Experience Romance in Bruges: A 5-Day Getaway

Experience Love in the Venice of the North - Bruges, Belgium.

22 April 2023

A trip to Bruges, Belgium for a romantic getaway is the perfect retreat for couples who enjoy art, culture and great food. Home to picturesque canals, quaint streets lined with cafes and historic buildings, Bruges is a stunning destination to explore hand in hand, while savouring delicious Belgian chocolates and browsing antiques markets. From admiring the Flemish art collections in the Groeningemuseum to taking a romantic boat ride along the canals, Bruges is a city that exudes charm and intimate moments for those in love.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check-in at Hotel de Tuilerieen, located in the heart of Bruges’ historic center
  • Visit the iconic Belfry Tower in the “Markt” square, offering scenic views of the city
  • Stroll along the picturesque canals and bridges, admiring the medieval architecture
  • Indulge in authentic Belgian fries at Chez Vincent, a local favorite
  • Discover the city’s chocolate heritage at Choco-Story Museum and indulge in some sweet treats
  • Take a relaxing evening carriage ride through the city’s cobbled streets
Day 2

Art and Culture

  • Visit the Groeningemuseum, showcasing Flemish masterpieces from Jan van Eyck to René Magritte
  • Explore the impressive Onze Lieve Vrouw Cathedral, housing a precious Michelangelo sculpture
  • Step back in time at the Historium, an interactive exhibit featuring the city’s history
  • Check out the quirky Volkskundemuseum, showcasing traditional Flemish life and culture
  • Enjoy a dinner of moules-frites (mussels and fries) at the cozy Tom’s Diner
  • End the night with a pint of Trappist beer at cozy 't Brugs Beertje
Day 3

A Day Trip

  • Take a scenic train ride to the nearby coastal town of Blankenberge for a day at the beach
  • Visit the Sea Life Marine Park to see sharks, penguins and seals up close
  • Enjoy a seaside lunch of fresh fish at the charming t’Schipperkine
  • Take a romantic stroll along the sandy beach and dunes
  • Return to Bruges for a sunset canal cruise with champagne on board
  • Dine like royalty at the Michelin-starred De Jonkman
Day 4

Relaxation and Shopping

  • Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel’s spa and wellness center
  • Pick up some souvenirs at the Saturday market at the ‘t Zand Square
  • Visit the lace-making demonstration at Kantcentrum for a unique local experience
  • Savor a hearty traditional Flemish stew at De Halve Maan brewery
  • Take a sunset walk in the Minnewater Park, known as the park of love
  • Indulge in some Belgian waffles with ice cream for dessert at Da Vinci Gelato
Day 5

Farewell Bruges

  • Enjoy breakfast at the cozy tearoom Marie Van Damme
  • Say goodbye to romantic Bruges with a final stroll through the historic center
  • Visit the Memling Museum, showcasing the work of one of Bruges’ most famous artists
  • Take a leisurely lunch of Belgian croquettes at the charming Café Vlissinghe
  • Depart for home or the next destination feeling forever in love with Bruges.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Bruges

Tucked away in a corner of Europe is a charming little town that's like a fairytale come to life. Bruges is so beautiful you'll swear it's not real, but try pinching yourself anyway.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Budget-Friendly Bruges: A 3-Day Adventure!

A trip to Bruges, Belgium on a limited budget would involve staying in a budget-friendly hostel or guesthouse instead of a fancy hotel, using public transportation like buses and trains instead of taxis, and enjoying the city's many free attractions such as exploring the historic canals, visiting the beautiful churches, and admiring the stunning architecture. Additionally, sampling the delicious local cuisine from street vendors and markets can be both economical and rewarding.

Discover Bruges, Belgium on a Budget: 5-Day Guide

A trip to Bruges, Belgium on a limited budget is still possible with some careful planning. One can explore charming Gothic architecture, cobbled streets, and delicious Belgian cuisine. The main attractions, like the Markt and Belfry, can be visited at a lower price by purchasing a Bruges City Card.

4-Day Bruges Adventure: Food, Art, and Hidden Gems

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.

4 Days of Beer, Chocolates & Canals in Bruges

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.