If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, chances are a day trip to Bruges is on your radar! The Flemish city is famed for its storybook charm, and for good reason. With a UNESCO-recognised Old Town, peaceful canals, and historic Gothic architecture, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a fairytale.
One day in Bruges is enough to see its highlights, from climbing the Belfort tower to gliding along the canals, and of course, trying out all the best Belgian cuisine. And this handy guide will show you the best things to do, where to eat, and exactly how to plan the perfect Bruges day trip. Read on for more.
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Is Bruges worth visiting?
Bruges is absolutely worth visiting. The fairytale city is famous for its cobbled streets and winding canals, and spending a day here feels like stepping back in time. Spend your time in Bruges sightseeing in the old town, snapping photos of the beautiful streets, visiting museums and sampling Belgian food and drink… You might just find that you don’t want to leave!
Is one day in Bruges enough?
Yes, one day in Bruges is the perfect amount of time to see the city’s highlights. The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, so you can see all the main attractions and still have time to relax with a beer. Since Bruges is only around an hour by train from Brussels, you’ll have almost a full day to explore if you head off early.
There’s plenty to do here if you’d like to extend your stay to two days, but you can do Bruges as a day trip and still experience the best of the city without feeling rushed.
Want to stay longer in Bruges? Here are my top hotel picks:
– Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce – the hotel featured in In Bruges!)
– Hotel Bourgoensch Hof – great canal or street views
– La Clé Brugge – for those seeking a more modern stay
How to get to Bruges
Bruges is in the north of Belgium and is easily reached from Brussels by train. There are direct links from the main stations in Brussels (Central and Midi) that take around an hour and run regularly throughout the day.
It’s also possible to take a day trip to Bruges from other cities, like Paris or Amsterdam. It’s a bit too far to reach by train for just one day, so I recommend checking out these guided tours that will transport you to Bruges via coach. It’s a great chance to visit a different country and experience a slice of Belgium in just a day!
Check out these guided day trips to Bruges from Paris, Amsterdam or Brussels!
The best things to do in Bruges in one day
Bruges is packed with history, culture, and postcard-perfect corners, so the most important part of your Bruges day trip will be what you get up to! Here are all the best things you can do in one day in Bruges.
Belfort (Bruges Belfry) & Grote Markt
The Belfort is Bruges’ most famous landmark, standing 83 metres tall in the heart of the city. You can climb the 366 steps to the top of the 13th-century tower for incredible panoramic views across the old town, and trust me, it’s well worth the effort!
At the foot of the Belfort is Grote Markt, Bruges’ main square. Colourful Flemish gabled houses and the dramatic Gothic Provincial Court surround the cobbled square, so stop for a spot of people watching and soak up the historic atmosphere.
Bruges Old Town
The historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s one of the most beautiful old towns in Europe. Cobbled lanes wind past canals, brick houses, and hidden courtyards, making it the perfect place to wander and get a little bit lost.
Within the Old Town limits, you’ll find Grote Markt and De Burg – two of Bruges’ main squares that have their own sections in this guide. Also, look out for Rozenhoedkaai, one of the most beautiful photo spots in Bruges.
Bruges Begijnhof
Tucked away from the busy streets, the Bruges Begijnhof (Beguinage) offers a unique slice of Belgian history and a break from the crowds. Founded in the 13th century, it was home to beguines – religious women who lived in a community without taking full vows as nuns. These Beguinages were found across Belgium, the Netherlands and Northern France, and the Bruges Begijnhof is one of 13 in Belgium recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, the Begijnhof is home to Benedictine nuns, and the complex is open daily for visitors to wander through the tranquil grounds. Silence remains an important part of life here, so make sure you walk quietly and respect the peaceful atmosphere.
Canal boat tour
Hop on a boat tour to see Bruges in a different way! The canals wind through the old town, offering unique views of bridges, hidden gardens, and historic buildings, so you’ll leave with a completely different perspective of the city. Most tours also include a guide, so you can learn more about Bruges’ history with local insights and stories as you drift along the water.
Tours typically last around 30 minutes and depart from various spots in the centre of the city, so you can easily squeeze it into your Bruges day trip. I recommend heading to Rozenhoedkaai to find a tour or booking ahead.
