How to Spend One Day in Bruges, Belgium: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you thinking about taking a day trip from Brussels to Bruges and wondering how to make the most of your time in this charming, medieval city? In this blog post, I’ll share what we did during our one day in Bruges, Belgium, how we got from Brussels to Bruges, where we ate in Bruges, and more.

Now, let’s plan your perfect day in Bruges, Belgium!

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A Quick Intro to Bruges

Known for its canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval buildings, Bruges is the capital of the province of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, an important center for fishing and European trade, and the seat of the College of Europe. It’s also a popular tourist destination and, similar to Stockholm, Sweden, sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North.

The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, most of its medieval architecture is still intact, making it one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, along with Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the medieval streets, cruising the canals, or trying some Belgian delicacies, Bruges is a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of Brussels. And, one day in Bruges is all you really need!

How to Get from Brussels to Bruges

Bruges is about 60 miles northwest of Brussels, making it an easy day trip from Brussels. The quickest and easiest way to get from Brussels to Bruges is by train. Direct trains run every 30 minutes or so from Brussels Central Station, Brussels Midi (Zuid), and Brussels Nord (North) to Bruges Station (Brugge), and the journey takes around 1 hour. You can purchase tickets online through Trainline (my preference) or in person at the train station. 

Note that when you arrive in Bruges, the train station is about a 20 minute walk from Bruges city center.

Another way to get from Brussels to Bruges is by car. Depending on traffic, the drive usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes via the E40 highway.

Traveling by bus from Brussels to Bruges is a third option, though buses run less frequently than trains. The journey typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops. You can purchase tickets through the company’s website or directly at the bus stations.

A final option is joining an organized day tour from Brussels to Bruges. These often include round-trip transportation, a guided tour of Bruges, and some additional activities and/or meals. Here are a few tours we researched before our visit to Bruges (though we didn’t end up trying any):

• Bruges and Ghent Day Trip from Brussels (10 hours)
• From Brussels: Ghent and Bruges Day Tour (10.5 hours)
• From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour (10-10.5 hours)

Is Bruges Walkable?

Once you’re in Bruges, you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes like these Women’s Weekend Vessis or these NAOT Sabrina Women’s Sandals. Note that public transport and taxis are also available if needed, but most attractions are accessible by foot.

What Language is Spoken in Bruges?

The primary language spoken in Bruges is Dutch, but English and French are also widely understood.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bruges?

Bruges has a temperate, maritime climate, with mild summers and cold winters. 

The best time to visit Bruges is between May and September, when the weather is most pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 57 to 73°F. However, summer is also peak tourist season, which means that there are more crowds this time of year.

From late October to early March, temperatures range from 39 to 45°F and are even colder between December and February, frequently dropping below freezing at night. But, the festive Bruges Christmas Market makes winter a magical time to visit too!

We visited Bruges in the summer (in July), enjoyed the warmer weather, and didn’t experience too many crowds. However, it did rain, so be sure to pack your rain jacket!

Map of One Day in Bruges

Here’s a map of the route we followed during our one day in Bruges. More about our one-day Bruges itinerary in the next section!

One Day in Bruges Itinerary

One day in Bruges is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of what this charming city has to offer. Here’s how we spent our one day in Bruges!

Walk Along the Passantenfietsbrug

First things first! When you arrive in Bruges, you’ll have to make your way from Bruges Station to Bruges city center, and a stroll along the Passantenfietsbrug, i.e. the Cyclists’ Bridge, is an enjoyable way to do so. The walk typically takes between 15 to 20 minutes and offers some lovely sights along the way.

From Bruges Station, cross the road to the pathway that leads to the Passantenfietsbrug (it’s next to the adjacent bus station). After crossing the Passantenfietsbrug, you’ll reach a quaint street called Oostmeers. Follow the street to the end, and you’ll find yourself right in the heart of Bruges city center!

Try a Belgian Waffle

Once you’ve made it to Bruges city center, be sure to stop and treat yourself to one of Belgium’s most well-known delicacies, the waffle!

With roots all the way back to the Middle Ages, waffles are a popular Belgian snack, and there are lots of places around Bruges to try this delicious treat. Popular spots include Lizzie’s Wafels, The Old Chocolate House, the House of Waffles, Gauffre de Bruxelles, Oyya, and Laurence Waffle Workshop.

