The Thorough Guide to Bruges
The 15 best things to do in Bruges: food to eat, places to stay, interactive walking tour map and more!
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Belgium, a small country between Germany, France, and the Netherlands, is primarily famous for waffles, chocolates, Smurfs and the headquarters of the European Union in the capital, Brussels. But Belgium is also home to some of the most charming Medieval cities in Europe. Top of our list is Bruges (Brugge in Flemish) – a whimsical, canal-based city in the province of West Flanders.
Famed as the location of British-American black comedy crime film In Bruges, wandering Bruges is like falling into a fairy-tale book. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with cobbled lanes, crow-stepped gables and Neo-Gothic architecture. And there is nothing more magical than Bruges at Christmastime. So read on for a thorough, concise guide to all there is to do in Bruges, including must-see locations, best places to eat and more.
Time needed: 2-3 days.
When to go: Late November-December for Christmas Markets / June-July for warm weather without the crowds.
Weather: Averages of 5°C-10°C in the Winter and 10°C-20°C in the Summer.
Language Spoken: Flemish but you’ll probably hear Dutch, French even German and most people understand English.
Currency: Euro.
Things to do in Bruges
1) Brugge Markt & Provinciaal Hof
Also known as The Market Square, this plaza is arguably is the most iconic spot in Bruges. Bustling with cafés and restaurants, framed with crow-stepped gables (the staircase roof edges), this main square is where it’s all going on. Here you’ll also find the impressive Provinciaal Hof, a Neogothic building and former meeting place for the provincial government of West Flanders.
Pro-tip: Visit Bruges in December to find the square packed with little Christmas market huts where you can pick up a traditional lace souvenir, warm up with a cup of Gluhwein or skate on the outdoor ice rink.
2) Climb the Belfry of Bruges
Located on the corner of Bruges Markt sits the Belfry of Bruges, or Belfort as it’s also known. 366 steps lead up the 83m (272ft) tall clock tower, which offers panoramic 360° views of the city. Time your visit with the sunset to take in Bruges in golden hour and also twinklingly lit up at night. On your visit you may even witness a ringing of the 47 bells.
Hours: 9:00-8:00, daily.
3) Burg Square
Just around the corner from the Markt is a smaller plaza – Burg Square. At Christmas you’ll find a beautiful Christmas tree in the middle of the square. There are also a few buildings of note, including the Basilica of the Holy Blood, City Hall and Brugse Vrije.
Pro-tip: There also some public toilets located in Burg Square – have some change handy as they charge you to enter (like every other toilet in Europe!).
4) The Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a tiny Gothic church dedicated to Our Lady and Saint Basil.
Hours: 9:30–12:00 & 14:00–17:00, daily.
5) City Hall
One of the oldest city halls in the entire Netherlands region, Bruges Town Hall is located in the area of the former fortified castle in the centre of Bruges.
Hours: 09:30 – 17:00, daily.
6) Brugse Vrije
Once a castellany, this building functioned as a court of justice between 1795 and 1984. Today, the City Archive (amongst other things) is housed in Brugse Vrije, which preserves the city’s written memory.
Hours: 09:30 – 17:00, daily.
7) The Church of Our Lady & St. Salvator’s Cathedral
The Church of Our Lady is a 122-metre brick steeple that dominates the Bruges skyline. It is home to artistic treasures including the Madonna of Bruges – Michelangelo’s depiction of the Virgin and Child.
Hours: 09:30 – 17:00, daily.
Just around the corner is the impressive Sint-Salvatorskathedraal has been standing since the 12th century and is stunning inside and out.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 10:00-13:00 & 14:00-17:30, Saturday: 10:00-13:00 & 14:00-15:30, Sunday: 14:00-17:00.
8) Wander the streets
We are big fans of walking tours and think they’re one of the best ways to soak up a new location. As Bruges is so compact, this is one of the best ways to fit everything in. You can take an informative walking tour with local a guide to learn more about the city and see the main sights. Be sure not to miss:
- The Lovers Bridge & The Lake of Love
- Jan van Eyck Square
- Old St. John’s Hospital
- Ten Wijngaerde (a Princely Beguinage)
- The Canals
- Gothic architecture in the Historic Centre
- Horse Head Drinking Fountain
You may even recognise some of the filming locations used in the film In Bruges. If you’re on a budget, why not use the pins in the map towards the end of this article to follow a pre-planned, self-guided walking tour!
If you’re looking for a walking tour with a twist, consider this popular BeerWalk. You’ll start at the Bruges Beer Museum, before walking the city’s UNESCO-listed, medieval streets, stopping to learn about the city’s beer history, and sampling different local brews as you go.
9) Change up your transport
Don’t worry if walking isn’t for you, there are several other ways to see Bruges. Why not join a city tour by bike and cycle your way around the city? Or take a romantic cruise along the winding canals?
