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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Bruges, Belgium

Bruges may be the most photogenic city in Europe — with scenic canals, cobblestone streets, and twinkling Christmas markets.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

• Best Hotels and Resorts

Best Things to Do

Best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Amsterdam may be known for its picturesque canals, but it's far from the only European destination with such appeal. Located in northwest Belgium, Bruges enchants travelers with its scenic waterways, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture.

Compact and chock-full of photogenic landmarks — notably the Belfry of Bruges and 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall) — the capital of West Flanders is prime for walking tours and aimless wandering. It’s also a joy for cycling. From the hidden passages with secrets ready to be discovered to the bustling squares, the city exudes a storybook atmosphere . The sweet smell of waffles and chocolate wafts out of confection shops. Cozy bars and quayside breweries pour Belgian beer for tourists and locals. Restaurants give visitors a taste of local cuisine with menus that spotlight cheese croquettes and beef stew. 

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Many travelers opt to visit Bruges as a quick day trip from Brussels (the direct train runs frequently and takes less than an hour). However, it’s certainly worth staying the night to experience the full scope of its charm, from the early morning light that shines over the rooftops to the ambience when the sun goes down.

We talked to local tour guides to discover the best places to see, eat, drink, and stay in Bruges.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Stay at Hotel Van Cleef for picturesque views and posh design that chronicles Bruges through the ages. 
• Admire the beautiful architecture on a scenic boat ride along the canals. 
• Climb 366 steps to the top of the symbolic Belfry of Bruges for sweeping vistas (and a well-deserved sense of accomplishment). 
• If only visiting for the day, be sure to book a historic walking tour to hit all the key attractions.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate-drizzled waffle from House of Waffles Brugge.

Courtesy of The Pand Hotel

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Hotel van cleef.

Housed inside a stately neoclassical mansion on the fringe of the quieter Sint-Anna Quarter, Hotel Van Cleef captures the many charms of Bruges through the centuries. It’s grand and elegant yet intimate, with a mix of vintage and modern decor, eye-catching art, and a glorious canalside terrace that’s perfect for starting the day with Belgian waffles. 

Hotel Dukes' Palace

The only five-star property in the city, Hotel Dukes' Palace oozes opulence with noble pomp and circumstance galore, but it’s not overly stuffy or fussy. The beauty of a stay here lies within the quiet luxury that permeates everything from the regal restaurant to the deluxe suites featuring ornate fabrics, period furnishings, and marble bathrooms. 

The Pand Hotel

Tucked inside an old carriage house dating back to the 18th century, The Pand Hotel , a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World , feels like a nostalgic hidden gem. Precious antiques, collectibles, and art fill the atmospheric library and lounges. Sanctuary-like suites are outfitted with exquisite textiles, fireplaces, and four-poster beds. The patio is the perfect spot for a cocktail. 

Grand Hotel Casselbergh

Located in the heart of the city, Grand Hotel Casselbergh blends past and present beautifully. Occupying carefully renovated historic houses and a newly built annex, the property is a bastion of timeless character with nods to both medieval and modern-day Bruges. In addition to canal-view rooms, it has a subterranean spa, a jewel-box bar, and a breakfast restaurant. 

T+L Backpack Quiz

Hotel de orangerie.

Hotel de Orangerie , a former 15th-century Carthusian convent, is now a boutique bolthole and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It possesses a picture-perfect canalside location near Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres and character-filled interior spaces for guests to unwind. There’s a cozy salon for afternoon tea and aperitifs, as well as bedrooms decorated with floral wallpaper, sumptuous fabrics, and antiques. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Canal Boat Ride

A tour along the historic canal is a must when in Bruges. “It’s a wonderful way to discover the city from another viewpoint,” says Rik Callens , a ToursByLocals guide in Bruges. “While cruising along the scenic waterways, visitors will see beautiful architecture and many charming surprises only visible from the water.” Boats depart at regular intervals throughout the day and into the early evening. 

Belfry of Bruges

Built in the 13th century, the towering medieval Belfry of Bruges in Markt is a symbol of the city and not to be missed. “Visitors can climb the 366 steps to the top for incredible views,” explains Albert Casasín , a ToursByLocals guide in Bruges. 

Burg Square

Located in the center of Bruges, Burg Square houses some of the most monumental and magnificent landmark buildings in the city, including the 14th-century City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Afterward, stop by one of the many nearby artisan chocolate shops for decadent, handcrafted truffles and bonbons.

Groeningemuseum

After familiarizing yourself with the key landmarks, Natalie Tall , a ToursByLocals guide in Bruges, suggests visiting the Groeningemuseum ​. “It's quite exquisite with an impressive collection of art by Flemish and Belgian masters that span the course of centuries. Definitely do the audio tour to gain a deeper understanding.” 

Lake of Love

The Lake of Love, which sits next to Minnewaterpark in the southern part of the city, is an alluring and relaxing place that’s steeped in natural beauty. In the winter, visitors spin around the ice rink, which is illuminated by twinkling lights. Summer, meanwhile, means picnics and concerts.

One of Casasín’s absolute favorite restaurants in Bruges, De Stove is small, cozy, and situated in the heart of the city. “It’s a place that transmits charm and authenticity with incredible food and a warm atmosphere,” he says.

“Dining at Bruut is always such a treat,” says Tall. “It’s an elevated dining experience that comprises 10 courses prepared by a talented chef, personal service, and impeccable wine pairings.”

One Restaurant

One Restaurant serves delicious local dishes, plus cocktails, wine, and a good selection of Belgian beers, in a wonderfully gorgeous setting with an intimate dining room and a foliage-framed patio.  

De Twijfelaar

Casasín recommends De Twijfelaar because of its creative dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The colorful, art-filled dining room matches the spirit of the menu. Plus, there’s a lovely terrace for dining in the summer. 

House of Waffles Brugge

Have a hankering for something sweet? You’ve come to the right place. The Flemish capital is very much a dessert mecca. House of Waffles Brugge satisfies cravings with freshly made golden waffles topped with drizzled chocolate and strawberries. 

agustavop/Getty Images

Bruges supplies numerous reasons to visit in every season. Spring brings daffodils. The weather is pleasant in the summer. Want to avoid the crowds? Consider shoulder season in the fall. If you’re keen to get swept up in the yuletide spirit, it’s worth planning a trip in December to experience the famous holiday markets and light displays that turn the city into a real-life Hallmark card. 

Bruges is quite accessible, with direct trains leaving from Brussels regularly. The journey only takes about 55 minutes and costs less than $20. 

It’s easy to navigate Bruges on foot. Free historic walking tours are available, if you’re looking to pack in all the key attractions and gain some valuable insights along the way. That’s certainly not to put anyone off aimless wandering. Boat rides along the canal offer a unique perspective. Cycling and carriage rides round out the list of transport methods. 

Travel Guide to Bruges, Belgium

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Bruges (Brugge in Dutch), the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in Belgium, is located in the northwest corner of Belgium. Bruges is a mere 44km from Ghent to the southeast and 145 from Brussels.

The medieval center of Bruges is remarkably well preserved and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Bruges had its golden age around 1300 when it became one of the most prosperous cities of Europe. Around 1500, the Zwin channel, which provided Bruges with its access to the sea, started silting up, and Bruges began losing its economic strength to Antwerp. People began to abandon the center, which helped to preserve its medieval features.

Bruges is an art city. Renowned Bruges painter Jan van Eyck (1370-1441) spent most of his life in Bruges and a statue honoring him is found in the square named after the sculptor, Jan Calloigne.

Today Bruges is once again a thriving community with a population of 120,000 people, and the medieval center is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Getting There

Brussels National Airport is the main airport for Bruges.

The smaller Oostende airport is just 24km (15 miles) from Bruges on the coast but offers very few flights.

Bruges is on the Oostende to Brussels train line (see our Belgium Map for rail lines). There are frequent trains from Brussels , Antwerp, and Ghent. It is a ten-minute walk from the train station to the historic center.

For detailed instructions, see: How to Get From Brussels to Bruges or Ghent .

If you have a car, don't try to drive around the narrow streets of the center. Park outside the walls (easier in early morning) or head for the main rail station and use the underground parking.

If you'll be in London, you can take the Eurostar train direct to Brussels. Your ticket actually includes onward travel to any city in Belgium: free travel to Bruges! Read more about the  Top Eurostar Destinations from London .

Getting to Bruges the Romantic Way

During the summer season, Lamme Goedzak , a paddle steamer, will take you from the interesting little town of Damme to Bruges in about 35 minutes along the canal. You'll find plenty of parking in Damme, and you can rent bicycles there as well.

The most important detail to remember is that all museums in Bruges are closed on Monday.

The most popular art museum is the Groeninge Museum, covering Low Country painting from the 15th to the 20th centuries, featuring painters such as Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, and Hieronymus Bosch.

Museum times and entrance fees (don't forget to scroll down to the special offers) are found at the Groeninge Museum web page .

You knew there had to be a museum of fries, so yes, there's a Frietmuseum .

Places to Stay

There are many hotels in Bruges since it is a very popular European destination. The highly rated hotels tend to sell out of rooms in the summer, so reserve early.

Compare prices on Bruges hotels with TripAdvisor

You can also peruse our list of recommended Bruges Hotels.

Rail Passes

If you are coming into Belgium on the Eurostar , remember that on the London to Brussels route, your Eurostar ticket (buy tickets direct) is good for continuing on to any station in Belgium.

Don't Miss Attractions in Bruges:

One of the most popular attractions in this medieval city is a canal trip. Boats depart from the Georges Stael landing stage at Katelijnestraat 4 every 30 minutes, daily from 10h00 to 17h30. Closed from the middle of November to the middle of March.

Bruges is known for chocolate, lace, and to a lesser extent diamonds. The diamond museum is at Katelijnestraat 43. You can buy a rock of your choice at Brugs Diamanthuis at Cordoeaniersstraat 5. Chocolate shops are everywhere; you can also pop into the chocolate museum Choco-Story . The municipal lace Museum is on the main canal at Dijver 16.

The Belfort en Hallen (belltower of the market) is a symbol of Bruges and the tallest belfry in Belgium. Climb the 366 steps to top for a panoramic view of Bruges; on a clear day, you'll see all the way out to the sea.​

The 12th-century basilica Heilig-Bloedbasiliek, or chapel of the Holy Blood, on Burg square contains a rock-crystal vial containing a fragment of cloth stained with what is said to be the coagulated blood of Christ. They bring it out on Fridays for veneration, but if that's not your thing the basilica is still worth a visit. On Ascension Day the relic becomes the focus of the Procession of the Holy Blood , in which 1,500 Bruges citizens, many in medieval garb, form a mile-long procession behind the relic.

You probably don't think of visiting sites of early public housing on your vacation, but Bruges has a considerable number of whitewashed almshouses, many clustered around a cozy inner courtyard. They were popular ways of currying favor with God in the 14th century by wealthy townspeople or guilds and then 46 blocks of these have been preserved.

Bruges is a great walking town (or you can rent bicycles and go around like natives). The cuisine is top notch (although a tad expensive), and the beer is some of the best in the world (try the Brewery De Gouden Boom at Langestraat, 47 which has a small but interesting museum).

Like old-time motorcycles? You can see more than 80 motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters at the Oldtimer Motorcycle Museum in Oudenburg (Close to Ostend).

Bruges, Beer, and Chocolate

Bruges hosts a popular beer festival at the start of February that runs through early March. You buy a glass and get tokens used to fill it up with your selected beers. There's also a culinary side--chefs exhibit dishes cooked with beer. This is Belgium after all.

If you miss the festival--don't worry, there are plenty of bars and restaurants brewing and serving Belgian beer. A popular venue is 't Brugs Beertje at Kemelstraat 5, between the Market and the Zand, not far from the Bruggemuseum-Belfort. Opens at 4 pm through 1 am, closed Wednesday.

The Bruges Chocolate Museum is found in the Maison de Croon, which dates from around 1480 and was originally a wine tavern. Inside you'll learn about the history of Chocolate in Bruges. Workshops are held for adults and children as well.

And if you're going to Choco-Late, you might as well stay on the Bruges Ice Wonderland Sculpture Festival starting in late November.

And speaking of festivals, the largest religious festival in Bruges is Heilig-Bloedprocessie , the Procession of the Blood, held on Ascension Thursday, 40 days after Easter. The holy blood relic is carried through the streets and the folks following are dressed in medieval costume.

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Bruges   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Barry O'carroll | EyeEm

Why Go To Bruges

Swans swim its canals; medieval buildings shadow its cobblestones; willow trees weep over its lake; rich chocolates peer from behind its windows; pints of Belgian blondes sit on its cafe tables; and carillon chimes fill its air with music: This is Bruges (or Brugge in Dutch). This idyllic city in northern Belgium is more touristy and yet more quaint than the capital city of Brussels . Plan a trip to Bruges for a taste of medieval Europe in the 21st century, for a friendly small-town feel with world-class charms (the Historic Centre of Brugge , to name one) and, of course, for the beer, fries and chocolate. Whatever your reason for coming to Bruges, you'll be charmed.

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Best of Bruges

Best hotels in bruges.

• # 1 in Hotel Dukes' Palace Bruges
• # 2 in The Pand Hotel
• # 3 in Hotel de Orangerie

Best Things to Do in Bruges

• # 1 in Rozenhoedkaai
• # 2 in Historic Centre of Brugge
• # 3 in Markt

Popular Tours

Round-Trip Shuttle Service from Zeebrugge to Bruges

(668 reviews)

from $ 27.27

Deluxe Bruges Shore Excursion from Zeebrugge Cruise Port

from $ 72.00

Guided boat trip and walk

(224 reviews)

from $ 48.00

Bruges Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Bruges is from June to August, when the weather is mild, and the trees are green. Still, the weather year-round is characterized as chilly and damp – summer temps usually don't climb higher than the 70s. Spring and fall are considered shoulder seasons that see fewer tourists and cooler temperatures, with average highs hovering in the 50s. In the winter, temperatures drop but don't reach freezing, and the city offers a variety of holiday events, including its famous Christmas markets. Fall and winter also bring the greatest chance of rain, so keep an umbrella at the ready.

Weather in Bruges

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Hop on a boat tour Canal tours are a great way to get an overview of Bruges. You'll easily find boat operators departing from jetties around the city offering 30- to 45-minute tours. The famous Rozenhoedkaai is a popular spot to hop on a tour.

Indulge in some chocolate Belgium is known for the sweet stuff, so be sure to pause for a chocolate break at a well-known chocolate maker like The Chocolate Line or Sukerbuyc .

Consider a daytrip to Brussels Brussels is an hour's train ride southeast of Bruges, making it an ideal daytrip.

How to Save Money in Bruges

Get a Discover Bruges Card If you stay at a Hotels Regio Brugge member hotel , you have access to a free card , which offers discounts on area attractions and shops.

Get a Musea Brugge Card This card grants you access to a variety of museums, including the Groeningemuseum , over a period of three days for 28 euros (or about $31).

Rent a bike Bruges caters to cyclists. You'll find that bike lanes dot the city and even head into nearby coastal towns.

Culture & Customs

Once a hub for artists of the Flemish Primitive style of painting, art is front and center in Bruges. There are numerous museums with artwork, as well as churches, convents and even a medieval hospital that each boast their own collection of impressive works.

Make sure to bring some euros with you, which is the currency of Belgium. When eating out, it's unlikely you'll need to tip, as it's included as part of the restaurant bill, and restaurant workers earn better compensation than those in the U.S. It's OK to leave a few euros for excellent service, but generally not more than 10% of your bill.

In Bruges, you'll find the locals speak Flemish natively, but many also speak English well.

What to Eat

Residents of Bruges love their beer, Belgian fries and chocolate – Bruges even has its own official city chocolate: the Bruges swan, or Brugsch Swaentje . Bruges offers plentiful chocolate shops, pubs and a handful of breweries, as well as attractions that tell the story of each of the country's celebrated foods, including the Bruges Beer Experience , Choco-Story and Frietmuseum. But the dining scene in Bruges is much vaster than these three staples.

Gruuthuse Hof , which has been open since the mid-1700s, is popular with tourists and serves traditional Belgian dishes like beef stew and duck, and waffles for dessert. For a casual meal, the De Halve Maan Brewery also has a restaurant on the premises with a limited menu if you want a bite with your beer.

If you're celebrating a special occasion or just in the mood to splurge, consider Le Mystique , which serves a blend of French and Flemish cuisine. The restaurant is historic as well, dating to 1869. Dishes with a Flemish touch include beef with braised chicory and seafood, including sea bass and oysters. Flemish cuisine is known for its fries and waffles, as well as beef stew, Belgian endive, and of course, Brussels sprouts. A meal at Bistro Refter is equally indulgent as it's headed by Michelin-starred chef Geert Van Hecke, who offers a contemporary take on Belgian cuisine with dishes like roasted cockerel, fish, steak and, of course, fries.

