Bruges’ historic centre is a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and Gothic architecture. Here’s how to see the best of fairytale Bruges in 1 or 2 days.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Jump to Comments
In the 13th and 14th centuries, Bruges was one of Europe’s most important trading ports and one of the wealthiest cities in the world.
Located at the crossroads of international trade, Bruges built its wealth from cloth, banking, spices, silk and luxury goods.
This wealth built Gothic churches, guild halls, medieval bridges, and canal-side mansions.
When the Zwin inlet silted up in the 15th century, cutting off Bruges’ access to the sea, the city’s rapid decline preserved its medieval architecture.
Today, it’s one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval cities.
We have organised this guide into the best things to do in Bruges over 1 and 2 days, so you have an idea what to prioritise if you are short on time.
We have also roughly laid this guide out as an itinerary. If you do each day in order as we have them below, you’ll have an excellent 1 or 2-day walking itinerary for Bruges that will allow you to see the best museums, attractions and picturesque locations in the city.
BRUGES MAP
All the attractions we have included in this blog post have been included on the map below to help you navigate Bruges.
USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
THINGS TO DO IN BRUGES IF YOU HAVE 1 DAY
Here is what we recommend if you have 1 day in Bruges. These are the main attractions along with some of the most picturesque areas of the city.
1. GROTE MARKT
Grote Markt (Market Square) is the historic centre of Bruges and a great place to start your visit.
The square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and surrounded by beautiful examples of Flemish architecture, including the colourful guild houses which date back to medieval times.
Restaurants line the square, which are always busy and set up to cater to the tourist market. However, I enjoyed eating here because the atmosphere was good and the food is generally good quality all over Bruges.
The Belfry of Bruges, which I suggest you visit next, is on the Grote Markt.
2. BELFORT (BELFRY)
I was excited to visit the Belfry mainly because it featured in the movie In Bruges, but it also provides you with a great view of Bruges.
The tower dates back to the 13th century and features a treasury and a carillon with 47 bells. The carillonneur plays on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM.
The tower is 83 metres high and involves 366 stairs to reach the top. The staircase is extremely narrow.
The Belfry is included on the Bruges Card, which I recommend getting if you are following this guide (more about this below).
TIMED TICKETS // You need to book a timeslot in advance for the Belfry as visitor numbers are controlled due to the extremely narrow staircase.
3. SALVADOR DALÍ EXHIBITION
Before my last trip to Bruges, I had no idea the city had a permanent Salvador Dalí exhibition. So, I was very excited to find it, and it didn’t disappoint.
It’s located in the Belfry building, making it a convenient attraction to visit after seeing the Belfry tower.
The exhibition has more than 300 works by Salvador Dalí, the majority of which are paintings and sketches. There are also sculptures, engravings, and a few quirky pieces of furniture.
The building is as quirky as the art, with faux columns, backgrounds in brilliant blue, shocking pink and leopard print, and plenty of gold. Some might think it looks out of date and in need of a refresh, but I thought it was perfectly suited to Dalí and his style. I think it’s exactly how he would want it to look, and it feels like being transported back to the time he produced them.
I’ve seen a lot of reviews online about the poor quality of the audio guide, which is valid. I ditched it in favour of looking up the pieces I was particularly interested in on ChatGPT, which provided a much better description of what you were looking at.
ENTRY TICKETS // Book your Salvador Dalí Bruges tickets here to skip the queue.
4. STADHUIS (CITY HALL)
The next thing I’d recommend if you only have 1 day in Bruges is the Stadhuis, or City Hall.
It’s one of the oldest and most beautiful town halls in Belgium and a monumental example of the wealth and prestige Bruges enjoyed during the Middle Ages.
You don’t need too long to visit because it’s really just one room, the beautiful Gothic Hall, which dates back to the 14th century.
The hall has an incredible timber vaulted ceiling and huge murals from the 19th century illustrating Bruges’ history. There are information cards in various languages to explain the artwork.
The other thing I really enjoyed in the Town Hall was the free interactive display about how Bruges has changed several times over the centuries from the impacts tidal changes brought to the landscape, access and main industries in the city.
Stadhuis is included on the Bruges Museum Card.
5. BASILICA OF THE HOLY BLOOD
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is right next door to Stadhuis in Burg Square, and it’s well worth popping in for a quick look.
It’s an ornately decorated Gothic chapel which was rebuilt in the 16th century and restored in the 19th century. It contains vivid murals, beautiful stained-glass windows, and gilded details.
The chapel is famous for having a cloth which is said to contain the blood of Jesus. You can process up to a raised platform to view the relic, which is housed in an ornate crystal case.