Seeing the city by horse-drawn carriage is also a popular way to get around but, as you can never guarantee the welfare of horses who are used to pull carriages, we wouldn’t recommend this option. Instead, consider a guided rickshaw tour. You’ll see all the same sights and views, without the possibility of supporting animal exploitation.
Read next: Let’s Talk About Ethical Wildlife Tourism
10) Find a windmill
Usually synonymous with The Netherlands, not many people know that Bruges actually has it’s fair share of windmills. In the 16th century there were 23 windmills, but now only 4 remain: Koeleweimill, Nieuwe Papegaai, Bonne Chiere & Sint-Janshuismolen.
Sint-Janshuismolen is the oldest mill in Bruges, and the only one still standing in its original location. Built in 1770, it is not only open to visitors but still grinds flour too!
11) Eat your way around town
I’m sure all that sightseeing will make you hungry but fear not – Bruges offers some of the best Belgian food in the country. We highly recommend you try:
- Waffles
- Chocolate
- Fries
- Beer
- Cheese
Consider joining this highly-rated Waffle and Beer Workshop, where you’ll learn how Belgian waffles are made and sample some excellent local drafts.
If you’re a serious foodie, you should consider taking a Private food Tour with a local guide who will show you all the best places to eat and drink in Bruges, as well as ensuring you sample lots of authentic Belgian foods.
12) Tour a Brewery
Speaking of beer, Bruges has it’s fair share of breweries. In the 15th century there were no less than 54! Now only 3 remain: Bourgogne des Flandres, De Halve Maan and Fort Lapin.
De Halve Maan has been brewing since 1856. The 45 minute tour not only teaches you a lot about the process and history of beer-making, but also offers amazing views of the roof-tops of Bruges.
Dan also discovered his favourite beer in the world here – Bruges Zot.
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday: 11:00-18:00, Thursday-Saturday: 11:00-21:00.
Prices: Adults: € 12, Children: 6-12: €6, Under 6: free. XL Tours: Saturdays and Sundays (90 minutes: €24/person).
Hours: 10:30-18:30, daily.
Prices: Adults: €11 (early-bird: €9), Children: 10-15: €5.50, Under 10: free, Family ticket: €28.50.
Hours: 10:00-18:00, Monday-Saturday. Tours take 1 1/2 hours.
13) Visit the Oldest Pub in Belgium
Looking for a charming watering-hole to try all those Belgian Beers? The oldest pub in Belgium can be found nestled in the backstreets of Bruges. Founded in 1515, Café Vlissinghe is a charming little pub and full of character. And yes, they stock Bruges Zot.
14) Visit the Museums
There are countless museums to visit in Bruges. Not only are they great rainy-day activities, but they’re also family-friendly and make for a great day out.
Yes, that’s right. The Frietmuseum is the first and only museum dedicated to potato fries!
Hours: 10:00-17:00, daily.
Belgium is famous for chocolate. At Choco-Story you can sample this world-renowned delicacy, tour the museum and witness a chocolate making demonstration. Want to delve in more? You can join a Chocolate Making Workshop and make your very own sweet souvenir.
Hours: 10:00-17:00, daily.
Here you can learn more about the history of Bruges’ diamond industry and see daily diamond polishing shows.
Hours: 11:00-17:00 Friday-Sunday, Closed Monday-Thursday.
Enjoy an interactive experience as fictional characters tell the story of medieval Bruges through audio guides and a VR experience.
Hours: 11:00-18:00 Sunday-Friday, 11:00-23:00 Saturdays.
Buy your ticket for Bruges Historium and VR Experience here!
Art lovers should head to Gruuthusemuseum, the house of Louis de Gruuthuse, to see collections of 15th to 19th century art.
Hours: 9:30-17:00, daily.
Built on the site of the medieval Eekhout Abbey, this museum houses a collection of Flemish and Belgian paintings covering six centuries, from Jan van Eyck to Marcel Broodthaers.
Hours: 9:30-17:00, daily.
The Hospital of St. John was a medieval hospital in Bruges, founded in the mid-12th century. It is located next to the Church of Our Lady and the area contains some of Europe’s oldest surviving hospital buildings.
Hours: 9:30-17:00, daily.
If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, why not check out the sightseeing passes below:
For the following sites, over 3 consecutive days:
- Arentshuis
- Belfort met Beiaard (Belfry and Carillon)
- Brugse Vrije (Liberty of Bruges)
- Gezellehuis
- Groeningemuseum
- Gruuthusemuseum
- O.L.V.-kerk Museum (Museum of the Church of Our Lady)
- O.L.V. ter Potterie (Our Lady of the Pottery)
- Poortersloge
- Stadhuis (City Hall)
- Sint-Janshospitaal
- Sint-Janshuismolen (Sint-Janshuis Mill)
- Volkskundemuseum (Museum of Folk Life)
Valid for more than 180 Belgian museums, for 1 year.
15) Day trip to the War Fields
Step back in time and learn about World War I on a visit to Flanders Fields and Ypres, followed by the incredibly moving Menin Gate Last Post Memorial Ceremony. Pay your respects to those who fell in the Great War, see the most important war sites in Belgium and experience some of the artefacts, craters and bunkers that remain from some of Europe’s darkest days.
