Of all of the cities I’ve visited, Bruges easily tops the list as the most charming and picturesque. I added a few days in Belgium to the tail end of a week in Amsterdam this past April. While staying in Brussels, I took a day trip via train out to Bruges.
Like stepping into a real-life fairy tale, Bruges will enchant you with its cobblestone streets, scenic canals, and Gothic architecture. Although quaint in appearance, Bruges is no hidden gem – it’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in all of Europe.
At just 430 hectares, Bruges’ historic city center is incredibly walkable, and you can explore it in under 24 hours. But don’t let its small size fool you – the inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with iconic landmarks like the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Market Square, and the Lake of Love.
In true storybook fashion, the aroma of smells of waffles and chocolate waft from little shops all throughout the city. Time moves slowly here, so take a moment to soak it all in and truly savor the experience.
Read on for tips on how to get to Bruges, where to eat and drink, and what to see and do.
Getting to Bruges
If, like me, you’re coming to Bruges from Brussels, you can take a quick and easy one-hour train ride from Bruxelles-Midi station to Bruges station with limited stops. This is a very popular route, with trains departing approximately every 15-20 minutes. A round trip adult ticket costs around 32 euro and I recommend taking an early train (around 8:00 am) to maximize your day if you’re returning to Brussels that evening.
I chose Bruxelles-Midi because it was most convenient from where I was staying, but you can also catch the train from Bruxelles-Zuid or Bruxelles-Noord stations.
Regardless of which station you depart from, buying a ticket is quite simple. Head to the Belgium Intercity Train website to purchase your ticket online. There’s no need to commit to a specific time – your ticket allows you to board any train throughout the day. The website is also an excellent resource for information about routes, schedules, delays, purchase options, and onboard FAQs.
The train ride offers scenic views of the Belgian countryside. Upon arriving at the Bruges station, you’ll have about a 10 minute walk to the city center or a very short Uber ride.
The Perfect One-Day Itinerary
Bruges is a small, walkable city, but there is so much to see. Here’s a self-guided walking tour, tried and tested by yours truly.
Start at the Market Square (Markt)
Begin your day in the Markt, the historic center of Bruges. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering belfries, ornate facades, colorful medieval buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and inviting cafés. If you’re visiting on a Wednesday, you’ll catch the traditional market with stalls offering fresh fruits and vegetables, local meats and cheeses, baked goods, flowers, and trinkets.
Climb the Belfry Tower
Once you’ve taken the Markt in, your first stop is the Belfry Tower, an 83-meter high medieval clock tower built in the 13th century. I didn’t climb it myself, but for a 15 euro entry fee, you can ascend the 366 steps to the top for stunning panoramic views of Bruges and its surroundings. Inside, you’ll also find the municipal carillon with 48 bells.
Explore Stadhius (City Hall)
Next, cross the square to visit Stadhius, Bruges’ City Hall, one of the oldest in the Low Countries. A ticket inside costs 8 euros, but the building’s stunning facade is impressive enough if you prefer to just admire it from the outside.
Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood
Adjacent to City Hall is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a 12th century chapel that’s free to enter. Decorated in Gothic style, it houses a relic of the Holy Blood – a cloth believed to contain the blood of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a devout Christian or simply curious, it’s worth a visit. The relic is displayed daily between 2:00 and 4:00 pm and photos of the relic are strictly prohibited.
Grab a Quick Bite
By now, you’re probably hungry. I stumbled upon The Olive Street Food, a Greek street food spot, and had one of the best gyros of my life. While it’s not Belgian cuisine, it’s an excellent option for a cheap, quick, and delicious meal with generous portions.
Take a Canal Tour
A canal tour is an absolute must in Bruges. It’s the best way to see the network of canals that earned the city its nickname, “Venice of the North.” There are five departure points around Bruges. For this itinerary, I recommend departing from Coudenys at Rozenhoedkaai. The 30-minute open-air tour offers incredible views and a fascinating oral history of Bruges. Pack a light jacket or sunscreen, depending on the season.
Unlike canal tours in Amsterdam or river cruises in other major European cities, you cannot book Bruges canal tours in advance, and instead must buy tickets directly from the tour companies at the departure locations. Prices are generally consistent across operators (about 12 euros for adults). If the idea of not purchasing in advance stresses you out, you can book a small-group tour available through sites like GetYourGuide and Viator that are generally a combination walking and canal tour and can be purchased ahead of time.
Rozenhoedkaai
When you finish your tour, and if you did indeed leave from Coudenys, Rozenhoedkaai, you’ll be just one minute from Rozenhoedkaai, the most photographed spot in all of Bruges. The name translates to Rosary Quay as rosaries were sold here once upon a time. No matter the time of year or time of day, this spot offers the loveliest views and is a great spot for an Instagram picture.
Visit the Church of Our Lady
From Rozenhoedkaai, take a short walk to the Church of Our Lady. This historic church is home to “Madonna and Child,” the only Michelangelo sculpture to ever leave Italy during his lifetime, The church is still actively used for services and free to walk inside. There is a fee to view Michelangelo’s remarkable sculpture, which is well worth it for art enthusiasts.
Stroll Through Begijnhof
Next, walk to Begijnhof, or the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde, a serene convent founded in 1245. This tranquil area features white houses with brown tiled roofs and a peaceful garden, once home to beguines – single women who pursued a religious lifestyle without the strict rules of the church. Today, it is occupied by nuns and local single women. Be sure to keep your voice low out of respect.
The feel of this place is something hard to describe in words – quiet, serene, and empowering. I found myself reflecting on the strong, independent women who stood on these same grounds centuries ago, defying all expectations and living free of children and men.
End with Beer and Belgian Snacks
Conclude your day at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, a brewery that’s been operating since 1856. Treat yourself to an authentic Belgian beer, and don’t forget to try waffles, fries, or chocolates as a final nod to Belgian indulgence.
Leave a Reply