De Burg
Like the neighbouring Grote Markt, De Burg is one of the most historic squares in Bruges, and a must-see spot. Once a castle and fortress, it’s now home to the 14th-century Stadhuis and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
De Burg is a beautiful place to soak up Bruges’ history, with a mix of architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance. Step inside the Town Hall to see its painted Gothic Hall, or visit the basilica to admire the intricate interior and learn about its history.
Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady dominates Bruges’ skyline with its soaring 115-metre brick tower, the tallest structure in the city. Inside, you can discover an impressive collection of art and architecture, from intricate Gothic details to stunning stained-glass windows.
The highlight is Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, one of the few works by the artist to have left Italy during his lifetime. Surrounded by tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy and centuries of history, the church is as much a museum as it is a place of worship, making it a must-see stop on your day trip to Bruges.
2Be Bar
For a taste of Belgian beer with one of the most picturesque views in the city, head to 2Be Bruges. The bar’s outside terrace overlooks the Djiver Canal across from Rozenhoedkaai, offering a hidden view that you’ll only get from this spot! You might need a bit of luck (or patience) to grab a prime seat during the peak season, but it’s totally worth it.
If you don’t already have a favourite, the flights are great to try here. You can sample a few local beers, like a tripel, a lambic or a local brew that’s made just down the road!
Visit a museum
Bruges might be like a museum in itself, but there are still plenty of galleries and exhibitions to explore for an extra dose of culture on your day trip.
For art lovers, the Groeninge Museum is a top choice. Here, you’ll find a collection of Flemish and Belgian art from the 15th century to the present, including works by Jan van Eyck and René Magritte.
Or, dive into Belgian cuisine with a visit to the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum or the Frietsmuseum. At both spots, learn about the history of their production and popularity in Belgium, and perhaps most importantly, sample some chocolate or fries. These museums are especially fun if you’re visiting Bruges with kids.
Check out these other things to do on your Bruges day trip!
Suggested itinerary for your day trip to Bruges
With so many things to do, it can be difficult to plan how to make the most of your time. Luckily, I’ve put together this suggested one-day Bruges itinerary, which is split into morning and afternoon. You’ll find all the highlights already mentioned in this guide, plus some great food and drink recommendations for throughout the day.
Morning
After arriving at Bruges station, make your way into the city centre. Not long into your walk, you’ll pass the Bruges Begijnhof, so you can start your day with a peaceful stroll through the grounds before continuing to the Church of Our Lady. From here, it’s only a short walk to Rozenhoedkaai, one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Next, make your way to the historic squares of De Burg and Grote Markt, where you can admire Bruges’ Gothic architecture and colourful gabled houses. Climb up the Belfort to take in beautiful views of Bruges from above.
Now that you’ve seen the main sights of the Old Town, it’s time to get a little lost! Wander the winding cobbled streets as you please, and stop for a coffee at Margritt or a beer at the lively Eiermarkt.
Afternoon/Evening
Before lunch, it’s time for a museum stop. Art lovers should head to the Groeninge Museum, while foodies will love the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum or the quirky Frietmuseum. Grab some classic Belgian street food for lunch – fries from ’t Brugsch Friethuys or the Grote Markt stalls, and a waffle from Oyya or Australian. If you’re not planning to stay in Bruges for dinner, you might want to opt for a heartier sit-down meal.
In the afternoon, enjoy a canal boat tour to discover Bruges from the water, and then head to 2Be Bruges to enjoy a beer flight with iconic canal views. Or, visit Bourgogne des Flandres for their brewery tour if that’s more your thing.
From here, you can either hop back on the train to Brussels or linger a little longer with dinner at a traditional Belgian restaurant like Cambrinus or Vlissinghe. It’s the perfect way to round off your magical day trip to Bruges.
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What a great itinerary! We missed Bruges because Gent Fest was on when we were in Brussels and I want to go! Saving this for when I do. A fries museum? That beer bar? YES!
Ghent is definitely a worthy replacement, but I hope you’ll get the chance to experience the beauty of Bruges one day!
Bruges looks like such a pretty city to visit! I would love to walk around the streets there – everything looks so medieval!
It is absolutely lovely. I never tire of wandering round the city and exploring all the little side streets!
This is such a great guide! 😊I wish I visited Bruges during my visit to Belgium. It looks very pretty and magical. I hope I can visit it one day. I’m saving your post for the future.
Thank you for your lovely comment! It is just as magical as it looks, I hope you get the chance to visit one day too.