When it comes to safety, Bruges generally has a low crime rate, is clean and safe for traveling alone, though as in any tourist destination, be aware of pickpocketing and traveling by yourself at night. The State Department does encourage citizens to exercise extreme caution when visiting Belgium due to terrorist groups continuing to plot possible attacks there.

Getting Around Bruges

The best way to get around Bruges is on foot. The city is small – in fact, you can walk from one end to the other in about 30 minutes. Biking is the second-best way to get around. There's also a bus system, but it's most useful in getting from the train station to the city center rather than for exploring the city. Cars are not recommended, since Bruges' streets are narrow and webbed with canals. You can also hire taxis at several taxi stands. The closest major airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), so most visitors take the train into Bruges. The ride from the airport to Bruges is about 90 minutes; tickets start at 21 euros (or around $23). According to the tourism office, taxis from the airport to Bruges cost a flat rate of 200 euros (or about $222). The train station is located just southeast of the city center, about a 20-minute walk from the historic city center or a five-minute bus ride.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A valid passport is required for citizens of the United States to travel to Belgium. U.S. citizens can stay for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. At customs, you'll have to present a return airline ticket, as well as a passport that is valid for at least three months after the date of your departure. If you're planning to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days, you'll have to obtain the proper visa before leaving the U.S. Keep in mind: The U.S. Department of State issued an advisory for travel in Belgium in December 2018 due to terrorism, warning travelers of potential terror attacks. The State Department recommends registering for the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) so that you'll receive alerts and be easier to locate in the event of an emergency. For more information, visit the State Department's  website .

Considered one of the most photographed areas of Bruges, Rozenhoedkaai , or Quay of the Rosary, is a picturesque spot where the Dijver and Groenerei canals meet.

Explore More of Bruges

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17 of the best experiences in Bruges

Dec 16, 2023 • 9 min read

From touring the city by canal boat to eating the tastiest fries, here are the best things to do in Bruges © LALS STOCK / Shutterstock

Bruges is one of the most picturesque cities in Northern Europe, with photo opportunities awaiting you around every corner.

The medieval city center survived multiple invasions and wars over the last 500 years, yet miraculously kept its 15th-century architecture intact – an achievement that won it UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000. 

Beyond the picturesque Gothic facades, you can go sailing through the canals, learn about the Flemish Masters, or visit one of the many museums (perfect for a rainy day, of which there are many). Here's our pick of the very best experiences in Bruges .

1. See Bruges on a canal boat tour

Experience the sights and sounds of Bruges on a boat tour along the picturesque canals for just €12. Doing it on the day you arrive will help orient you in the city while the guide gives you a potted history of your surroundings. You'll pass under  Bonifacius Bridge , a popular 20th-century stone arch crossing usually thronged with snap-happy tourists, as well as the 18th-century Nepomucenus Bridge, watched over by a statue of John of Nepomuk – the patron saint of bridges.

Save some smartphone storage for Rosary Quay, though. Its name comes from the rosary bead sellers that used to dominate the area, but that's not what draws tourists here in their droves. It's the photogenic kink in the canal and the crooked, forward-leaning facades that make for incredible pictures. The boats, formerly all diesel engines, are being replaced by a fleet of fully electric vessels . 

2. Break for a Belgian beer at a Bruges bar 

Beer is a big part of Flemish culture, and there's no shortage of places to have a pint, so take a break from sightseeing to try a local specialty. Tucked away in a little alley near the city center, De Garre is a quirky bar with over 140 varieties of beer. Advertised as "possibly the oldest pub in Bruges," Café Vlissinghe has been pouring beers since 1515. It's still a beloved spot for tourists and residents of Bruges alike. If you're looking for a lively bar scene, head to 't Zand Square  –  Villa Gerard is popular with students and residents. 

3. Indulge your sweet tooth with waffles, pastries, and chocolates

If you have a sweet tooth, get ready to indulge in Bruges – there are chocolate, pastry, and candy shops on every street and the sweet aroma of freshly toasted waffles follows you through the city. For a beautiful and delicious waffle, go to Otto Waffle Atelier where they're made with an intricate pattern. 

Aux Merveilleux De Fred  serves exquisite pastries in an equally stunning tea room. Order a Vergeoise waffle to go with your coffee. Round out your indulgence with chocolate truffles at one of the most popular chocolate shops, Chocolatier Dumon .

4. Go on an architectural walking tour of Bruges 

Pack your comfortable shoes because Bruges is a place for walkers. A wander through the beautiful city center is one of the best ways to admire the Gothic and Flemish architecture. Keep your eyes open for the many treasures such as the emblematic 't Zand's 21st-century  Concert Hall , which looks like a giant, half-submerged goldfish ducking beneath the pavement; the cherry-red Barge Bridge that seemingly twists like the track on a roller-coaster; and the 13th-century Church of Our Lady , with its enormous 115m (377ft) spire. Inside you'll find Michelangelo’s serene Madonna and Child statue from 1504.

Planning tip:  Bruges Tourism Office offers free maps for self-guided walking tours .

5. Visit independent shops along Langestraat 

Take a 10–15 minute walk from Markt, the heart of ancient Bruges, to Langestraat, a street with independently owned restaurants, cafes, and shops. Stop by Cherry Picker Cafe for its unique selection of vinyl records with a bar in the back of the shop before browsing for rare finds at Brocante Cafe , an antique shop and cafe. If you're looking for the perfect made-in-Bruges gift, stop by  Atelier Twee , featuring leather goods made in-house and items created by regional artisans. 

6. Tour a Belgian brewery 

Belgium produces some of the best beers in the world – even those that don't usually enjoy a pint can be converted after a sip. For Belgians, beer is more than a beverage, it's a tradition, with most brasseries serving beers in distinct glasses representing the breweries. Brewery De Halve Maan offers brewery tours and tastings in the heart of Bruges. Sip your chosen brew in the beer hall or catch the elusive Belgian sun on the cozy terrace. 

Planning tip:  Be sure to bring your camera on a sunny day. The tour guide (weather permitting) will take you to the brewery's rooftop, which offers splendid city views. 

7. Take in the magnificent Markt, one of Europe's finest squares

A medieval masterpiece, few European plazas outdo this glorious, car-free square for sheer good looks. A poster child for Belgium, Markt has a bit of Hollywood pizzazz to it – all tall, step-gabled guild houses, glinting neo-Gothic facades, and slow, clip-clopping horse-and-carriage rides. True, some of the buildings may not be as timeless as their restored glory suggests, but little has changed since the first market here in 958 CE.

Just look to the Belfort in the northwest of the square. Finished in 1486, this 83m-high (272ft) octagonal tower was the dominating skyscraper of its day – and so it remains. Grab a coffee from one of the nearby terrace cafes and admire it all from there, or...

8. Climb Belfort for the best views of Bruges

To preserve Bruges' charm, there are no tall modern buildings in the city center. Get the best panoramas over red-tiled rooftops all the way to Zeebrugge – and a workout from climbing the 366 steps – at the top of  Belfort . This 13th-century belfry is one of the tallest points in the historic center. 

Planning tip:  Numbers are limited to 70 visitors at a time for safety reasons. The queue can get quite lengthy at peak times, so arrive early to avoid them.

9. Learn about the Flemish Masters at Groeningemuseum

Given its long history, Bruges is a city of rich culture, and nowhere showcases this like the rich collection of Flemish Primitive and Renaissance works at Groeningemuseum . The art gallery features works by Flemish Masters such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Hugo van der Goes, and Gerard David, and is the perfect rainy day activity.

10. Enjoy an eclectic program of events at Concertgebouw 

Another treat for a rainy day is the eclectic programming of exhibitions and performances at the Concertgebouw , the modern concert hall of Bruges. You can also book a tour of this stunning 21st-century architectural gem.

11. Admire the works of Hans Memling at the Museum Sint-Janshospitaal

This impeccably restored chapel , which sits at the heart of a wonderful 12th-century hospital building, is home to six masterpieces by the revered 15th-century devotional artist Hans Memling. Undoubtedly Bruges' finest painter, certainly in his lifetime, it wasn't really until the late 19th century that interest was piqued in the innovative portraitist with shows across the world.

Here, you can admire his delicate oil work on the panels of the splendid, gilded reliquary of St Ursula, which is said to hold some of her relics. But don't miss the large triptych of St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist either. It was originally the church's altarpiece.

Planning tip:  Your ticket also gives you access to the restored 17th-century pharmacy through a door at the rear of the chapel.

12. Immerse yourself in history and myths at Burg

Imagine being a square this beautiful and interesting and still not being the most-talked-about square in the city. Anywhere else in the world and the Gothic turrets of the 15th-century Stadhuis (city hall) , the charcoal-colored facade and gilded statues of the Basilica of the Holy Blood – purportedly home to a cloth stained with the blood of Jesus Christ – and the light clip-clop of the horse-drawn carriages would make Burg an unmissable banquet of medieval architecture. Here? It plays second fiddle to Markt. But is still well worth a few hours of your time.

13. Grab a budget meal around 't Zand

There are several universities in Bruges, most notably the College of Europe and the Catholic University College of Bruges, which means plenty of places to find a meal on a budget. The area around 't Zand Square has several student-friendly restaurants, cafes, and bars.

HAP Takeaway Bites uses locally sourced ingredients to make delicious sandwiches, salads and freshly pressed juices. An excellent spot for breakfast or lunch, most items cost around €5–8. For lunches less than €10, try the burgers, croquettes, and fries at Frituur-Bistro 't Bootje or dine on Syrian-style falafel, shawarmas, and wraps at Taboulé .

14. Rent a bike and go beyond the historic city center

Bruges is relatively flat, making it ideal to explore on a bike. There are several good  bike rental outfits  located around the city. Start your ride at the Kruispoort Gate, one of Bruges's four preserved medieval gates, where a bike trail leads the way to photogenic windmills such as Bonne-Chière and Sint-Janshuismolen.

If you want to go on a longer ride, consider the 90-minute roundtrip to Zeebrugge, approximately 15km (9.3 miles) each way, for a view of the choppy North Sea and lunch at a seafood restaurant.

15. Find inner peace at the begijnhof

Ah! Pure silence. Or as close as you're ever going to get in a city that swells with bus-loads of tourists each day. Built in the 13th century as a place for religious women to live piously but with the freedom to go into the city itself, this gabled, white-washed begijnhof still retains a reverent calm among its trees. 

16. Take your fries seriously with frietjes at a frituur

No trip to Belgium is complete with having a cone (or three) of frietjes (fries). Belgians take their fries seriously and Bruges has plenty of frituurs –  small restaurants specializing in fries – around the city. A large portion of fries with sauce is usually around €4. Belgians love a dollop of mayo on their crispy, thick-cut fries and sometimes tuck in with unique condiments such as curry ketchup or samurai sauce (spicy mayo).

17. And then learn why fries are part of the national dish

The quirky Frietmuseum  starts with a detailed history of potatoes and their journey from Peru to Europe and helps you understand why fries became such an important part of Belgian cuisine. Bring your appetite – the museum serves crispy fries made to order with a wide selection of sauces from its own frituur . 

This article was first published Mar 23, 2022 and updated Dec 16, 2023.

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In Bruges, step back in time in the Venice of the North

The striking medieval city of bruges offers a contrastive experience to the much-visited southern cities of europe.

Bruges old town in winter, West Flanders, Belgium

The Belgian city of Bruges might not be first on the list for Irish people taking short breaks in Europe, but it offers a contrastive experience to the much-visited southern cities of Florence, Rome, Barcelona and Madrid. The 2008 black-comedy crime thriller In Bruges – starring Colin Farrell , Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes – put this striking medieval city on the world map for Irish travellers.

Known as the Venice of the North for its canals which were originally built as inner and outer defences, Bruges – or Brugge as it is called in this Flemish speaking part of Belgium – is the cradle of capitalism: this is where the world’s first stock exchange was founded. From the 13th to the 16th centuries, Bruges had a strong textile industry attracting international merchants into its North Sea harbour from England , France , Germany , Italy and Spain .

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Then ruled by Spain as part of the Southern Low Countries known as the Spanish Netherlands, its fortunes changed following the sudden death in 1482 of its much loved ruler, Mary of Burgundy. The citizens’ dislike of her widower, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, resulted in the departure of the Burgundy Court from Bruges, closely followed by international traders. The silting up of its harbour also resulted in trade shifting to Ostend, Brussels and Antwerp.

Thereafter followed a series of sieges and battles between the French, the British, the Dutch and the Austrians before Belgium gained its independence in 1830. However, the centuries of neglect imposed on Bruges meant it held on to a fairly intact historic core. This subsequently became its saving grace when, in 2000, Unesco classified the entire medieval inner city as a world heritage site, drawing cultural visitors from all over the world.

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On the 90-minute coach journey (or an Intercity train of similar duration) from Brussels International Airport (Zaventem) to Bruges, prepare yourself to step back in time to soak up the visual detail of this small city with its rich mercantile history.

Many guidebooks suggest a day is long enough to explore Bruges, but that is only if you want the tick-box tourist exercise of seeing the atmospheric Markt (market square) with its towering belfry and the nearby Burg (Royal square), and taking a guided canal boat tour (adult €12/child €7) to admire the finely restored Dutch step-gabled mansions along its quays.

But, if you indulge Bruges with a little more of your time, you can walk the entire 7km green belt (passing four windmills and the four remaining city gates en route) which circles the old city. Alternatively, amble along the main canal from the city centre to the north, rewarding yourself with a beer in the local bar Molenhuis on Potterierei before retracing your steps back through the square with a statue to the 15th century artist, Jan Van Eyck.

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Although only minutes from the main thoroughfare, a walk along these quieter residential streets is more likely to lead to brief encounters with locals walking their dogs than sightings of other tourists. And while there are very few cars in the old city, visitors need to be constantly on the alert to cyclists who share the cobbled streets with pedestrians, often interweaving through groups at unexpected moments.

Bruges is considered the capital of chocolate. Photograph: Kryssia Campos/Getty Images

While Bruges is known for its lace, it is the chocolate shops that will lure you in with their extravagant window displays. What makes Belgian chocolate so special is that the ingredients are limited to cocoa paste, cocoa butter and sugar. Dark chocolate uses the most cocoa paste; milk chocolate mixes in milk powder; and white chocolate uses cocoa butter but no cocoa paste at all. Neuhaus, Corné, Galler and Leonidas are some of the most notable brands but the local chocolatiers will not disappoint.

No trip to Belgium is complete without sampling some of the 1,000 varieties of local beer. The gold and dark beers (with 6 to 12 per cent alcohol content) made by the Trappist (Cistercian) monks are some of the oldest recipes, but Lambic sparkling beer, cloudy white beers and red beers are also worth tasting. You can sample small glasses of different beers served on a platter, similar to how you would cheese. A tour of the Huisbrouwerij brewery is another worthwhile option, where you can have a pleasant meal after your tour.

Fans of the Italian Renaissance sculptor and painter Michelangelo should make time to visit the Bruges Madonna in the side chapel of the 13th century Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve Vrouwekerk), one of only three statues by Michelangelo outside of Italy (the other two are in the Louvre in Paris).

Colin Farrell with Brendan Gleeson in In Bruges, from 2008

Fans of the film In Bruges should seek out the Hotel Restaurant Duc de Bourgogne used in many scenes in the beautiful, enclosed square, HuidenvettersPlein. Take the 365 steps to the top of the belfry in the Markt if you want the best views over the town. There is a small arts and crafts market in the nearby former fish market (Vismarkt), a food market in the Markt on Wednesday mornings, and a larger market in Zand on Saturdays.

On my group trip with Travel Department, a half-day walking tour of the city’s highlights with a local guide and a very pleasant canal trip on an electrified boat was included in the package.

The upside of these organised trips is that you can enjoy the company of other guests back in the hotel (the four-star Dukes Academie Hotel on Wijngaardstraat, a 12-minute walk from Bruges train station is a good option) if you so wish, as well as having the benefit of transfers from the airport to, and from, your hotel.

These group tours also leave you with plenty of time to explore the city at your own pace, but be forewarned – the horse and carriage trips around the old city are not worth the €60 charged for two people.

Canals in the city of Bruges were originally built as inner and outer defences. Photograph: Gonzalo Azumendi/Getty Images

The 20-minute train journey to Ghent (€15 return – make sure to hop on an intercity train rather than a local one which takes double the time) offers glimpses of the mixed land use (small forests next to fields of grazing cows or crops) before you arrive in the larger and more textured, but equally beautiful, city.

Tram Number One from the station to Sint-Niklaasstraat (St Nicholas Street) will leave you right in the city centre to explore the area around the castle, churches and canals. Take an hour-long guided canal boat ride (€9.50 per person) if you are short of time, but note the signs along the canal side decrying the noise pollution from boat tourism. Our guide did halt his commentary along one stretch of the river Leie in respect of these neighbourhood requests for silence.

Like Bruges, Ghent also had a strong cloth industry and is sometimes dubbed the Manhattan of the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, it had a bigger population than Paris or Amsterdam. And like Bruges, it too has many beautiful medieval Dutch gabled buildings along its canals and river quays.