VIEWING TIMES // Basilica of the Holy Blood is free to enter and open from 10 AM to 5:15 PM; however, the relic is only accessible between 12 PM and 4 PM.
6. ROZENHOEDKAAI
Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) is one of the most photogenic spots in Bruges. A bend in the canal creates beautiful reflections of the medieval architecture lining the banks, with the Belfry tower in the background.
There are a few (very busy) cafés overlooking the canal and several more restaurants in the small laneway leading to the viewpoint.
Rozenhoedkaai is also the starting point for the canal cruises.
If you’re interested in getting photos in the best light, the sun lights up the building across the canal in the morning. In the afternoon, the sun is behind the buildings, so morning is better.
7. DE HALVE MAAN BREWERY TOUR
I found plenty of opportunities to drink beer in Bruges, but if you are looking to learn a bit more about what you’re drinking, the De Halve Maan Brewery tour is an excellent thing to do in Bruges.
Tours start from 12 PM through to around 4 PM and last for 45 minutes. You’ll learn about the traditional production process, how much love and care are poured into Belgian beer, and then taste some at the end.
Tours need to be booked in advance.
8. GROENINGE MUSEUM
The final thing I would suggest if you only have 1 day in Bruges is the Groeninge Museum, which is the city’s fine art museum.
It has an excellent collection of works from Flemish and Belgian artists, including Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Gerard David, and Hugo van der Goes.
Works span from the 15th century, through to neoclassical pieces from the 18th century and contemporary art from René Magritte.
It’s a great way to see both the masters and contemporary Belgian artists in one very manageable collection.
Groeninge Museum is included on the Bruges Museum Card.
IF YOU HAVE 2 DAYS IN BRUGES
Next, I’ll explain what else you could do in Bruges if you have another day to spend.
9. SINT-JANSHOSPITAAL (ST JOHN’S HOSPITAL)
St John’s Hospital is one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe, now operating as a museum with masterpieces by Flemish artist Hans Memling.
I really enjoyed strolling around the building. There are soaring timber ceilings, stone arches, and some very curious displays.
The section on the history of diseases was fascinating, and the stories from the hospital explain the dedication that went into caring for patients.
The highlight is the collection of Hans Memling’s artwork, in particular, his four realistic landscapes, which were commissioned especially for the hospital. The other highlight is the magnificent altar piece, beautifully presented in a dramatic glass case.
St John’s Hospital is included on the Bruges Museum Card.
10. CHURCH OF OUR LADY
The Church of Our Lady is a beautiful Gothic church, which is free to enter if you want to have a quick look around.
However, there is a paid museum (included on the Bruges Museum Card) which contains a host of interesting artwork.
The most important is undoubtedly the marble statue of Madonna and Child by Michelangelo.
It was initially designed for the Siena Cathedral. However, it was purchased by a wealthy family who shipped it out to Bruges. It’s one of the few Michelangelo sculptures to leave Italy.
This is probably one of those attractions in Bruges that I would only recommend after you’ve seen everything else, unless you are particularly interested in seeing the Michelangelo. However, I really enjoyed visiting, and there were plenty of other details, such as the painted graves, which I found interesting.
11. GRUUTHUSEMUSEUM
Gruuthusemuseum is a museum housed in the former palace of a wealthy family that controlled the trade of the herbs used to brew beer.
The museum features a host of industries that have been pivotal to Bruges, including tapestries, lace, ceramics, furniture and all sorts of other crafts relating to everyday life.
The building is beautiful, but to be honest, I didn’t find the exhibitions that interesting. If you are pressed for time, this is the one museum I would consider skipping, unless you have a particular interest in historical Bruges artefacts.
What I really liked was the excellent view from the balcony, which has a great view of the most charming little bridge in Bruges.
Gruuthusemuseum is included on the Bruges Museum Card.
12. ST SALVATOR’S CATHEDRAL
St Salvator’s Cathedral is the oldest parish church in Bruges, with a blend of architectural styles including a Romanesque base, a Gothic nave, and a fortress-like tower.
There’s a host of impressive paintings and tapestries, but the highlight for me was the ornate carved choir stalls.
It’s free to enter St Salvator’s, and it was much quieter than the Church of Our Lady or the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
13. CANAL BOAT TRIP
Taking a canal boat tour in Bruges is one of the most popular things to do. You’ll float past the distinctive architecture with guides providing insights into the city.
I’ve ranked this fairly low on the list because I believe there are better things to do in Bruges, and many cruises are not well-run, largely due to the large number of people they try to accommodate.
