Weekend in Bruges
Bruges is Belgium’s second biggest tourist attraction after Brussels. It is also called the Venice of the North, referring to its many canals and bridges. Below you can read the best tips for a weekend in Bruges.
How to get to Bruges
Bruges is located in the west of Belgium and easily accessible from Brussels.
By train: Bruges station is a fifteen-minute walk from the historic center. There are several trains a day from Antwerp and Brussels.
With the car: we parked at the train station (€6.50 per day) and went to the center on foot (about 15 minutes). There are also several parking lots in the city.
With the bus: you can also reach Bruges easily with Flixbus. Book your ticket in advance via the website
Best period to visit Bruges
Bruges is fun to visit all year round. Summer can be tremendously busy due to the amount of tourists. Want to avoid the crowds? Then go in the spring or fall but keep in mind it can rain!
In December there is also a cozy Christmas market in Bruges!
How to get around in Bruges?
The historic center of Bruges is compact so you can easily explore everything on foot. Do wear comfortable shoes as there are many cobblestone streets in the center.
To get from the train station to the center, you can also take the bus if necessary.
Hotel in Bruges
We stayed at the Ibis Budget hotel near the train station. Really the ideal budget hotel: easily accessible (right at the station and close to cheap parking) and has clean rooms. The rooms are on the small side but during a city trip you are usually not often in your room. You have the possibility to have breakfast in the hotel but we preferred to eat outside the hotel (see below).
What to do in Bruges
The historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also the most important part to visit. All the things to do and see are here!
Boat trip canals
A boat trip on the canals is really a must in my opinion when visiting Bruges. The prices are fixed and therefore the same for every shipping company. The explanations are often given in a language that is ok for everyone (often English, Dutch and French). During the busy periods there is a chance that you may have to wait a while but in the low season you can often join a book right away. It is nice to see Bruges from a different side.
Visit the beguinage
The Beguinage of Bruges was founded around 1244 as a community of pious women. The complex includes the Beguinage Church and about thirty white houses built around the large central court. Currently, no more beguines live there.
Climb the belfry
One of the three iconic towers of Bruges is the Belfry located on the Market square. Since 1999, the belfry has been listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The belfry houses the belfry with 47 bells. On Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 12h you can enjoy the sound of the carillon.
For the sporty among us: if you climb the 366 stairs (there is no elevator!), you can enjoy a magnificent view of Bruges. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance if you don’t like waiting for a time slot.
Admire the market square
After visiting the belfry, you can enjoy Bruges’ beautiful Market Square. On the north side of the Market are typical houses with stepped gables while on the east side is the Provincial Court. This building is used for exhibitions, receptions, … .
Stroll through downtown
The inner city of Bruges is a true paradise to walk around in; the many small streets, canals, and beautiful houses. On the website of tourism Bruges you can download several city walks for free.
Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Basilica of the Holy Blood consists of a lower chapel and upper chapel. In the upper chapel, the relic of the Holy Blood is kept. Every year on Ascension Day, the relic is carried around in the Procession of the Holy Blood. The basilica is free to visit every day; only the treasury is paying.
Visit brewery Bourgogne des Flanders
Bourgogne des Flanders has been around since 1911 and is a blended beer. It is based on a locally brewed brown beer cut with lambic from Timmermans Brewery. In 2016, the new brewery in Bruges was officially opened. You can visit the brewery with an audio guide and enjoy a nice beer in the brewery’s pub afterward. There is also the possibility of sharing a flight with 2 people.
Visit Brewery de Halve Maan
For 6 generations, Brewery De Halve Maan has been located in Bruges. Besides the brewery, there is also a brasserie where you can enjoy delicious Belgian dishes. You can visit the brewery with a guided tour in several languages. To be sure of a seat, it is best to reserve your spot in advance. It is an old brewery, with quite a few (steep) stairs, so not for people who do not have good legs.
After the visit, you can enjoy 1 (or more) beers from the brewery in the brasserie.
Where to eat and drink in Bruges
There are a huge number of restaurants in Bruges, so it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to eat good food. Here are some great addresses.
Breakfast at Blackbird: At Blackbird you can enjoy a delicious (vegan) breakfast. Especially on weekends, it is recommended to make a reservation because it is a very popular place.
Lunch at Brewery de Halve maan: in the brasserie you can enjoy tasty Belgian dishes. Perfect as lunch before or after a visit to the brewery.
Lunch at Hof van Rembrandt: A stone’s throw from the main market you can find this brasserie. Here, too, you can find tasty Belgian classics. Also try the picon vin blanc.
Beer at Brugs Beertje: enjoying a delicious Belgian beer? Then you’ve come to the right place at Brugs Beertje. Not really an idea what you would like? The staff will help you with pleasure.
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