For those who choose to stay five to seven days, there are many other cities easily accessible by train from Bruges. You can get to the centre of Brussels in one hour. With its undulating terrain and wide bustling boulevards, this city of one million inhabitants (half of whom are not Belgian) has all the energy and monumental buildings of a capital city – Grand Place, Palais de Justice, Place Royal, Musees Royaux Des Beaux-arts to mention just a few.

For those craving the seaside, the local resort of Ostend is 15 minutes from Bruges by train. Once there, you can take a walk along the promenade or take a dip in the cold waters of the North Sea.

And finally, those interested in exploring historic first World War battle sites in Flanders Fields in Ypres can join a guided tour of the sites or travel independently by train. There are also options of cycling tours of the region for the more energetic.

Sylvia Thompson was a guest of Travel Department on a three-day city break to Bruges. traveldepartment.com

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• Terms & Conditions
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• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2.1 From Brussels
• 2.2.2 From Lille (France)
• 2.2.3 General info
• 2.4 By ferry
• 2.5 By cruise ship
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 City gates
• 4.2 More Museums
• 6.1 Chocolate
• 6.3.1 Music
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge

Bruges ( Dutch : Brugge ) is a picturesque city in Flanders , the northern part of Belgium . Once Europe's richest city, now both cosmopolitan and bourgeois in its compact size. It is mainly known for its exceptionally well-preserved historical centre (especially by Belgian standards), which draws over 400,000 tourists annually.

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ]

In the 2nd century AD there was a Gallo-Roman settlement, but the city got its foundations in the 9th century when the Vikings landed. The name Brugge indeed likely comes from the Old Norse "bryggja", translating to harbor or jetty, and was first mentioned between 850 and 875. During the following centuries there were strong connections to the north, and Bruges became one of the trading points of the Hanseatic League . Interestingly, the historical Hanseatic harbour of Bergen is also known as Bryggen.

Bruges became the capital of Flanders in 1089, and an 1134 storm created the tidal canal Zwin, improving the connection to the sea. As such the city developed into the economic capital of northwestern Europe in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, and this was the golden age of the city. This age saw the construction of many of the city's impressive old buildings, and its second city wall. The world's first stock exchange was formed, the Waterhalle was a lively trading place, and the city of 46,000 inhabitants was a home to painters, architects and other artists and the Duke of Burgundy set up one of his courts here.

The death of Mary of Burgundy in 1482 marked the beginning of the end of the golden days. The royal family soon left, nearby Antwerp became a more important trading point, silting eventually made the Zwin unusable, and the Spanish rule from 1592 to 1713 during which several wars were fought in the region all made the city one of the poorest, rather than richest cities in the region. The city changed hands between the Austrians , French and Dutch before becoming part of the independent Belgium in 1830.

The Industrial Revolution didn't bring much industry to Bruges. Ironically, the poverty that characterized Bruges in the 19th century is one reason the town's historic architecture is so well-preserved: there was usually simply no budget to modify the town on a large scale. However, in the 1890s two events revived interest in the city; on the cultural side the novel Bruges-la-Morte by Georges Rodenbach and on the economic side the construction of the Port of Zeebrugge, one of Western Europe's most important freight ports today. A canal from Zeebrugge to Bruges, the 12-km-long Boudewijnkanaal, was finished in 1905. Also, the 1902 art exhibition of Flemish Primitives (Early Netherlandish painting) helped re-establish Bruges as a cultural center.

However, of much greater significance in shaping the town's highly touristic character, is of course the historical architecture found in virtually the entire historic city centre. Although many monuments and other buildings in the town centre have medieval origins, referring to Bruges as a 'medieval' town is inaccurate, considering most of the architecture in the historic centre dates to the 17th century and later, with many buildings (such as the old Town Hall at Burg square) having undergone serious neogothic-style renovations, chiefly under the influence of the architect Louis Delacenserie (1838-1909). Surviving both world wars mostly intact, the old town was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2000 and two years later it held the title as the European Cultural Capital.

Climate [ edit ]

Even by Belgian standards, Bruges has a poor reputation for its weather. Compared to other western European cities like London and Paris, the weather in Bruges is colder and damper. Even in July and August, average daily maximum temperatures struggle to exceed 21°C (70°F) and rainfall averages 203 mm (8 in) a month. In autumn, temperatures drop off quite rapidly and winter months are damp and chilly.

The summer visitor should always be prepared for rain in Bruges, as warm and sunny weather is not constant during that season. The daily and monthly temperature variations are quite small; average highs and average lows don't exceed a range of 9°C (or 16°F).

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Bruges shares its airport with Ostend ( OST  IATA ). The Ostend-Bruges International Airport has a long runway and a seaside location providing for a picturesque approach, but its passenger traffic is pretty much limited to seasonal flights to holiday destinations. It is also a major hub for cargo airlines, so planespotters may find it of interest.

More viable as a point of entry is the Brussels National Airport ( BRU  IATA ), Belgium's largest, as well as Charleroi ( CRL  IATA Brussels South) and Lille ( LIL  IATA ), so getting to Bruges by train is by far the easiest way. Only one change at one of the three main stations is needed and the entire connection takes about 1½ hr.

By train [ edit ]

From brussels [ edit ].

Be aware that trains are often full to and from Bruges, especially during rush hours, so if you or your travel companions have any problems with mobility you could be standing the whole trip or at best sitting in the entry area of the carriage. There isn't really any solution to this during the tourist season when Bruges is wall to wall people.

From Lille (France) [ edit ]

From the train station of Lille Flanders, there are hourly trains to Bruges. Though crossing the boundary might result in non-available reductions (s.a. the 10-ride card).

General info [ edit ]

From the railway station, all hotels are easily reachable on foot, it can also be done with a backpack. However, if you have a suitcase consider taking a taxi because the cobbled streets make the use of wheeled suitcases or carry-on bags very difficult. Also be sure to wear comfortable shoes, because of the cobblestones.

By car [ edit ]

Buses and camping vehicles are not allowed within the city centre. There is a perfect parking place for them on the south side of the city with a newly designed gangway bringing you directly into the heart of the town. It is in general a bad idea to venture inside with a car, as parking is limited and finding your way difficult. There are multi-storey car parks a five-minute walk from the city centre. Nice city mini-buses cruise the town with high frequency, and in any case, the historical centre must be traversed on foot, by bicycle, by horse-drawn carriage or by boat to enjoy it.

By ferry [ edit ]

DFDS Seaways operates ferries from Dover to Dunkirk every 2 hr. From Dunkirk, Bruges is 75 km away. This can only be done by driving as they do not take foot passengers. A DFDS ferry to Holland from Newcastle sails daily. From its port in IJmuiden, Amsterdam you can reach Bruges is less than 3 hr by car.

The ferry from Kingston upon Hull to Zeebrugge was axed in 2021.

By cruise ship [ edit ]

Virtually all dock at the major harbour of Zeebrugge. In addition to ship's tours, most offer shuttles to Blankenberge, a nearby town offering economical, hourly train service to Bruges, which is 20 minutes or so away.

Get around [ edit ]

The historical centre is not so big and thus quite walkable (be sure to wear comfortable shoes). The only mode of public transport inside the city is bus. They are operated by the Flemish public transport company De Lijn . They frequent nearly all major points of interest plus the train station. Taxis on the market place and station cost about €10 . Bicycles are easy to rent and make getting around the city very speedy, although the cobblestoned paths can make rides a little bumpy and uncomfortable.

See [ edit ]

Bruges was known as a "dead city" for centuries. The sanding of the harbour and the difficulties of digging canals in the sand caused heavy economic burdens on the city between the Middle Ages and the 20th century. The population managed to survive but did not grow as there was no new industrial activity during that period.

Several youth hostels, and probably the train station and tourist information offer a useful map with some very interesting, 'non-tourist' places to see during the day and some unique places to visit at night. It provides a good way of getting an authentic feel for the town whilst avoiding the tourist hotspots and allows you to find some hidden gems.

Some highlights:

• 51.2087 3.22439 1 Grote Markt . The market square is the heart of the old town. It covers an area of 1 ha, and on its southern edge is the city belfry ( Halletoren / Belfort ), which is one of the city's best known landmarks. There are nice views from the tower (see Do below) ( updated Jul 2020 )

• 51.2026 3.22416 4 Brewery De Halve Maan , Walplein 26 , ☏ +32 50 332-697 . Apr-Oct: M-Sa 11:00-16:00, Su 11:00-17:00 . This brewery is the only remaining that's still brewing beer inside the city walls. It's also a beer museum and offers a tour of the beer making process. A history of the brewery is provided, as well as an overview of the city from its tower. The tour lasts for 45min and is a good way to get a feel for Belgian beer making. The tours start at the exact turn of the hour, be at least fifteen minutes early as there is a maximum number of people that can join. The entrance price includes one drink of Brugse Zot or Straffe Hendrik and is served after the tour at the outside terrace or indoor bar. €12 including 1 beer ( €11 if booked online) .  
• 51.2073 3.2271 5 2-be Beer Wall and Bar , Wollestraat 53 . On the court of a former major's house, "all Belgian beers" are exposed permanently. At the back of the wall, it's also possible to drink a lot of those beers.  

• 51.200058 3.229323 7 Simbolik - Open Studio and Expo of Nathalie Beelprez , Katelijnestraat 139 , ☏ +32 495 307056 . Th-Sa 10:00-18:00, other days by appointment . A house, an open studio where thoughts and ideas are born, a place where Beelprez can mix these thoughts and feelings in a symbolic language of forms, her soul, her calligraphy, her world, her language. While she works in her studio, her expo is open for anyone who wants to let time go, read forms and see letters. An open immersion in texts and forms that excite your senses. Selection of handmade letterwork, wall objects, light objects, painted on canvas, letters in ceramics, writing on walls, also work on demand. Also, every first Sunday of the month at 15:00 is Poëziene: a place where poets, musicians or performers bring their own work to Simbolik. Free entrance .  
• 51.212336 3.233679 8 Jerusalem church . M-Sa 10:00 - 17:00 . In a quiet area of the city, a highly unusual church with octagonal tower built by the Adornes brothers, merchants of Italian extraction. It includes a fine black Tournai marble tomb, late Gothic stained glass, and a tiny and rather spooky chapel containing an effigy of the dead Christ. The entrance fee also covers the Lace Museum in the former Adornes mansion, where you can see local women and girls learning this traditional craft. Adult €8 .  

• 51.202727 3.225898 12 Diamond Museum ( Diamantmuseum ), Katelijnestraat 43 , ☏ +32 50 336326 . 10:30-17:30 . Diamond museum has a large range of exhibits ranging from mining all the way to polishing and all the history in between. Everyday at 12:15 there is a live polishing demonstration. Adult €6 , groups €4.50 , student €3 . ( updated Jan 2018 )

Bruges is visited by a huge number of tourists and it sometimes becomes quite annoying, especially around the Markt and Burg squares. Very few tourists venture far away from the main shopping area, so if you want some peace and quiet you should explore the many small cobbled streets away from the main squares.

• 51.2099 3.2282 13 Lucifernum ( Retsin's lucifernum ), Twijnstraat 6-8 ( city centre ). Su 18:00-21:00 . An amazing (private) art gallery with a Gothic cemetery in a subtropical garden located in the old Freemasons temple (1756-1882). 1,000 m² of art and mystery in Bruges' old city centre. €6 .  

City gates [ edit ]

More Museums [ edit ]

Musea Brugge Card covers Groeninge Museum, Belfort (Belfry), Stadhuis (City Hall) , Sint-Janshuis Mill etc.

Do [ edit ]

• Grote Markt and Belfry Climb , Grote Markt ( the big square ). Tu-Su 09:30-17:00 . Climb the 366 steps to the top of the 83-m-high tower. Excellent views of the city, Grote Markt and hear the bells ring up close. €12 for adults 26-64; discounts for children, youth and seniors . ( updated Jun 2022 )

• Canal Tour . To see Bruges from another perspective, take a ride on one of the tour boats around the canals - the multilingual guides provide a potted history of the city in just a few minutes - at only a few euros, it's the best introduction to Bruges. A boat tour will show you places which are otherwise unreachable, as not every canal runs next to a street. Advisable to get there at opening time to avoid the crowds. Cannot be reserved online and all boat tours cost the same. €12 plus almost obligatory tip to the driver/guide . ( updated Oct 2022 )
• Horse drawn carts , Grote Markt . Carriages can be hired for a romantic 30-minute trip around the old city of Bruges. Carts can carry up to 5 passengers. €50 .  
• 51.20838 3.22463 1 Ambassadors Tours | Free Walking Tours, Private Tours & Activities , Markt Square ( in front of the Belfry Tower, look for the yellow umbrellas ), ☏ +324844935878 , [email protected] . 10:00 - 22:00, 7/7 . Passionate local storytellers offer tours in the medieval city center. No old-fashioned tour focussing solely on historical details, but engaging stories to bring the history to life. Reservations advised.   Tell Me About Bruges | The Original Free Walking Tour, daily at (10:00), 11:00, 14:00 & (17:00) (operated in English and Spanish).   Bruges at Night: Untold Stories & (Haunted) History | Alternative Free Tour, selected days at 20:00. Pay-what-you-want . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 51.2 3.2 2 Bruges Ballooning , Markt , ☏ +32 47 597 2887 . Morning and afternoon . Daily hot air balloon flights over the historic centre and its surroundings. The best way to enjoy the romance of Bruges, and its stunning views, from a few hundred metres up in a balloon basket. €170 .  
• HelicopterFlight : Morning and afternoon. Helicopter flighs over Bruges and its surrendings.
• Cycle , Burg Square . There are many rental shops near the main square, shop around for the best prices. You can also rent right at the train station and get to the city centre quickly; remember to return them by 19:30. Cycle 5 km to Damme, a picturesque village on the river with a windmill and excellent pancakes, and optionally follow on to the coast (another 15 km). €8 for 4 hr at most places, €12 for the day .  
• Running . If you are a runner, try running the 7-km circle around the old centre. Walk along the canal and see all of the medieval gates that used to control the traffic in and out of Bruges. Simply stunning!  
• Compare the real Bruges to the one depicted in the movie In Bruges .
• Football at 51.1934 3.1805 3 Jan Breydel stadium . The city has two teams playing soccer in First Division A, the Belgian top tier: Club Brugge KV and Cercle Brugge KSV . They share the Jan Breydel stadium, capacity 29,000, in Sint-Andries district 2 km west of the centre. ( updated Jun 2022 )

Buy [ edit ]

Chocolate [ edit ].

Chocolate shops are plentiful and the standard is always high. Word on the street is, that you can get anything covered in chocolate and moulded. A few chocolate shops also let you have a seat an order a homemade chocolate milk or other drink. There is a particularly vast number of chocolate shops at the Katelijnestraat.

• 51.20861 3.22577 1 Stef's , Breidelstraat 18 ( between Markt and Burg ). A fairly cheap option. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 51.20819 3.2254 2 Chocolatier Van Oost , Wollestraat 11 . If you are willing to spend a little more, Chocolatier Van Oost on Wollestraat is a must for high-quality artisanal chocolate. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 51.209382 3.223003 3 Dumon , Eiermarkt 6 , ☏ +32 50 34 62 82 . Excellent, very high-end chocolate creations. They also make chocolate drinks.  
• 51.208057 3.225505 4 Het Chocoladehuisje , Wollestraat 15 , ☏ +32 50 34 02 50 . Artisan chocolates. Place where you can buy the original chocolate breasts. Has a nice piece in their window on special occasions.  
• 51.206541 3.222448 5 The Chocolate Line , Simon Stevinplein 19 , ☏ +32 50 34 10 90 . Almost always has original and funny chocolate-art in their window. Run by a (locally) famous chocolatier, Dominique Persoone. Fame comes with a price: The Chocolate Line is quite expensive compared to the many other chocolate stores in Bruges. ( updated Jun 2017 )

For those who do not wish to buy chocolate in the chocolate shops, the local supermarkets also sell a good variety of mass-produced chocolate at fairly low prices. For the frugal, you can buy 100-200 g gourmet bars of chocolate for about €1 each. Good brands to buy are Côte-d'Or and Jacques, both are Belgian.

Beer [ edit ]

If you don't want anything more than a sampling of the most famous Belgian beers , supermarkets (not night shops!) are probably your best choice. They even have gift packs with glasses. There are also many boutique-style beer shops that sell high-quality gift packs of Belgian beer, as well as beer-focused cafés (such as 't Brugs Beertje which has over 300 different types of beer to offer).

Art [ edit ]

There are plenty of arts and crafts shops too, with some excellent local artists. The lacework is risky: if everything sold was produced locally, the entire town would be working in the lace industry! There is a school for lace though, where you can still get "the real thing".

Most European tourists come for the weekend, so shops are open Tuesday through Sunday, but many shops and museums are closed on Mondays. Be sure to plan ahead.

