Bruges in 5: A Guide to Belgian Fun!

Experience the charm and romance of Bruges, the Venice of the North.

22 April 2023

Bruges, the "Venice of the North," is a medieval city with cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and well-preserved architecture. Visiting Bruges as a tourist involves exploring its historic center, sampling Belgian chocolate and waffles, and taking a scenic boat ride down the canals. Other popular activities include climbing to the top of the Belfry tower, admiring the artistry of local breweries and sampling their renowned beers, and discovering the city's cultural heritage through its art and museums.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Befriending Belgian Beer

  • Check into Hotel Die Swaene, a charming boutique hotel housed in a 15th-century mansion.
  • Head to the picturesque Markt square and try out the traditional Belgian waffles and hot chocolate.
  • Visit the Half Moon Brewery for a beer tasting and tour, where you can sample some of the best brews in Belgium.
  • Take a canal boat tour and admire the city's historic architecture from the water.
  • End the day with dinner at 't Zwart Huis, a cosy restaurant with hearty Belgian classics and a beer menu to die for.
Day 2

Art and History in Bruges

  • Start the day at the Groeningemuseum, a treasure trove of Flemish art spanning centuries.
  • Grab some lunch at De Stove, a local favourite for its intimate atmosphere and delicious seafood.
  • Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a gothic church with a vial containing a drop of Christ's blood.
  • Head to the Memling Museum, housed in a former hospital, for a glimpse into medieval Bruges.
  • Wind down with a coffee and pastry at Academiecafé, a trendy spot with a great view of the city.
Day 3

Chocolate and Lace

  • Start the day with a bit of indulgence at The Chocolate Line, Bruges' famous chocolate shop.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets of the Lace Centre to learn about traditional lace-making.
  • Grab lunch at De Halve Maan Brewery, enjoy the beer and their great food in the shadow of the brewery's trademark spiral.
  • Visit the Gruuthuse Museum, a stunning medieval mansion with a fascinating collection of artefacts.
  • End the day with dinner at De Visscherie, a seafood resto located in a charming alley that serves up fresh catches from the North Sea.
Day 4

Discovering Flanders Fields

  • Take a day trip to Ypres, a small town that played a pivotal role in WWI.
  • Visit the Menin Gate Memorial and attend the Last Post ceremony, a daily tribute to fallen soldiers.
  • Stop by In Flanders Fields Museum to learn more about the war and its impact on the town.
  • Grab lunch at Staminee De Koning, a cosy, local tavern with great food and drinks.
  • Head back to Bruges for dinner at Bistro Bruut, a trendy spot with a menu featuring modern twists on Belgian cuisine.
Day 5

Canals and Culture

  • Start the day with a visit to the Church of Our Lady, home to Michelangelo's sculpture of the Madonna and Child.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the canals and soak up the picturesque scenery.
  • Visit the charming Begijnhof, an enclave of historic whitewashed homes with a tranquil atmosphere.
  • Grab lunch at De Carillon, a brasserie with a varied menu and great views of the city.
  • Finally, cap off your trip with a visit to the newly-opened Museum of the Flemish Primitives, where you can learn about the famous local artists known for their detailed realism.

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.

More travel plans

Experience Romance in Bruges: A 5-Day Getaway

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.

Bruges in 5: A Guide to Belgian Fun!

Bruges, the "Venice of the North," is a medieval city with cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and well-preserved architecture. Visiting Bruges as a tourist involves exploring its historic center, sampling Belgian chocolate and waffles, and taking a scenic boat ride down the canals. Other popular activities include climbing to the top of the Belfry tower, admiring the artistry of local breweries and sampling their renowned beers, and discovering the city's cultural heritage through its art and museums.

Charming Bruges: The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary

Bruges, one of the most charming cities in Belgium, is a picture-perfect destination that will captivate tourists with its historical architecture, winding canals, and charming restaurants. Travelers can take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the narrow, winding streets and explore the Gothic-style City Hall. Other must-see attractions in Bruges include the Belfry of Bruges, the picturesque Lake of Love, and the famous chocolate shops.

A long weekend of romance and magic in Bruges

Bruges is a picturesque city in Belgium that is perfect for a romantic getaway. Couples can stroll along the canals, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, and admire the beautiful architecture. The city is also known for its delicious chocolates and beers, making it a great destination for foodies.