Bruges, Belgium is one of the most interesting cities in Europe and such a fun city to visit. Here, you’ll find a walkable city center, swans swimming through the city’s canals, amazing chocolate, and medieval architecture. Read on for everything you need to know to plan your visit to this fairytale city!
How to Get to Bruges, Belgium
Getting to Bruges, Belgium is relatively easy, thanks to its central location in Europe and great accessibility from Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam and other nearby cities. Here’s how to get to Bruges by plane, train and car:
- By Air: The nearest major international airport to Bruges is Brussels Airport (Zaventem). From there, you can take a 90 minute train to Bruges.
- By Train: You can take a train from major cities in Belgium like Brussels, Antwerp, or Ghent. If you’re arriving from neighboring countries like the Netherlands or France, there are convenient train connections as well. The Bruges railway station is centrally located, making it easy to access the city center. This is how I traveled: I took a high-speed train from Paris to Brussels, then hopped on a regional train to Bruges.
- By Car: If you prefer driving, Bruges is well-connected by highways. It’s a short drive from major Belgian cities like Brussels and Antwerp. However, parking within the historic city center can be limited and expensive, and you don’t need a car once you get there.
Once you arrive in Bruges, you can easily explore the city on foot, bicycle or through taxi/Uber.
The Best Time to Visit
August is often very busy in Europe as Europeans typically go on holiday in August. If you’re not European, and have the option of going another time, consider skipping August! I visited in October: the weather was perfect and it wasn’t too busy. Other great times to visit include May or June, and the holiday season for the Christmas market.
Best Things to Do in Bruges
I have to admit that I didn’t realize how much there was to do and see in Bruges. I planned to spend two nights, and thought I’d have time to take a train to explore nearby Ghent during that time. However, once I arrived, I realized I definitely wouldn’t have time to see Ghent, too! I spent both full days exploring Bruges, with more to see next time.
Here are a few of the best things to do in Bruges:
- Explore the historic city center: The heart of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with well-preserved medieval architecture. Stroll through the cobbled streets, where you’ll discover landmarks like the Belfry of Bruges, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Markt square. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the North Sea from the top of the Belfry of Bruges. Be prepared for a climb, though, to enjoy this view.
- Take a canal cruise: A classic Bruges experience is a canal cruise. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s worth it! Along the way you’ll pass under stone bridges, see swans swimming alongside you in the canal, and see and hear about Bruge’s architecture.
- Take a walking tour. I took a free evening walking tour on my first night in Bruges, and it was a fun way to learn more about the city’s history and people. You can find more information on the tour I took here.
- Sample Belgian cuisine: Enjoy the city’s beer, chocolate and Belgian waffles – more on each below!
Where to Stay
There are a number of great hotels to pick from in Bruges. Here are a few of the best options:
Hotel Heritage – Relais & Chateaux
Niklaas Desparsstraat 11, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Five-star luxury boutique hotel in a 19th-century mansion, right in the heart of the medieval city center.
Boutique Hotel De Castillion
Heilige-Geeststraat 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Family-owned small, luxury hotel, also in the medieval city center. Located in the former residence of Bruges’ 15th bishop.
Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce
Wollestraat 41/47, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Waterfront luxury property with old-world ambiance; each of the 16 rooms are individually decorated.
Can’t-Miss Restaurants in Bruges
Bruges is known for its Belgian chocolate, delicious beer and Belgian waffles. Here are a few of my favorite places to enjoy each:
• Belgian Chocolate: Don’t miss Dumon Chocolatier – it’s my favorite chocolate shop in the city!
• Beer: The beer at De Halve Maan, a family-owned brewery dating back to 1856, was outstanding. De Halve Maan translates to “the half moon” in English – look for the half moon logo and you’ve arrived!
• Belgian Waffles: You’ll literally find Belgian waffles on every block in Bruges. Favorites include Chez Albert and House of Waffles.
Lunch or Dinner: The friendly service, cozy atmosphere and delicious food made Restaurant Diligence my favorite restaurant in Bruges. It’s also in the movie, In Bruges!
Is Bruges Worth Visiting?
In short – YES! Bruges exceeded my expectations and I was completely charmed by its people, architecture, history, and food. I would absolutely recommend visiting to anyone.
In terms of timeframe, two full days was perfect. There was much more to see and do than I was expecting, and I was glad to have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the city.
If you’re planning to see other nearby cities, you might enjoy my guides to France and Amsterdam!
