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

Discover the charm of Bruges without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Wandering

  • Check into Hostellerie Pannenhuis, a cozy hotel offering comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
  • Head out to the Markt, Bruges' central square. Soak in the atmosphere while sipping on a warm cup of hot chocolate.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the city's charming cobbled streets, admiring the quaint medieval architecture.
  • Visit the Church of Our Lady, renowned for its stunning Michelangelo sculpture of Madonna and Child.
  • End the day at the De Halve Maan brewery for a refreshing local Brugse Zot beer.
Day 2

Canals and Culture

  • Start the day with a breakfast of fresh bread, cheese, and a frothy cappuccino at Café De Medici.
  • Explore the city's picturesque canals on a guided boat tour, taking in the beautiful Flemish architecture from a different perspective.
  • Visit the Groeningemuseum to appreciate the vibrant art collection that preserves Belgium's rich culture and history.
  • Discover the secrets of brewing Belgian beer at the Bruges Beer Experience, aptly located inside a 15th-century former brewery.
  • End the evening with dinner at Tom's Diner, a humble establishment that serves up traditional Flemish cuisine.
Day 3

Marketplaces and Chocolate

  • Start the day with Belgian waffles smothered in melted chocolate at Chez Albert.
  • Head to the Markt to browse the vibrant outdoor market stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
  • Visit the Choco-Story Museum to learn about the history of the world's favorite treat and indulge in some chocolate tasting.
  • Take a stroll to the Beguinage, a tranquil and beautifully preserved medieval convent.
  • End the day with dinner at Het Visioen, where you can try some of the freshest seafood.
Day 4

Windmills and Parks

  • Take a bus to the outskirts of Bruges to visit the Koeleweimolen Windmill, a historic landmark that boasts magnificent views of the Flemish countryside.
  • Walk to the Minnewater Park and enjoy a calm and serene atmosphere filled with trees, flowers and serene waterways.
  • Visit the Museum of Folklore to gain insight into the daily life and traditions of yesteryear's Flemish people.
  • Experience the local beer and food culture at 't Brugs Beertje, home of expertly selected unique Belgian beers and delicious pub food.
  • End the day with an evening walk under the twinkling lights of the Markt.
Day 5

Churches and Lace

  • Head to the lace museum, Kantcentrum, where you can admire intricate designs of handmade lace made by local artisans.
  • Visit the Saint Salvator's Cathedral, a beautiful church that offers a glimpse into the city's spiritual history.
  • Head to Simon Stevin Square for a glimpse of the statue of Flemish mathematician, Simon Stevin, a celebrated Bruges resident.
  • Lunch at Craenenburg, a quaint eatery serving up delicious, traditional Flemish cuisine.
  • Spend the afternoon indulging in shopping for souvenirs including jewelry, chocolates, and beer from local shops before departing home.

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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