A medieval treasure of Belgium, the charming town of Bruges seems frozen in time. With its winding canals, cobblestone streets, and gabled houses, Bruges feels like it has stepped straight out of a fairy tale. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is renowned as the Venice of Northern Europe and for its romantic atmosphere. Easily accessible from Brussels, it's the perfect destination for a day trip during a weekend in the Belgian capital or as part of a European itinerary. This guide will take you through the fascinating history of this medieval city in just one day.
Tip
Planning a weekend in Bruges? Pair your visit with a day trip to Brussels. You’ll find our one-day itinerary for Brussels at the end of this article.
Markt: The Central Square & The Belfry of Bruges
This Bruges itinerary begins at the must-see central square, the Markt. As the vibrant heart of the city, this square features an impressive collection of buildings that blend Gothic and Neoclassical architecture. Here, you'll find a variety of restaurants, the tourist office, souvenir shops, and even departures for horse-drawn carriage tours or guided walks. The Markt is a convergence point where tourists and locals mingle, each adding to the lively atmosphere.
The red gabled façades line up in front of the majestic Belfry of Bruges, which rises an impressive 83 meters high. This civic monument was built in several stages, reflected in its tower divided into three distinct levels. The 47 bells of the Belfry occasionally resonate, playing popular melodies. Feel free to enter the courtyard to admire the tower from a different angle. You might also find benches where you can relax and enjoy the music of the carillons.
Tip
You can access the top of the Belfry for a stunning view of Bruges' central square. Admission costs €15 per adult, and the tower opens at 9 AM.
The Burg Square & Holy Blood Basilica
Just a few steps from the Markt is the Burg Square, an ancient fortress that has been transformed into a space featuring several historic buildings, including the Gothic City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
Nestled in a corner of the square and accessible through a small door and stone staircase, the Basilica of the Holy Blood is a must-visit. It is an important pilgrimage site, as it houses the holy blood brought back from Jerusalem during a crusade. The relic is located in the upper part of the basilica, accessible via the exterior staircase. Admission is free.
Bruges Fish Market & Rozenhoedkaai
Make your way to the Bruges Fish Market. While the market is no longer active, the square retains its name. Today, you'll discover a variety of cozy restaurants where you can indulge in the famous moules-frites, a Belgian classic. The Duc de Bourgogne is the standout spot in this charming medieval square, known for its warm atmosphere and delicious offerings.
Just a few minutes’ walk away is the Rozenhoedkaai, a viewpoint overlooking the canal and the Bruges Belfry, perfect for postcard-worthy photos.
Tip
If you want to take a boat tour along the canals of Bruges, the boats depart just a few meters from Rozenhoedkaai, at the foot of the Nepomucenus Bridge. However, be warned that the boats are not covered despite the often rainy weather in Bruges.
The Boniface Bridge
The Boniface Bridge is an incredibly photogenic stone bridge located between the Church of Our Lady and the Groeninge Museum. Ironically, it's one of the youngest bridges in Bruges. Romantic and medieval in every season, it’s a focal point of the city that visitors love. Expect to see quite a few people here.
Church of Our Lady in Bruges & the former pharmacy of St. John's Hospital
Built in the 13th century, the Church of Our Lady in Bruges boasts a tower that rises to 122 meters, not including the cross, which adds another 54 meters to its height. This makes it one of the tallest brick buildings in the world. Constructed from yellow brick, the stone appears to glow in the sunlight.
Just a short walk away is the former pharmacy of St. John's Hospital. Established in 1643 and run by sister-apothecaries, it remained in operation until 1971. Today, the former pharmacy serves as a small museum showcasing the pharmacy's history and the adjoining medicinal garden. It has retained its 17th-century appearance over the years.
Admission costs 3 euros.
St. Savior's Cathedral
Just a few minutes' walk from the Church of Our Lady is St. Savior's Cathedral, the oldest church in Bruges. This impressive Gothic structure, built in the 10th century, features a tower that rises to 79 meters, making it one of the three tallest landmarks in Bruges, alongside the Belfry and the Church of Our Lady.
It’s chocolate O’Clock at The Old chocolate House
No visit to Belgium is complete without indulging in Belgian chocolate. The craftsmanship of Belgian chocolatiers is renowned worldwide, and Bruges proudly showcases this heritage. To take a break from your itinerary and savor a delicious hot chocolate or stock up on Belgian treats, we recommend stopping by
The Old chocolate House. Established in 1997, this charming chocolatier features a cozy tea room upstairs where you can enjoy a rich hot chocolate made with real melted chocolate (not powder), paired with a sweet treat—all in a warm and inviting setting.
Begijnhof
This itinerary continues with a visit to the medieval Begijnhof district. While bustling with pubs, restaurants, chocolatiers, and souvenir shops, this area is primarily known for the Beguinage of Bruges, a community of resourceful women who settled near the river to make a living from wool work. The Beguinage was so significant that it functioned as a town within the city of Bruges, complete with its own church. The Begijnhof Bridge offers a lovely view of the canal, often filled with swans and ducks.
Head to Walplein Square and make your way down Stoofstraat. You’ll find yourself in what was once Bruges' equivalent of Amsterdam's Red Light District. Following this narrow street will lead you to Katelijnestraat street.
Minnewater Park
Conclude your day in Bruges with a visit to Minnewater Park, situated along the canal. This romantic spot is a favorite among locals for leisurely strolls. We visited in October, when the vibrant colors of autumn were beginning to emerge and it was enchanting!
Where to eat in Bruges?
Bruges is filled with excellent spots for lunch, dinner, and enjoying Belgian beer.
Here are our recommendations:
De Garre : The perfect place to enjoy a Belgian beer! This cozy pub has an entrance tucked away in a small passage next to a gourmet shop on Breidelstraat. It's a charming little spot that fills up quickly, so it’s best to go right at opening or be prepared to wait for a table.
Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan : This cozy restaurant is located in a family brewery that has been operating for five generations. Open daily, it offers the opportunity to tour the brewery as well. While reservations are not required, they are recommended to ensure a spot.
Café Vlissinghe : One of the oldest pubs in Bruges, it offers a charming setting for enjoying a beer with a savoury snack, or a coffee paired with a sweet treat.
't Brugs Beertje : A cozy pub featuring a wide selection of Belgian beers, complemented by knowledgeable staff ready to offer recommendations. It's the perfect spot for an impromptu beer tasting experience.
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