If you’re thinking about taking a day trip to the beautiful Belgian city of Bruges then you’ve come to the right place. On this page we discuss the best way to spend one day in Bruges and show you all the awesome things to do and see in this popular Belgian city.
Tucked away in northwest Belgium, Bruges is one of the most picturesque little cities you will ever visit. Bruges – Brugge in Dutch, which basically means “bridge” in English, is somewhere you might feel connected to even if you’ve never been there. You’ve probably seen photos of Bruges on Instagram – the colorful, quaint old houses lining the main square, or an old wood bridge crossing a narrow canal surrounded by buildings that come right out of the water. It’s a seriously gorgeous city.
One day in Bruges might seem short, but it’s a small city and this amount of time can be the perfect way to experience Belgium’s main tourist destination. Read on through to discover why Bruges has captured the hearts of so many!
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One Day in Bruges – What You Need to Know
Where is Bruges?
Bruges is in the northwest corner of Belgium, close to the shores of the North Sea. Belgium is small and it’s possible to make a day trip to Bruges from anywhere in the country.
It’s even possible from international places like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Bruges is small, with a population of only about 120,000 residents. The historical city center is tiny and easy to walk around in half a day, making it perfect for a day trip.
How to get to Bruges
There is no airport in Bruges, as Brussels International is your starting point for anywhere in Belgium (though there is a small airport in Antwerp as well). The easiest way to get to Bruges from Brussels is to take the Intercity train about one hour from central Brussels or about 1.5 hours from Brussels Airport. The train station is right outside the city center and it’s a quick walk to all the main sites.
Driving to Bruges is another easy way to get there. Parking is free on most residential streets on the outskirts of the city. If you don’t want too much walking, park at Central Station (which costs about 2.20 EUR per hour).
For finding the best rates on rental cars in Europe, we use Rentalcars.com. You can use the search bar below to search for a great deal on a rental car from anywhere in Europe.
There is also the option to take an international train to Belgium instead of flying in. If you’re coming from Amsterdam, Paris, or another city outside Belgium, the Eurostar (formally the Thalys) runs numerous daily trains between Brussels and other major cities. From Brussels, you’ll take the SNCB local train to Bruges, the same one you would take if you flew in.
International trains in Europe can be pretty expensive, however, so if you’re looking to save some money, book a Flixbus.
Lastly, there are tons of tour companies that offer day trips from Brussels to Bruges, many of which include Ghent as well. If you choose to do Bruges and Ghent in one day it will be a long, busy, but super fun day.
A few options for tours on GetYourGuide are shown below.
- Bruges day trip from Brussels
- Bruges day trip from Amsterdam
- Private tour to Ghent and Bruges from Brussels
- Group tour to Ghent and Bruges from Brussels
Weather and when to visit
It’s northern Europe, so don’t expect clear skies and sunshine. That being said, both times I’ve been To Bruges I’ve had perfectly blue skies. Maybe you’ll get lucky too!
Summers are very mild but can occasionally get hot. Summer highs average around 72 degrees (22.5 C) with chiller overnight lows. Winters also don’t get too cold – usually around 44 degrees (6.5 C) as a daytime high – but can be very gloomy and rainy. If you do decide to visit in winter, expect gray skies and bring a good rain jacket.
Like all of Europe’s top destinations, the summer months in Bruges are incredibly crowded with tourists. As the most popular destination for most travelers when they visit Belgium, it can feel quite crowded at the main attractions in the city center, especially in summer. Winters are much quieter, except around the holidays, when people visit the city for the Bruges Christmas Markets.
Having been in April and May, I can recommend the spring. My experience living next door in the Netherlands was that May is typically the best month of the year weather-wise and avoid the hordes of tourists that start to pour in as school lets out for the summer.
Where to stay in Bruges
Spending one day in Bruges isn’t enough for some people so many choose to stay the night in the city. There are plenty of charming hotels and guesthouses to choose from. They are not cheap, though. Bruges is known for pricey accommodations and there are not a lot of budget options for the frugal traveler.
Below I’ve listed a few options for where to stay in Bruges for different budgets. All are in the city center.
Where to stay in Bruges
Basic/affordable (less than 125 euro/night): Hotel Salvators
Mid-range (between 125 and 200 euro/night): Boutiquehotel ‘t Fraeyhuis
Luxury (over 200 euro/night): Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce
How long to stay in Bruges
One day in Bruges is sufficient to see all the highlights and enjoy a few Belgian beers at a quaint Belgian beer cafe. If you want to really get in touch with the city, however, you can spend two nights and fully immerse yourself in Flemish culture.
