘Blind Donkey Street,’ the cobbled lane features several impressive brick buildings and an archway of the City Hall building.

Before visiting, you should note that this is one of the busiest and most crowded thoroughfares of the city and so it can be hard to enjoy its beauty among all the crowds. If possible, the best time to visit Blinde Ezelstraat is as early in the morning as you can and during the week if you’re able to.

Chocolate aside, Bruges is probably most associated with intricate lace making, and for this reason you’ll soon discover lace shops scattered across the city. Before heading to any souvenir shop to purchase some lace, be sure to ensure that it’s actually locally produced as much of the stuff found in the souvenir shops is not created in Bruges. For a more authentic lace experience, be sure to head to the Lace Centre.

Though it’s true that the majority of restaurants and other eateries in Bruges are tourist traps and should be avoided, that doesn’t mean that there are no tasty meals to be found in the city! Indeed, there are actually a fair few decent restaurants in the city.

During my most recent trip to Bruges, I really enjoyed eating lunch at That’s Toast (  Dweersstraat 4 ). This restaurant has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options and serves brunch style food and speciality coffees.

As you can imagine from the name, most of the dishes are based around toast. I personally enjoyed ‘the classic,’ which comprised of a hearty slice of toast topped with a poached egg, avocado, and asparagus.

One of the nicest things about the restaurant is that they also served free water. If you know anything about travelling to Belgium , then you’ll know that this is a rarity when it comes to Belgium restaurants!

One of the top things to know before you visit Bruges is that the city is incredibly touristic despite being very small. This means that if you visit in peak season; i.e. the summer season and especially during the weekend, then you’ll find that the place is incredibly crowded.

As such, the best time to visit Bruges is during the European shoulder season, i.e. during the spring or summer. For even more inspiration, be sure to check out our Belgium travel tips . And to know more about the pint-sized country, be sure to check out these fantastic facts about Belgium .

Next, you should note that, as with many cities in Europe, Bruges is home to lots of cobbled lanes. And as the best way to explore the city is on foot (much of the centre is not accessible by car), then you’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes. Leave your high heels and instead opt to wear a cute pair of sneakers. 

As Bruges is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, let alone Belgium, it’s incredibly easy to reach. From London, you can take the Eurostar to Brussels with a transfer in Bruxelles-Midi. From Paris, you can take an hour and a half Thalys before changing to a local train at Bruxelles-Midi.

Bruges is also a fairly popular day trip from Amsterdam with many tour companies, such as this well-reviewed one, offering day packages. Lastly, Bruges is one of the more popular day trips from Brussels and takes around an hour each way on a local train.

I personally recommend staying overnight in Bruges for several reasons. Firstly, so that you’re not rushed and take your time at all of the Bruges attractions, you’ll have ample time during an overnight trip.

Next, it’s pretty nice to be able to see Bruges without the crowds and you’ll be better placed to do this if you get up in the morning before the day trippers arrive. Check the best hotel prices in Bruges here.

As a very popular city (one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe), you’ll want to plan ahead and book your accommodation well in advance when it comes to visiting Bruges.

Another option if you want to save money could be to stay in Ghent or Brussels and see Bruges as a day trip. Otherwise, here are some of the best places to stay in Bruges based on location and web-reviews:

Snuffel Hostel: Just a ten minute walk away from the Belfry, this hostel offers a variety of different rooms including mixed and female only dorms. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and baggage storage. Check prices and availability now.

Hotel Academie Bruges: A four-star hotel which is fairly affordable is Hotel Academie Bruges. Situated in the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Quarter, colourful rooms are situated a stone’s throw away from all the major attractions in town. Check prices and availability now.

Hotel Dukes’ Palace: For the crème de la crème of Bruges accommodation, consider staying in the five-star Hotel Dukes’ Palace. Situated against the backdrop of a 15th-century palace, amenities include a spa and hot tub. Check prices and availability now.

Frequently asked questions about Bruges

As of 2021, the population of Bruges is around 120,000.

Those visiting Bruges on a budget will be pleased to know that, while Bruges is certainly pricier than many other Belgian destinations on account of its ever-increasing popularity, there are a number of low cost activities and attractions on offer.

Some of the best free things to do in Bruges include visiting the Basilica of the Saint Blood, wandering along the cbrugeanals of Bruges, discover In Bruges filming locations, and escaping the city to see the last of Bruges’ windmills.

Bruges is generally as safe as most other destinations in Europe, though petty crime can still occur. Visitors should be especially wary of pickpockets (which are present all over Europe, particularly in large crowds) . Never leave your valuables lying around or attended. I personally recommend always wearing a crossbody bag like these ones.

Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Bruges? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Sunday 7th of November 2021

Hi there, This Bruges info is great but do you know how to book tickets for Ice skating on Minnewater Lake? I have searched and cannot find a website

Sophie Nadeau

Tuesday 16th of November 2021

Thank you! I have done a bit of research and I don't think that you can book tickets in advance. However, I found the opening times and prices. They can be found on the official tourism website as follows: https://www.visitbruges.be/en/winter/artificial-ice-rink

Tuesday 3rd of August 2021

yes, we did almost all of these:) I'd love to go back for some more chocolate! canal boat ride was so beautiful

Monday 2nd of August 2021

hello Sophie you forget something important in Bruges " la Madonna " https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_of_Bruges

The 32 Best Things to do in Bruges

Bruges is one of Belgium’s best-loved cities, often outshining the capital of Brussels. Planning your visit? Don’t miss this guide to the best things to do in Bruges to help you plan your trip. 

Bruges is the archetypal Flemish city, but it’s so much more than that. Ancient brickwork and winding canals give the city its nickname “The Venice of the North”, while its position as the heartland of Dutch-speaking Flanders gives it an unmistakable identity of its own. 

I’ve visited Bruges several times over the years and each time, find one more reason to go back and explore. 

You don’t have to look hard to find evidence of Bruges’ historical importance: stately market squares, important museums, diamond traders – all tell the story of the city’s position. 

Bruges was named the capital of Flanders in the 15th century. In the 17th, it was named the capital of King Charles II’s exiled government as the English Commonwealth ruled on British soil. All of this has left its mark on Bruges as firmly as a stamp. 

For more information on this charming city, check out this Bruges travel guide . And if you’re looking for the best things to do in Bruges, take a peek at the list of attractions and activities below.  

Best Things to do in Bruges

If you’re short on time and are wondering which activities are a must-do in Bruges, then take a peek at the top five picks below. 

Wander Around Markt 

Chances are, if you asked anyone to name the single best thing to see in Bruges, they’d start with Markt. Sitting at the heart of Bruges, flanked on one side by the Belfort, Markt is Bruges’ commercial hub – a stark reminder that once Bruges was the economic centre of Flanders. 

That’s all great, but it is the architecture that sets out to wow. Rows of typical Flanders houses, complete with their stepped roofs and distinctive brickwork surround the square, punctuated by a few museums and the huge Belfort. 

Visit Burg 

Burg is the second-biggest square in Bruges and another must-see on your list of top things to see in Bruges. 

Why? Well, first of all, some of Bruges’ most important buildings sit on the square: the Gothic Stadthuis (town hall), the 16th-century city registry, the former Court of Justice, the Deanery, the House of the Deans of the Church of St. Donatus and the Heilig Bloedbasiliek (the Basilica of the Holy Blood). 

Secondly, it is straight-up beautiful.

Much of Bruges feels like you are walking through a fairytale, but the Burg goes for the full shebang (well, when it’s not thronging with huge crowds, anyway – that somewhat ruins the effect). 

Bruges in a Day: Planning the Perfect Bruges Day Trip

Chill Out in Bruges Begijnhof / Beguinages

Belgium’s gorgeous Begijnhof offers a calm respite in the heart of the city. 

These world-famous UNESCO World Heritage buildings were built in 1245 to provide religious sanctuary for poor and elderly women – often unmarried or widowed by the wars that claimed so many men’s lives at the time. 

While the Begijnhoff dates from the 13th century – many of the buildings you see clustered around the central tree date back to the 17th century. There are also a few 19th-century ones thrown in for good measure. 

The entrance, via a bridge over a pretty canal, takes you into a different world. 

Life inside the Begijnhof was quiet and governed by strict religious beliefs, so it’s fitting that it’s now a Benedictine convent. Even walking through today, signs request visitors keep their voices low and don’t make too much noise. 

Take a Canal Cruise

You can’t come to Bruges and not hop onto one of the cruises plying the canals that make this city so famous. After all, it is often called the Venice of the North.

Bruges’ waterways are what made the city so rich in the first place. Even the city’s name ties to the canals. It’s thought that the name Brugge comes from the Scandinavian word “Bryggis,” which translates as mooring place.

These days, it’s all tourist trade on the canals – but they’re no less picturesque than they were centuries ago. The tours generally run between March and November. Be sure to wrap up on colder days and be sure to bring along a waterproof jacket. 

Looking for a tour? Check out this Bruges boat cruise . With a local guide, discover the mediaeval town of Bruges and many of its best-kept secrets.

Discover Belgian Beer on a Brewery Tour 

Belgium is famous for its beers, so if you have even a passing interest or enjoyment of the brown stuff, going on a brewery tour is pretty much a must. 

