I spent my 40th birthday in Bruges, Belgium, on what my husband and I thought would be a low-key stop between Paris and Amsterdam. Instead, it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip, and we're already daydreaming about returning.
In this post, I'll cover how to spend a weekend in Bruges, including the best things to see and do, where to eat, where to stay, and my tips for making the most of your time in this beautiful Belgian city.
About Bruges
Bruges is a small city in northwest Belgium known for its medieval architecture, canals, cobblestone streets, and historic squares. The city center is compact and very walkable, making it an easy destination for a weekend trip. While Bruges is popular with day-trippers, I recommend staying at least two nights if you can. The city is much quieter in the evenings once the day-trippers have left.
How to Get to Bruges
Bruges is easy to reach by train, especially if you're visiting as part of a larger European trip. From Brussels, the train to Bruges takes about an hour, with frequent departures throughout the day. If you're coming from Paris, you can take the Eurostar to Brussels and connect to a Belgian train to Bruges. From Amsterdam, you'll typically travel by train with a connection in Brussels or Antwerp.
If you're flying into Belgium, Brussels Airport is the most convenient option. From the airport, you can take the train to Bruges, so there's really no need to rent a car. Once you arrive at Bruges train station, the historic center is about a 15-minute walk or quick taxi ride away. Most of the city is easy to explore on foot, which is another reason Bruges works so well for a weekend getaway.
Things to Do in Bruges
Bruges is one of those cities where you don't need a long list of attractions to have a great time. In fact, when we arrived, we had zero plans and had a fabulous time!
The historic center is compact and incredibly walkable, so it's easy to simply set out and explore.
Explore the Historic Center
Start in the Markt, the city's main square, where colorful guild houses surround the towering Belfry of Bruges. We kicked off our trip with lunch at one of the restaurants with patio seating on the square. They're a bit overpriced, but the atmosphere and people watching make it a fun way to settle into the city.
Next, wander toward Burg Square, home to the ornate Basilica of the Holy Blood and Bruges' beautiful Gothic City Hall. The Basilica is worth a quick visit, particularly to see its richly decorated interior and the relic of the Holy Blood, said to be a drop of Christ's blood.
From there, it's only about a five-minute walk to the Church of Our Lady, where you can see Michelangelo's Madonna and Child, one of the few works by the artist located outside Italy. The marble sculpture was also famously featured in the movie The Monuments Men. We actually didn't make the connection while we were in Bruges and only realized we'd seen the famous statue after getting home and watching the movie!
Take a Canal Cruise
One of the best ways to experience Bruges is from the water. Canal cruises are admittedly touristy, but I'd still recommend taking one, especially if it's your first visit. Seeing the medieval buildings and bridges from the canals gives you a completely different perspective of the city, and it's a relaxing way to take a break from walking.
Find Bruges' Prettiest Views
For one of the prettiest views in Bruges, head to the Rozenhoedkaai, or Rosary Quay. The canal curves beneath the historic buildings here, creating one of those postcard-perfect scenes that makes it easy to understand Bruges' reputation as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. It's especially lovely in the early morning or evening, when the streets are quieter.
For a little more history and a great view, climb the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry of Bruges. The staircase is narrow and steep, but the views across the red rooftops are worth the effort. Go early if you want to avoid the longest lines.
Taste Your Way Through Bruges
And of course, you can't visit Bruges without enjoying some Belgian chocolate. There are chocolate shops throughout the historic center, from well-known names to tiny independent chocolatiers; my favorite is Dumon Chocolatier. Even if you aren't bringing any chocolate home, it's worth popping into a few shops to admire the beautifully made pralines and truffles. And while you're indulging your sweet tooth, be sure to try a Belgian waffle, too.
See Bruges With a Local
On our first evening in Bruges, we also did this tip-based free walking tour of Bruges. This isn't an affiliate link, I just genuinely loved the tour. My husband and I try to do a few different experiences whenever we visit a new city, and free walking tours are one of our favorites. They're a great way to learn a little history while seeing the city from a local's perspective. We didn't make it to a cooking class during our time in Bruges, but the walking tour was one of the best we've done anywhere.
Where to Eat in Bruges
Bruges has no shortage of charming restaurants, cafés, and places to stop for a Belgian beer or something sweet. From traditional Belgian dishes to cozy spots perfect for a long lunch, here are a few places I'd recommend adding to your weekend.
• De Halve Maan: We loved this place! It's a historic brewery in the heart of Bruges and a great place to experience Belgian beer alongside traditional dishes. The brewery has been brewing beer here for centuries, and the atmosphere makes it worth a visit even if you're not a big beer drinker.