Music [ edit ]

• 51.209363 3.227623 6 Rombaux , Mallebergplaats 13 , ☏ +32 50 33 25 75 . A record, guitar and piano store, run by a friendly family in a landmark building, incredible atmosphere with a huge collection of jazz, classical but also modern records. They further have a guitar and piano instrument department and a good collection of sheet music. ( updated Sep 2021 )

Eat [ edit ]

If you are looking for a great place to eat in Bruges, avoid all of the restaurants in the central market square ("Grote Markt"). No matter how pleasant the view from there may look, they will offer you low-quality, overpriced food, served to you by waiters who are as rude and as slow as they are underpaid. One tactic used by such tourist trap restaurants at the central market is to present items (e.g. bread) as if they were free with your meal, then charge you for them. Even water may be charged at an exorbitant €6 or more for a small bottle. Another scheme to bilk the traveller is to quote absurdly-high prices (such as €7 for a single serving of fries), then claim to be offering "a 10% discount for locals".

You will, however, find great food if you wander off the beaten track. The historical centre of Bruges does have many pleasant and cozy restaurants with affordable and high-quality food to offer if you know the right addresses! Find a street with more locals than tourists and ask somebody about a good place to eat at. The locals will be glad to help (English proficiency in Dutch-speaking Belgium is generally quite good).

Budget [ edit ]

• 51.204387 3.229498 1 Books & Brunch , Garenmarkt 30 , ☏ +32 50 70 90 79 . Tu-F 08:30-18:00, Sa 09:00-18:00 . An ideal combo of second hand book store and a brunch/dessert-eatery (but you can just have a cup of coffee or a tea too). ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.207577 3.226016 2 The Olive Street Food , Wollestraat 12 , ☏ +32 50 41 50 96 . W-M 12:00-20:30 . An authentic Greek takeaway place just a minute of walking away from the Belfry/Grote Markt. They offer food that is not only well-seasoned and extraordinarily savoury, but also very affordable, especially compared to other places to eat at in the Bruges' historical centre. €6.5 for a medium-sized wrap, €11 for a larger box of food (Sept 2021) . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.208543 3.222594 3 Brasserie Medard , Sint-Amandsstraat 18 , ☏ +32 50 34 86 84 . Huge deal for low budget just near the centre: a mountain of (tasty) spaghetti with tomato sauce, cheese, and mushrooms for €3 . Two options on the menu: vegetarian, non-vegetarian - both at the same price. Double its size for just €2 extra. Very cheap beer too (kriek at €1.50 ) (all prices as of July 2010). Most tables order the spaghetti. Tourists aren't welcome until they sit: be sure to sit down and impose your presence to be served. If you wait to be seated, you are likely to be sent away for no reason. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.206386 3.22264 4 Le Pain Quotidien , Simon Stevinplein 15 , ☏ +32 50 34 29 21 . A sandwich chain founded in Brussels but now found in the US, France and a number of other countries. Most of the food is organic, and the sandwiches (in particular the Tartine Bouef Basilic) are delicious. Somewhat expensive. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.208357 3.216875 5 The Potato Bar , Sint-Amandsstraat 31 , ☏ +32 50 33 91 19 . One of the better fries shops (frietkoten/frituren) Bruges has to offer. Both classic fries with mayonnaise as well as burgers and fries with a variety of toppings available. Vegetarian options. €3-4.5 for fries with toppings, €8-11 for a burger (Sept 2021) . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.208799 3.222102 6 Cropains , Geldmuntstraat 21 . Not much indoor seating, but delicious "croque monsieurs" (grilled sandwiches) and wraps, with vegetarian options. €6-€8 for a grilled sandwich or wrap . ( updated Aug 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 51.211416 3.224575 7 Brasserie Forestière , Academiestraat 11 . Nice and calm restaurant, good food, not too expensive. Good menu for vegetarians. Meal of the day (soup, main dish, dessert or coffee/tea) costs €14 (May 2019) although this is the cheapest menu it has little choice. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.207214 3.230142 8 L'Estaminet , Park 5 , [email protected] . Good food, nice terrace, cool bartender. Try the renowned spaghetti for €8 or the delicious croque monsieur .  
• 51.211342 3.220598 9 De Bottelier , Sint-Jakobsstraat 63 . A favourite restaurant of many of Bruges' residents. Very reasonable prices and excellent food. Closed Sunday and Monday nights. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.214209 3.224406 10 Tom's Diner , West Gistelhof 23 . Fantastic upmarket take on satisfying, home cooked food. Prices are reasonable, as well. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.21174 3.211225 11 Petite Aneth , Maria van Bourgondiëlaan 1 , ☏ +32 50 31 11 89 . With only 7 tables, small and cosy, with a personal touch. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.209598 3.226134 12 Cambrinus , Philipstockstraat 19 ( near the market place ), ☏ +32 5033 2328 . 11:00-23:00 daily . This is a very popular place, and for a reason. They have some of the best selection of Belgian beers, more than 440 in total. Some beers have really odd names like Satan, Lucifer, Nostradamus, or the Brunette. It's primarily a restaurant though, as all their hearty food are prepared with a special kind of beer. It's really delicious. Mains go for €17-19 , but they also have the €26 prix fixe "Menu van de Brouwer", which features several Trappist beers. Make a reservation in advance, as else they might not have any seats available. €25-30 .  
• 51.205929 3.219333 13 Grand Cafe Passage , Dweersstraat 26 , ☏ +32 5034 0232 . Attached to the Passage hotel/hostel (see below) is the atmospheric Grand Café, serving traditional Belgian cuisine and beers. Prices are slightly lower than the tourist traps and well worth it. Try the beef stew (very tender) or the ribs. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.211498 3.225118 14 Trattoria Trium , Academiestraat 27 , ☏ +32 50333060 . This is a great spot to have a nice dish of pasta or pizza and is fully Italian. They also sell olive oil, pasta sauces and other authentic products. The decor has a warm home feeling. Try out their antipasto and the excellent house wine. €15-20 .  
• 51.209935 3.2247 15 Curiosa , Vlamingstraat 22 ( just off the main square ), ☏ +32 50 34 23 34 . A good place for a lunch and a beer. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.201746 3.224219 16 Maximiliaan van Oostenrijk , Wijngaardplein 16 , ☏ +32 50 33 47 23 . Midrange restaurant offering plenty to eat including oysters and meat cooked several ways plus, of course, frites. There is not much for vegetarians. ( updated Aug 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 51.20791 3.236089 17 In 't Nieuw Museum , Hooistraat 42 , ☏ +32 50331280 . Belgian grill restaurant, well off the tourist track. Excellent steaks, reasonable prices. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.211958 3.219633 18 Kok au Vin , Ezelstraat 19/21 , ☏ +32 50 33 95 21 . Memorable Kok au Vin (both the appetiser and the restaurant); the prices are reasonable for the high quality. Family owned and run. Reservations recommended. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 51.204903 3.225778 19 Den Gouden Harynck , Groeninge 25 , ☏ +32 50337637 . Gastronomic restaurant which offers three course meals. ( updated Jul 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

• 51.2085 3.22611 1 De Garre , 1, De Garre ( When walking from De Markt to De Burg via the Breydelstraat, find a small door between two shops on your right side to enter De Garre street. The pub itself is the only door inside that street. ), ☏ +32 50 34 10 29 . Hidden in a backyard, this pub offers a nice atmosphere and about 100 kinds of beer, including home-brewed ones. The house beer is called 'Triple de Garre' and is 11% strong, a good way to start the night. The pub is very often full, but there's a limit of two drinks per person, which means that new places become available pretty quickly.  
• 51.206819 3.221711 2 't Brugs Beertje , Kemelstraat , ☏ +32 50 33 96 16 . This excellent pub (recommended in the CAMRA guide to the Benelux region) has hundreds of different beers and an authentic beer-cafe atmosphere. Clientele is majority tourists. The front bar is crowded; what looks like the door through to the restrooms opens on another bar area. In 2005 it was closed for most of July - this might be an annual occurrence.  
• The area just north of the performing arts centre has various cafes, most with sufficient beer selections, such as Café Leffe .

Sleep [ edit ]

During the summer Bruges is a very popular tourist destination; reservations are probably preferable.

During the winter (Nov-Mar) a number of hotels offer a midweek promotion: 3 nights for the price of 2, if you arrive on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday.

• 51.207013 3.262979 1 Camping Memling , Veltemweg 109 , ☏ +32 50 35 58 45 . The only camping-site in Bruges, 3.2 km from the Markt.  
• 51.20485 3.21924 2 Lybeer Travellers' Hostel , Korte Vuldersstraat 31 , ☏ +32 50 33 43 55 . In the city centre. Has a mixture of private rooms and dorms. Good common area and bar. Pub crawls and beer tasting are available.  
• 51.205903 3.219338 3 Passage , Dweerstraat 26 , ☏ +32 50 34 02 32 , [email protected] . Very clean and quiet, centrally located Hotel/Hostel with a restaurant-bar downstairs. The name "Passage" comes from the little alley-way right next to the building which you have to pass through in order to reach the reception. Prices for the hostel are around €14 and breakfast costs an extra €5 .  
• 51.213174 3.218625 4 Snuffel Backpacker Hostel , Ezelstraat 47-49 , ☏ +32 5033 3133 , [email protected] . Check-out: 10:00 . Friendly, a straight line from the central Markt and cheap. Breakfast is included and cheap internet available, with free Wi-Fi. And the bunk beds have ladders. Live music on regular basis, in the bar with the cheapest beers in town where tourists and locals get together! €15 .  
• 51.212 3.23774 5 St Christopher’s @ The Bauhaus Hostel , 133-137 Langestraat ( Métro: Crimée ), ☏ +32 5034 1093 , fax : +32 5034 1093 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Part of the St. Christopher's Inn hostel chain. Beds include locker, privacy curtain, reading lights and individual power-points. €16 .  

• 51.186017 3.1902 6 Atlas Guesthouse , Zevenbergenlaan 1 , ☏ +32 494 39 32 94 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Located between the forest and the historic city of Bruges, this cottage offers spacious accommodation with modern facilities including free Wi-Fi. Atlas Guesthouse has bicycles available to rent and a large terrace with a barbecue. Flat-screen cable TV with a DVD player is provided in the living room which includes a large sofa. The cottage features a kitchen with a hob and an oven. Atlas Guesthouse also has a washing machine and a bathroom with a bath/shower combination. For stays longer than 4 days guests benefit from a 15% discount on the price. From €85 per night for a double room .  
• 51.204461 3.207176 7 Aquarius Guestroom , Witte-Beerstraat 31 , ☏ +32 50 31 19 26 .  
• 51.208142 3.222007 8 Hotel Acacia , Korte Zilverstraat 3A-5 , ☏ +32 50 34-44-11 , fax : +32 50 33-88-17 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Ideal location behind the Market Square and Belfry (car free area) situated between the two main shopping streets of Bruges. Free wifi, a cosy lounge and terrace. Must see the parrot Coco who greets the guests every day! From €98 per night for a double room .  
• 51.213046 3.218365 9 Asinello B&B , Ezelstraat 59a , ☏ +32 478 38 86 47 . Check-out: 11:00 . Lovely bed & breakfast with 3 private rooms, each with their own bathroom. A hammam is also onsite. This is a great option for a romantic weekend. €100-150 .  
• 51.213178 3.251109 10 De Notelaar , Schaakstraat 17 , ☏ +32 50 37 31 97 . Bed and breakfast outside of the city centre.  
• 51.216814 3.219455 11 Eleven B&B , Elf-Julistraat 37 , ☏ +32 475 59 51 49 . Check-in: 12:00 , check-out: 10:00 . They can host up to 11 people, ideal for families, ask to cook you their lobster meal. €70-140 .  
• 51.206415 3.226646 12 Hotel De Tuilerieën , Dijver 7 , ☏ +32 50 34 36 91 . Famous hotel.  
• 51.20436 3.22075 13 Hotel de Goezeput , Goezeputstraat 29 , ☏ +32 50342694 , [email protected] . Modern and comfortable rooms in a traditional building. Relatively close to the station. €60 for a single .  
• 51.20007 3.220281 14 Hotel 't Keizershof , Oostmeers 126 , ☏ +32 50 34 26 94 , [email protected] . On a quiet street near the station, has rooms starting at €50 and is not far from the centre. Basic breakfast is available.  
• 51.205086 3.220861 15 Hotel Salvators , St.-Salvatorskerkhof 17 , ☏ +32 50 33 19 21 , fax : +32 50 33 94 64 , [email protected] . Quirky art hotel in the centre, next to St Salvators Church. This traditional Bruges townhouse has been thoughtfully renovated, with each of the rooms decorated in its own style. Some of the rooms have en-suite jacuzzi, and some sleep up to 5 people. The hotel offers internet access and cycle hire for guests. From €70 per night for a double room .  
• 51.214474 3.2264 16 Hotel Asiris , Lange Raamstraat 9 , ☏ +32 50 34 17 24 . A restored patrician residence in the shadow of the 15th century St-Gillis church, with 13 rooms, €75 for a double room. You can also reserve a parking place for €15 / night.  
• 51.206921 3.224595 17 Hotel 't Voermanshuys , Oude Burg 14 , ☏ +32 5034 1396 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 11:30 . Clean, spacious rooms in the centre. Very friendly staff and includes a substantial breakfast. €60 for a double with shared toilet/shower .  
• 51.207759 3.220105 18 Hotel Prinsenhof , Ontvangersstraat 9 , ☏ +32 5034 2690 , fax : +32 5034 2321 , [email protected] . This elegant and friendly four star hotel is perfectly situated near the Grand Place & historic town centre of Bruges, with secure private parking. From €189 .  
• 51.20471 3.218564 19 Hotel Bliss , 't Zand 21 . Check-in: 15.00 , check-out: 11.00 . Small hotel with 19 rooms, situated in centre. It is easily reached via the E40 (exit8) and you will find the hotel right opposite the main exit of the underground car-park.  
• 51.207916 3.21536 20 Hotel Floris Karos ( address= ), Hoefijzerlaan 37 , ☏ +32 50 34 14 48 . 3 star hotel a few minutes away from market square. €71 .  
• 51.203974 3.216689 21 NH Hotel Brugge , Boeveriestraat 2 , ☏ +32 50 44 97 11 . Good food and comfortable beds near to parking on the inner ring road, the concert hall and main bus station, in an attractive and completely modernised old building. The staff are obliging and helpful and food is excellent at all meals. Salads, main courses and desserts were all a delight, with the desserts scoring particularly high for attractive presentation. If there was a weak spot, it was the quality of the orange juice at breakfast. Rooms are spacious, perhaps 50m² or more and the beds have crisp white sheets, duvets and comfortable mattresses. Wireless internet in the rooms needs an Orange subscription but this is modestly priced compared to many hotels. However, some rooms did not seem to have good Wi-Fi reception.  
• 51.210036 3.219453 22 Hotel Monsieur Maurice , Leeuwstraat 8 ( next to Leeuwebrug ), ☏ +32 50 61 63 60 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Within the oldest ramparts of the medieval city, in the heart of the city, but in the middle of a green area. dbl €125 (Breakfast and taxes included) .  
• 51.209807 3.23153 23 Hotel Ter Reien , Langestraat 1 ( Located on the Groenerei canal, just east of the town centre. ), ☏ +32 50 34 91 00 .  
• 51.202482 3.227145 24 Ibis Brugge Centrum , Katelijnestraat 65 , ☏ +32 50 337575 , [email protected] . This chain hotel is conveniently located and comfortable. ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 51.204745 3.225493 25 Boniface Hotel , Groeninge 4 , ☏ +32 50 49 00 49 , fax : +32 50 49 00 46 , [email protected] . The charm of a private home and the comfort of a deluxe hotel.  
• 51.206996 3.228044 26 Hotel The Pand , Pandreitje 16 , ☏ +32 5034 0666 , fax : +32 5034 0556 , [email protected] . Located in an 18th-century building.  
• 51.2044 3.2261 27 Canalside House , Groeninge 16 , ☏ +32 50 977 900 , [email protected] . Built in the 17th century as a gracious townhouse, it now provides the guests two luxurious suites with unrivalled panoramic view of the canal and the imposing church of Our Lady's. €191 .  
• Novotel Brugge . The Novotel forms a complex with the Ibis, cleverly hidden within the very heart of the old town of Brugge, and offering the usual Novotel family-friendly facilities, including even a small outdoor pool. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 51.208966 3.227328 28 Crowne Plaza Brugge , Burg 10 , ☏ +32-50-446844 , [email protected] . A regular Crowne Plaza with some top-level rooms under sloping wooden roofs. Room rates from €120 . ( updated Sep 2020 )

Connect [ edit ]

As of June 2022, Bruges has 4G from Base / Telenet and Orange, and 5G from Proximus / Scarlet.