There are a few breweries you can visit in the city – De Halve Maan , Fort Lapin and Bourgogne des Flandres – all three producing excellent beer and leading brewery tours.

What could be more Bruges than learning all about how the city makes the iconic Belgian Beers before whetting your whistle with tasters of the end product? 

PS: Service is curt at best at Bourgogne des Flandres, so if you have to skip one, choose that one.

The Bruges Beer Guide – Where to Find the Best Beers, Bars and Breweries

Visit Helig Bloedbasiliek (The Basilica of the Holy Blood)

Perched on a corner of the Burg, the Basilica of the Holy Blood is one of the most visited churches in Bruges. But what is it? Well, the clue is in the name – the Basilica holds a phial that some say contains the holy blood of Jesus. 

Reports suggest that the relic came from the Holy Land in 1149, but evidence suggests it was actually from what was Constantinople. Either way, the holy phial is supposed to contain a shred of the cloth used to wipe Jesus’ body after his crucifixion. Gory stuff. 

Whether you believe that or not, there’s no denying the church’s dramatic exterior is a real eye-catcher, even by this city’s high standards.

Marvel at the Groeninge Museum

The Groeninge Museum is the city’s leading museum – with a collection that largely focuses on artists who, throughout the centuries since the mediaeval ages, have called Bruges their home. 

I’ll be completely honest here. I didn’t LOVE the Groeninge Museum. In truth, I found it a bit dull – but I’m not really that into the early Flemish, Dutch and Belgian art that forms the backbone of the museum’s collection. 

I also thought it was pretty expensive for what is ultimately a relatively small museum, but it is one of Bruges’ most important museums, so I’ll leave you to make up your mind. 

Gawk at the Gruuthuse Museum 

Housed in a charming mansion, the relatively recently-renovated Gruuthuse Museum contains the antique and art collections of the Archaeological Society of Bruges. 

The impressive building belonged to one of the wealthiest families in Bruges. The most famous member of this family is Lodewijk van Gruuthuse (Louis of Gruuthuse), a diplomat and art lover. 

The mansion has seen several renovations over its lifetime, and the result is truly astounding. Inside you’ll find mediaeval kitchens, Gothic furniture, and medical displays, all portraying life in mediaeval and Renaissance Bruges. 

Eat Some Belgian Waffles 

Just the thought of Belgian waffles is enough to get my mouth drooling. There are so many great waffle shops in Bruges that I totally wouldn’t blame you if you had them for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day (though maybe that would be a little bit excessive).

Fluffy yet dense, sweet but not too sweet, and topped with your choice of delicious topping (hello salted caramel), you really should have at least one during your trip.

Food + Drink

I loved Fred’s Waffles around the back of Markt, but you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to locations.

Buy Some Belgian Chocolate

Belgian chocolate hardly needs an introduction – the country loves chocolate, a passion that has meant it has produced some of the world’s finest chocolate for centuries. 

The upshot is that if you’re big on your chocolate, Bruges is tantamount to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory – with shop after shop selling the good stuff. 

Not all chocolates are equal, though. So it’s worth hunting out a few highly-recommended ones for your list of places to visit in Bruges: Olivier’s Chocolate Shop & Bar and Pol Delpa Chocolatier are two of my faves. 

Stroll Around De Vesten (The City Ramparts) and Windmill Walk 

Did you know that Bruges used to be a walled city? You will only find traces of evidence that once, the city boasted 7 km of walls, built for protection in 1297 by the French King Phillip the Fair. 

Though the walls were largely torn down in the 19th century, a few gates remain, including the Gentpoort, which houses part of the city museum and the moated Ezelpoort.

Interesting as that all is, what’s better is that the space previously occupied by the old city walls has transformed into a lovely walk around Bruges Old Town. Along the way, you can take in views of the four remaining city gates and windmills (which is why it’s often nicknamed Windmill Walk). 

There used to be over 20 windmills to the north of the city – today, only three remain. Sint Janshuismolen is the most important of them all as it still grinds flour today. You can pop in and see the process yourself.

I cannot recommend that you walk the old ramparts enough – it’s a delightful way to take in some of the city’s historical sights in what feels like a semi-rural setting.

Indulge in Choco Story at Bruges Chocolate Museum 

Another one of the choccy-themed Bruges attractions is Choco Story . It is a chocolate museum created to honour one of Belgium’s best-known international exports and is certainly one of the best activities in Bruges for all the chocolate lovers out there. 

Belgian’s first chocolate house dates back to 1845, and the country has been devoted to the good stuff ever since. 

The museum walks you through the history of chocolate and the development of Belgium’s own chocolate industry – complete with interesting snippets and stories along the way. I dare you to resist the chocolate from the shop on the way out. 

Visit the Diamantmuseum 

Three of the world’s leading diamond museums are located in Belgium. Accident? I think not.

Belgium’s history is inextricably intertwined with that of the diamond industry.

In fact, diamond-cutting was first invented in Bruges more than 500 years ago. 

Housed in a 17th-century mansion, the museum takes you back in time to the old diamond workshops and some replicas of the famous pieces they produced. There are also large numbers of real diamonds for you to feast your eyes on too. 

Some unique demonstrations you’ll be able to attend when visiting the museum include diamond-cutting and diamond-polishing.

Climb the Belfort 

It’s hard to miss the Belfort as you’re sure to see it peeking out above the skyline here and there. In fact, there are few places in the city centre where you won’t catch a glimpse (or, failing that, hear the sounds of its bells ringing out).

The Belfort that we see today is not the original. It burnt down in 1240, was rebuilt, and then destroyed by fire twice more. The second time was in 1741, before it evolved into the building we see today. 

Climbing the Belfort is unmissable, so long as you have a head for heights and plenty of stamina to climb. It is high, and it takes some huffing and puffing to reach the top over 366 painstaking, yet ultimately rewarding steps. However, the spectacular views from the top are most certainly worth it. 

Check Out St Salvator’s Cathedral 

Previously a humble church, St Salvator became a cathedral when Belgium became an independent kingdom in the 19th century.

It was enlarged and improved to fit its new status, as well as to ensure it looked every bit more important than its neighbour, the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk.  

The result of the building’s long history is a diverse mix of architectural styles from the Scheldt and High Gothic periods. It also boasts some Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque styles. 

Inside the cathedral, you’ll find weapons belonging to the chivalric order of the Knights of the Golden Fleece. Other important treasures you’ll find here include a collection of Old Dutch paintings, shrines, reliquaries, and sculptures from the church treasury.

Swing by Onze-Lieve Vrouwekerk – The Church of Our Lady 

Sporting Bruges’ highest tower (yes, even higher than the Belfort’s), Onze-Lieve-Vrouwerkerk is Bruges’ most visited religious building. This is thanks to its stunning architecture and the fact that it doubles as a museum and houses a number of important artistic works, including Michaelangelo’s Madonna & Child. 

The sculpture – famously the only one to leave Italy while Michaelangelo was alive, was originally sculpted in 1504 for Siena Cathedral in Italy. However, that all changed when two Bruges merchants bought the piece and later donated it to the church in 1506.

Today, it really pulls in the crowds. Try to go early or late before or after the tour buses arrive and depart to get a look at it in relative peace.  The 122 m tower is one of the tallest in Belgium, topped only by that of Antwerp’s gorgeous cathedral. 

Peer Inside Sint Janshospitaal & The Memling Museum

Sint Janshospitaal dates back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe. It served as the city’s main hospital until well into the 20th century. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to recreating what a mediaeval hospital and pharmacy would have looked like. 

Inside you will find an extensive collection of archives, medical instruments, and artworks. Sint Janshospitaal is also home to an impressive collection of paintings by German artist Hans Memling. One of the most famous pieces found here is the Ursula Shrine. 

Another draw of this museum is the Diksmuide attic, which boasts one of Europe’s oldest and most monumental roof support structures.

Scoff at Frites Museum 

A whole museum dedicated to the humble chip? Only Bruges could make it work.

In truth, I wasn’t sure whether I’d enjoy the Frites Museum , but it is surprisingly engaging – walking you through everything you ever needed to know about the much-loved Belgian fries.

What’s more, you get some perfectly-prepared fries at the end of your trip to round it off (to be had with mayonnaise the Belgian way, naturally). 

Take a Romantic Stroll Around Minnewater Park 

It’s hard to believe that tranquil Minnewater Lake is a city park, but it is. 

This pretty spot, containing the Lovers’ Lake and Lovers’ Bridge is both peaceable and photogenic – and well deserving of a place on your list of places to visit in Bruges. 

Like much of Bruges, there’s a story behind the lake too. According to legend, a beautiful young woman was in love with a warrior from a neighbouring tribe.

Her family disapproved, instead arranging for her to marry another man. Rather than submitting to this fate, the girl ran off into the forest, where she was found by the warrior… only to die in his arms. 

It’s not a cheerful tale, but rather fitting for the evocative surrounds of the park and lake. 

Snap a Photo of Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary)

Is this the prettiest location in Bruges? It’s certainly one of the most photographed and deserves a spot on any list of unmissable places to see in Bruges.

Go and you’ll see castle-like buildings touching the water, along with a bridge and wooden dock that also appears untouched. With its sheer charm, the Quay of the Rosary looks as if it came out of the pages of one of Hans Christian Andersen’s tales – that or a Disney film. 

