What to Do and See in Bruges: 1-Day Itinerary

Belgium is a great destination if you want to experience charming historic cities, drink beer, and eat chocolate. While there are many places throughout the country where you can indulge in these experiences, few are as popular as the city of Bruges. Travelers often stop in Bruges as a day trip from Brussels, but this delightful Flemish city has more than enough things to keep you entertained on its own.

Although you can definitely spend more time in the city if you wish, the best places to visit in Bruges can be condensed into one day of sightseeing. To make sure you fit everything in and don’t miss the city’s highlights, it’s best to arrive prepared, which is why we created this comprehensive Bruges itinerary. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of 1 day in Bruges.

The perfect 1-day itinerary for Bruges

Part of what makes Bruges such a popular tourist destination is that visitors can truly experience the best of Bruges in just one day. While you can certainly spend more time in the city, vacation days are precious and travelers often have less time in places than they’d like. That’s why this itinerary shows you exactly what to do in Bruges in 1 day so you don’t miss what makes this Belgian city so special.

However, before we get to our Bruges itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to buy travel insurance. You never know what will happen and, trust us, you don’t want to be stuck with thousands of dollars in medical bills. As a wise man once said: “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” So don’t leave home without it.

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Now that we’ve talked about this important topic, let’s move on to our Bruges travel itinerary. Keep reading to discover how to fit in all the best things to do in Bruges.

Note: if you want to learn more about Bruges’ fascinating history, consider booking a guided walking tour. On this tour, a private guide will show you all the city’s historic highlights, as well as some of Bruges’ quieter neighborhoods.

Markt

There’s no better place to start your stay in Bruges than the magnificent Markt, an old-style market square located right in the heart of Bruges’ historic center and surrounded by some of the city’s most striking landmarks. The buildings date from different periods and feature different designs, from colorful gabled houses to the flamboyant neo-Gothic provincial court.

Other great squares around Bruges worth visiting include De Burg and Jan Van Eyck Square, but for immediate impact, the Markt is hard to beat. It is also home to Bruges’ main Christmas market, with its wooden stalls and ice skating rink.

The Belfry of Bruges

There is another attraction in the Markt that visitors will want to spend a bit more time with: the imposing city belfry. The Bruges Belfry towers 83 meters (272 feet) above the square, making it hard to miss. It is also a quite distinctive building as the tower rises from the roof of a smaller building: the Halle market hall.

Inside the tower is a melodic carillon of 47 bells that chime regularly throughout the city. Visitors can climb to the top of this tower for its panoramic views, but the journey requires conquering 336 steps. Fortunately, halfway up the stairs is the Old Treasury where you can catch your breath while viewing the city’s historical documents.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Taking Breidelstraat out of the Markt, you’ll quickly reach De Burg Square, home to the exclusive Basilica of the Holy Blood. Admiring the church from the square, one might think it is important for its ornate golden facade or its unconventional shape.

However, the reason this basilica is a must-see attraction has to do with the legend of its sacred relic, which, as the name suggests, contains the blood of Christ. The sacred relic, contained in a vial, is one of many brought here after the Crusades and is brought out twice a day for worship by the faithful. Even if you miss these special services, it’s worth taking a look inside this elaborate 12th-century church.

Canal tour

Bruges is a city famous for its picturesque canals, so you’ll definitely want to allow plenty of time to explore them. There are several ways to organize your visit, from the ever-popular canal boat cruises to cycling along them or simply walking. Regardless of the approach, Rozenhoedkaai is an ideal starting point. With the belfry tower in the distance, this spot offers a classic view of the enchanting canal scenery. Another classic place to visit is the Langerei, with its series of charming bridges.

Church of Our Lady Bruges

While there are many churches in Bruges, the other major one not to miss is the Church of Our Lady. This monumental Gothic Catholic church was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and boasts the tallest tower in all of Belgium, standing 115 meters (379 feet) high. But it’s actually inside the church that you will find its most impressive elements, from the splendid golden tombs of dukes and duchesses to the famous sculpture of the Madonna and Child by Michelangelo.

After visiting the Church of Our Lady, be sure to walk behind the building to visit the Bonifacius Bridge, perhaps the most romantic spot in the city. This adorable brick bridge sits on one of the most scenic stretches of Bruges’ canals and is every photographer’s dream.

Saint John’s Hospital

There are also many museums around Bruges where visitors can learn more about the city, but one of the most unusual is Saint John’s Hospital. Located just across the street from the Church of Our Lady, this museum and art gallery is housed in an 11th-century hospital, one of the oldest in Europe. If the idea of seeing what a medieval hospital would have been like doesn’t immediately appeal, then its artworks and exhibits on medieval medical instruments and medicines certainly will.

Begijnhof

Venturing further out from the city center, our next stop are the beautiful white houses of the Bruges Begijnhof. This beguinage, a community for secular emancipated women who chose to lead a religious life, dates back to 1245 and is unlike anywhere else in the city. Centered around a small tree-filled park, it’s flanked by traditional white houses that are now inhabited by nuns of the Order of Saint Benedict. The park is a must-visit in springtime, when daffodils and other flowers bloom creating a sea of colors.

Minnewater

A pleasant place to end your time exploring Bruges is with a stroll by the water at the charming Minnewater. Taking the south exit from the Begijnhof, you’ll arrive at one end of this gentle lake and its tranquil surroundings. Walk along the waterfront to the solitary Poertoren tower. Across the bridge is Minnewater Park, a beautiful and peaceful place dotted with picturesque buildings nestled in greenery.

Do you have more than 24 hours in Bruges?

