4-Day Bruges Adventure: Food, Art, and Hidden Gems
Discover the enchanting charm of Bruges, the Venice of the North.
22 April 2023
As a tourist, a trip to Bruges, Belgium promises to be a charming and picturesque experience. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and artisan chocolate shops, Bruges is a European destination that should not be missed. Visitors can explore the city's history through its many landmarks, museums, and cultural sites, and enjoy the local cuisine and beer in Bruges' cozy pubs and traditional restaurants.
Travel plan
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- Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, known for its freshly baked bread and pastries.
- Take a stroll around the Markt square and indulge in some Belgian chocolate at Dumon Chocolatier.
- For lunch, head to De Vier Winden, an authentic pub serving up delicious Belgian dishes.
- In the afternoon, take a chocolate-making workshop at The Chocolate Line, where you can create your very own tasty treats.
- Finish off your day with dinner at Gezouten Zoenen, a charming restaurant with a seasonal menu using local ingredients.
- Start your morning at the stunningly beautiful Basilica of the Holy Blood, where you can view the holy relic of Christ's blood.
- Take a bike tour of the city's picturesque streets and canals, visit historic sites such as the Begijnhof and explore Bruges' many art galleries.
- For lunch, grab some waffles at Oyya or try a hearty Flemish stew at De Garre.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the city's incredible architecture, such as the Belfry tower and the Stadhuis (Town Hall).
- Finish your day with a beer and some live music at the cozy Café Rose Red.
- Take a short train ride to the Flemish coast and spend the day enjoying the beautiful beach towns of Blankenberge and Knokke-Heist.
- On the way back, stop off in the charming town of Damme and explore its quaint streets and lovely canals.
- For lunch, grab some fresh seafood or moules frites at a seaside restaurant.
- In the evening, head to Le Trappiste, a bar with over 100 different types of Belgian beer to choose from.
- Finish off your day with dinner at the Michelin-starred De Jonkman, where you can indulge in some truly exquisite food.
- Start your day early with a visit to the peaceful Minnewater Park and its picturesque lake.
- Explore the city's lesser-known treasures such as the Lace Centre, the Frietmuseum (a museum dedicated to Belgian fries) and the hidden gem of the Jerusalem Church.
- For lunch, try some local charcuterie and cheeses at The Bottle Shop or some delicious soup at Soup.
- In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the city's canals to see Bruges from a unique perspective.
- Finish your day with a delicious dinner at the intimate and charming Den Dyver restaurant, which offers seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Bruges by plane is to fly into Brussels Airport and take a train or bus towards Bruges. The airport is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Bruges. Another option could be to fly into Ostend-Bruges International Airport, which is located closer to Bruges, and take a bus or taxi from there.
Car
Driving to Bruges is a good option if you're coming from nearby cities. There are various highways that connect Bruges to other cities. However, driving within Bruges may be difficult due to the narrow streets and limited parking. It is recommended to park outside the city center and use public transportation or walk to the city center.
Train
If you're traveling within Europe, taking the train to Bruges is a good option. From Brussels, you can take a train towards Bruges. There are frequent trains departing from Brussels Central, Brussels Midi, and Brussels North stations.
Boat
There are no direct options to reach Bruges by boat, but you can take a scenic boat tour along the nearby canals. These tours depart from various locations within Bruges and provide a unique perspective of the city's beautiful architecture and landscapes.
Bus
Taking a bus to Bruges is a good option if you're traveling on a budget. Flixbus runs services from various locations across Europe to Bruges. There are also local buses that run from nearby cities such as Ghent and Brussels.