The Quay marks the spot where the Groenerei and Dijver canals meet and also serves as a jumping-off point for canal tours around the city.

Spot St Walburga’s Church 

St Walburga’s is one of the things to do in Bruges that’s a little off the tourist track – which is weird as it’s located quite centrally and boasts the most impressive interior of all the city’s religious sites. 

Decorated in stark black and white Baroque style (with plenty of gilt and wooden carvings for further effect), it’s jaw-droppingly beautiful.

Take a Day Trip to Brussels

With Belgium’s transport being as efficient as it is, and the capital just 90 minutes away, it would be criminal not to visit Brussels during your trip to Bruges.

The cosmopolitan capital is filled with plenty of brilliant things to see and do – from hanging out in Grand Place to seeing the city from a new perspective inside the Atomium. Marvel at the EU buildings or swing by the Justice Palace for a pretty jaunt around the nearby gardens, as well making time to visit the Magritte Museum.

Whatever you do, swinging by Delirium for a craft beer (or three) is a must. As is heading to Knees to Chin for the best Vietnamese rolls in the city.

Concertgebouw 

Wondering what to do in Bruges that doesn’t look like it’s straight up out of the 16th century? So much of Bruges has one foot in the past that the ultra-modern Concertgebouw can come as something of a shock. 

The Concertgebouw opened in 2002, which is also the year that Bruges got the name the European City of Culture. It is an international music and art centre renowned for its architecture, acoustics, extensive art collection, and magical concerts.  

It is purposefully dramatic and a real change from the traditional buildings that define the rest of the city. It also sits on the list of 1001 buildings to visit before you die. 

For the full experience, keep a lookout for the Concertgebouw programme online. You’re sure to find something spectacular.  

Experience the Bruges Nightlife 

Another reason why Bruges is popular amongst locals and tourists is its vibrant nightlife. Throughout the city you’ll come across a wide range of nightclubs and pubs. You’ll find many of these concentrated around Blekerstraat, Vlamingstraat, Kemelstraat, Breidelstraat, and Oud Sint-Jan. 

Some of the best spots to grab a drink in Bruges include Cafe Rose Red , De Garre, and Volkscafé Sint-Jakobs. Each of these offer a great selection of Belgian beers. Some also feature live music. 

Take Aim with a Tour of the St Sebastiaan Royal Guild of Archers

The St Sebastiaan Royal Guild of Archers is one of Bruges’ best-hidden, and oldest secrets. Established more than 600 years ago, this guild of archers remains active today and boasts members of the British Royal Family as active members. Indeed, Queen Elizabeth II was one of only two non-male members of the longbow guild prior to her death.

You have to make an appointment to visit the stunning museum and explore the buildings, but it’s well worth making the effort as what you’ll see will have your jaw dropping in awesome wonder.

If you can, take a look at the 16th-century archery range, while learning more about the four different disciplines they practice. This includes the 60m target shooting, reclining ‘wip’ at 18 metres and standing ‘wip’ at 30m.

Explore the Stadhuis

Bruges City Hall is one of the oldest city halls in the Benelux countries with building works beginning in 1376 and concluding almost fifty years later in 1421. The grandiose building remains a testament to European gothic architecture of the era and is one of the city’s most Instagrammable spots.

Yet even that pales when you step inside and enter the astonishing Gothic Hall, up the stairs from the main entrance, where huge murals tell the story of the history of the city along with a vault containing original 14th-century polychromed consoles.

In the historical room, learn about Bruges’ history to the sea through trade and the sea’s awesome power before heading back downstairs to come face-to-face with former civic and royal leaders, including a certain Napoleon Bonaparte. 

The Stadhuis remains the centre of political power within Bruges playing host to monthly council meetings in the grand Gothic Hall.

Get to Know Dali at the Gallery XPO Salvador Dali

You wouldn’t necessarily link Bruges with the surreal world and works of Salvador Dali, the 20th-century Spanish surrealist artist, even if you knew his life in intimate detail.

I’ll be honest, surrealism and cubism isn’t always my artistic jam, but the Gallery XPO , housed in the Belfry, exhibits more than 300 of Dali’s works and is a shrine to his undoubted genius that marked him out as one of the 20th century’s most celebrated art figures.

During his life, Dali collaborated with some big names, particularly in Hollywood where he worked with Walt Disney and Hitchcock, notably on the dream sequence in Spellbound. He is also famed for creating the famous face of actress Mae West before being influenced by the aftermath of the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in the 60s and 70s.

All of these influences are referenced in this admittedly cool collection of which, my favourite is the eerie cast of Beethoven’s head. 

Walk Through the Famous Kruispoort Gate

If getting your history nerd on is something you like to do, you cannot go wrong with a walk to the Kruispoort Gate . This famous monument to many of Bruges’ famous brushes with historical figures is only a 15 minute walk from the historic town centre.

Although the gate has undergone many necessary facelifts after it was repeatedly torn down and rebuilt, several original features remain including the two main towers, a narrow passageway, and a couple of octagonal turrets.

Among the famous figures and conquerors to have marched through the gate in triumph are Charle V, Napoleon, and the German Army in May 1940. This gate is one of only four remaining in the city and, in my view, the most beautiful.

Cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists use the gate these days, so if you want to explore safely without too much traffic, make it your first stop in the morning, or visit during the evening.

Eating and Drinking

Restaurant Sans Cravate 

The Michelin-starred Restaurant Sans Cravate melds French and Belgian cuisine to create high-end dishes and some of the best eats in the city. 

I loved their 3 course evening menu which came with two options for starter, main, and desert, plus the two exclusively-paired wines curated by chief sommelier Casimir. All for €175. Book ahead as it gets extremely busy. And gentlemen, don’t fret. You can dine sans cravate!

‘T Bagientje 

Traditional Belgian cuisine in a rather cutesy setting just inside of the old city ramparts? Yes please! Just 100 metres from the main railway station is ‘T Bagientje , a traditional Flemish restaurant serving some of the most authentic cuisine in the city.

The food is tasty but service can be slow, so don’t go if you’re in a hurry.  

The Republic  

Want to head to where the locals gather? Go to The Republic , where the contemporary menu and chic decor feels worlds away from the sometimes stuffy Bruges dining scene. Go for Carpaccio Grand Cru, or North Sea haddock from the main menu, or grab a range of their sharing plates for the best culinary treats.

With an ongoing calendar of cultural events and its own cinema too, this spot is highly recommended. 

Le Trappiste

I’ll make a bold statement: Le Trappiste is the coolest bar in Bruges. Step inside the exposed brick walls and you’re soon transported to a beer haven – everything from Hoeegarden to Chouffe, as well as some more off-piste options, are served here.

For more incredible restaurants and cafes, check out this guide to the best places to eat in Bruges .

Practical Tips for Your Bruges Trip

How long to visit in bruges .

I would recommend visiting Bruges for at least two days, preferably three. 

A day trip to Bruges is an easy trip, but staying overnight means that you have more time to explore the city’s key sights. You’ll also get to experience how nice and quiet it is once all the day-tripping crowds leave. 

Where Should I Stay in Bruges? 

Wondering where to stay in Bruges? Well, Bruges isn’t a large city, so wherever you stay is going to be relatively close to the centre. Here are my top recommendations: 

Novotel Bruges Centrum Hotel (Mid-Range) 

A relatively simple yet contemporary hotel a short walk away from the city centre. While the Novotel might not set your world alight, the rooms are comfortable, and the prices are reasonable.

Check Rates and Availability for Novotel Bruges

Hotel de Orangerie (Luxury) 

A converted Carthusian convent, the ivy-clad facade of the Hotel de Orangerie is a landmark in itself. Go for upmarket rooms, swish service and (if you’re lucky) breathtaking views. 

Check Rates and Availability for Hotel de Orangerie Bruges

Looking for more recommendations? Read my guide to The Best Places and Areas to Stay in Bruges

Things to do in Bruges, Belgium: Map 

Read More Bruges Travel Guides

• How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Bruges
• 2 Days in Bruges: A Weekend Break Itinerary
• The Best Airbnbs in Bruges
• Bruges Tourist Map – Interactive Map of the City’s Biggest Attractions
• Bruges Beer Guide

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

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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.

Photo Guide to Bruges, Belgium

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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. 

Begijnhof (Beguinage)

Canals of Bruges

Burg (Burg Square)

Concertgebouw Brugge (Concert Hall)

The Flemish primitives

Godshuizen (Almshouses)

Gruuthusemuseum (Gruuthuse Museum)

The Hanseatic Quarter

Markt (Market Square)

Minnewater (Lake of Love)

O.L.V.-kerk Museum (Museum of the Church of Our Lady)

Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay)

A Complete Guide to Bruges, Belgium

Distinguished by its canals and cobblestone streets, Bruges is living evidence that fairytales exist. Old world charm aplenty, there’s no question that this is the most beautiful town in Belgium. If you plan to make the trek to West Flanders, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Bruges in our travel guide to Bruges.

Your Guide to Bruges

Arriving in bruges.

Chances are you will arrive in Bruges at the main train station, a short 10-minute stroll from the centre of town. Pre-load your google maps or follow the signs (and crowds) toward the centre of town. This city is best explored on foot or by bicycle, so getting lost is half of the fun. A city as picturesque as this, there really is no harm in going map-less and seeing where you wind up. If it helps, the Bellfry tower is a great point of reference to look up toward and find your way back to the centre of town.

