You may have heard of Bruges, the most beautiful city in Belgium. At only one hour by train from Brussels, this charming “Venice of the North” is a must-see. To appreciate all its allure and its magical nights, you may need at least two days in Bruges.
Follow this itinerary for what to do in Bruges in 2 days and make the most of your time there.
Recommended Hotels for Your Stay:
1. Dukes’ Palace Brugge (5*)
2. B&B Saint-Georges (5*)
3. Hotel Biskajer by CW Hotel Collection-Adults Only (4*)
4. Rosenburg Hotel Brugge (4*)
5. B&B Anna’s (3*)
6. House of Bruges (3*)
Day 1: Explore the Medieval Marvels
Morning:
Grote Markt
Begin your journey at the Market Square, a bustling square located in the heart of Bruges.
These are the main attractions around this square and which you should not miss:
Belfry of Bruges
Dominating the skyline of the Grote Markt is this iconic 13th century bell tower. After climbing the 366 steps, you can get a fantastic view of the city. The Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The carrilon has 47 bells. These ring on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Provincial Court
Another notable building on the square is the Provincial Court. The façade of this neo-Gothic structure is adorned with statues and intricate details.
Historic Guild Houses
Surrounding the square are numerous historic guild houses with stepped gables and colorful facades. These guild houses were once the homes of wealthy merchants and guilds during the medieval period.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood
Just a short walk from the Grote Markt, the Basilica of the Holy Blood is a remarkable church that houses the reputed relic of the Holy Blood of Christ in a glass vial.
The Basilica and its museum are open daily from 10:00 am to 5:15 pm. On Fridays, Sundays, and festival days, the upper basilica is not accessible between 10:45 am and 12:15 pm due to the celebration of the Eucharist, unless you wish to attend Holy Mass.
Entry to the Basilica: free of charge
Entry to the museum: 5 euros – free for children under 12.
Farmer’s Market
If you happen to be in Bruges on a Wednesday, enjoy the Farmer’s Market, which functions from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm. It’s a lively scene with market stalls selling a variety of goods such as cheese, fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers. You can also find souvenirs and delicious chocolates.
Outdoor Cafés and Restaurants
Around the Grote Markt you will find outdoor cafés and restaurants, making it a great place to savor Belgian cuisine and indulge in some famous Belgian waffles.
Afternoon:
The Minnewater
This charming lake is connected to the canal system in Bruges. The name “Lake of Love” derives from a romantic local legend associated with a tragic love story.
The park around the lake is adorned with the iconic bridge known as the Bridge of Love. The view from this bridge is particularly stunning and provides a great vantage point for capturing the scenic beauty of the park.
Swans are a common sight in the Minnewater Lake, adding to the romantic and picturesque atmosphere. The graceful swans are often associated with the folklore and legends of Bruges.
Begijnhof
The Begijnhof (Beguinage) of Bruges is in close proximity to Minnewaterpark. This historic site is a tranquil retreat with whitewashed houses and a peaceful courtyard.
It dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest surviving beguinages in the region. Beguinages were communities where women, known as Beguines, lived a religious and communal life without taking formal vows. Many of these women were impoverished widows whose husbands did not return from the crusades.
At the center of the Begijnhof, you’ll find a small chapel dedicated to St. Elizabeth of Hungary. The chapel, with its tranquil interior, adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the place.
There is a museum that provides insights into the history and daily life of the Beguines. The Beguinage Museum in Bruges showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the beguine way of life. You will find a unique kitchen and a well-preserved dining and bedroom.
Canals of Bruges
These are an integral part of the city’s charm. Explore them to get a unique perspective of the city’s well-preserved medieval architecture.
One of the most popular ways to experience the canals is by taking a boat tour. Evening boat tours provide a romantic and enchanting experience. These usually last around 30 minutes to an hour.
Day 2: Art, Chocolate, and Relaxation
Morning:
The Groeningemuseum
This art museum is renown for its exceptional collection of Flemish and Belgian art, spanning from the 14th to the 20th centuries.
The museum is particularly famous for its collection of Flemish Primitive paintings, including works by Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, and Gerard David. There are also artworks from the Renaissance, Baroque periods, as well as Modern Art up to the 20th century.
Address: Dijver 12, 8000 Brugge. It opens from Thursdays to Tuesdays from 09:30 to 17:00. Adults: 15 Euros, Children up to 12 years old: Free.
