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
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Best period to visit Bruges
Bruges is fun to visit all year round. Summer can be tremendously busy due to the number 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). More hotels can be found here.
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!
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Boat trip on the canals
A boat trip on the canals is 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 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 47 bells. On Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 to 12 o’clock, 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. Access to the belfry is included in the Bruges Museum Pass. However, you still need to reserve a time slot (this can be done via the website or on-site).
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, its many small streets, canals, and beautiful houses. On the website of tourism Bruges, you can download several city walks for free.
Plan your trip to Bruges like a pro
✈️ Book your cheap flights to Belgium on Skyscanner
🏨 Reserve a hotel, apartment, or holiday home at Booking.com
🚕 Need a transfer from the airport? Use Welcome Pickups or download the Bolt or Uber app
🛜 Use Airalo eSIM to avoid roaming fees. Use SHARON9895 to get €3
📺 Use NordVPN to keep watching your favorite programs or movies on the go
🚗 Need to rent a car? Use DiscoverCars or Local Rent
💳 Use Wise to pay in Belgium at the real exchange rate and avoid expensive foreign card fees
🚆 Buy train tickets from Omio or RailEurope
🎟️ Pre-book tours, entrance tickets, and activities via Viator or GetYourGuide
🏥 Get travel insurance at World Nomads or Safety Wing
Admire Michelangelo’s Madonna
Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child is the only sculpture by Michelangelo located outside Italy. You can admire it in the Church of Our Lady. Part of the church is free to visit, but to see the artwork and the tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold, you will need a ticket. You can buy these at the ticket office or online.
Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Basilica of the Holy Blood consists of a lower chapel and an 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 charges.
Enjoy the peace at Minnewater
The most romantic location in Bruges is Minnewater. It is located on the ramparts and Minnewater Park. It owes its name to the legend that minnen or water spirits once lived here. It is the ideal location to escape the hustle and bustle.
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.
A Bruges waffle at Otto Wafelatelier. The waffles are made from oats without added sugar and are lace-shaped. You can choose from various toppings or simply enjoy them with blossom sugar. There is a small terrace at the back where you can enjoy your waffle (or ice cream).
Beer at Brugs Beertje: enjoying a delicious Belgian beer? Then you’ve come to the right place at Brugs Beertje. No idea what you would like? The staff will help you with pleasure.
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