When to Visit

Bruges is one of the most visited cities in Belgium. The other most visited cities are Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. However, if I dare say it, Bruges is the most memorable. If you don’t like crowds, opt for an Autumn or Winter visit. If you visit in summer then you can expect to experience some crowds in Bruges. Spring is another popular season however not as chaotic summer, plus you’ll have the added aesthetic of fresh blooms. There really is no bad time to visit Bruges, however, each season has its pros and cons.

How long to stay?

This is a debatable question that warrants a few different answers. You can easily see Bruges in one day. That is more than enough time to see all the highlights, enjoy Flanders culture and experience the city. If you prefer to travel at a slower pace, I would recommend two or three nights in Bruges. This is the kind of city you can really slow down time.

What to See in Bruges: The Highlights

Groenerei canal.

As a waterborne city, the canals of Bruges form a network linking the capital of West Flanders to the North Sea. The canals thus form a core of Bruges’ identity and as you wander around the winding waterways, you can’t miss the Groenerei (Green Canal), the most romantic snapshot of Bruges’ canals. The best photo opportunity is from Peerdebrug (The Horse Bridge) on Peerdenstraat.

Bruges’ iconic Gothic square sits at the heart of the city and is a perfect example of quintessential Gothic architecture and Flanders culture + design. The Stadhuis (Town Hall) is a must see with its original 1376 design in tact. Take a tour inside to spot the original wooden ceiling on the first floor.

Minnewater Park

Also known as the Park of Love, this is no destination for the recently broken up with or solo traveller who would prefer not to be surrounded by a stream of couples wandering around the waterways. Should you not be one of the aforementioned, however, this is one of the most romantic locations in all of Bruges.

Rozenhoedkaai

As one of the most stunning postcard-worthy photo spots in all of Bruges, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit Rozenhoedkaai, particularly in the evening when the city lights up.

Walpein Square

This quaint and charming little square is filled with al fresco cafes and one of the most beautiful spots in town that is somehow not flooded with tourists.

Bonifacius Bridge

There are many bridges in Bruges but if we had to pick just one you cannot miss, Bonifacious would be it. The addition of the Church of Our Lady in the background makes this another quintessential photo opportunity not to be missed.

Where to Eat and Drink in Bruges

If you’re staying in town for a couple of days, prepared to be spoiled for choice! Despite the old world charm of Bruges, the restaurant and dining scene is years ahead of its’ time. Here are our top picks:

The Gulliver Tree

This casual coffee shop will quickly become a pit stop on your adventures around town – particularly if you’re fond of homemade baked goods, soups and a cup of tea in the afternoon.

Cordoeaniersstraat 4, Bruges 8000, Belgium

The Olive Tree Brugge

If you’re looking for a mediterranean touch, then look no further than this Greek restaurant. It is one of the most popular spots in town but the meals are huge and the atmosphere hits the spot.

Wollestraat 3, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Réliva

This is our top pick for vegetarians and vegans as the options are plentiful, the food is incredible and full of unexpected flavour combinations.

Goezeputstraat 6, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

De Bron Vegetarian

This small vegetarian restaurant is open for lunch only, but is a great budget-friendly option for soup and a main meal (the offering changes daily). Note: open only on weekdays, 12pm-2pm.

Katelijnestraat 82, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

One of the best options in town for vegetarians and vegans. De Plaats serve up really fresh, wholesome food and the service is very friendly, making it a great option for a casual lunch or dinner. Note: they close between the end of lunch service and beginning of dinner service, so be sure to check hours before disappointment!

Wapenmakersstraat 5, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

‘t Zwart Huis

Dark and grungy bistro that might just become your favourite place in town. The food is hearty and they cater to dietary requirements, making it a great choice for a casual almost pub-style feed.

Kuipersstraat 23, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Oyya Waffles & Ice Cream

As the name suggests: the sweet spot in town! Since you can’t come to Belgium without trying at least one waffle, be sure to make a pit stop (and prepare to make it a regular one).

Noordzandstraat 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Schaeverbeke bakery

A lovely little bakery/patisserie serving a range of baked goods, including macarons.

Schaarstraat 2, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Sanseveria Bagelsalon

This bagel “salon” is the perfect light lunch spot. The decor is casual and they’ve got plenty of takeaway items if you’re planning a picnic in one of Bruges many public parks.

Predikherenstraat 11, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Carpe Diem Bakery

For old school interior lovers, look no further than the classic bakery that has been around as long as the locals. This typical Flanders bakery is a great way to step back in time and there’s a huge selection of teas, should you fancy a cuppa.

Wijngaardstraat 8, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

More to See & Do in Bruges

Belfry tower.

For a spectacular view over the city and a workout all-in-one, you can’t miss the opportunity to ascend the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry tower. Be sure to plan and book your tickets in advance or arrive early to do so – this is one of the most popular attractions in town.

Groeninge Museum

For a walk through Flemish and Belgian painting styles, look no further than the Groeninge Museum. If you were to pick just one museum to enter, this Fine Arts museum would be our top choice.

Sint Salvatorskathedraal

This impressive church (interior pictured above) is another insight in to a time now passed, with its impressively well-kept 12th-15th century facade and interiors.

Bruges Windmills

Located on the outskirts of town, the windmills around Bruges are where you will capture a great image of the city from afar, particularly at sunset.

Get Out: Elsewhere in Belgium

48 Hours in Ghent

48 Hours in Antwerp

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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Plan Your Trip to Bruges: Best of Bruges Tourism

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Bruges Is Great For

Historical tours.

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• Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce
• Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges
• Hotel Dukes' Palace
• Hotel van Cleef
• Hotel de Orangerie
• Bij Koen & Marijke - In't Nieuw Museum
• That's Toast!
• One Restaurant
• Mozart Brugge
• Historic Centre of Brugge
• Basilica of the Holy Blood
• Minnewater Lake
• Guided boat trip and walk
• Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges
• Belgian Chocolate Workshop in Bruges
• Guided tour of Bruges and Boat Trip
• Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Bruges

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Bruges Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 3, 2024

Bruges is one of the main reasons people visit Belgium . It’s one of the most famous medieval cities in Europe, boasting historic buildings, scenic canals, and attractive cobblestone streets. The entire historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first fortifications here were built in the 1st century BCE though the city didn’t prosper until the Middle Ages when it became an economic hub under the Hanseatic League. It was also home to the world’s first stock exchange (the Bourse), which opened in the 14th century.

Naturally, I found Bruges to be a very charming place to visit. It’s also expensive and touristy and there aren’t a lot of backpackers or budget travelers in Bruges due to the high prices.

That said, if you pass through Belgium, you’d be missing out if you don’t stop and visit Bruges for at least a night. Feast on waffles and chocolate, cruise the canals, and get your cultural fix while perusing the artwork at the Groeninge Museum. There is enough to keep you busy here for a day or two without busting your budget.

This Bruges travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most of your time in this picturesque medieval town!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bruges

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bruges

1. Take a canal tour

Taking a canal trip down the arteries of Bruges is the perfect way to capture the magic of the city. A half-hour boat trip takes you around secret gardens, picturesque bridges, and ornate medieval buildings. It’s a great way to learn about the city from a different angle. Several companies operate these tours with pretty similar open-air boats that fit 30-40 people and following similar routes. Tours cost around 12-15 EUR, or you can take this combo canal and walking tour for the best of both worlds.

2. Admire Grote Markt

This is the city’s beautiful and medieval central square, dating all the way back to 958 CE. It’s stunning to see, though I’d advise skipping the restaurants here as they are overpriced. Look out for Huis Bouchoute with its giant compass (which points towards the direction of the wind rather than true North), the Provincial Palace, and other museums, including Historium Bruges, the Bruges Beer Experience, and the Salvador Dalí Exhibition – Bruges.

During Christmas, this area is transformed into a gorgeous Christmas market with its very own ice-skating rink which is part of the city’s ‘Winter Glow’, the collective name for the winter activities and decorations. Bruges’ Christmas markets run from late November until the first week of January.

3. See The Burg

The Burg is a city square that was completed in 1376. It boasts Gothic stone décor including the city hall (Stadhuis) which also contains a history museum featuring a small exhibit on the history of the city and impressive vaulted gothic hall with 20th-century murals depicting important historical events. Entry is 8 EUR.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is also located here (so-called because it supposedly houses a relic of Jesus’s blood). Inside the church, there are two distinct areas: the Romanesque-style lower chapel and the ornate and colorful upper chapel. Entry to the basilica is free, while admission to the associated museum is 5 EUR.

4. Feast on chocolate

With dozens and dozens of chocolate boutiques, a chocolate museum, a chocolate trail, and a chocolate fair, this city is a chocolate-lovers paradise. You’ll find more of the higher-end, refined chocolate in this city — but it’s worth splurging on. Pay a visit to Dumon Artisanal Chocolatiers, BbyB or The Chocolate Line which all whip up a variety of interesting chocolate collections, shapes and flavors in-house. Consider taking a chocolate-making workshop to make your own Belgian chocolates!