The boats are small and often fairly packed, so you can’t get up and move around at all. There’s also no shelter from the sun or rain.
Customer feedback in terms of general organisation and guide quality is mixed so it’s a good idea to pick a tour carefully.
BOAT + WALKING TOUR // This tour on Get Your Guide is very well rated and includes a walking tour of some of the main sights in Bruges as well as food and beer tasting.
14. JERUSALEM CHURCH
The wealthy Adornes family built the Jerusalem Church to look similar to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
In contrast to the other churches in Bruges which are elaborate and ornate, the Jerusalem church is an austere space which feels much more solemn. There are some odd features, such as the altarpiece covered in skull motifs.
The complex also includes a museum to the Adornes family.
The Jerusalem Church is on the way to visit the Windmills (see next section) and I would normally suggest you pop in for a quick look.
However, at €10 to enter, it’s not something I would necessarily recommend unless you are particularly interested in witnessing the religious devotion of the family.
15. WINDMILLS ON THE RAMPARTS
If you have some time in the late afternoon, I would recommend taking a walk out to the Windmills.
There are 4 windmills in Bruges, which are located on the Kruisvest ramparts, part of the old city defences.
It’s a nice scenic stroll which takes you out of the city centre and along the tree-lined paths along the river.
A scenic, less-touristy walk that shows off Bruges’ countryside charm within city limits.
TO SQUEEZE IN
Somewhere along your travels, there are a few things you’ll want to squeeze in to get the full Bruges experience.
CHOCOLATE
Chocolate is a big part of the Belgian identity, and Bruges has over 50 chocolate shops. So, you’re never far from a fix while out exploring the city.
Chocolate in Belgium is so good because the minimum cocoa content is dictated by law. They also use fewer fillers and avoid substituting cocoa butter with vegetable fats, a common practice in mass-produced chocolates to reduce costs.
The result is a much richer, creamier, tastier chocolate that’s also more expensive. The best chocolate I found, in order, was:
Chocolate Factory De Burgh — With Willy Wonka posters and shelves full of machine-produced chocolates, all the signifiers were off. But, one side of the store is dedicated to handmade chocolate, and it was by far the best I tried in Bruges. It’s located off the Burg beside the Church of the Holy Blood.
The Chocolate Brothers — There’s a genuine focus on the quality of the product in this modern, uncluttered space, and the chocolate is smooth and delicious. It’s just across the road from the Church of Our Lady.
Elisabeth Chocolatier — Elisabeth is a chain with several stores across Belgium. In Bruges, they are located on Grote Markt, and it’s more geared towards tourists. But, it’s a good place for a chocolate gift with pretty boxes of truffles, pralines and nougat.
GEMS WE RECOMMEND
The food in Bruges is generally of a high quality, mainly because it’s quite traditional. Most menus will have Flemish stew, mussels, and chicken vol-au-vent.
Cafedraal Restaurant — A smart restaurant with beautiful interiors where Ray and Chloe had their first date in In Bruges. Reservations required.
Gran Kaffee Du Passage — Classic Flemish dishes done well in a beautiful old restaurant.
Cafe Vlissinghe — Our favourite brown bar in Bruges with a sunny courtyard and an atmospheric beer hall.
Dee’s Speciality Coffee — If you’re in need of a quality coffee, Dee’s is the best I found in Bruges.
NOT ON THE LIST
There’s a lot to do in Bruges, so you’ll need to make a call about what to skip.
Minnewater, also called Lake of Love, is a leafy park on the southern edge of Bruges. It’s nice enough, but there’s not a huge need to make the special trip. It featured in the movie, In Bruges, so if you’re a fan, the best time to visit is after the De Halve Maan brewery.
I didn’t have time for Brugse Vrije because of opening times, and the fictitious love story running through the Historium was a little on the lame side.
The white-washed houses in the Beguinage circling the garden are pretty, but I’d only visit if you had time to spare.
The Choco-Story audio tour is a bit long-winded, but kids would probably love it.
PLANNING & LOGISTICS
WHEN TO GO?
The best time to visit Bruges is during the shoulder seasons: April-June and September-October.
From April to June, the weather is mild, the gardens are in bloom, and the crowds are manageable. In September and October, you may start to get clear, crisp days, and visitor numbers will be down at this time as well.
Bruges is beautiful over Christmas, but the weather will be cold and damp, and it can get very busy.
Peak season is July-August when the weather is around 15-23°C (59-73°F), it can be busy and you’ll probably pay the most for accommodation.
HOW LONG DO YOU NEED?