Go next [ edit ]

The most popular day trips from Bruges:

• Damme is a small town near Bruges. A seasonal riverboat goes there on a cruise of 35 minutes each way. It's a very scenic trip, the landscapes are picturesque, and the village of Damme even more so. You can also go there by bike (special route). Local bus service to Damme is very limited and a trip from the Bruges railway station takes 24 minutes.
• Sluis is a charming small historic city just across the Netherlands border, where the Damse Vaart (Damme Canal) terminates. Very popular among Belgians to go shopping on Sundays, as the shops are all open there then. A direct bus (line 42) connects Bruges to Sluis, or you could go there by bicycle on the bike path along the Damse Vaart (17 km).
• Ypres ( Ieper ) is an important site of Great War battles, cemeteries, monuments and traditions such as the Last Post (every evening). Very popular among old veterans and young boys interested in wars. Sadly the public-transport connection between Ypres and Bruges isn't great, a train ride takes 1 hr 30 min, and a combination of train and bus still takes at least 1 hr. So trips to Ypres are only advisable when you have a car available.
• Ostend ( Oostende ) is the monumental beach resort, called queen of the coastal cities resort. King Leopold II (1865-1909) built before his attention turned to inner-city Brussels to build his new capital. The quintessential cosmopolitan 19th-century beach resort, full of endearing villas that have been classified as official monuments. Less than 15 minutes by train. Close by, about 10 min by tram towards Raversijde, you can find the Atlantic Wall, two kilometres of trenches and galleries dating from both World Wars.
• De Haan is a beach resort with many fanciful buildings in the belle époque style. Residential streets are lined by many quaint houses. De Haan is an easy side-trip from Bruges by train to Ostend and then by the coastal tram ( Kusttram ) to the station De Haan aan Zee.
• Ghent , Brussels and Antwerp are great tourist destinations in their own right, and very easy to reach by train (30 minutes to Ghent, 1 hr to Brussels and Antwerp).

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Bruges Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip

Planning your travels to Bruges? Don’t miss this handy Bruges travel guide – what to see, the best time to visit, where to stay and other travel tips for the perfect trip. 

Bruges (Brugge in Flemish) is, quite frankly, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. 

A maze of gorgeous canals twinkling in the sun, quirky buildings with stepped roofs and elaborate patterns – it’s no wonder that it’s an eternally popular city break destination. 

The old capital of Flanders, the interesting buildings and picturesque canals make it easy to picture what Bruges would have looked like in medieval times – and also form the basis of its nickname “ The Venice of the North ”.

I’ve visited Bruges a number of times and yet, I never tire of its views. But don’t just think of this as a pretty place, a bland backdrop for Insta poses and not much else. Once the epicentre of Belgium’s cloth industry and a commercial hub, you can spy relics of the city’s former importance around every corner. 

Add to that a quiet charm and more than its fair share of quirky spots and you have a destination that should go straight to the top of your European travel bucket list . 

It’s time to discover Bruges.

Click here to open my guide to Bruges attractions – complete with an accompanying Google Map for you to save to your phone.

Where Is Bruges? Why Should I Visit?

Bruges is a mid-size city in northwest Belgium. It’s the capital of the West Flanders region, and has a population of around 110,000. 

This means it’s a relatively small city but with a big reputation.

Another reason for Bruges’ popularity is that it is super easy to get to from a number of other cities/ ports both within Belgium at from further afar. Some of the cities within two hours’ travel from Bruges include Amsterdam (Netherlands), Brussels (Belgium) and Dunkirk (France).

How to Plan Your Travel to Bruges: Before You Go

Best Time to Visit Bruges

Overall, Bruges has a pretty mild climate – meaning things can get chilly but not totally freezing, even in the winter. The reverse is also true – summer is definitely on the warm side, but not scorching.

Whenever you can go! Okay, moving away from the travel blog cliches to give you a proper answer.

This means you do have a fair bit of choice as to the best time to visit Bruges. Personally, I like travelling in the spring – around April/May.

At this time, things are warming up and the flowers are out in force. However, the mad crowds that arrive in June/July/August loom further away on the horizon, giving you a little more room to breathe.

The only time I would potentially avoid Bruges is January. You can certainly visit at this time, and it’s a quiet time to go – but some attractions are closed. 

So, if you have anything you absolutely must see, make sure you check it’s open before you book your January journey.

Read Next: When is the Best Time to Visit Bruges? A Step by Step Guide

Handy Resources for Getting To Bruges

Since Bruges is so close to various transport hubs, getting there is pretty much a piece of cake. 

If you’re wondering “how do I get to Bruges”, you’ll be happy to hear that there are plenty of great options.

The nearest airport is Oostende-Brugge International Airport (OST). It’s a half-hour drive to the centre of Bruges or you can get a bus/train combination that takes around 45 minutes (excluding connections). 

By Train 

Bruges’ Centrum station is about a 20 minute walk to the centre of town. It’s connected to the UK via the Eurostar (you need to change in Brussels to a normal train – the cost is included in your ticket) and to many other European destinations by train. 

Here are some handy resources to help you on your way to gorgeous Bruges:

• Skyscanner – the best website for finding cheap flights to Bruges. It instantly compares various booking sites and airlines, and will even let you search the whole month so you can snap up a bargain.
• Eurostar – worried about your carbon footprint or just not keen on flying? I love catching the Eurostar. It’s convenient from central London, fast and you get to admire some scenery on the way.
• Rail Europe – if you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe, then you’ll probably want to book your ticket via Rail Europe. There’s lots of connections from France, the Netherlands and more.

Where to Stay in Bruges

Bruges is a fairly compact city, meaning even if you stay on the outskirts you won’t be hiking for miles to find the main attractions.

That said, I personally recommend staying around the Markt/Burg area when you travel to Bruges. This is the most happening part of the city, and you’ll have tons of cool stuff right on your doorstep.

This means less time walking between destinations and more time spent actually seeing the sights of Bruges.

I understand that staying in the centre can be pricey (and bustling), so if you are looking for a more affordable or quieter option, there are other choices. The area around Minnewater Park is peaceful and relaxing, while Sint Anna is a good choice if you’re looking for value for money.

High End – Hotel De Orangerie 

De Orangerie is the perfect option if you’re looking for a high-end stay in the centre and boasts luxury rooms in a converted 15th century monastery.

Check rates and reviews for Hotel De Orangerie

Mid-Range – Novotel Centrum 

The Novotel isn’t going to set anyone’s world alight but it is contemporary and comfortable, and very well-priced for its location. 

Check rates and reviews for Novotel Centrum

Read more: Where to Stay in Bruges: The Best Neighbourhoods and Hotels in the City

Packing for Your Bruges Trip

Bruges’ mild climate and tendency for rain (ah, just like London) means you’ll probably want to pack a few layers and a brolly any time of year. However, exactly what to pack does depend a fair bit on the season and forecast.

Read more: My Comprehensive Europe Packing Guide.

Bruges City Guide: What to Do During Your Bruges Trip

Top 5 Things to do in Bruges 

Short on time and keen to see the absolute most unmissable spots in Bruges? I’ve got you.

It simply would not be a Brugge travel guide unless I recommended a visit to the Belfort Tower. It’s Bruges most iconic attraction, and a definite must see.

The tower is 86 metres high and was built back in 1240, and then expanded significantly in the 15th century.

Today, it is most famous for the amazing view you can get from the top. You’ll have to climb over 300 steps to make it, but trust me – the sore legs are totally worth it for the gorgeous views.

Markt & Burg Squares

Bruges boasts not one but two gorgeous squares. The first is Markt Square, where you’ll also find the Belfort.

It’s one of the prettiest market squares in Europe – and anyone who’s been to Europe knows that the continent isn’t short on market squares. It’s particularly charming with its Flemish buildings and market stalls.

Within an easy walk is Markt’s little sister, Burg. Archaeological evidence shows that people have lived here for close to 2000 years – although most of the buildings you can see are from the 14th century onwards.

Minnewater Park/Lake of Love

Most Brugge travel blogs describe the city as ‘romantic’ and that’s pretty accurate. But things get sickly sweet over at Minnewater Park.

Local legend says the park is named after Minna, a local girl who’s father tried to marry her off to a man who wasn’t her true love. To escape the wedding, Minna ran away towards the parkland, eventually falling, exhausted, into the arms of her love – and promptly dying.

Romantic? Depressing? You decide. Either way, the park is very beautiful and a must-see in Bruges.

Within the park you’ll find a pretty lake crossed by a bridge. Rumour has it you’ll find everlasting love with whoever you cross it with, so cross carefully.

Canal Cruise

Bruges is one of a couple of cities known as ‘The Venice of the North’ and it’s arguably the most beautiful. 

It makes sense, then, that canal cruising would be an unmissable activity on any Bruges vacation.

Taking a canal cruise will let you see some of the most beautiful views in Bruges from the water. Plus, it’s relaxing and peaceful – so what’s not to love?

Try A Few Local Delicacies

Bruges may not be an obvious choice for one of the great foodie cities of the world, but there are great places if you know where to look.

The city boasts plenty of fabulous local delicacies that you should definitely try while in Bruges, Belgium.

First and arguably most importantly – Belgian beer. If you are even a little bit keen on a good pint, you’ve simply got to try it.

Equally tempting is delicious Belgian chocolate which is a true revelation, particularly when paired with a scrummy waffle or two. If you’re going the savoury route then mussels or Flemish stew are musts.

Read More: Things to Do Bruges, the Venice of the North

Or check out these brilliant guided tours and activities.

Suggested Bruges Trip Itineraries 

Looking for some ideas for how to spend your time during your travels to Bruges? Look no further.

If you’ve got just one day in the city, then pop on your walking shoes and get ready to explore.

I recommend concentrating on the central area, around Markt and Burg squares. You’ll be able to check out Bruges icons like the Belfort and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, as well as soak up the atmosphere of the squares themselves.

Make sure to try some chocolate and beer as you wander.

Read More: A Day Trip to Bruges: What to do in Bruges in One Day

Two Days 

Two days – perhaps a weekend – in Bruges will give you a little more time to explore the city. With two days, you’ll be able to see the central highlights above, as well as head out further.

A little further away from the city you’ll be able to enjoy more unusual sights including the Beguinage, Minnewater Park, Sint Janshospitaal and the City Ramparts. This will give you a pretty good perspective on what Bruges has to offer.

And don’t forget the all important beer, chocolate and mussels. 

Read More: Weekend In Bruges – The Perfect Itinerary

Hidden Bruges – Unusual Things to Do

The crowds can get a tad overwhelming in Bruges, so shake them off by heading out to these hidden gems.

Sint Janshospitaal

Who doesn’t want to spend their holiday checking out a medieval hospital in Bruges?

Lots of people, apparently, which is why this is one of my favourite hidden gems. It’s such a quirky look at history, and a fabulous attraction in Bruges.

Frietmuseum

Whoever dreamed up a museum devoted entirely to French fries was a genius, in my opinion. 

If you’re looking for something different to what’s usually featured in Bruges, Belgium travel guides, then I highly recommend paying a visit to the Frietmuseum . Just maybe not when you’re hungry (or when you are –  you get free fries at the end of your visit).

City Ramparts

If the concrete and crowds of Bruges ever get too much, just head to the city ramparts on the outskirts of town (otherwise known as Windmill Walk).

Here you’ll find plenty of locals jogging and walking, but far fewer tourists. Those who skip over this are doing themselves a disservice if you ask me, as you get a gorgeous view of four old windmills as you walk.

How to See the Best of Bruges for Free 

Trying to save your euros? With my Bruges travel tips, you’ll be able to see the best of the city – without spending a single cent.

• DIY walking tour – Bruges is a compact, flat city that is easily walkable. Take a look at my Bruges tourist map and hit the road – you’ll easily be able to explore the highlights of Bruges without spending a penny.
• While some of Bruges’ attractions have entry fees, plenty don’t. In particular, if you focus on visiting the parks, squares and churches, then you’ll find that Bruges can be very easy on the wallet.
• Once a year on Flanders Heritage Day, many of the attractions in Bruges waive their entry fee. It’s a budget dream come true – although the crowds can be enormous.

Where to Eat in Bruges 

For a pretty small city, Bruges seriously punches above its weight in the food stakes. Here are some of the best restaurants in the city.

• Park Restaurant – if you’re looking for a place to splurge (you are on holiday after all) then you’d better snap up a sought-after table at Park Restaurant. This innovative restaurant serves up classic European fare with a twist, and is mouth-wateringly good. 
• Fred’s Waffles – chocolate, ice cream and waffles – ah, the holy trinity. It doesn’t get much better than enjoying a delightfully decadent dessert from the humble shop of Fred’s Waffles. Prepare to be dazzled by the choice (and the deliciousness).
• ‘T Bagientje – it may be difficult to believe, but one of Bruges’ best (and most affordable) restaurants is hidden away near the train station. Locals and visitors alike love this place, so if you’re looking for some classic Belgian dishes – you better head on over.

Read More: Where to Eat in Bruges – 7 Must-Try Restaurants and Cafes

Where to Drink in Bruges 

Beer is kind of a big deal in Bruges – but even if you’re not a fan, you’ll find alternatives on the menu at Bruges’ best watering holes. 

From chic cocktail bars to grungy pubs (always a winner in my book), there’s plenty to choose from. Here are my favourites.

• The Beer Wall at 2Be – the secret is kind of in the name. A great place to drink beer is a must on any Bruges city guide, and this one will give you a dazzling amount of choice. If you’re overwhelmed, ask the staff for some recommendations for local varieties.
• Bourgogne des Flandres – get right to the source of Belgium’s amazing beer and enjoy it straight from the brewery. This one recently returned to the city after a 60 year absence, and boy am I glad we got it back.
• De Garre – what could  be better than Belgian beer, you ask? Well, how about Belgian beer served up with some delicious cheese to the side. That’s what you’ll get from the cosy bar, De Garre.

Read Next: The Bruges Beer Guide: Where to Find the Best Beer in the City.

Day Trips from Bruges  

Good transport links and proximity to other cities makes Bruges a great base for day trips. Here are some of the best to add to your Bruges tourist guide:

• Antwerp – to experience a different Belgian city, I say make the hour and a half journey to Antwerp. This stylish city has a very different feel than Bruges, not least because it’s five times the size. If you love culture or fashion, this is a great option.
• Domburg – if the sun is shining (or you aren’t deterred easily) then a trip to the seaside is one of my top day trips from Bruges. The picturesque town of Domburg is particularly popular with local holidaymakers, and has some great sandy beaches.
• Lille – funnily enough, the closest day trip on this list is actually in France, not Belgium – but don’t let that deter you. It takes just an hour to get to the picturesque little town of Lille. Although it is distinctly French in character, you may also notice that it has plenty of Flemish influence too.

In need of Bruges day trip inspiration? 

Bruges Travel Guide: Basic Tips and Tricks for Making the Most of Your Stay 

Top bruges travel tips .

• A common piece of Bruges travel advice is to book in advance if you’re visiting in summer – and oh boy, is it true. The city really struggles to deal with the number of tourists it receives, so make sure you snap up some good accommodation early.
• If there are any “must sees” on your itinerary, check their opening hours. In particular, many restaurants close Sunday to Tuesday, while some attractions shut down during the month of January.
• Although mild, Bruges’ weather can be unpredictable. Don’t just rely on general trends, but check the weather forecast before you go.

Tipping In Bruges 

• Tipping is not customary in Bruges or anywhere in Belgium. The bill that you receive will include VAT (tax) as well as a service charge, and it’s fine not to pay anything else. That said, a small tip – around 5% or a couple of euros – is appreciated, especially if you feel the service was exceptional.

Facts About Bruges 

• You probably know that Bruges was the setting for the Colin Farrell film In Bruges . His overall grumpiness about Bruges doesn’t seem to have deterred the crowds, however.
• This year, Bruges has decided not to hold their usual ice sculpture festival or build the usual ice rink, due to climate change.
• Bruges is a city that really values education – it’s home to several world class educational institutions, and you can’t leave school until you are eighteen years old.

Handy Phrases for Travelling to Bruges 

The local language in Bruges is West Flemish, a unique language which is basically the same as Dutch. Luckily, English is widely spoken in Bruges – but you can win some brownie points with the following phrases.

• Hey, oe est? (Hi, how are you?)
• Klappe ghy Ingels? (Do you speak English?)
• Merci (Thank you)
• Santé (Cheers – when drinking beer)

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Bruges Travel Guide | Why You MUST Visit in 2024

Even though we only live a 2.5 hour drive away from Bruges, we had never visited this beautiful city before. Bruges is a feast for the eyes and the mouth. There is so much to see, you won’t even get time to put your camera away. Plus, with over 60 chocolate stores, Bruges is a true chocolate city. Let us help you plan your next Bruges citytrip. We tell you everything you need to know before visiting Bruges.

This Bruges Travel Guide is written by Traveltomtom team member Ashley .

Bruges is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium, also known as the Venice of the North. Back in the days it was one of the richest and biggest towns in Northern Europe, and over the decades it managed to preserve its rich history and charm.

Bruges is a beautiful medieval, fairytale and picturesque place to visit in the North of Belgium, in the province of Flanders.

It’s the capital and the largest city of the province of West Flanders. The historic city center is a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes Bruges a popular tourism destination in Belgium. Eight to nine million tourists travel to Bruges every year.

It feels like you step back in time when visiting Bruges. The medieval city center, cobble stones streets and old buildings have a lot to do with that. The horse carriages that take tourists to the highlights of Bruges really add to that medieval feeling.