Address: Walplein 26, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
• Restaurant Diligence: We really enjoyed our meal here, especially the Flemish beef stew, a classic Belgian dish made with Trappist beer and served with applesauce. The restaurant has a cozy, traditional atmosphere and is right in the heart of the historic center, making it a great choice for a relaxed dinner after a day of exploring.
Address: Hoogstraat 5, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
• Chez Albert: If you're looking for a Belgian waffle, this is the place to stop. The waffles are made fresh to order and are the perfect treat while you're wandering around the historic center.
Address: Breidelstraat 16, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Where to Stay in Bruges
For a weekend in Bruges, I'd stay in or very close to the historic center. Most of the city's main sights are within walking distance, and there's something special about being able to step outside your hotel and immediately find yourself surrounded by medieval buildings and quiet canals.
Here are a few beautiful mid-range and luxury properties to consider.
• Hotel Dukes' Palace: A beautiful 5-star hotel housed in a former 15th-century ducal residence. The property has an elegant old-world feel, with a peaceful garden and an excellent location just steps from the main shopping streets and historic center.
Address: Prinsenhof 8, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
• The Pand Hotel: A small, romantic boutique hotel tucked away on a quiet street near the canals. Its intimate atmosphere and classic interiors make it a particularly lovely choice for a couples' getaway.
Address: Pandreitje 16, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
• Hotel de Orangerie: One of the city's most charming luxury hotels, located directly along the Dijver Canal. The historic building, beautiful interiors, and canal views make this a particularly memorable place to stay.
Address: Kartuizerinnenstraat 10, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Itinerary: How to Spend a Weekend in Bruges
If you only have a weekend in Bruges, you can see quite a bit without feeling rushed. The historic center is compact enough that you can explore most of it on foot, while still leaving plenty of time for long lunches, Belgian chocolate, and wandering along the canals.
Day One
Start your first morning in the Markt before the city gets busy. Take some time to admire the colorful guild houses and Belfry, then make your way toward Burg Square, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and Church of Our Lady.
From there, spend the rest of the morning wandering through the historic center. Stop into a chocolate shop or two, browse the boutiques, and make your way toward the canals and Rozenhoedkaai.
For lunch, find a cozy restaurant in the historic center then stroll to the Boniface Bridge, the often-photographed, storybook bridge that Bruges is known for.
In the afternoon, enjoy a break from walking and take a canal cruise. This is a great way to see any sights you may have missed, as well as the fifty or so swans that call Bruges home.
End your evening with dinner in the historic center, followed by a walk through Bruges after dark. The city takes on a completely different atmosphere once the day-trippers have left, and this is one of my favorite times to explore.
Day Two
Start your second day with breakfast before heading to the Belfry of Bruges. If you're up for the climb, the views from the top are worth the effort.
Spend the rest of the morning exploring some of the streets you may have missed the day before. Bruges is a city where you'll find plenty of beautiful details simply by wandering without a specific destination.
After lunch, spend some time shopping for Belgian chocolate, lace, and other local souvenirs. If you have time, visit the Groeninge Museum or one of the city's other museums for a little more history and art.
Before leaving Bruges, take one last walk along the canals and stop for a Belgian waffle or a drink at one of the city's cafés.
If You Have More Time
If you have more time, one thing we didn't have a chance to do, but is definitely on our list for next time is taking the train from Bruges to nearby Ghent for a day trip. The train ride is only about 25 minutes each way, making it an easy addition to a Bruges itinerary. While Bruges is known for its picturesque canals and storybook medieval streets, Ghent is known for its Gothic architecture and historic landmarks, including Saint Bavo's Cathedral and Gravensteen Castle. Seeing Ghent's beautiful historic center in person is definitely on my bucket list for our next trip to Belgium!
Final Thoughts on Bruges
Bruges completely exceeded my expectations. What we thought would be a simple stop between Paris and Amsterdam ended up being one of the highlights of our trip, and I can already see myself returning for another stay.
What I loved most was how easy it was to slow down here. Spend the morning wandering the canals, linger over lunch, stop for chocolate, and leave plenty of time to simply enjoy the beautiful streets around you. You don't need a packed itinerary to appreciate Bruges.
If you're looking for a European getaway that feels romantic, charming, and a little bit magical, Bruges is hard to beat. And if you're planning a trip to Belgium, I'd definitely give yourself at least a full weekend here rather than trying to squeeze it into a day trip.
Bruges Travel Resources
Planning your trip? Here are the hotels, restaurants, and places mentioned throughout this guide, all in one place.
Hotels
Restaurants & Food
Things to Do
- Belfry of Bruges
- Basilica of the Holy Blood
- Church of Our Lady
- Bruges Canal Cruise
- Rozenhoedkaai
- Boniface Bridge
- Groeninge Museum
- Free Walking Tour of Bruges