Language
This part of Belgium speaks Flemish, which is basically Dutch with some minor intricate differences. Don’t worry though, as everyone you’ll come across will speak fluent English. Many Belgians also speak French, but it’s not guaranteed everyone you encounter will be fluent.
Food
You’re in Belgium now and this is chocolate and waffle territory. But don’t waste your money on the cheap side of the road waffles. You can get those anywhere. Sit down at a restaurant and get a fresh waffle with your choice of toppings.
If you’re looking for a more hearty meal, order the Flemish stew, my personal favorite when traveling in Belgium. It’s essentially a slow cooked beef stew made with Belgian beer.
For chocolate, you can either spend a ton of money on a fancy name brand chocolatier, or just get some cheap ones from the gift shop. I find the cheap ones still pretty damn tasty, especially the truffles.
Beer
Beer is currency here. You’re in Belgium after all. You’ll never struggle to find a good beer to sip on. Take a tour of the Brouwerij de Halve Maan (Half Moon Brewery) for a local brewery experience.
If you’re just spending one day in Bruges you’ll have a busy day, but make sure to dedicate time to some local brews. Just remember that Belgium doesn’t do lite beers. Beers are strong here. It’s totally possible to be legitimately drunk after one pint. So just keep that in mind if you plan on driving later.
Money
Belgium is in the eurozone. Cash is helpful to have but not necessary, as most everywhere takes cards. If you do get outside the city though, many of the smaller Belgian towns have places that only take local bank cards or cash.
The touristy part of central Bruges can be quite expensive. It’s very overpriced, as they know tourists will pay outrageous prices just to sit in a café in the main square. Think 11 euros for a half liter beer outrageous. Getting away from the main square will save you some money, though it’s still not cheap until you get outside the city.
Travel Insurance
When touring around northern Europe, it’s a good idea to have travel insurance so that you’re prepared for the unexpected. We use World Nomads when we travel internationally. Word Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.
Bruges is a beautiful medieval city almost untouched by time. If you like jazz, you will be well catered for. If you like chocolate and beer, you will be in heaven.
James Frain
The Top Things to Do and See in Bruges
Bruges is essentially an open-air museum. It’s one of the most stunning cities you will ever lay eyes upon and one of the most beautiful places in Belgium, a country known for gorgeous cities (Belgian beats the Netherlands, its neighbor to the north, when it comes to amazing cities)
You’ve only got one day so better not waste any time. To orient yourself, start by locating the central square – The Markt. Here you’ll find the colorful buildings from the cover photo with cafes at the ground level along with the medieval bell tower and the Provincial Court.
There are many restaurants and cafes at this square, so if you’re OK with that 11 euro beer go ahead and grab one here to start your day while taking in the charming surroundings of the square. From there, your best bet is to wander the old streets and canals and take in the majestic Flemish architecture.
On your map, mark out the key spots noted above and connect the dots for a nice leisurely stroll around the city of bridges. Here are my suggestions for the best things to see in Bruges.
Bonifacius Bridge
Bonifacius Bridge in itself is not that amazing of a bridge, just one of the many canal bridges that give Bruges its name. But the views of old wooden houses lining the canal from the bridge are not to be missed. It’s one of the most scenic spots in the entire city.
Church of Our Lady Bruges
The tallest structure in Bruges is the Church of Our Lady Bruges, located in the middle of the city right next to Bonifacius Bridge. It’s free to enter the church. Inside is more than just a 13th century gothic cathedral. It serves double duty as a museum with artistic collections from around Europe, including a sculpture by Michelangelo.
Provincial Court
The Provincial Court is a beautiful building on the main square. Once serving as the home to the city council, these days it’s more of just a ceremonial building sometimes used for events. It’s been undergoing an extensive renovation for years, however, so don’t be surprised to see it covered in scaffolding.
City Hall
Just off the main square on a smaller city square is another strikingly gorgeous building, the Bruges City Hall. The gothic building dates back to 1376 and served as the seat of the city government for over 600 years. If you want to enjoy the building’s architecture from the inside, it will cost you 7 euros. More than worth it.