Stay connected when traveling to Belgium and get yourself a local prepaid sim card or an e-sim card for Belgium to safe on high roaming costs! Check out my article for the best way to get connected when traveling to Belgium in 2024.

UNESCO World Heritage

In 1998 the Beguinage was the first site to be recognized as a World Heritage Site in Bruges. One year later the Belfry was added to the World Heritage list. The entire historical city center followed in 2000.

Large parts of the medieval heritage remained practically intact. That alone was reason enough for UNESCO to designate the entire city center as World Heritage Site.

Something that played a big part in the recognition of UNESCO is the fact that Bruges is the birthplace of the Flemish primitives. Nowadays the world-renowned works of Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and other prominent Flemish Masters can be admired at the several museums throughout the city.

How to get to Bruges

Bruges has a pretty easy to reach location, as it is located fairly close to a few airports but also to the coast and the Zeebrugge harbor.

Bruges is easily accessible by car, as it is located close to the E40 highway, which runs right through Belgium from West to East. Bruges has several car parks just outside the city center, where you can leave your car. Our recommendation is to park at the P&R Station. It only costs €5,50 per day to park your car here. And it’s located right next to the bus station too, so you can easily catch your ride to the center of Bruges.

When you travel to Bruges by plane, both Brussels Airport and Brussels Charleroi Airport are an option. From Brussels Zaventem Airport you can easily travel onwards to Bruges by train. There is a direct hourly train service from the airport to Bruges.

Related: Buying a Sim Card for Belgium at Brussels Airport in 2024 !

Another popular regional airport is Brussels South Charleroi Airport. From here, bus company Filbco offers direct shuttle bus services to and from the station of Bruges, with a frequency of 9 trips a day.

Bruges has a large train station, and daily direct services between Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Hasselt, Leuven and Brussels that runs every hour. Bruges is very well connected by train.

International Coach services

There are various coach companies that operate bus services to Bruges from the main international transport hubs and from cities abroad.

With all travel options mentioned above, the central station is involved, either for parking your car or for travelling to Bruges by train or bus. From the Central Station there is a free shuttle service running every day between 7.20AM and 7.00PM. This shuttle runs every 20 minutes according to a fixed timetable. The shuttle has several stops in the city center and is a great way of getting around.

Triënnale Bruges

Triënnale Bruges brings contemporary art and architecture to the historic core of the city of Bruges every three years in a unique setting as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an excellent opportunity to extend a visit to Bruges with this art and architecture exhibition.

In October 2021, Bruges was the setting for the Triënnale. Thirteen national and international artists and architects presented their art installations to the general public. The theme of the 2021 Triënnale was TraumA. Using artistic and architectural interventions, TraumA brought out the less attractive aspects and allowed them to become part of the image of the city. TraumA balanced between the present and the hidden. With a trail of sculptural, architectural and organic creations, it met a celebration of the versatility and mobility of the city. Between private and public. Between dream and nightmare.

Throughout the city there were 13 art objects to be found and all of them had their own story to tell. You could explore them yourself by downloading the map from the Triënnale website . It showed you the location of all 13 objects. An amazing free thing to do in Bruges.

There were also daily guided walks from the market square every day at 2.00 pm for about 2 hours, and take about two hours and the costs of these walks were €12,50 per person.

The Triënnale Bruges will be back again in 2024 and then theme will be focussing on the future. Let's see what the Triënnale will bring to Bruges in 2024, but surely it will be another reason to travel to Bruges.

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Bruges from the heart city walk

There’s no better way than to explore a city by foot. Just start walking and get lost is always our way to discover a city.

Want to get to know Bruges while walking through the city and discovering some hidden gems and secret places? Then the Bruges from the heart city walk is definitely your thing. We decided to join one of their exclusive guided walks, where a local city guide will take you along a fascinating trail. It includes all of Bruges must-see heritage and architectural highlights.

The guided walk takes about two hours and starts at the Market Square where you will meet your guide. After two hours it ends on the rooftop of the Concert Hall where you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of Bruges after you saw the best places to see in Bruges.

The Bruges from the heart city walk can be done every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and will cost you €12,50 per person. It’s the money well worth spending as you get a lot of insight information on Bruges and it will show you everything you came to Bruges for!

Places to visit in Bruges

There is so much to see in Bruges with its medieval character and the many old buildings in the city. It’s definitely the place to be if you’re into history, but let’s not forget the art. You can indulge yourself in history, art and architecture in Bruges, you’ll run out of time if you want to see and do it all. Here are some cool places to visit.

Groeninge Museum

The Groeninge Museum is your place to be when you’re into art! This museum offers a varied overview of the history of Belgian visual art, six centuries of Belgian art in one location, with work by Flemish primitives such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Gerard David. Work by masters who came from the Low Countries and often worked in Bruges and completed assignments there in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The collection of the Groeninge Museum is one of the most beautiful collections in the world, containing many landmark works from the history of European art.

Gruuthuse Museum

The Gruuthuse Museum displays 500 years of Bruges history in historic objects. What once was the city palace of the lords of Gruuthuse is now an absolute highlight of Bruges! Walking through the museum you will go through three crucial periods in the rich history of Bruges. First you get the time of the Burgundian prosperity, then the less well known 17th and 18th centuries and lastly the historical reinvention of Bruges in the 19th century.

The museum makes these three periods come to life in over 600 collection items which all tell their own story.

Saint John’s Hospital

Saint John’s Hospital is one of the oldest preserved hospitals in Europe, dating back to the mid-12th century. You can visit the medieval wards, the church and the chapel, as well as the impressive collection of archives, art works, medical instruments and seven works of arts by Hans Memling. The oak wood rafter on the Diksmuide attic above the hospital ward is one of the oldest and most monumental in Europe. Make sure you also visit the hospital pharmacy with authentic interior from the middle of the 17th century.

You want to know all about the history of Bruges? Go back in time and experience the bustling city of Bruges in the Golden Age. The Historium Story features the exciting tale of Jan van Eyck’s apprentice. In the Historium Virtual Reality you can take an impressive virtual flight past the 15th century architecture, including the Water Halls. At the second floor of the building you’ll find the panoramic terrace with beautiful views of the Market Square. For some real impressive views you can climb the Historium Tower for unique 360° views.

Nowadays the Beguinage is inhabited by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict and several Bruges women who have decided to remain unmarried. The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde with its white colored house fronts and tranquil convent garden was founded in 1245. It has to be on top of your list when visiting Bruges. It’s a soothing, quiet and nice environment. And, the Beguinage hosts one of the 13 Triënnale pieces.

Best photo spots in Bruges

Make sure you bring your camera when visiting Bruges, because once you start exploring the cobbled stone streets, winding canals and hidden alleys, you’ll discover one amazing photo spot after the other. You won’t even get time to put away your camera as the city is literally full of photogenic places.

Quay of the Rosary

By far the most popular photography spot in Bruges, a centuries old Instagrammable hotspot. Back in the days rosaries were sold here, today it offers one of the city’s loveliest views. It is called The Bruges Postcard View, and believe me, you won’t stop taking photos.

It’s the perfect shot with medieval buildings, the canals, the boats and the Belfry as the perfect backdrop. Make sure to visit this place by day and by night as it is worth photographing this place all times of the day.

Dumon Chocolate shop

The story of Chocolatier Dumon starts back in 1992, just outside of Bruges. Nowadays they have seven stores in three countries, most of them in Belgium and three of them in Bruges. Their shop at Eiermarkt is a fairytale shop and invites you to come in and have a look, or taste. The building is completely different from the buildings right next to it, but that makes Dumon stand out from the rest.

Boniface Bridge

When visiting the Boniface Bridge you wouldn’t tell that this is one of the youngest bridges in Bruges. In fact, during our guided walk through Bruges we were asked how old we thought the bridge was. We were all way off with our answers. It is actually one of my favorite places in Bruges, as it is tucked away a bit, yet still a very busy and popular place. Its picture perfect from both sides of the bridge. From one end you get the little canal and the overhanging half-timbered houses, but from the other side you get the impressive and stately Church of Our Lady in your backdrop. Perfect either way!

Bruges canals

Wherever you walk in Bruges, there is no escaping the many canals. One is even more photogenic than the other. The Boniface Bridge we mentioned before is a great way to start if you want to capture the canals.

Market Square

It’s the beating heart of the city, with the Belfry at one end of the square and a row of colorful stepped gables at the other end. In between it’s a coming and going of people all day long. Check out the imposing Provincial Court or hop on for a carriage ride. The Market Square is the place where the coachmen wait, another picture perfect!

Belfry of Bruges

It’s the landmark of Bruges, the most striking tower in Bruges dates back to the 13th century. It’s 83 meters high and is protected as a world heritage site. You can climb the Belfry, all 366 steps, and if you do, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view over the city.

It provides the perfect picture from every angle of the Market Square, or from the Quay of the Rosary. Want to climb the Belfry? Costs are €14,00 per person.

Burg Square

Ask someone from Bruges, and they will tell you that the Market Square is the heart of Bruges, but the Burg Square is the soul! For centuries this square has been the center of power in the city, and the 14th century gothic building still serves as town hall. The buildings in the square represent a variety of architectural styles. The Gothic Town Hall is probably the most beautiful building in Bruges.

It’s at this square where another Triënnale object can be found, with the Town Hall as perfect backdrop.

Fun things to do in Bruges

When you think of Bruges and Belgium, it’s often the classic Belgian beer, fries and chocolates that come to mind by many people. And don’t worry, there are many classics in Bruges, that’s why we’re listing our favorite Bruges classics right here.

Brewery ‘De Halve Maan’ – world’s first beer pipeline

It’s the worlds first brewery to have established a beer pipeline. Due to growth and logistical challenges in the center of Bruges, a unique underground beer pipeline, 3 km long, was laid from the brewery to the bottling plant in the suburbs.

This authentic brewery in the center of Bruges is a family-run business with a long lasting tradition dating back six generations to 1856. It’s the place where the Bruges city beer, Brugse Zot, is brewed. There are daily tours at the brewery, and best part, at the end of the tour you’re offered a free glass of Brugse Zot blond beer.

Bruges Beer Experience

After having visited the brewery you might as well be interested in the Bruges Beer Experience. Discover everything you ever wanted to know about the ingredients of beer, the brewing process, food pairing, beers in Bruges, trappist and abbey beers, all in a very interactive way. This tour will make you want to sample some beers for sure. The bar offers 16 different kinds of beer and is open to everyone. Being located at the Market Square it has some great views too!

Choco Story – Chocolate Museum

Get to know everything about the history of cocoa and chocolate. Walking through this museum you’ll walk through 4000 years of chocolate history. At the end of the tour you will get to the demonstration center, and believe me, it’s the best part of the museum. They demonstrate how to make chocolates here, when we visited they demonstrated how pralines are made. At the end of the demonstration you get a sample bag with several pieces of chocolate, delicious!

Fries Museum

It’s quite a small museum actually, but when visiting the country that’s famous for its fries, you have to visit the Fries Museum when visiting Bruges! The museum tells the history of the potato, Belgian Fries and the various sauces and dressings that go well with the most delicious and famous Belgian comestibles.  

In the basement you will find an actual fries shop where you can get a discount by showing your entrance ticket.

If you want to visit both the Fries Museum and Choco Story, make sure to buy a combined ticket for the two of them, and save some money.

Fries for lunch

Talking about fries, eating real Belgian fries is of course a must do and should not be skipped! Throughout Bruges there are many shops where you can get your fries, so pick one and enjoy them!

Buy Belgian chocolates

Belgium is proud of their chocolate, and rightly so! Belgium is the third largest exporter of chocolate and Bruges can also call itself a real chocolate city with more than 60 chocolate shops. Plenty of choice to bring some delicious chocolate, pralines or bonbons.

Bruges by boat

Last, but certainly not least, have you really visited Bruges if you haven’t seen it from the water? A visit to Bruges isn’t really complete without a boat trip on the Bruges canals. Discover the city from a surprising and different perspective. There are five boarding locations where you can embark one of the boats. The tour takes about half an hour and the captain will take you on a tour of the most beautiful spots on the water. These boat trips run from early March to mid-November. Tickets are €10,00 per person.

Traveltomtom’s recommendations

We’ve spent two days in Bruges, which is a good amount of time to explore the city. If you want to visit all museums you might need a bit longer, as those visits can take a lot of time. To make your visit easy and fun we have come up with a shortlist of Traveltomtom’s top recommendations for Bruges. Use it to your advantage.

Quatre Vins

Our number one recommendation, restaurant Quatre Vins. No classic menu, no starters or mains, nothing like anywhere else! All dishes are to share, for diner they recommend 5-6 dishes for a normal meal. They determine the order in which the dishes are served. So even though you know what you ordered, every dish is a surprise. A very relaxed atmosphere, amazing dishes that are a work of art on your plate, and an amazing location just off the Market Square. Just for this restaurant I would go back to Bruges!

Tom’s Diner

We wouldn’t be Traveltomtom if we didn’t recommend this one, Tom’s Diner. A modern and hip hotspot on the edge of the center of Bruges for more than 22 years. No-nonsense cuisine with a touch of rock ‘n roll. A great setting in a historical building. Our recommendation would be their wide choice of tasty and original tapas.

Hotel Marcel

Location is key when searching for accommodation. And location-wise you can’t go much better than Hotel Marcel in Bruges. Located just 150 meters from the Market, so right in the middle of it all. Hotel Marcel offers authentic hospitality and Bruges coziness in a modern jacket. Breakfast is included and basic but very good. Freshly baked bread, croissants and chocolate croissants, juices and fresh fruits, and best of all soft boiled eggs brought right to your table. A unique hotel in Bruges, well priced and top location.

Concert Hall Circuit

Totally unexpectedly one of the nicest things to do in Bruges, and therefore it made it to this shortlist. Discover the Concert Hall, it’s art and architecture during a surprise-filled visitors trail. It’s a playful discovery trail with lots to see and do for all ages. You go behind the scenes of the famous Concert Hall, get to see their music venues and also get to make some music yourself.

Be in for a surprisingly fun and interesting tour, which eventually ends on the rooftop of the building with a lovely view over the city.

Get lost in the streets of Bruges, just start walking, exploring and discovering, you’ll be amazed and want to keep going to see if there’s more to come, and yes there is! Bruges stimulates all your senses, be in for an experience like no other.

A thank you is in order here for Visit Bruges and Flanders Tourism for inviting Traveltomtom team member Ashely to Bruges and organizing this Bruges trip down to the last detail.

This blog was written by travel writer and Traveltomtom team member Ashley . She was invited to visit Bruges on behalf of Traveltomtom, and wrote this blog about her adventures in the city of Bruges.

Enjoy your trip to Bruges!

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Bruges Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 3, 2024

Bruges is one of the main reasons people visit Belgium . It’s one of the most famous medieval cities in Europe, boasting historic buildings, scenic canals, and attractive cobblestone streets. The entire historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first fortifications here were built in the 1st century BCE though the city didn’t prosper until the Middle Ages when it became an economic hub under the Hanseatic League. It was also home to the world’s first stock exchange (the Bourse), which opened in the 14th century.

Naturally, I found Bruges to be a very charming place to visit. It’s also expensive and touristy and there aren’t a lot of backpackers or budget travelers in Bruges due to the high prices.

That said, if you pass through Belgium, you’d be missing out if you don’t stop and visit Bruges for at least a night. Feast on waffles and chocolate, cruise the canals, and get your cultural fix while perusing the artwork at the Groeninge Museum. There is enough to keep you busy here for a day or two without busting your budget.

This Bruges travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most of your time in this picturesque medieval town!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bruges

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bruges

1. Take a canal tour

Taking a canal trip down the arteries of Bruges is the perfect way to capture the magic of the city. A half-hour boat trip takes you around secret gardens, picturesque bridges, and ornate medieval buildings. It’s a great way to learn about the city from a different angle. Several companies operate these tours with pretty similar open-air boats that fit 30-40 people and following similar routes. Tours cost around 12-15 EUR, or you can take this combo canal and walking tour for the best of both worlds.

2. Admire Grote Markt

This is the city’s beautiful and medieval central square, dating all the way back to 958 CE. It’s stunning to see, though I’d advise skipping the restaurants here as they are overpriced. Look out for Huis Bouchoute with its giant compass (which points towards the direction of the wind rather than true North), the Provincial Palace, and other museums, including Historium Bruges, the Bruges Beer Experience, and the Salvador Dalí Exhibition – Bruges.

During Christmas, this area is transformed into a gorgeous Christmas market with its very own ice-skating rink which is part of the city’s ‘Winter Glow’, the collective name for the winter activities and decorations. Bruges’ Christmas markets run from late November until the first week of January.

3. See The Burg

The Burg is a city square that was completed in 1376. It boasts Gothic stone décor including the city hall (Stadhuis) which also contains a history museum featuring a small exhibit on the history of the city and impressive vaulted gothic hall with 20th-century murals depicting important historical events. Entry is 8 EUR.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is also located here (so-called because it supposedly houses a relic of Jesus’s blood). Inside the church, there are two distinct areas: the Romanesque-style lower chapel and the ornate and colorful upper chapel. Entry to the basilica is free, while admission to the associated museum is 5 EUR.