5. See the Belfort Belfry

This 83-meter-tall (272 feet) bell tower is one of Bruges’ best-known landmarks. It once housed the treasury and the municipal archives and was used for spotting fires and other threats. After (somewhat ironically) being destroyed by fire one too many times, the belfry was never rebuilt and now only the tower remains. The 47 bells in the tower are played for an hour on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am and over the summer in special concerts.

If you have 30 minutes to an hour to spare and there’s not much of a queue, it’s worth the climb up the 366 steps to the top to enjoy some spectacular and panoramic views of the city. It costs 15 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Bruges

1. visit the groeninge museum.

The Groeninge Museum, also known as the Fine Arts Museum of Bruges is one of the most popular museums in the city, exhibiting works from Bruges’ own Jan van Eyck (a 15th-century master). There is also a world-famous collection of paintings by the Flemish Primitives (artists active in the Burgundian and Habsburg Netherlands during the 15th- and 16th-century). Admission is 15 EUR.

2. Take a hot air balloon ride

While not exactly budget-friendly (prices are around 200 EUR per person) this is a really neat way to see the city from a new perspective. You can spot Bruges’ most iconic buildings and squares from above and scan the green fields as far as your eye can see. Some operators offer both morning and evening flight options too. It’s a cool option for anyone feeling adventurous or in the mood for some romance.

3. Sample the beer

Like the rest of Belgium, there’s a lot of good beer in Bruges. Visit the Brewery De Halve Maan, which dates to 1856, and tour the facilities, where an underground pipeline carries the beer to bottling plants in the suburbs (tours cost 16 EUR and come with a free beer). There’s also ‘T Poatersgat, an amazing underground cellar bar with around 120 Belgian beers on tap. Or try the house beer at Vlissinghe Café, the oldest pub in Bruges (it’s been around for 500 years!). Some beer tastings and tours even include food pairings with chocolate or waffles.

4. Explore by bicycle

Owing to its smaller size, Bruges is a great city to explore by bicycle. Be sure to get out into the countryside if you have the time as the landscape is very pretty and it will be much quieter. Rentals cost around 10 EUR for 4 hours and 13 EUR for a full day. If you want a guided tour, Quasimundo runs regular tours that cover all the highlights. Their tours last 2.5 hours and cost around 33 EUR.

5. Take a food tour

If you’ve got an unquenchable taste for Belgian beer and waffles, take a food tour. Discover Belgium has a variety of different food tours, including a beer and food pairing tour, a chocolate tour, and a gamified food tour where you have to solve puzzles while you learn about the food and city history. There’s also a classic food tour, where you’ll get an overview of the country and its delicious cuisine, visit several different places, and learn about the history and culture behind each dish. Tours range from 50 EUR and last around 4 hours. If you want to learn how to make some Belgian classics yourself, you can learn how to make waffles in this workshop — and eat all the waffles you want too!

6. Tour some of the quirkier museums

Bruges has several small, quirkier museums that are worth visiting if you have some spare time. The Diamond Museum takes you back 550 years to when the technique of cutting diamonds was first applied right here in the city (admission is 12 EUR). There’s also the Chocolate Museum or Choco-Story (14 EUR), where a tour comes with a delicious tasting session, and the much darker Torture Museum, filled with grotesque instruments of torture that were used during the Middle Ages (9 EUR). Last but not least, the interactive (and delicious) Frietmuseum is the only museum in the world dedicated to tracing the history and culture of the french fry (admission is 11 EUR and advance reservations are required ).

7. Meander around Minnewater Park

This beautiful greenspace is a great place for a stroll. The park is filled with weeping willow trees and swans bobbing around Minnewater Lake, or “Lake of Love” (though it’s more like a wider section of the canals than an actual lake). It’s said that the lake’s name is in reference to a pair of doomed medieval lovers, but that if you cross the bridge with your partner, you’ll experience eternal love. It’s worth stopping at the castle for a drink by the water as part of your walk.

8. See the windmills

Belgium has a long history of using windmills, and in the 16th century, there were over two dozen windmills in Bruges (windmills were used for cutting wood, pumping water, and grinding grain). There are a number of historic windmills from the 17th-19th centuries still standing, including the iconic 4 along the city ramparts where you can stroll or cycle along the canal, or relax on the grass. You can only visit one of the windmills, though: Sint-Janshuismolen. It still grinds flour and has a museum in the base where you can learn more about the windmill and grinding process (admission is 5 EUR).

9. Visit Historium Bruges

This interactive museum offers a unique way to learn about the city’s medieval history and everyday life through film and other multimedia exhibits. You can even do a virtual reality experience where you fly through the medieval streetscapes to see what the city used to look like hundreds of years ago. It’s an impressive merging of history and tech and an especially great place to visit for families with kids. Admission is 20 EUR or 25 EUR including the virtual reality experience. It’s recommended to book online beforehand to avoid the line.

  For information on other cities in Belgium, check out these guides:

• Brussels Travel Guide

Bruges Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Dorms with 6-8 beds cost 25-30 EUR per night.. A private room for two with a private bathroom starts around 75-100 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard though most hostels don’t offer free breakfast or self-catering facilities. Expect hostel prices to double in the summer.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city. A basic plot for two without electricity starts around 20 EUR per night.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at 75-100 EUR per night. However, there are more options with three-star hotels, which cost between 110-175 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers.

Airbnb is available here as well, with private rooms starting around 65 EUR per night. You can find whole apartments for around 120 EUR per night. Be sure to book early otherwise prices can double and spots are hard to find.

Average cost of food – Belgian cuisine has been strongly influenced by its European neighbors over the centuries, specifically France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Food here is hearty with chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer being the most iconic cultural staples. Steak and fries, mussels (often with fries), smoked ham, stew, and sausages are just some of the common dishes you’ll find here. Portions are large and filling too (the saying goes that Belgian food takes the portions of German cuisine but adds the quality and delicacy of French cuisine).

Casual meals at cafes cost around 10-20 EUR while fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 8 EUR for a combo meal. Takeaway shops are everywhere, at which you can get a filling cone of fries for 3-5 EUR or a waffle for 3-6 EUR. Pizza is around 15-19 EUR while Chinese food is 16-19 EUR.

A main dish at a casual eatery, especially in the town square, costs around 25-30 EUR (if not more). If you want to splash out on a three-course meal, expect to pay at least 60-75 EUR.

Beer is 3-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 4-5 EUR, and a cocktail is 10-12 EUR. A latte or cappuccino is around 3-4 EUR while a bottle of water is 2 EUR.

If you want to cook your meals, there are some great markets throughout the city. Expect to pay around 40-60 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries.

Backpacking Bruges Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Bruges, expect to spend around 65 EUR per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking your meals, taking public transportation and walking everywhere, limiting your drinking, and doing most free activities like free walking tours and visiting the markets.

On a mid-range budget of 170 EUR per day, you can stay in your own room, enjoy a few drinks, eat out most meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, rent a bike, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and taking a canal cruise.

On an upscale budget of 300 EUR or more per day, you can do whatever you want. The sky is the limit here.

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Bruges Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Bruges, a city that seems designed for older travelers and couples, is not a cheap place to visit on a budget. If you want to save money, here are some suggestions to help you get started:

• Walk everywhere – Walking is the best way to see and get around the city. Most of the city’s main attractions are within 15 minutes of each other. There’s really no reason to take a bus or taxi. Save a few euros and walk everywhere.
• Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours are the best way to get the lay of the land, see the main sights, and connect with a local guide who can share their insider tips. Just be sure to tip at the end!
• Get the Musea Brugge Card – This handy little card entitles you to free entry to 27 museums and attractions in Bruges as well as cruises on the canal. You can also get 25% off a variety of concerts, dance and theater performances, and bike rentals. If you are going to do many of the things listed on the card, this pass will save you money!
• Visit the farmer’s market – On a Wednesday morning, the Grote Markt Square is taken over by a market that offers cheaper food and drinks than what you’ll usually find. Restaurants are expensive, so loading up on fresh food at the market will cut down your food expenses.
• Stay with a local – Hospitality networks like Couchsurfing connect you with locals who can give you a free place to share and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to save money and have a more local experience.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Bruges

There are only a few hostels in Bruges and limited choices for budget accommodation. Here are my recommended places to stay:

• Snuffel Hostel
• St. Christopher’s Inn Bauhaus Hostel
• Lybeer Travellers’ Hostel
• Cornerhouse Level Ten
• Hotel Van Eyck

How to Get Around Bruges

Public transportation – The local bus is operated by De Lijn. Single tickets cost 2.50 EUR and are valid for one hour. If you plan on using the bus a few times throughout the day, a day pass costs 7.50 EUR.

Bicycle – Renting a bicycle is a great way to get around town since it’s compact. Hourly rates start at 4 EUR, while full-day rentals start from 13 EUR. There are a handful of bike rental shops, including Fietspunt Station and Ben’s Bike Bruges where you can rent a city bike and even an e-bike.

Taxi – Taxis are expensive here. The base rate is 23 EUR, then it’s an additional 2.70 EUR per kilometer. Skip them if you can as they will destroy your budget. The city is small too so you really shouldn’t need one.

There are no ridesharing services like Uber here.