Interactive Bruges Map
Belgian foods to try in Bruges
For all you foodies out there, this section is for you! You absolutely cannot visit Bruges and not try:
Belgian sugar waffles
Nothing like an American waffle, Belgian waffles contain a lighter batter, larger squares, and deeper pockets. They are often topped with whipped cream, icing sugar, soft fruits, syrup or chocolate spread. They can also be served with ice cream and fresh fruit as a dessert. There’s actually 2 kinds of Belgian waffle – Brussels waffle and Liège waffle.
We’d highly recommend Chez Albert on Breidelstraat. The waffles are so delicious you should keep your toppings simple – Chantilly cream is the best option.
Chocolate
Chocolate has been an important part of Belgium’s economy and culture since the 19th century. Today, each city and town is brimming with independent chocolatiers and boutiques, so there are plenty to choose from!
The Old Chocolate House is arguably the most famous chocolate shop in Bruges and for good reason. It often has a line out of the door it’s so popular. Buy chocolate to takeaway, or sit in the tearoom and order a cup of hot chocolate. You’ll receive a cup of hot milk (vegan options available) and the chocolate combinations on the side so you can try them all and make your own drink.
Hours: 10:00-18:00, daily.
Fries
Belgian Frites (or chips or French fries) are so superior to other fried-potato snacks they are actually listed on the UNESCO list of Cultural Treasures. Try them on their own or as part of moules frites (mussels and chips), but beware: Europe serve their chips with mayo and if you ask for ketchup you’ll get curry ketchup!
Hours: 10:00-17:00, daily.
Beer
Saving the best till last, or at least in Dan’s opinion! Beer in Belgium varies from pale lager to amber ales, lambic beers, Flemish red ales, sour brown ales, strong ales and stouts. In 2018, there were approximately 304 active breweries in Belgium and you’ll find 3 of them in Bruges: De Halve Maan, Bourgogne des Flandres and Fort Lapin. Dan’s favourite, Bruges Zot, can be found in most pubs and bars, or visit the brewery to learn more about the beer-making process.
How to get to Bruges
Train
One of the easiest ways to get to Bruges from the UK is to take the Eurostar. The train only takes 3 hours and 25 minutes from London and it is by far the fastest way to get to Bruges as a passenger.
However driving can be even quicker! Book your car on the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais. The journey takes half an hour and then it’s only 1 hour and 20 minutes to Bruges!
Plane
The Ostend-Bruges International Airport is small mainly serves other regional routes so there are no direct flights from the UK. You can fly direct from UK to Brussels, where the easiest way to get to Bruges is by train, car or taxi. You can book train tickets with Trainline.EU and you’ll find the trains are a lot cheaper and more comfortable than ours!
Ferry
If visiting from the UK, a great (and cheap) option is the overnight ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge. In 2016 we travelled with P&O Ferries and booked in a sale period where tickets were 2-4-1 meaning we spent £40 each and the bus transfer was included.
The other ferry option is the 90 minute journey from Dover to Calais, where you can drive to Bruges in 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Where to stay in Bruges
As the charming centre of Bruges is so compact, it’s no surprise that it’s also the best area to stay in.
For Grandeur:
Hotel Dukes’ Palace – This hotel is the former residence of the Burgundian aristocracy and the only 5-star hotel in the city. Stay here for a truly lavish break, dine in the beautiful restaurant, bar or outdoor terrace and relax in the spa and fitness centre.
Festive Getaway:
Grand Hotel Casselbergh – Our favourite hotel in the city, Grand Hotel Casselbergh consists of the historic houses ‘Casselbergh’, ‘Zeven Torens’ and ’T Fransch Schildt’, as well as a completely new annex. It is conveniently located off Burg Square, a stone’s throw from Bruges’ main attractions. We recommend visiting at Christmas time when all the decorations are out as the hotel boasts the best tree of any hotel we’ve ever seen. Sit in the lounge sipping on bubbly and listening to Michael Bublé to really get yourself in the festive spirit.
Mid-range:
Hotel Jan Brito – As one of the most historic hotels, the 16th century mansion, home to noble families for generations, is great value for money. Choose between 37 rooms from a standard room to a duplex suite with a view of the courtyard garden.
The Black Swan Hotel Bruges – Located 400m from the Market Square, this hotel comprises of 16 rooms which are complete with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and direct dial phone. Check out the newly installed hot tub on the terrace.
On a budget:
Hostel Lybeer – From affordable dorm beds to private rooms, this hostel is great for backpackers and nomads alike. The hostel contains a fully equipped kitchen and offers cheap beers, on the house teas and coffees and daily activities – a great treat to make new friends while travelling.
Hostelworld has a wide range of affordable hostels with beds starting at as little as €15 per night. To search for hostel beds in shared dorms or private rooms click here.
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