4 Days of Beer, Chocolates & Canals in Bruges

Discover the charm of Bruges without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Visiting Bruges, Belgium on a limited budget is possible by taking the train from Brussels and staying in hostels or budget hotels. Exploring the city's historic center, with its picturesque canals, stunning architecture and charming streets can be done cheaply by foot or by bike. Trying local street food and beer, visiting free museums and churches, and strolling through the city's parks are also great budget-friendly ways to experience Bruges.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the City's Past

  • Hotel: Jacobs Hotel located in the historic center and walking distance to main attractions
  • Visit the Groeningemuseum for a look into Flemish art from the 14th to the 20th century
  • Step inside the Gothic-style St. Salvator's Cathedral for stunning architectural details
  • Climb to the top of the Belfry Tower for panoramic views of the city
  • Explore the historic Markt square, home to the 13th-century Halletoren bell tower
  • Have dinner at De Garre, a hidden gem known for their famous triple beer and traditional Flemish dishes
Day 2

Canal Cruise and Chocolate Tasting

  • Take a boat tour along Bruges' picturesque canals for a unique perspective of the city
  • Sample some of the best Belgian chocolate at Choco-Story, a museum dedicated to the sweet treat
  • Stroll through the charming alleyways of the quiet Begijnhof courtyard
  • Visit the Church of Our Lady, home to Michelangelo's Madonna and Child statue
  • Have dinner at Gourmet Markt, a local market-inspired restaurant with a variety of food stalls
Day 3

Day Trip to the Coast

  • Take a train to the nearby coastal town of Blankenberge for a day at the beach
  • Stroll along the promenade and try some fresh seafood at one of the many seaside restaurants
  • Visit the Sea Life Aquarium to learn about marine life from around the world
  • Walk along the pier for panoramic views of the North Sea
  • Have dinner at Brasserie Albert, a local spot known for their seafood dishes
Day 4

Beer Tasting and French Fries

  • Visit the De Halve Maan Brewery for a tour and tasting of their famous Brugse Zot beer
  • Visit the Frietmuseum, a museum dedicated to Belgian fries and their history
  • Take a leisurely bicycle ride through the picturesque countryside
  • Have dinner at De Stoepa, a cozy restaurant with a variety of Belgian dishes and a welcoming atmosphere
  • End the night with a visit to De Kelk for some live music and drinks in a cozy, intimate setting.

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.

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