Langerei
Langerei (see map above) is a street along a canal where you can view some cute old houses. There’s nothing super special about the street, just that the views across the canal are really cool.
Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce
Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce is a beautiful hotel on a canal with some iconic wooden buildings right next to it. To get the view of the hotel, you have to find the other side of the canal. There is a restaurant called ‘t Huidevettershuis.
Go towards the restaurant and there is a little public area. You can’t miss it because there will be tons of tourists taking photos. Once you’re there, you’ll see why it’s so popular.
De Dijver
De Dijver is just a little park along a canal with a great view of Church of Our Lady of Bruges. There is also a weekend market in the park from March till early November. It’s sort of like an antiques market, a bit different than typical European city markets.
Belfry of Bruges
The 13th century Belfort Tower rises over 80m from the square below (14 euros to climb the steps to the top for a magnificent view of the city). Purchase your tickets in advance or you’ll be waiting in epic lines. Even if you don’t go to the top, the view of the tower from the plaza is magnificent enough.
There are a few additional points of interest in the city such as Saint John’s Hospital, Sint-Salvatorskathedraal (another large cathedral), and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. But with just one day in the city you’ll want to focus on the attractions above.
How to Visit Bruges on a Budget
Bruges is not cheap by European standards. Though if you’re from somewhere like New York, Vancouver, or Sydney or another expensive city you’ll find it pretty affordable. You’ll struggle to find a decent hotel or an Airbnb under 150 EUR per night, so doing a day trip from somewhere else in the country is a really good way to experience the city and save some money at the same time.
A great option is to stay about 20 minutes away (by train) in the almost equally as beautiful city of Ghent. Ghent is much cheaper for accommodation. You can easily ride to Bruges, spend the day, have a nice dinner then hop on the train to Ghent to find your accommodation and spend the next day in Ghent.
Save some money on food and beer
Beer and food will cost you in Bruges, so if you’re looking to save a few extra euros there your best bet is to avoid the super touristy cafes on the main square. Walk down a side street and find a quiet café, there are tons of them.
When it comes to restaurants, once again, avoid the main square. The food and prices will be better on the side streets. As mentioned before, don’t forget to try the stew. Most Belgian restaurants will have multiple types to choose from.
Other than purchasing some chocolate from a local shop or any shopping you might want to do, there isn’t much else I recommend to spend your money on in Bruges. Walking is free. And if you want to get a little bit of history and local info you can always join a free walking tour of the city. Just be sure to leave a little tip at the end for the guide if you enjoyed the tour.
Belgian Beer
Belgium is one of the best countries in the world for drinking beer. When I’m in Belgium I prefer to go with a dubble, as the triple is a bit too strong and loses its flavor in my opinion. The blonde’s can also be good.
If you want to try some local beers just hop into any café or one of the beer bars and ask the waiter for something from Bruges. Or if you’re looking to learn a little more about Belgian beer you can check out the Bruges Beer Experience. At 16 EUR, including beer tasting, it won’t break the bank.
Bruges – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bruges most known for?
Bruges is famous for its fairytale-like medieval bridges that cross dozens of canals that weave through the city. “Brugge” in Dutch is the Dutch word for “bridge”. A cleverly named city. It’s also famous for its gorgeous Flemish architecture and all around attractiveness. When it comes to the most beautiful cities in the world, Bruges is near the top of the list.
Is Bruges too touristy?
There is no denying that Bruges is incredibly touristy. But it’s that way for a reason. It’s so amazing that more and more people want to visit it each year. You can avoid the hordes of tourists by visiting in the off season or visiting early on weekday mornings in the summer.
Is Bruges walkable?
The city center of Bruges is small and very walkable. You’ll never need to set foot in a taxi or any form on public transportation once you leave the train station in Bruges. And you won’t even cover that much distance. It’s not a sprawling European city like Rome or Paris by any stretch of the imagination.
How many days in Bruges are enough?
Most people spent only one day in Bruges. It’s enough to see the city in depth and get a cool feel for its culture. Those who stay longer are rewarded with a more relaxing experience and more dining and belgian beer drinking opportunities.
Final Word
Bruges is a quaint little city with charm coming out its ears. It’s small and easy to see in one day so it makes for a great day trip from somewhere nearby, even with a solid Belgian beer drinking experience. Enjoy your day in Bruges and hopefully you get some sunny skies for some beautiful pictures of this picturesque little city!