When to Go to Bruges

Summer is the best time to visit Bruges. This is when the weather is nicest and the city is in bloom. The average temperature in August is 20°C (68°F), and it rarely gets much hotter than that. Since Bruges is on the coast and has a maritime climate, summers are mild and winters are cold and windy.

Spring and fall are the shoulder seasons, with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. In April and May, temperatures are under 10°C (40s and 50s°F). Temperatures in the fall range from 8-12°C (47-54°F), and it gets rainy around this time, too. If you don’t want to deal with the summer crowds, this is a good time to visit. Just pack a raincoat and sweater.

Most people avoid visiting in the winter as the temperatures drop to near freezing. But if you want this magical city all to yourself, especially when there are Christmas markets, Bruges is worth a wintry visit!

How to Stay Safe in Bruges

Bruges is very safe to visit. Violent crime is incredibly rare here so travelers should feel safe. However, since it is a touristy city, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach when out and about, especially in crowds and on public transportation.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here for all those reasons. However, the standard precautions you take anywhere apply here too (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). There are numerous solo female travel blogs that can provide more specific tips.

Scams here are rare, however, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Bruges Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Bruges Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Belgium and continue planning your trip:

The Best Things to Do and See in Brussels

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Bruges Travel Guide | Why You MUST Visit in 2024

Even though we only live a 2.5 hour drive away from Bruges, we had never visited this beautiful city before. Bruges is a feast for the eyes and the mouth. There is so much to see, you won’t even get time to put your camera away. Plus, with over 60 chocolate stores, Bruges is a true chocolate city. Let us help you plan your next Bruges citytrip. We tell you everything you need to know before visiting Bruges.

This Bruges Travel Guide is written by Traveltomtom team member Ashley .

Bruges is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium, also known as the Venice of the North. Back in the days it was one of the richest and biggest towns in Northern Europe, and over the decades it managed to preserve its rich history and charm.

Bruges is a beautiful medieval, fairytale and picturesque place to visit in the North of Belgium, in the province of Flanders.

It’s the capital and the largest city of the province of West Flanders. The historic city center is a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes Bruges a popular tourism destination in Belgium. Eight to nine million tourists travel to Bruges every year.

It feels like you step back in time when visiting Bruges. The medieval city center, cobble stones streets and old buildings have a lot to do with that. The horse carriages that take tourists to the highlights of Bruges really add to that medieval feeling.

Stay connected when traveling to Belgium and get yourself a local prepaid sim card or an e-sim card for Belgium to safe on high roaming costs! Check out my article for the best way to get connected when traveling to Belgium in 2024.

UNESCO World Heritage

In 1998 the Beguinage was the first site to be recognized as a World Heritage Site in Bruges. One year later the Belfry was added to the World Heritage list. The entire historical city center followed in 2000.

Large parts of the medieval heritage remained practically intact. That alone was reason enough for UNESCO to designate the entire city center as World Heritage Site.

Something that played a big part in the recognition of UNESCO is the fact that Bruges is the birthplace of the Flemish primitives. Nowadays the world-renowned works of Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and other prominent Flemish Masters can be admired at the several museums throughout the city.

How to get to Bruges

Bruges has a pretty easy to reach location, as it is located fairly close to a few airports but also to the coast and the Zeebrugge harbor.

Bruges is easily accessible by car, as it is located close to the E40 highway, which runs right through Belgium from West to East. Bruges has several car parks just outside the city center, where you can leave your car. Our recommendation is to park at the P&R Station. It only costs €5,50 per day to park your car here. And it’s located right next to the bus station too, so you can easily catch your ride to the center of Bruges.

When you travel to Bruges by plane, both Brussels Airport and Brussels Charleroi Airport are an option. From Brussels Zaventem Airport you can easily travel onwards to Bruges by train. There is a direct hourly train service from the airport to Bruges.

Related: Buying a Sim Card for Belgium at Brussels Airport in 2024 !

Another popular regional airport is Brussels South Charleroi Airport. From here, bus company Filbco offers direct shuttle bus services to and from the station of Bruges, with a frequency of 9 trips a day.

Bruges has a large train station, and daily direct services between Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Hasselt, Leuven and Brussels that runs every hour. Bruges is very well connected by train.

International Coach services

There are various coach companies that operate bus services to Bruges from the main international transport hubs and from cities abroad.

With all travel options mentioned above, the central station is involved, either for parking your car or for travelling to Bruges by train or bus. From the Central Station there is a free shuttle service running every day between 7.20AM and 7.00PM. This shuttle runs every 20 minutes according to a fixed timetable. The shuttle has several stops in the city center and is a great way of getting around.

Triënnale Bruges

Triënnale Bruges brings contemporary art and architecture to the historic core of the city of Bruges every three years in a unique setting as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an excellent opportunity to extend a visit to Bruges with this art and architecture exhibition.

In October 2021, Bruges was the setting for the Triënnale. Thirteen national and international artists and architects presented their art installations to the general public. The theme of the 2021 Triënnale was TraumA. Using artistic and architectural interventions, TraumA brought out the less attractive aspects and allowed them to become part of the image of the city. TraumA balanced between the present and the hidden. With a trail of sculptural, architectural and organic creations, it met a celebration of the versatility and mobility of the city. Between private and public. Between dream and nightmare.

Throughout the city there were 13 art objects to be found and all of them had their own story to tell. You could explore them yourself by downloading the map from the Triënnale website . It showed you the location of all 13 objects. An amazing free thing to do in Bruges.

There were also daily guided walks from the market square every day at 2.00 pm for about 2 hours, and take about two hours and the costs of these walks were €12,50 per person.

The Triënnale Bruges will be back again in 2024 and then theme will be focussing on the future. Let's see what the Triënnale will bring to Bruges in 2024, but surely it will be another reason to travel to Bruges.

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Bruges from the heart city walk

There’s no better way than to explore a city by foot. Just start walking and get lost is always our way to discover a city.

Want to get to know Bruges while walking through the city and discovering some hidden gems and secret places? Then the Bruges from the heart city walk is definitely your thing. We decided to join one of their exclusive guided walks, where a local city guide will take you along a fascinating trail. It includes all of Bruges must-see heritage and architectural highlights.

The guided walk takes about two hours and starts at the Market Square where you will meet your guide. After two hours it ends on the rooftop of the Concert Hall where you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of Bruges after you saw the best places to see in Bruges.

The Bruges from the heart city walk can be done every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and will cost you €12,50 per person. It’s the money well worth spending as you get a lot of insight information on Bruges and it will show you everything you came to Bruges for!

Places to visit in Bruges

There is so much to see in Bruges with its medieval character and the many old buildings in the city. It’s definitely the place to be if you’re into history, but let’s not forget the art. You can indulge yourself in history, art and architecture in Bruges, you’ll run out of time if you want to see and do it all. Here are some cool places to visit.

Groeninge Museum

The Groeninge Museum is your place to be when you’re into art! This museum offers a varied overview of the history of Belgian visual art, six centuries of Belgian art in one location, with work by Flemish primitives such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Gerard David. Work by masters who came from the Low Countries and often worked in Bruges and completed assignments there in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The collection of the Groeninge Museum is one of the most beautiful collections in the world, containing many landmark works from the history of European art.

Gruuthuse Museum

The Gruuthuse Museum displays 500 years of Bruges history in historic objects. What once was the city palace of the lords of Gruuthuse is now an absolute highlight of Bruges! Walking through the museum you will go through three crucial periods in the rich history of Bruges. First you get the time of the Burgundian prosperity, then the less well known 17th and 18th centuries and lastly the historical reinvention of Bruges in the 19th century.

The museum makes these three periods come to life in over 600 collection items which all tell their own story.

Saint John’s Hospital

Saint John’s Hospital is one of the oldest preserved hospitals in Europe, dating back to the mid-12th century. You can visit the medieval wards, the church and the chapel, as well as the impressive collection of archives, art works, medical instruments and seven works of arts by Hans Memling. The oak wood rafter on the Diksmuide attic above the hospital ward is one of the oldest and most monumental in Europe. Make sure you also visit the hospital pharmacy with authentic interior from the middle of the 17th century.

You want to know all about the history of Bruges? Go back in time and experience the bustling city of Bruges in the Golden Age. The Historium Story features the exciting tale of Jan van Eyck’s apprentice. In the Historium Virtual Reality you can take an impressive virtual flight past the 15th century architecture, including the Water Halls. At the second floor of the building you’ll find the panoramic terrace with beautiful views of the Market Square. For some real impressive views you can climb the Historium Tower for unique 360° views.

Nowadays the Beguinage is inhabited by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict and several Bruges women who have decided to remain unmarried. The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde with its white colored house fronts and tranquil convent garden was founded in 1245. It has to be on top of your list when visiting Bruges. It’s a soothing, quiet and nice environment. And, the Beguinage hosts one of the 13 Triënnale pieces.

Best photo spots in Bruges

Make sure you bring your camera when visiting Bruges, because once you start exploring the cobbled stone streets, winding canals and hidden alleys, you’ll discover one amazing photo spot after the other. You won’t even get time to put away your camera as the city is literally full of photogenic places.

Quay of the Rosary

By far the most popular photography spot in Bruges, a centuries old Instagrammable hotspot. Back in the days rosaries were sold here, today it offers one of the city’s loveliest views. It is called The Bruges Postcard View, and believe me, you won’t stop taking photos.