At this point, you should feel confident knowing how to spend your first 24 hours in Bruges. But what should you do if you have more time? There are definitely other places to visit around the city, including churches, museums, and the bike path along the scenic Damme Canal. Another option, however, is to visit some other Belgian cities on a day trip. Keep reading for some tips.

1. Ghent

To see another memorable Flemish city like Bruges, make Ghent the goal of your day trip. This university city is a bit larger than Bruges and features sublime Gothic architecture that makes it a real pleasure to visit.

Start with Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, an imposing cathedral that houses the famous altarpiece of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Around the cathedral, there is a wide pedestrian area featuring several important city landmarks, from the elegant Ghent Belfry to the modern City Pavilion and the imposing town hall.

Continuing through the historic center, you soon reach the charming and picturesque riverside of the Leie River, lined with all sorts of wonderful buildings. Follow the river north along winding cobblestone streets to reach the dramatic Gravensteen Castle, which boasts, among other things, fantastic views of the city.

2. Brussels

Rather than taking a day trip to Bruges from Brussels, why not do the opposite and head to the capital for the day? Due to the many international organizations based in Brussels, the city has an unfair reputation for being dull, but those who visit quickly learn how charming and fun it can be.

There’s no better place to start a visit to Brussels than with the extravagant Grand Place. While it’s famous for the flower carpet that brightens the square every two years, it is also flanked by magnificent architecture that is best seen in the Gothic town hall.

From there, it’s a short walk to the iconic but disappointing Manneken Pis statue. A better use of your time is to explore different parts of the city center. The Lower Town has the beautiful Mont des Arts gardens or Petit Sablon Square and luxury boutiques inside the Les Galeries Saint Hubert. For culture, head to the Brussels Comic Strip Centre, which combines the Belgian love of comics with stunning Art Déco architecture.

3. Antwerp

Antwerp is another major city in Flanders that definitely deserves a day trip, especially for all the art and history connections the city has. Even just arriving at Antwerp is special thanks to the eclectic architecture of Antwerp’s railway station, one of the grandest train stations you might encounter.

As cliché as it may seem, start your visit with the city’s main square, where you’ll find the illustrious Town Hall and the evocative Brabo Fountain. From there, it’s a short walk to Our Lady Cathedral which features artworks by the famous local artist Peter Paul Rubens. Later, you can also visit the historic Rubens House where the artist lived and see many more of his works.

Other cultural landmarks around Antwerp include the UNESCO-listed Plantin-Moretus Museum, which traces the history of the printing press, and the modern Museum aan de Stroom which displays over 470,000 items related to Antwerp’s history. A fun activity while visiting the city is trying to find the various hidden passages and alleys of the city, such as Vlaeykensgang Alley or Felix Passage.

That sums up everything you need to know about visiting Bruges in 1 day, also giving you ideas on what to do if you have more time there. I hope you now understand why it is such a worthy inclusion in your Belgium itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Bruges

One of the most important parts of trip planning is determining the best time to visit Bruges. As with most places, the number of tourists and weather conditions will have a big impact on your decision.

The busiest time to visit Bruges, or indeed anywhere in Belgium, is always summer. From June to September, you can expect huge crowds of tourists around the city, leading to higher accommodation prices and longer lines for the famous boat trips on the city’s canals. Therefore, it is best to avoid summer whenever possible.

Travelers are better off planning their trip for spring or the Christmas period. Visit Bruges around April or May and not only are there fewer tourists, but the city is full of beautiful colors as flowers bloom everywhere. And while Bruges can be cold before Christmas, the city is completely transformed by its Christmas markets and surprisingly free from visitors.

How to Get Around Bruges

Those intending to visit Bruges will be glad to know that it is a fairly easy city to get around since it is both relatively compact and quite flat. It also helps that most visitors won’t explore much beyond the heart of its historic center.

This means that Bruges is a destination travelers can comfortably explore on foot without the need for cars or public transport. In fact, if you have a car, it’s probably advisable to leave it in one of the many parking lots outside the historic center of Bruges.

If strolling through Bruges doesn’t appeal to you, there are several alternatives, including cycling. Bicycling is a daily part of life in Belgium and a great way to experience the city. There are several bike rentals offering bicycles at hourly or daily rates, typically €5 per hour or €10-20 per day.

Public transport is the other main option for getting around Bruges, with some selected routes crossing the historic center. Bus tickets start at €3 for a 60-minute ticket with unlimited transfers; they can be purchased at ticket machines, at the station, or via the De Lijn app.

Where to Stay in Bruges

The right accommodation can elevate a good trip into a fantastic one, so deciding where to stay in Bruges is a pretty important decision. Fortunately, Bruges is full of lodging options and has a simple layout, which should make it easy to find a suitable place to stay. Most accommodations in Bruges are located in the city’s historic center.

The key thing to keep in mind is that you really need to book in advance if you are traveling in peak season. Below are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Bruges at various budget levels.

Treat yourself to a stay at Hotel Dukes’ Palace Brugge, a luxury hotel located within a stunning 15th-century residence. The five-star hotel offers spacious and elegantly furnished rooms, as well as a spa, garden terrace, bar, and restaurant.

For a good balance of comfort, style, and convenience, Hotel Monsieur Ernest is a fantastic place to base yourself. This three-star boutique hotel is housed in a renovated former brewery and boasts rooms with elegant decor and an excellent free breakfast.

Belgium is not the cheapest destination, but a budget-friendly option for travelers is Hostel Lybeer Bruges. This conveniently located hostel offers dormitories and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and regular activities such as beer tasting and karaoke night.

For more accommodation options in Bruges check Booking.com. They continuously offer the best rates and their personalized service is perfect.