The historic centre of Bruges 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:
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 and one of the best destinations for those quaint old-town vibes.
We have organised this guide into the best things to do in 1 and 2 days, so you have an idea what to prioritise.
About This Guide
We have also roughly laid this guide out as an itinerary. So, if you do each day in the order listed below, you’ll have an excellent walking itinerary for Bruges.
This allowed us to see the best museums, attractions and picturesque locations in the city on a limited timeframe.
Click on the top right corner to open our map in your Google Maps app. Click the star next to the title to save it to your Google account.
What 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. We’ve put these attractions in the right order, which makes an easy walking route.
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 is surrounded by beautiful examples of Flemish architecture, including the colourful guild houses which date back to medieval times.
There are loads of restaurants lining the square. They are set up for tourists and always busy, but we enjoyed eating here because the atmosphere is good. Generally, the food is good throughout Bruges (and most restaurants have similar menus), so you really can’t go wrong.
The Belfry of Bruges, which we suggest you visit next, is on the Grote Markt.
2. Belfort (Belfry)
We were excited to visit the Belfry mainly because it was featured in the movie In Bruges, but it also offers a great view of Bruges.
The tower dates back to the 13th century and features a treasury and a carillon with 47 bells. If you want to catch a show, 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. Also, the staircase is extremely narrow, so it may not be a good option for everyone.
The Belfry is included on the Bruges Card, which we recommend getting if you are following this guide (more about this below).
It’s a good idea to book a timeslot in advance for the Belfry as visitor numbers are limited due to the extremely narrow staircase. However, we were able to turn up without a reservation and get a timeslot within the next 30 minutes.
3. Salvador Dalí Exhibition
Before our last trip to Bruges, we had no idea the city had a permanent Salvador Dalí exhibition. So, this was high on our list, and it didn’t disappoint.
It’s located in the Belfry building, so it’s convenient to visit after you come down from 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.
It looks a little out of date, but actually, it’s perfectly suited to Dalí and his style.
We have seen reviews online about the poor quality of the audio guide, which is valid. It’s better to just look up individual peices online.
Book your Salvador Dalí Bruges tickets here to skip the queue.
4. Stadhuis (City Hall)
After the Dalí Museum, the next logical stop on our itinerary is 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 is stunning.
The hall has an incredible timber-vaulted ceiling and huge 19th-century murals illustrating Bruges’ history. There are information cards in various languages to explain the artwork.
It’s worth checking out the free interactive display about how Bruges has changed several times over the centuries. You can witness 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.
The 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.
If you are interested in a canal cruise (which we didn’t do), Rozenhoedkaai is the starting point.
The best time to visit is in the morning when the sun lights up the building across the canal. In the afternoon, the sun is behind the buildings, so it’s not as good for photography.
7. De Halve Maan Brewery Tour
We found plenty of opportunities to drink beer in Bruges, but if you are looking to learn a bit more about the process, the De Halve Maan Brewery tour is an excellent way to do so.
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.
If you are interested in beer, we highly recommend the Brussels Beer World. Our guide on the best things to do in Brussels has all the details.
8. Groeninge Museum
If you are just spending one day in Bruges, the final thing we recommend is the Groeninge Museum – 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. We found the collection big enough to be interesting but not so big that it was unmanageable.
Many of the techniques you’ll find at the Groeninge Museum paved the way for the Dutch Golden Age which we cover in a bit more detail in our things to do in Amsterdam guide.
Groeninge Museum is included on the Bruges Museum Card.
Day 2 in Bruges
If you have another day to spend, here is how we suggest you spend it. Again, this is a broad itinerary we have put together based on opening times and best times to visit.
9. Sint-Janshospitaal (Ft John’s Hospital)
St John’s Hospital is one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe. It is now operating as a museum with masterpieces by Flemish artist Hans Memling.
The space is really interesting, with soaring timber ceilings, stone arches, and some striking displays.
The section on the history of diseases was fascinating, and the hospital stories about the dedication that went into caring for patients were heartwarming.
The highlight is the collection of Hans Memling’s artwork, in particular, his four realistic landscapes, which were commissioned especially for the hospital. Don’t miss the magnificent altarpiece, 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 just want to have a quick look around.
However, there is a paid museum in the church (included on the Bruges Museum Card) which contains a host of interesting artwork.
The one no one wants to miss is 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.
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 artefacts from Bruges.
The best reason to visit is for the view of the most charming bridge in Bruges from the first-floor balcony.
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. So it’s a good option if you have a little more time to fill in.
13. Canal Boat Trip
Taking a canal boat tour is one of the most popular things to do in Bruges, where you’ll float past the distinctive architecture of the city.
We’ve ranked this fairly low on the list because there are better things to do, and many cruises are not well run, largely because of 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. There’s also no shelter from the sun or rain.
Having said all that, we can see the appeal. Our advice is to spend a little time picking a tour with good reviews, and experience can differ dramatically.
This Get Your Guide tour is highly rated and includes a walking tour of some of the main sights in Bruges, as well as food and beer tastings.
14. Jerusalem Church
The wealthy Adornes family built the Jerusalem Church to resemble 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, which we have included next. However, at €10 to enter, it may not be for everyone. Use our photos below to help you decide. The highlight is the one chapel you can see below.
15. Windmills on the Ramparts
If you have some time in the late afternoon, a good option is 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.
Essential to Squeeze in
Somewhere along your travels, there are a few things you’ll want to squeeze in to get the full Bruges experience.
Our Chocolate Picks in Bruges
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.
If you consider yourself a true connoisseur, the only other city that rivals this level of chocolate dedication is Germany’s capital – head to our things to do in Berlin guide to read more.
Restaurants 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.
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, a 20-minute walk away.
The bus station is directly outside the train station, making it easy to get into the city centre with your luggage.
A single bus trip costs €3, payable by tapping a contactless card on the white machines on board. (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.
Airbnbs
- Charming Apartment: High-end architect-designed apartment opposite the cathedral.
- Canal Guesthouse: Set in a converted 18th-century merchant’s house right along the canal.
- Koetshuis: Authentic coach-house in the garden of an old mansion.
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: €49.
- Youth (18-25): €37
- Children (13-17): €17
We went to a lot of museums so for us the cost was well worth it
Book your Musea Brugge Card online before your trip. Then you can simply 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 & Netherlands Guides
- Our top things to do in Amsterdam.
- The best things to do in Brussels.
- Our Ghent guide and itinerary.
- The best things to do in Bruges: 1- or 2-day itinerary.
- Our guide to visiting Antwerp.
- The best things to do in Mechelen.
- What to do in Leuven, Belgium.
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Thanks for your support // Paul & Mark