It’s the perfect shot with medieval buildings, the canals, the boats and the Belfry as the perfect backdrop. Make sure to visit this place by day and by night as it is worth photographing this place all times of the day.

Dumon Chocolate shop

The story of Chocolatier Dumon starts back in 1992, just outside of Bruges. Nowadays they have seven stores in three countries, most of them in Belgium and three of them in Bruges. Their shop at Eiermarkt is a fairytale shop and invites you to come in and have a look, or taste. The building is completely different from the buildings right next to it, but that makes Dumon stand out from the rest.

Boniface Bridge

When visiting the Boniface Bridge you wouldn’t tell that this is one of the youngest bridges in Bruges. In fact, during our guided walk through Bruges we were asked how old we thought the bridge was. We were all way off with our answers. It is actually one of my favorite places in Bruges, as it is tucked away a bit, yet still a very busy and popular place. Its picture perfect from both sides of the bridge. From one end you get the little canal and the overhanging half-timbered houses, but from the other side you get the impressive and stately Church of Our Lady in your backdrop. Perfect either way!

Bruges canals

Wherever you walk in Bruges, there is no escaping the many canals. One is even more photogenic than the other. The Boniface Bridge we mentioned before is a great way to start if you want to capture the canals.

Market Square

It’s the beating heart of the city, with the Belfry at one end of the square and a row of colorful stepped gables at the other end. In between it’s a coming and going of people all day long. Check out the imposing Provincial Court or hop on for a carriage ride. The Market Square is the place where the coachmen wait, another picture perfect!

Belfry of Bruges

It’s the landmark of Bruges, the most striking tower in Bruges dates back to the 13th century. It’s 83 meters high and is protected as a world heritage site. You can climb the Belfry, all 366 steps, and if you do, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view over the city.

It provides the perfect picture from every angle of the Market Square, or from the Quay of the Rosary. Want to climb the Belfry? Costs are €14,00 per person.

Burg Square

Ask someone from Bruges, and they will tell you that the Market Square is the heart of Bruges, but the Burg Square is the soul! For centuries this square has been the center of power in the city, and the 14th century gothic building still serves as town hall. The buildings in the square represent a variety of architectural styles. The Gothic Town Hall is probably the most beautiful building in Bruges.

It’s at this square where another Triënnale object can be found, with the Town Hall as perfect backdrop.

Fun things to do in Bruges

When you think of Bruges and Belgium, it’s often the classic Belgian beer, fries and chocolates that come to mind by many people. And don’t worry, there are many classics in Bruges, that’s why we’re listing our favorite Bruges classics right here.

Brewery ‘De Halve Maan’ – world’s first beer pipeline

It’s the worlds first brewery to have established a beer pipeline. Due to growth and logistical challenges in the center of Bruges, a unique underground beer pipeline, 3 km long, was laid from the brewery to the bottling plant in the suburbs.

This authentic brewery in the center of Bruges is a family-run business with a long lasting tradition dating back six generations to 1856. It’s the place where the Bruges city beer, Brugse Zot, is brewed. There are daily tours at the brewery, and best part, at the end of the tour you’re offered a free glass of Brugse Zot blond beer.

Bruges Beer Experience

After having visited the brewery you might as well be interested in the Bruges Beer Experience. Discover everything you ever wanted to know about the ingredients of beer, the brewing process, food pairing, beers in Bruges, trappist and abbey beers, all in a very interactive way. This tour will make you want to sample some beers for sure. The bar offers 16 different kinds of beer and is open to everyone. Being located at the Market Square it has some great views too!

Choco Story – Chocolate Museum

Get to know everything about the history of cocoa and chocolate. Walking through this museum you’ll walk through 4000 years of chocolate history. At the end of the tour you will get to the demonstration center, and believe me, it’s the best part of the museum. They demonstrate how to make chocolates here, when we visited they demonstrated how pralines are made. At the end of the demonstration you get a sample bag with several pieces of chocolate, delicious!

Fries Museum

It’s quite a small museum actually, but when visiting the country that’s famous for its fries, you have to visit the Fries Museum when visiting Bruges! The museum tells the history of the potato, Belgian Fries and the various sauces and dressings that go well with the most delicious and famous Belgian comestibles.  

In the basement you will find an actual fries shop where you can get a discount by showing your entrance ticket.

If you want to visit both the Fries Museum and Choco Story, make sure to buy a combined ticket for the two of them, and save some money.

Fries for lunch

Talking about fries, eating real Belgian fries is of course a must do and should not be skipped! Throughout Bruges there are many shops where you can get your fries, so pick one and enjoy them!

Buy Belgian chocolates

Belgium is proud of their chocolate, and rightly so! Belgium is the third largest exporter of chocolate and Bruges can also call itself a real chocolate city with more than 60 chocolate shops. Plenty of choice to bring some delicious chocolate, pralines or bonbons.

Bruges by boat

Last, but certainly not least, have you really visited Bruges if you haven’t seen it from the water? A visit to Bruges isn’t really complete without a boat trip on the Bruges canals. Discover the city from a surprising and different perspective. There are five boarding locations where you can embark one of the boats. The tour takes about half an hour and the captain will take you on a tour of the most beautiful spots on the water. These boat trips run from early March to mid-November. Tickets are €10,00 per person.

Traveltomtom’s recommendations

We’ve spent two days in Bruges, which is a good amount of time to explore the city. If you want to visit all museums you might need a bit longer, as those visits can take a lot of time. To make your visit easy and fun we have come up with a shortlist of Traveltomtom’s top recommendations for Bruges. Use it to your advantage.

Quatre Vins

Our number one recommendation, restaurant Quatre Vins. No classic menu, no starters or mains, nothing like anywhere else! All dishes are to share, for diner they recommend 5-6 dishes for a normal meal. They determine the order in which the dishes are served. So even though you know what you ordered, every dish is a surprise. A very relaxed atmosphere, amazing dishes that are a work of art on your plate, and an amazing location just off the Market Square. Just for this restaurant I would go back to Bruges!

Tom’s Diner

We wouldn’t be Traveltomtom if we didn’t recommend this one, Tom’s Diner. A modern and hip hotspot on the edge of the center of Bruges for more than 22 years. No-nonsense cuisine with a touch of rock ‘n roll. A great setting in a historical building. Our recommendation would be their wide choice of tasty and original tapas.

Hotel Marcel

Location is key when searching for accommodation. And location-wise you can’t go much better than Hotel Marcel in Bruges. Located just 150 meters from the Market, so right in the middle of it all. Hotel Marcel offers authentic hospitality and Bruges coziness in a modern jacket. Breakfast is included and basic but very good. Freshly baked bread, croissants and chocolate croissants, juices and fresh fruits, and best of all soft boiled eggs brought right to your table. A unique hotel in Bruges, well priced and top location.

Concert Hall Circuit

Totally unexpectedly one of the nicest things to do in Bruges, and therefore it made it to this shortlist. Discover the Concert Hall, it’s art and architecture during a surprise-filled visitors trail. It’s a playful discovery trail with lots to see and do for all ages. You go behind the scenes of the famous Concert Hall, get to see their music venues and also get to make some music yourself.

Be in for a surprisingly fun and interesting tour, which eventually ends on the rooftop of the building with a lovely view over the city.

Get lost in the streets of Bruges, just start walking, exploring and discovering, you’ll be amazed and want to keep going to see if there’s more to come, and yes there is! Bruges stimulates all your senses, be in for an experience like no other.

A thank you is in order here for Visit Bruges and Flanders Tourism for inviting Traveltomtom team member Ashely to Bruges and organizing this Bruges trip down to the last detail.

This blog was written by travel writer and Traveltomtom team member Ashley . She was invited to visit Bruges on behalf of Traveltomtom, and wrote this blog about her adventures in the city of Bruges.

Enjoy your trip to Bruges!

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bruges

If you are planning a trip to Belgium, Bruges is a must-visit city that should be top of any travel lovers wishlist. The fairytale city of Bruges is the capital of West Flanders, in Norwest Belgium.

Quaint cobblestone streets and photogenic canal ways ensure this well preserved medieval city overflows with charm. In fact, the cities historic center is a UNESCO world heritage site in its own right.

Exploring Bruges, it’s easy to notice how well the city caters to foodies. Rich Belgium chocolate, well crafted local beer and the original version of fries are just some of the many delicacies ready to tempt your tastebuds.

With so much history and culture to experience in Bruges, here’s our ultimate guide to visiting the city.

This ultimate travel guide to Bruges will show you the most captivating places in Bruges, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Bruges and things to do in Bruges , all of which will help you in planning a phenomenal trip to Bruges.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Bruges:

Although the city is quieter than Belgium’s capital of Brussels, it is still relatively easy to get to. Belgium’s main airport located in Brussels has its own railway station, meaning taking the train from there to Bruges is quick and easy.

Direct trains from Brussels Airport depart for Bruges every hour and takes just an hour to get there.

High-speed train travel through Europe is also another option to get to Bruges. You can get the Eurostar from London, Thalys from Amsterdam or Paris, or ICE from most major German cities.

An option more suited to those on a budget is taking one of the bus services that connect cities throughout Europe. Companies such as Ouibis operate a regular service to the city from various other European destinations.

