Budget-Friendly Bliss: A Day in Bruges

Discovering medieval charm on a shoestring budget in Bruges, Belgium.

22 June 2023

Bruges may seem like an expensive destination, but with some careful planning, you can enjoy the city's charm without breaking the bank. Stroll through the picturesque cobblestone streets, indulge in some budget-friendly Belgian waffles and chocolates, and explore the city's many free attractions, including the beautiful Begijnhof courtyard and the historic Belfry tower. Consider staying in a hostel or budget-friendly hotel to save on accommodation costs and make the most of your limited budget.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Quaint Streets of Bruges

  • Start the day off with a visit to the Markt, the central square in town, to check out the famous Belfry tower 4.6
    10 photos

    Belfry of Bruges

    4.6 (14156)

    Markt 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

    Tourist attraction,Point of interest

    Medieval bell tower with 366 steps leading to views, plus treasure chamber & 47-belled carillon.

    museabrugge.be

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  • Take a stroll along the picturesque canals and soak up the beauty of the historic Windmills 4.4
    10 photos

    Windmill The New Parrot

    4.4 (84)

    8000 Bruges, Belgium

    Tourist attraction,Point of interest

    inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be

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  • Stop by the Church of Our Lady 4.6
    10 photos

    Church of Our Lady

    4.6 (7917)

    Mariastraat, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

    Tourist attraction,Church

    Gothic church, founded in the 13th-century, known for its soaring tower & statue by Michelangelo.

    museabrugge.be

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    to marvel at the stunning tower and visit the Michelangelo sculpture, Madonna and Child
  • Grab a budget-friendly lunch at De Vrije 4.5
    10 photos

    Brugse Vrije

    4.5 (254)

    Burg 11a, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

    Museum,Point of interest

    Monumental 1700s courthouse featuring an opulent baroque facade & an elaborate mantelpiece inside.

    museabrugge.be

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    and indulge in a traditional Flemish stew or hearty sandwich
  • Visit the Chocolate Museum 4.1
    10 photos

    Choco-Story, Chocolate Museum

    4.1 (6131)

    Wijnzakstraat 2, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

    Museum,Tourist attraction

    Small museum with exhibits on the history of chocolate, plus demonstrations, samples & a gift shop.

    choco-story-brugge.be

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    to learn about the history of chocolate and indulge in some free samples
  • Finish the day with a scenic boat tour of the canals, taking in the stunning architecture and charming views of the city
  • Bonus tip: If you're looking for a quirky souvenir, visit the quirky Frietmuseum 3.7
    10 photos

    Frietmuseum

    3.7 (3002)

    Vlamingstraat 33, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    Historic building featuring exhibits on the history of potatoes & Belgian fries, plus samples.

    frietmuseum.be

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    , dedicated entirely to French fries!

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Bruges: The Ultimate 3-Day Family Adventure!

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A Waffle Wonderland: The Best Family Day Trip to Bruges

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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.

Belgium's Best 2-Day Budget Bruges Blast!

Bruges is a charming medieval city that is quite affordable to visit, even on a limited budget. The city is home to a wealth of historic sites, from the impressive Gothic-style Belfry tower to the beautiful canals that wind their way through the old town. Despite being a popular tourist destination, it is possible to find affordable accommodation and dining options that won't break the bank.