4. Feast on chocolate

With dozens and dozens of chocolate boutiques, a chocolate museum, a chocolate trail, and a chocolate fair, this city is a chocolate-lovers paradise. You’ll find more of the higher-end, refined chocolate in this city — but it’s worth splurging on. Pay a visit to Dumon Artisanal Chocolatiers, BbyB or The Chocolate Line which all whip up a variety of interesting chocolate collections, shapes and flavors in-house. Consider taking a chocolate-making workshop to make your own Belgian chocolates!

5. See the Belfort Belfry

This 83-meter-tall (272 feet) bell tower is one of Bruges’ best-known landmarks. It once housed the treasury and the municipal archives and was used for spotting fires and other threats. After (somewhat ironically) being destroyed by fire one too many times, the belfry was never rebuilt and now only the tower remains. The 47 bells in the tower are played for an hour on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am and over the summer in special concerts.

If you have 30 minutes to an hour to spare and there’s not much of a queue, it’s worth the climb up the 366 steps to the top to enjoy some spectacular and panoramic views of the city. It costs 15 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Bruges

1. visit the groeninge museum.

The Groeninge Museum, also known as the Fine Arts Museum of Bruges is one of the most popular museums in the city, exhibiting works from Bruges’ own Jan van Eyck (a 15th-century master). There is also a world-famous collection of paintings by the Flemish Primitives (artists active in the Burgundian and Habsburg Netherlands during the 15th- and 16th-century). Admission is 15 EUR.

2. Take a hot air balloon ride

While not exactly budget-friendly (prices are around 200 EUR per person) this is a really neat way to see the city from a new perspective. You can spot Bruges’ most iconic buildings and squares from above and scan the green fields as far as your eye can see. Some operators offer both morning and evening flight options too. It’s a cool option for anyone feeling adventurous or in the mood for some romance.

3. Sample the beer

Like the rest of Belgium, there’s a lot of good beer in Bruges. Visit the Brewery De Halve Maan, which dates to 1856, and tour the facilities, where an underground pipeline carries the beer to bottling plants in the suburbs (tours cost 16 EUR and come with a free beer). There’s also ‘T Poatersgat, an amazing underground cellar bar with around 120 Belgian beers on tap. Or try the house beer at Vlissinghe Café, the oldest pub in Bruges (it’s been around for 500 years!). Some beer tastings and tours even include food pairings with chocolate or waffles.

4. Explore by bicycle

Owing to its smaller size, Bruges is a great city to explore by bicycle. Be sure to get out into the countryside if you have the time as the landscape is very pretty and it will be much quieter. Rentals cost around 10 EUR for 4 hours and 13 EUR for a full day. If you want a guided tour, Quasimundo runs regular tours that cover all the highlights. Their tours last 2.5 hours and cost around 33 EUR.

5. Take a food tour

If you’ve got an unquenchable taste for Belgian beer and waffles, take a food tour. Discover Belgium has a variety of different food tours, including a beer and food pairing tour, a chocolate tour, and a gamified food tour where you have to solve puzzles while you learn about the food and city history. There’s also a classic food tour, where you’ll get an overview of the country and its delicious cuisine, visit several different places, and learn about the history and culture behind each dish. Tours range from 50 EUR and last around 4 hours. If you want to learn how to make some Belgian classics yourself, you can learn how to make waffles in this workshop — and eat all the waffles you want too!

6. Tour some of the quirkier museums

Bruges has several small, quirkier museums that are worth visiting if you have some spare time. The Diamond Museum takes you back 550 years to when the technique of cutting diamonds was first applied right here in the city (admission is 12 EUR). There’s also the Chocolate Museum or Choco-Story (14 EUR), where a tour comes with a delicious tasting session, and the much darker Torture Museum, filled with grotesque instruments of torture that were used during the Middle Ages (9 EUR). Last but not least, the interactive (and delicious) Frietmuseum is the only museum in the world dedicated to tracing the history and culture of the french fry (admission is 11 EUR and advance reservations are required ).

7. Meander around Minnewater Park

This beautiful greenspace is a great place for a stroll. The park is filled with weeping willow trees and swans bobbing around Minnewater Lake, or “Lake of Love” (though it’s more like a wider section of the canals than an actual lake). It’s said that the lake’s name is in reference to a pair of doomed medieval lovers, but that if you cross the bridge with your partner, you’ll experience eternal love. It’s worth stopping at the castle for a drink by the water as part of your walk.

8. See the windmills

Belgium has a long history of using windmills, and in the 16th century, there were over two dozen windmills in Bruges (windmills were used for cutting wood, pumping water, and grinding grain). There are a number of historic windmills from the 17th-19th centuries still standing, including the iconic 4 along the city ramparts where you can stroll or cycle along the canal, or relax on the grass. You can only visit one of the windmills, though: Sint-Janshuismolen. It still grinds flour and has a museum in the base where you can learn more about the windmill and grinding process (admission is 5 EUR).

9. Visit Historium Bruges

This interactive museum offers a unique way to learn about the city’s medieval history and everyday life through film and other multimedia exhibits. You can even do a virtual reality experience where you fly through the medieval streetscapes to see what the city used to look like hundreds of years ago. It’s an impressive merging of history and tech and an especially great place to visit for families with kids. Admission is 20 EUR or 25 EUR including the virtual reality experience. It’s recommended to book online beforehand to avoid the line.

  For information on other cities in Belgium, check out these guides:

• Brussels Travel Guide

Bruges Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Dorms with 6-8 beds cost 25-30 EUR per night.. A private room for two with a private bathroom starts around 75-100 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard though most hostels don’t offer free breakfast or self-catering facilities. Expect hostel prices to double in the summer.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city. A basic plot for two without electricity starts around 20 EUR per night.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at 75-100 EUR per night. However, there are more options with three-star hotels, which cost between 110-175 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers.

Airbnb is available here as well, with private rooms starting around 65 EUR per night. You can find whole apartments for around 120 EUR per night. Be sure to book early otherwise prices can double and spots are hard to find.

Average cost of food – Belgian cuisine has been strongly influenced by its European neighbors over the centuries, specifically France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Food here is hearty with chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer being the most iconic cultural staples. Steak and fries, mussels (often with fries), smoked ham, stew, and sausages are just some of the common dishes you’ll find here. Portions are large and filling too (the saying goes that Belgian food takes the portions of German cuisine but adds the quality and delicacy of French cuisine).

Casual meals at cafes cost around 10-20 EUR while fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 8 EUR for a combo meal. Takeaway shops are everywhere, at which you can get a filling cone of fries for 3-5 EUR or a waffle for 3-6 EUR. Pizza is around 15-19 EUR while Chinese food is 16-19 EUR.

A main dish at a casual eatery, especially in the town square, costs around 25-30 EUR (if not more). If you want to splash out on a three-course meal, expect to pay at least 60-75 EUR.

Beer is 3-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 4-5 EUR, and a cocktail is 10-12 EUR. A latte or cappuccino is around 3-4 EUR while a bottle of water is 2 EUR.

If you want to cook your meals, there are some great markets throughout the city. Expect to pay around 40-60 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries.

Backpacking Bruges Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Bruges, expect to spend around 65 EUR per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking your meals, taking public transportation and walking everywhere, limiting your drinking, and doing most free activities like free walking tours and visiting the markets.

On a mid-range budget of 170 EUR per day, you can stay in your own room, enjoy a few drinks, eat out most meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, rent a bike, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and taking a canal cruise.

On an upscale budget of 300 EUR or more per day, you can do whatever you want. The sky is the limit here.

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Bruges Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Bruges, a city that seems designed for older travelers and couples, is not a cheap place to visit on a budget. If you want to save money, here are some suggestions to help you get started:

• Walk everywhere – Walking is the best way to see and get around the city. Most of the city’s main attractions are within 15 minutes of each other. There’s really no reason to take a bus or taxi. Save a few euros and walk everywhere.
• Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours are the best way to get the lay of the land, see the main sights, and connect with a local guide who can share their insider tips. Just be sure to tip at the end!
• Get the Musea Brugge Card – This handy little card entitles you to free entry to 27 museums and attractions in Bruges as well as cruises on the canal. You can also get 25% off a variety of concerts, dance and theater performances, and bike rentals. If you are going to do many of the things listed on the card, this pass will save you money!
• Visit the farmer’s market – On a Wednesday morning, the Grote Markt Square is taken over by a market that offers cheaper food and drinks than what you’ll usually find. Restaurants are expensive, so loading up on fresh food at the market will cut down your food expenses.
• Stay with a local – Hospitality networks like Couchsurfing connect you with locals who can give you a free place to share and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to save money and have a more local experience.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Bruges

There are only a few hostels in Bruges and limited choices for budget accommodation. Here are my recommended places to stay:

• Snuffel Hostel
• St. Christopher’s Inn Bauhaus Hostel
• Lybeer Travellers’ Hostel
• Cornerhouse Level Ten
• Hotel Van Eyck

How to Get Around Bruges

Public transportation – The local bus is operated by De Lijn. Single tickets cost 2.50 EUR and are valid for one hour. If you plan on using the bus a few times throughout the day, a day pass costs 7.50 EUR.

Bicycle – Renting a bicycle is a great way to get around town since it’s compact. Hourly rates start at 4 EUR, while full-day rentals start from 13 EUR. There are a handful of bike rental shops, including Fietspunt Station and Ben’s Bike Bruges where you can rent a city bike and even an e-bike.

Taxi – Taxis are expensive here. The base rate is 23 EUR, then it’s an additional 2.70 EUR per kilometer. Skip them if you can as they will destroy your budget. The city is small too so you really shouldn’t need one.

There are no ridesharing services like Uber here.

When to Go to Bruges

Summer is the best time to visit Bruges. This is when the weather is nicest and the city is in bloom. The average temperature in August is 20°C (68°F), and it rarely gets much hotter than that. Since Bruges is on the coast and has a maritime climate, summers are mild and winters are cold and windy.

Spring and fall are the shoulder seasons, with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. In April and May, temperatures are under 10°C (40s and 50s°F). Temperatures in the fall range from 8-12°C (47-54°F), and it gets rainy around this time, too. If you don’t want to deal with the summer crowds, this is a good time to visit. Just pack a raincoat and sweater.

Most people avoid visiting in the winter as the temperatures drop to near freezing. But if you want this magical city all to yourself, especially when there are Christmas markets, Bruges is worth a wintry visit!

How to Stay Safe in Bruges

Bruges is very safe to visit. Violent crime is incredibly rare here so travelers should feel safe. However, since it is a touristy city, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach when out and about, especially in crowds and on public transportation.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here for all those reasons. However, the standard precautions you take anywhere apply here too (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). There are numerous solo female travel blogs that can provide more specific tips.

Scams here are rare, however, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Bruges Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Bruges Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Belgium and continue planning your trip:

The Best Things to Do and See in Brussels

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

You can find the international coach services terminal at the rear of ‘Brugge’ train station, at the roundabout in Spoorwegstraat. You arrive or depart from this coach terminal.

By car or motorbike

Whatever direction you come from, Bruges is ideal to get to by road. The city is close to various major motorways. If you travel to Bruges by car or motorbike, follow one of these routes:

• Coming from the E40, take exit 8 'Brugge', which will take you onto the N31. You then take the exit 'Brugge' and you are immediately on the Bevrijdingslaan.
• From Tournai, Kortrijk and Roeselare, there is a short journey via the E403. The exit 'Brugge' will take you to the Bevrijdingslaan.
• the N49 expressway from Antwerp joins the A11 towards Bruges, at Knokke. You will end up on the N31, and via exit 'Brugge' you will continue to the Bevrijdingslaan.

Motor traffic is not recommended in the city centre, and above-ground parking is discouraged. Several streets are  low-traffic or car-free at specific times .

Ideally park your car at one of the free peripheral car parks or Park&Rides around the city centre . Paid parking is without time limits and most cost-effective in one of the 2 central underground car parks: Centrum-'t Zand car park (a 10-minute walk to the Market Square) and Centrum-Station car park (a 20-minute walk to the Marktet Square). Both car parks are easily accessible via the Bevrijdingslaan. There is a frequent public transport service from the station to the city centre. The bus ride from the Centrum-Station car park to the city centre is included in your car park ticket. 

There is 1 free motorbike parking zone in the city centre for motorcyclists. You can find out more info at ‘ Parking in Bruges ’.

How do you get to Bruges by car or motorbike?

By motorhome.

Whatever direction you come from, Bruges is ideal to get to by road. The city is close to various major motorways. If you travel to Bruges by camper, follow one of these routes:

For motorhomes, there are 2 authorised motorhome car parks for overnight stays: at the Kanaaleiland or at Camping Memling . Where you can park your motorhome depends on its weight. You can find out more info at ' Parking in Bruges '.

How do you get to Bruges by motorhome?

Whatever direction you come from, Bruges is ideal to get to by road. The city is close to various major motorways. If you travel to Bruges by coach, follow one of these routes:

To keep the city centre attractive, coaches are not allowed. Coaches park at the coach parking at the Kanaaleiland, along the Bargeweg. You can find out more info at ' Parking in Bruges '.

Do you prefer to travel in your own car, but you're travelling from the UK? No problem. Various ferry companies operate between the English and French and Dutch coasts. Simply drive your own car onto the ferry and literally hop over to Bruges. From France or The Netherlands, you can easily get to Bruges via motorways.

How do you get to Bruges by ferry?

Via brussels airport.

The national airport receives flights from over 200 destinations in 66 countries every day.

• It's easy to travel from Brussels Airport to Bruges by train. 'Brussels-Airport' train station can be found below the departure and arrival hall of the airport. Every day there is a direct hourly service to Bruges. In addition, many other trains from Brussels Airport regularly stop at Brussels-North, Brussels-Central or Brussels-South (Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid) railway stations. From these three stations there are daily three trains an hour stopping at Bruges on their way to Ostend, Knokke or Blankenberge. For more info, a journey planner or fares, check the website of the Belgian Railways (NMBS) .
• Taxi rides to and from Brussels national airport by Bruges taxi firms, with prior reservation, cost € 200.00 (flat rate). Price adjustments are possible throughout the year. Check the contact details of taxi firms in Bruges .

Via Brussels South Charleroi Airport

This popular regional airport welcomes many low-cost flights every day from various cities and regions in Europe.

• The coach company  Flibco.com  is offering a direct shuttle bus to and from the station of Bruges with a frequency of 12 trips a day (there and back). Using this service, you will travel more comfortably, it's cheaper and often also faster than other transport alternatives (train, combination of train and bus). The journey times are aligned as much as possible with arriving and departing flights. The bus stop is at the front of the exit to Terminal 1. The shuttle bus stops in Bruges at the rear of the train station. Booking is cheaper online. You will pay a surcharge on the coach or in the airport. For tickets:  www.flibco.com  & also available at  Information Office Station .
• Taxi rides to and from Brussels South Charleroi Airport by Bruges taxi firms, with prior reservation, cost EUR 250 (flat rate). Price adjustments are possible throughout the year. Check the contact details of taxi firms in Bruges .

Via Ostend-Bruges Airport

Ostend-Bruges Airport is in full development and is systematically expanding its range of services. 

• by public transport: it takes 15 minutes to Ostend railway station by bus. From there, there are at least three trains per hour to Bruges with final stops in Eupen, Welkenraedt, Brussels Airport, Antwerpen-Centraal or Kortrijk between 6.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. Travel time to Bruges is approx. 15 minutes. More info, journey planners or fares can be found on the website of the Belgian Railways (NMBS)  and De Lijn .
• by taxi: taxi rides to and from Bruges are provided by Bruges and Ostend taxi companies, subject to prior reservation, at the flat rate of € 70.00. Price adjustments are possible throughout the year. Contact one of the taxi firms in Bruges or Ostend.

Walking is without a doubt the best way to explore Bruges. The historic city centre is compact and on a small scale. And on foot, you don't miss anything.

Explore the winding streets, stroll across majestic squares, wander along the canals, enjoy the city's panorama from one of its many bridges and feast your eyes. Around every corner is a pleasant surprise, and you stumble from one discovery to the next.

If you arrive at Bruges train station or get off the coach at the Bargeplein, the Market Square, in the heart of the city, is a 20-minute walk. On the way, you'll already come across a ton of highlights, museums, sights and attractions. All the 'must-sees' are within a stone's throw of each other.

Do you prefer to follow a specific route? With these suggestions , you can explore the city at your own pace along ready-made routes. Or join a guided walk and get tips from a local, who knows Bruges like the back of their hand.

You want to see a lot of sights without losing the city feel? By bike, you can quickly get from A to B, even off the beaten path. You can cycle at your own pace past the highlights, through quiet city neighbourhoods or across the green city ramparts. Prefer not to go on a bike tour by yourself? Then join a guided cycling tour .