How to get around Bruges:

With the city center being small in size, one of the best ways to experience the magic of Bruges is by walking. This ensures you are able to get plenty of amazing views of the canals and take pictures of the variety of stunning gothic architecture on display.

The distance from the main railway station to the center of the town is a walk of about 10 to 20 minutes.

Bruges is also very well connected by public transport, with buses available all over the city. De Lijn is the cities bus service provider and it is worth noting that it’s cheaper to buy tickets before getting on the bus.

Tickets are available from automatic ticket machines, Lijnwinjkel shops, and eShops, as well as at the main train station.

Cycling is super popular in Bruges, with many car-free bike paths across the city to explore.

What to expect in Bruges:

Belgium is a country with more than one official language. Coming to Bruges, which is located in Flanders, you’ll find the language different from the capital of Brussels. Flemish is what is spoken in Bruges, which is similar to Dutch.

Being an EU country, the Euro is the currency used in Bruges, meaning if you are planning a multi-destination trip around Europe, you won’t have to think about getting your money exchanged here.

You’ll find that tipping in Bruges is not expected, as restaurants generally apply a 10-15% service charge to your bill. However, if you feel like the service was exceptional, you can, of course, leave a few extra Euros.

Bruges is a small city with a lot of tourists so you’ll find it very easy to navigate during your trip. English is well spoken and understood, and the location is also very safe.

The best time to visit Bruges:  

Bruges is a particularly good place to visit if you prefer comfortable temperatures and a cooler climate. Spring and summer offer up the best weather for visitors, meaning you are pleasantly able to stroll around the city with ease.

If you want to escape the summertime crowds, visiting Bruges between April and May is your best bet. As well as the city being quieter, as you are off season, you may even be able to find a good deal on your accommodation.

The weather warms up in the summer months, between June and August. The average temperature in August is 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

Things to do in Bruges:

The markt square.

Visiting the Markt in Bruges will give you a great insight into what the city was like historically. This square was used as a marketplace since 958.

Alongside a weekly market that was held here, other regularly events included festivals, fairs, tournaments, uprisings, and executions. Now the square is full of life, buzzing with people, music, and restaurants.

Basilica of Holy Blood

The basilica is located in a corner of Burg square, instantly identified by a decadent facade. This Roman Catholic basilica was built in the 12th century as the chapel of the residence of the Count of Flanders.

The church gained its name from a famous item is boasts inside. The basilica houses an honored relic of the Holy Blood, allegedly collected by Joseph of Arimathea. The vial is said to contain a cloth with the blood of Jesus Christ.

The relic is shown to the public every Friday, and also daily from the 3rd to the 17th of May. Outside the chapel, you will find the Holy Blood museum, which contains the shrine for the Holy Blood and other treasures belonging to the chapel.

Every year on Ascension Day (which is 40 days after Easter) the procession of the Holy Blood takes place. The procession is a large biblical parade that travels through the streets of Bruges.

Bruges City Hall

The stunning Bruges City Hall (Stadhuis) is where the city has been governed from for more than 600 years.

Inside you will find 19th-century murals that decpict notable moments that tell the tale of the history of Bruges.

Take a Canal Boat Trip

One of the best ways to experience Bruges is from the water. Honestly, no trip to Bruges is complete without a boat ride.

You’ll find that there are plenty of locations around Bruges where you can begin a canal boat tour. However, one of the most popular and easily accessible spots is just off Burg Square.

Belfry of Bruges

This medieval bell tower in the center of Bruges is one of the cities most loved attractions. From its vantage point high above the city, the tower also historically served as an observation point for spotting fires and any other dangers.

Take on the narrow staircase, climbing all 366 steps to the top of the tower. The dreamy view over Bruges, however, is worth the climb.

The Groeninge Museum

For a masterclass into Flemish and Belgian art, look no further than the Groeninge Museum . The museum houses top artwork from the 18th and 19th-century, masterpieces from Flemish Expressionism and post-war modern art.

Artwork from notable painters on offer includes masterpieces by Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Hugo van der Goes, and Gerard David.

Frietmuseum

A museum dedicated to fries, yes, please! If you love fries, as any sane person does, this museum will help you to discover the history of this potato triumph.

The fry has become synonymous with Belgian cuisine, and at the Frietmuseum that fact is truly celebrated.

Windmill Walk

Escape from busy city life for a little while and take a walk among the windmills. Back in the 16th century, there were 23 windmills in Bruges.

Nowadays there are only four remaining windmills. The easy 20-minute walk will allow you to take in all four windmills, situated on the ramparts along the serine canalside.

What to eat in Bruges

One word that sums up Bruges as a culinary experience is comforting. Spend your time indulging in Belgian beer, fries, chocolate, and waffles until your heart’s content.

If you love fries, why not try something a little different and order moules-frites, which are mussels and fries. For Waffles head to Oyya, where they can serve them in cones so you can eat while you walk around.

If you have a sweet truth, take some time to pursue one of Bruges many chocolate shops.

To learn more about the history of Belgian chocolate while you score some free samples, visit the Choco-story Museum . Other notable Chocolate shops include Dumon Chocolatier, The Chocolate Line and Jean Galler.

For beer lovers , the De Halve Maan Brewery is an independent brewery located in the city center. Head there for an unfiltered version of the famous zot blonde beer. Head to Brugs Beertje where you’ll be dazzled by choice. This pub offers over 300 types of beer.

Where to stay in Bruges

You’ll find accommodation options in Bruges to suit the budget of any traveler including Airbnb. In the Historic Center, you’ll find the largest variety of choice, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Also, staying in the Historic Center of Bruges means you’re close to all the action. There are plenty of things to do in Bruges at night, and that fact paired with the excellent dining options, means chances are you’ll want to be within walking distance to make the most of your evenings.

Tours to do in Bruges

Private Food Tour Of Bruges

With Bruges being such a food-centered destination, taking a food tour really is enough. I feel like food has a lot to say about the people and the culture of a place, and learning is way more fun when you get to eat tasty treats too.

Take this tour to taste your way around Bruges, trying 10 different desiccates. Learn how to eat like a local, with highlights including chocolate truffles, artisan cheese, and fresh Flemish seafood

• Bruges Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

Take to the town with a passionate local excited to show you the city from their perspective. Learn about the city’s history and culture i n a relaxed, inform al way with an Itinerary that is tailored to your interests.

Also get personalized tips on where to eat, drink, and shop, which will help you uncover some of Bruges best hidden-gems.

• Private Bike Tour Through Bruges Countryside

If you want to get out of the city and explore some of the picturesque Belgian countryside, this bike tour may just be the perfect opportunity.

This 3.5-hour tour will venture to the small town of Damme. The guide will help you learn about sights along the way, telling little known facts and fun anecdotes. The tour also includes a complimentary drink at a cafe in Damme.

Day trips from Bruges

The port city of Ghent is an easy day trip away from Bruges . Ghent is a cultural hub, full of magnificent architecture and colorful public art.

On a day trip to Ghent, take some time to marvel at the street art scene, particularly in the areas around Sleepstraat, Grawpoort, and Rodelijvekensstraat.

For those fascinated by gore, Ghent’s morbid past has enough to satisfy. Visit Gravensteen: the Castle of the Counts.

Inside you will find the Museum of torture, certainly not an attraction for the faint-hearted. Visit Patershol, where you’ll find the culinary highlights of the city.

Twisty lanes are full of cozy restaurants, serving up dishes from all over the world. Make sure to take in Vrijdagmarkt, which is one of the oldest squares in Ghent .

Its name translates as ‘Friday Market’, and to this day it still follows the tradition of hosting a market every Friday morning.

Only an hour train ride away from Bruges, a day trip to the capital will catapult you to a completely different side of Belgium. Be wowed by the Grand Palace, often referred to as the most memorable landmark in Brussels .

Learn more about the cities rich history at the Broodhuis, which literally means ‘The Bread House’. For many centuries a bread market was held there, but now the building is home to a museum that tells the story of the cities history.

Brussels is also home to some of the most imposing and grand courthouses in the world, so it is worth taking a moment to see the Palais de Justice in its architectural glory.

If you are a lover of Tintin, keep your eyes peeled for works of art around central Brussels that features the beloved cartoon character. For one of the most famous, make sure to visit Rue de l’Etuve, where you’ll easily spot Tintin.

Antwerp is known for its centuries-old diamond district, Flemish Renaissance architecture and Grote Markt, a lively central square in the cities old town. For incredible views over Antwerp , head to MAS (The Museum aan de Stroom.)

Take a ride up the escalators to the top floor for panoramic city views. Also worth a visit is the medieval Het Steen fortress, which is Antwerp’s oldest building.

With its name meaning ‘the Stone’, this fortress was used to control the river. Later, however, it was used as a prison from 1549 to 1823.

Recommend budget tours in Bruges

• Bruges Highlights Private Tour with a Local
• Round-Trip Shuttle Service from Zeebrugge to Bruges
• World War I Battlefields Tour of Flanders from Bruges
• Legends of Bruges Private Tour
• Bruges Private Wine Tasting Tour with a Historical Touch
• Private Food Tour of Bruges: 10 Tastings
• 1 Day Itinerary for Bruges
• Budget guide for Bruges
• Luxury Travel Guide to Bruges

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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