Chocolate Museum
The Choco-Story Bruges Museum functions in a historical building and is located at a short distance from the Grote Markt. They offer a comprehensive tour with which you will learn about the history of chocolate, and see how it is made and also taste their authentic pralines.
It opens every day from 10 am till 5 pm (last tickets at 4 pm) at Wijnzakstraat 2 (Sint-Jansplein).
Afternoon:
Brouwerij De Halve Maan
The Half Moon Brewery is a family-owned brewery historically established in 1856. It is one of the last active breweries within the city center of Bruges. Its longevity and continuous operation make it a historic landmark in the city.
The brewery is famous for its two flagship beers – Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik. Brugse Zot is a lighter, accessible beer, while Straffe Hendrik offers a more robust and complex flavor profile. Both beers have gained international acclaim for their quality and craftsmanship.
The brewery houses a Beer Museum that provides insights into the history of beer-making in Bruges and the evolution of the brewery itself. The museum displays a collection of brewing equipment, historical artifacts, and offers a glimpse into the brewing traditions of the region.
Brouwerij De Halve Maan is known for its unique architecture, which includes a pipeline that runs under the city streets. The pipeline, known as the “Beer Pipeline,” connects the brewery to a bottling plant located outside the city center. This innovative solution was implemented to transport beer efficiently without disrupting the historic streets of Bruges.
Address: Walplein, 26 Bruges
How to Get from Brussels to Bruges
Getting from Brussels to Bruges is convenient and offers several transportation options. Here are three common methods:
By Train
Trains depart every 20 minutes from Brussels Midi Station there are departures every 20 minutes to Bruges. The journey to Bruges Central Station takes about 55 minutes.
By Car
If you prefer the flexibility of driving, you can rent a car and travel from Brussels to Bruges by road. The distance is approximately 95 kilometers (59 miles), and the journey usually takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
By Bus
The journey by bus typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Buses depart from Brussels North Station (Bruxelles-Nord) or Brussels Midi Station (Bruxelles-Midi). It’s recommended to check the schedules and book tickets in advance.
Where to Stay in Bruges
Superior Hotels (5*)
Dukes’ Palace Bruggei is located in a 15th-century former ducal palace.The rooms in the main part of the castle include high ceilings and original features. It’s only 919 feet from the Markt and a 10-minute walk from the Beguinage. Restaurant Dukes offers refined Belgian cuisine which showcases seasonal ingredients. The hotel offers private parking.
Book here your stay at the Dukes’ Palace Brugge
B&B Saint-Georges, located in the historical center, offers luxuriously decorated rooms with canopy beds. A rich breakfast is served daily at the table. B&B Saint-Georges is 2953 feet from Basilica of the Holy Blood, 0.6 mi from Belfry of Bruges and 0.7 mi from Market Square.
Book here your stay at B&B Saint-Georges
Mid-Range Hotels (4*)
Hotel Biskajer by CW Hotel Collection-Adults Only is set 1148 feet from Bruges’ central Market Square. It offers elegant rooms. Breakfast is served every morning. The surrounding area offer a variety of restaurants and cafés. The Groeninge Museum is a 10-minute walk away, while the Concert Hall is 15 minutes’ walk away.
Book here your stay at Hotel Biskajer by CW Hotel Collection-Adults Only
Rosenburg Hotel Brugge is located along a tranquil canal and close to the major tourist attractions of the area. It is ideal for a sightseeing stay in Brugge. The spacious rooms offer all modern comforts. You can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast in the Orangerie, overlooking the rose garden. The bar is the ideal place to relax and taste Belgium beers.
Book here your stay at the Rosenburg Hotel Brugge
Budget Hotels (3*)
B&B Anna’s is located in the historic heart of Bruges and a mere 5 minutes way from the Market Square, the Burg and the well-known Belfort. It has 5 modern rooms. Three rooms have a large bathroom with a shower and a toilet. The 4th room has a large bath for 2 people. The 5th room is a luxury family room suitable for 2 adults and 2 children.
Book here your stay at B&B Anna’s
House of Bruges is centrally located in the historical center of Bruges. The luxurious baroque guest-house offers bright rooms with a high ceiling and large windows. Bruges’ old city center and its famous Markt square is 656 feet away. You can walk along the canals or sit down in one of the many cafés and restaurants for a drink or meal.