You don't have your own bike? You can rent one for a few hours, half a day, a full day or even several days. We've listed all bike rental locations . Among other places, you can rent a bike at and near 't Zand Square and Market Square in the city centre.

By bike taxi

Don't feel like cycling yourself? Then hop on a bike taxi. They'll take you to your destination in an original and ecological way. You get on at Market Square (near the Historium), at 't Zand Square (near the Concert Hall) or at Stationsplein (near the Carrefour, at the side entrance to the train station). Rates and availability vary from company to company:

• Taxi Fiets Brugge, tel. +32 (0)472 67 35 25, [email protected]
• Fietskoetsen Brugge

By public transport

Every 5 minutes, a public bus runs up and down between the train station and the centre of Bruges. This is a relaxed way to travel to and from the city centre. Buses running to the city centre stop within walking distance of the main shopping streets, historic buildings and museums.

The stops at the station and ’t Zand Square are both important hubs for public transport in the city. All buses pass by these stops.

From the train station to the city centre by bus?

Bus lines 1 and 2 take you to the centre of Bruges.

• Bus line 1: get off at stop ’t Zand, Sint-Salvatorskerk, O.L.V. Kerk or Dijver
• Bus line 2: get off at stop ’t Zand, Sint-Salvatorskerk, O.L.V. Kerk, Dijver, Stadsschouwburg or Jan Van Eyckplein.

Useful info: Line 1 connects the city centre via a loop around the district of Sint-Kruis and a loop to the hospital campus AZ Sint-Jan. Line 2 constantly connects with the city centre in an axis that runs from south to north and vice versa.

From the city centre to the train station by bus?

You can reach Bruges station via the stops Stadsschouwburg (line 2), Zilverpand (line 2) and ’t Zand (lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 20, 21, 31, 35, 40, 41, 42, 47, 49, 52, 54, 55, 60, 72, 74 and 80).

With a ticket for € 2.50 (price changes may be applied throughout the year), you can enjoy unlimited travel and change from stop to stop for 60 minutes. This and other travel tickets for De Lijn can be purchased on the bus (contactless only), at the ticket shop Lijnwinkel (Stationsplein) or at a vending machine (Stationsplein, bus stop 't Zand Square). You can also go to a pre-sales point (only for a 10-journey ticket): tourist office ’t Zand (Concert Hall) , various bookshops, newsagents and supermarkets in the city centre.

Timetables may change unexpectedly due to road works or events. The website of De Lijn bus company features a journey planner with the most up-to-date info.

Vehicle traffic is discouraged in the city centre, as is above-ground parking. If you do need to go into the city centre by car, it's best to keep these guidelines and tips in mind:

• There are various low-traffic or traffic-free shopping streets and squares in Bruges . From Saturday 1 July 2023, this restricted access area will be expanded. A 30 km/h speed limit applies throughout the city centre.
• It's best to park cars at one of the free peripheral car parks or Park&Rides outside the city centre , or you can park cheaply and without restriction in one of the 2 central underground car parks ( Station and 't Zand ). You can find a spot in one of the other city centre parking garages by following the digital signs.
• Are you staying in Bruges’ city centre? If you wish to park near your accommodation, you are advised to contact your accommodation provider in advance.

Motorcyclists will find 1 free motorbike parking zone in the city centre. You can find out more info at ‘ Parking in Bruges ’.

Staying overnight in camper vans, motorhomes, camping trailers, tents on public roads, in the forest, dunes or beach is prohibited in Bruges, except in designated areas. You can however stay overnight at 2 authorised motorhome car parks in Bruges: at the Kanaaleiland or at Camping Memling .

Where you can park your motorhome depends on its weight. Parking is prohibited in the city centre for all vehicles over 3.5 tons. Motorhomes under 3.5 tons can park in the city centre in any spot where this is not specifically prohibited. Motorhomes are also allowed to park outside the city centre where this is not specifically prohibited or where certain spaces are reserved for a specific category of vehicle (e.g., along the R30 ring road in the stretch between the  Gentpoort and the Kruispoort, at the slip road to the Speelpleinlaan).

If you can’t avoid coming into the city centre with your camper, make sure you are aware that various streets have restricted traffic access or are car-free at certain times . A 30 km/h speed limit applies throughout the city centre.

To keep the city centre attractive, coaches are not allowed. Coaches park at the coach parking at the Kanaaleiland, along the Bargeweg.

Groups can safely exit and enter on the reserved drop-off zone at the Bargeplein (also along the Bargeweg) on walking distance from the historic center. The Bargeplein is a much-asked starting point for guided visits. There are toilets and in case of bad weather there is a canopy for shelter.

Only coaches dropping off/collecting passengers with luggage at/from their hotel get exceptional access to the inner city. The driver must be in possession of a document proving the reservation with indication of check-in/check-out. Excursions or contemporary transfers by coach from the hotel are not allowed and are only possible with pick-up/drop-off point at Bargeplein (Kanaaleiland). The police control the strict compliance of these arrangements.

Coaches transporting visitors with mobility issues can be granted special access to the city centre as long as permission is given by the police in advance. Requests should be submitted to  [email protected] .

Don’t forget: coaches must also adhere to the usual rules that apply to ordinary vehicles when entering a low-traffic zone.

Do you prefer personal and safe transport from A to B by an experienced taxi driver? There are a wide range of taxi firms operating in Bruges. Order your taxi in advance, and get picked up where you want. Or hail a taxi at one of the official taxi stands :

• in front of the train station, on Stationsplein
• at the rear of the train station (Sint-Michiels side), at the roundabout on the Spoorwegstraat
• at the coach stop on the Bargeplein (Kanaaleiland)
• in the Boeveriestraat (adjacent to ’t Zand Square)
• on Market Square (near the Provincial Court)
• in the Vlamingstraat (across from the City Theatre)
• in the Kuipersstraat (next to the Biekorf library)
• in Zeebrugge at the ABC building (cruise terminal)
• in Zeebrugge, at the train station Zeebrugge-Dorp (along the Venetiëstraat)
• in Zeebrugge, at the train station Zeebrugge-Strand (along the Baron de Maerelaan)

Sightseeing in Bruges

Would you prefer to get about the city in a more original way? Good news: in Bruges, there's no shortage of options. Get on a Segway, in a bike carriage or a minibus. Or how about a romantic horse-drawn carriage or a gently bobbing boat to take in the beautiful cityscape? View all options for sightseeing in Bruges .

Update April 12, 2024

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Belgium Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, belgium - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to  terrorism.

Country Summary : Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Belgium. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting, music, and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Belgium.

If you decide to travel to Belgium:   

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Belgium.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

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Bruges Christmas Markets

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• Discover the Christmas Markets of Bruges on this 3-night holiday.
• Stay at a hotel near the city centre for easy access to all the must-see highlights.
• Learn the history of Bruges on a half day walking tour led by a local, expert guide.
• Enjoy plenty of free time to discover Bruges or go Christmas shopping, with tips from our guide.

Book Your Trip From £ 728 pp

Book your trip from £ 549 pp, from £ 728pp from £ 549pp, add to wishlist, remove from wishlist, view hotels, your guided christmas markets holiday to bruges .

Join us on this fantastic city break holiday to Bruges and soak up the wonderful festive atmosphere at the traditional markets in the city. With a rich array of cultural and historical sites, as well as a charming atmosphere and friendly locals, Bruges is the perfect place to spend a few days away. We’ll begin our holiday to this gorgeous Gothic city with a guided walking tour to explore some of its most famous landmarks. We’ll visit the Market Square, Bruges Town Hall, the Saint Saviour Cathedral, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, home to the relic of Christ’s blood, with an expert, local guide. We’ll also enjoy plenty of free time to soak up the city’s festive atmosphere as we wander medieval, cobbled streets, enjoy a Belgian chocolate or beer or pick up wonderful souvenirs at the various Christmas market stalls.

Trip Itinerary

Activity Level: Easy

Relaxed itinerary with plenty of leisure/free time. Where excursions are included they may include walking on level ground (with stops en route) and some steps or stairs

Travel to Belgium

Arrive in bruges.

On arrival in Belgium, you will be met by our local representative at the airport before being transferred to your hotel in Bruges.

In the afternoon, you will have time to relax in your hotel and explore the city at your leisure.

Guided Tour of Bruges City

After breakfast you will be met by your guide for a tour of the city. The tour will help you to get your bearings in the city and includes a visit to the Museum of Holy Blood. Bruges is a chocolate lover's paradise, with numerous chocolate shops throughout the city. Your guide will also take you to the Brewery de Halve Maan to learn everything you need to know about beer making. Entrances and one beer tasting are included.

You will have the remainder of the day to explore the glittering Christmas Markets at your leisure. Your local guide will be happy to recommend the best areas to visit and where to shop.

Free Time in Bruges

Today you will have the full day to explore the city at your leisure and visit the Christmas market stalls in Market Place and Simon Stevin Square. You can pick up wonderful souvenirs, food, drinks, gadgets and Christmas decorations in the numerous little wooden chalets. On the Market Place you will also find an amazing ice skating rink with a huge Christmas tree and music where you can enjoy a glass of gluhwein and soak up the festive atmosphere. In front of the railway station you can find the ice sculpture festival, where you can admire ice sculptures from various world famous artists and enjoy a drink at the ice bar!

Return Home

Depart belgium.

This morning you will check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home, with guide assistance.

Customer Reviews

Hotels available.

Bruges   Belgium

Dukes Academie Hotel

Dukes Academie Hotel lies in a cobbled street in a quiet area of Bruges, close to the 'Lake of Love'. Within 150 metres you'll find the famous Beguinage, while the Market Square is also within walkin…

Know before you go

Will i be met at the airport.

You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

Do I need a Visa?

Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

What if there is an emergency?

We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

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Munich Christmas Markets

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Prague Christmas Markets

£429 pp

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Bruges City Break

Fully Guided

Flights & Transfers

• Explore the picturesque canals & cobbled streets of Bruges on this 3-night city break holiday.
• Stay at a hotel near the city centre for easy access to all the must-see highlights.
• Learn the history of Bruges on a half day walking tour led by a local, expert guide.
• Enjoy plenty of leisure time to discover the city at your own pace.

Book Your Trip From £ 798 pp

Book your trip from £ 579 pp, from £ 798pp from £ 579pp, add to wishlist, remove from wishlist, view hotels, your escorted bruges city break holiday.

Pay a visit to one of our nearest European neighbours with us on this fantastic city break holiday to Bruges, Belgium. With a rich array of cultural and historical sites, as well as a charming atmosphere and friendly locals, Bruges is the perfect place to spend a few days away. We’ll begin our holiday to this gorgeous Gothic city with a guided walking tour to explore some of its most famous landmarks. With an expert, local guide, we’ll visit the Market Square, Bruges Town Hall, the Saint Saviour Cathedral, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, home to the relic of Christ’s blood. We’ll also enjoy plenty of free time to soak up the city’s unique atmosphere as we wander medieval, cobbled streets and enjoy a famed Belgian chocolate or beer at one of Bruges’ quaint cafés.

Trip Itinerary

Activity Level: Easy

Relaxed itinerary with plenty of leisure/free time. Where excursions are included they may include walking on level ground (with stops en route) and some steps or stairs

Travel to Belgium

Depart for bruges.

Depart for Brussels. You will be met by our local representative in the arrivals area of the airport before being transferred to your hotel in Bruges.

Bruges Walking Tour

Today, you have a guided tour of the city. You will stroll along the main shopping street taking in the Market Square, the Town Hall and the Saint Saviour Cathedral to name but a few.  You will also visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood to see the blood of Jesus Christ (entrance included), and take a cruise on the Bruges canals (approx. 30 mins.).

Free Time in Bruges

You will have a day free in Bruges for shopping and sightseeing of your own choice and pace. Why not visit the Chocolate Museum, or take a boat tour along the canal? Climb to the top of the bell tower for spectacular views, or sit down and relax in one of the pretty parks.

Return Home

Depart belgium.

Enjoy a morning at leisure, before transferring to the airport for your return flight.

Customer Reviews

Hotels available.

Bruges   Belgium

Dukes Academie Hotel

Dukes Academie Hotel lies in a cobbled street in a quiet area of Bruges, close to the 'Lake of Love'. Within 150 metres you'll find the famous Beguinage, while the Market Square is also within walkin…

Know before you go

Will i be met at the airport.

You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

Do I need a Visa?

Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

What if there is an emergency?

We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

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Nice City Break

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Watch CBS News

New airline rules will make it easier to get refunds for canceled flights. Here's what to know.

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Aimee Picchi

Updated on: April 25, 2024 / 12:56 PM EDT / CBS News

New consumer protection rules will soon entitle airline passengers to automatic refunds when flights are canceled or significantly delayed, while also requiring airlines to reveal  junk fees  upfront.

In total, the new rules could save travelers $500 million annually, Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Wednesday, describing the regulations as "the biggest expansion of passenger rights in the department's history."

They take aim at some of the most common complaints against airlines, such as delays and difficulties getting refunds. Airlines will also have to disclose all possible fees, such as added costs for seat selection, when advertising a fare.

The regulations are likely to effect in October, officials said. Here's what to know about the new rules and what they mean for you.

You'll get an automatic refund for delayed or canceled flights

The first rule mandates that airlines promptly refund customers when flights are meaningfully disrupted or delayed. Airlines will have to refund customers the full ticket prices, including airline-imposed fees, as well as government taxes and fees.

In theory, passengers are already entitled to such refunds, but in practice airlines don't always provide them, Buttigieg noted. He said the new rule benefits infrequent fliers in particular, who may be less familiar with their rights. 

This rule will save customers the hassle of dealing with a chatbot or completing a cumbersome claims process to receive refunds they're entitled to anyway when flights don't take off as scheduled.

Airlines often offer customers compensation in the form of vouchers or miles with values that are less than the flight's original cost. And passengers often must engage with customer service agents or chatbots to secure refunds, which can lead them to give up on the process altogether, according to Buttigieg.

How long of a delay will qualify for a refund? 

The new rule defines what constitutes a "significantly changed" flight: a delay of at least three hours for a domestic flight, and at least six hours for an international flight. That was previously left to the discretion of the airline. 

The rule says passengers will get automatic refunds in those cases as long as they don't accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered by the airline.  

Passengers will also be entitled to refunds for other significant flight changes, according to the Department of Transportation. 

These changes include flights whose departure or arrival airports change, that add connections or downgrade passengers to a different level of service. If a flight requires a passenger with a disability to make a connection at an airport or on a flight that is less accommodating, that also qualifies for a refund.

How long will it take to get a refund?

Airlines will have seven days to automatically refund passengers who purchased their tickets with a credit card, and 20 calendar days for other payment methods, the Transportation Department said.

"No more defaulting to vouchers or credits when consumers may not even realize they're entitled to cash," Buttigieg said. 

Can I get a refund for delayed bags? 

Yes, checked bag delays are also covered. 

When bags aren't delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight's arrival at its gate, passengers will get a refund for their checked bag fee.   On international flights, bags that don't arrive within 15 to 30 hours, depending on a flight's length, are covered by the rule. 

What other refunds will be available? 

Airlines must also refund the costs of services customers paid for but then didn't receive on the flight, such as wifi, seat selection or in-flight entertainment, the Transportation Department said.

For instance, if passengers buy wifi access but it doesn't work properly, they are entitled to a refund for the service.

What is happening with surprise fees? 

Transportation officials also announced a second rule on Wednesday that targets "junk" or surprise fees, which are charges that aren't typically disclosed to a consumer ahead of purchase. 

Under the rule, airlines must disclose all fees the first time that airfare is advertised on an airline's site. Hyperlinks don't count, according to the agency.

The rule is designed to protect consumers against confusion caused by "drip pricing"  by requiring airlines to disclose how much these additional fees will cost up front. That includes amounts airlines charge consumers to check bags, carry on bags, select seats, and change or cancel flights.

The rule is designed to help make it easier for passengers to estimate the full cost of flying so they can make an informed purchase.

Are seats guaranteed if I buy a ticket?

Under the second rule, airlines will also have to make clear to customers that if they buy a ticket, they're guaranteed a seat — even if they don't fork over additional money to choose where on the plane that seat is located. 

How will I know I'm seeing the actual flight price?

The second rule also bars airlines from advertising artificially low prices that don't factor in mandatory fees. 

The Transportation Department said this will end "discount bait-and-switch tactics" that dangle deceptive discounts to convince travelers to buy tickets.

What do airlines say about the new rules?

Airlines for America, a trade group for large U.S. carriers, noted that refund complaints to the Transportation Department have fallen sharply since mid-2020. 

A spokesperson for the group said airlines "offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs."

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.

While Buttigieg said airlines aren't "enthusiastic" about being held to a higher standard, he believes the new rules will build passenger confidence in companies and ultimately benefit the industry as a whole.

Buttigieg also said he hopes the new rules will push carriers to improve the consumer experience. For example, if an airline knows it will automatically owe customers refunds for canceled flights, it might invest more in precise scheduling, and ultimately reduce the number of cancellations overall. 

—With reporting by the Associated Press.

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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