Two full days are enough to see the main attractions and get a taste for local Belgian life, particularly in the form of beer, chocolate and stew.
If you had 3 to 4 days, you could see everything and get out of the city via a bike ride in the countryside or a trip to the coast.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The best way to get to Bruges is by train. Belgium has an excellent rail network that is fast, efficient, and generally good value.
Here are the most common train routes to Bruges:
- From Brussels: Direct trains every hour, journey time 1 hour
- From London: Eurostar to Brussels (2 hours), then connecting train (total 4-5 hours)
- From Amsterdam: 3-4 hours with one connection in Brussels or Antwerp
- From Paris: Thalys to Brussels, then connecting train (total 4 hours)
All your train journeys can be booked via thetrainline.com or omio.com. Both platforms accept international cards.
GETTING AROUND?
Bruges train station is about 1.5 kilometres south of the historic centre, which is a 20-minute walk from the station.
The bus station is directly outside the train station, making it easy to get into the city centre with your luggage.
A single trip on the bus costs €3, payable by tapping a contactless card on the white machines on the bus. (The dark machines are for local travel cards).
The historic centre is compact and entirely walkable. Most major attractions are within a 20-minute walk of each other.
WHERE TO STAY
As Bruges is a compact city, it’s not difficult to find accommodation within walking distance of the historic centre. It doesn’t matter too much which area in Bruges you stay in; the whole city is lovely.
Here are some recommendations from us.
LUXURY
- Hotel Dukes’ Palace: A former ducal palace now a 5-star hotel with opulent interiors and a spa.
- Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage: Boutique luxury in a 19th-century mansion with Michelin-star dining.
- Hotel Van Cleef: Stylish riverside mansion with contemporary design and canal views.
BOUTIQUE
- The Pand: A cosy boutique hotel set in an 18th-century carriage house.
- Hotel de Orangerie: Romantic canal-side hotel with plush interiors.
- Bariseele B&B: Eco-friendly adults-only stay in a historic building.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY / HOSTEL
- St Christopher’s Inn — The Bauhaus Hostel: Centrally located hostel with dorms and private rooms.
- Hotel ‘t Putje: Centrally located budget option with simple, comfortable rooms.
- Snuffel Hostel: Modern design hostel with a lively bar close to the main sights.
MUSEA BRUGGE CARD
The Musea Brugge Card provides access to all museums run by Musea Brugge for 72 hours starting from the time you enter the first museum.
The costs for the Museum card are as follows:
- Adults: 33.
- Youth (18-25): €25
- Children (13-17): €17
BRUGES MUSEUM CARD // Book your Musea Brugge Card online before your trip. Scan the voucher at any participating museum to activate your card.
OPENING DAYS & COST FOR THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS
The table below has the opening details for the museums we have covered in this guide to help you plan. We have also included the price to help you decide if the Museum Card is worth it.
There are a few extra museums covered by the Museum Card that we didn’t visit. See the full list of included museums here.
| MUSEUM | HOURS | DAYS | COST (Adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfort (Belfry) | Check the Bruges website for opening times | Every day | €15 |
| Stadhuis (City Hall) | 9:30 AM to 5 PM | Every day | Free |
| Xpo Salvador Dalí | 10 AM to 6 PM | Every day | €10 (not included on the Museum Card) |
| Groeninge Museum | 9 AM to 5 PM | Closed Wednesdays | €15 |
| Basilica of the Holy Blood | 10 AM to 5:15 PM | Every day | Free |
| Saint Saviour’s Cathedral | 10 AM to 1 PM & 2 PM to 5:30 PM | Every day | Free |
| Sint-Janshospitaal | 9:30 AM to 5 PM | Closed Monday | €15 |
| Church Of Our Lady | 9:30 AM to 5 PM | Every day | €8 (museum) |
PRACTICAL TIPS
- Dutch / Flemish is the official language, but English and French are widely spoken. Every waiter/waitress I met spoke at least 3 languages.
- It’s a compact city, and you’ll do a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes.
- We got soaking wet and sunburnt all on the same day, so be prepared for all types of weather.
- Contactless payment was accepted everywhere. We literally didn’t even have any euros with us, and it was never a problem.
MORE BELGIUM GUIDES
- We’ve covered all the best things to do in Bruges on our 1 or 2 day itinerary.
- Discover the best things to do in Antwerp with our comprehensive guide.
- Our guide to visiting Mechelen has a few hidden gems.
- Here’s what you need to know to visit Ghent on a day trip.
- Our guide to Leuven, Belgium.
- The best things to do in Brussels, Belgium’s gritty capital.
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