We stopped at Chez Albert, which might be the most popular spot of all! Chez Albert is known for its Liège waffles, which have a doughy texture and are topped with yummy, caramelized sugar. You can also choose from a variety of toppings, like fresh strawberries, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.

Explore Market Square

After you’ve refueled with your delicious snack, head over to the historic Market Square, or “Markt Square” in Dutch. This is the central square in Bruges and one of the most iconic and picturesque locations in the city—and, it’s a must-see during your one day in Bruges!

Since the Medieval period, Market Square has been a central spot for trade and commerce, as well as a meeting place for locals and visitors alike. Today, the square hosts Christmas markets, fairs, festivals, concerts, and more, in addition to a traditional market that’s held every Wednesday for vendors to sell local produce, flowers, and goods.

Here are some of the things you won’t want to miss at Market Square:

• The Belfry of Bruges (Belfort): Dating back to the 13th century, this medieval bell tower is one of Bruges’ most famous landmarks. Here, visitors can climb the 366 steps to the top for a panoramic view of the city
• Provincial Court (Provinciaal Hof): This impressive and detailed neo-Gothic building once served as the government headquarters for the province of West Flanders
• Colorful Guild Houses: The square is lined with beautiful, historic guild houses with colorful facades, which reflect the rich mercantile history of Bruges and now host restaurants, cafes, and shops
• Statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck: Located in the center of the square, this statue commemorates two local heroes who led the Bruges Matins uprising against the French occupation in 1302
• Historic Market Hall: Also known as the “Hallen,” this central feature of the square was historically used for trade and commerce 

Lunch at Market Square

Though restaurant prices at Market Square are generally more expensive, we really enjoyed our experience at Pizzeria Da Mario. Our waiter was a true delight, and the food and drinks were all delicious.

My friend, Stephanie, and I split the Bruschetta Zucchini & Goat Cheese and the Burrata Salad. I also tried the Jupiler Brugge Tripel, a blonde Belgian beer made with herbs in a traditional style of brewing that dates all the way back to the Middle Ages—how neat!

A Broad Recommendation: If you’re looking for traditional Belgian cuisine, go somewhere where you can try some local specialties like moules-frites (mussels and fries) or a Flemish beef stew.

Take a Canal Cruise

A canal cruise offers a unique perspective of the city’s historic and charming architecture and is another must-do activity during your one day in Bruges.

Bruges is famous for its intricate network of canals that wind through the city center, and a canal cruise is a great way to relax and to see the city from a different vantage point.

During your journey, you’ll ride past iconic landmarks like the Belfry of Bruges, the Church of Our Lady, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, as well as lots of picturesque houses, cobblestone streets, and lush greenery. This is such a fun experience that you just won’t want to miss during your one day in Bruges!

A Broad Recommendation: Most canal cruises operate from spring through autumn, last between 30 to 60 minutes, and cost around €12 per person. Most also offer guided commentary, so you’ll learn a little bit about Bruges’ history and important landmarks along the way.

Try Some Belgian Chocolate

The last thing we did during our one day in Bruges is some chocolate tasting—yum! Belgium has a long history of chocolate making, and Bruges is home to many chocolatiers who’ve been perfecting their craft for generations, making Bruges one of the best places in the world to enjoy this delicious treat.

Be sure to check out one or more of Bruges’ artisanal chocolate shops or museums or attend one of the city’s chocolate-related events or festivals. Here, visitors can sample chocolates and learn more about the history and art of chocolate making in Belgium.

Some of the most famous chocolatiers in Bruges include The Chocolate Line, Dumon, and Pralinette, though we just popped in to a random store we passed to try some. And, I guess we were too busy chocolate tasting to take any pictures, so you’ll just have to go to try some yourself!

Other Things to Do in Bruges

Of course, there are lots of other things to do in Bruges, and you can tailor your one day in Bruges to fit your interests. Here are some of the things we didn’t have time for during our one day in Bruges but would like to see next time.

• Minnewaterpark: A beautiful, peaceful park situated in the south part of Bruges, which is home to the “Lake of Love”; legend has it that partners who walk over the lake bridge together will be granted eternal love
• Begijnhof (Beguinage): A tranquil area and UNESCO World Heritage site with white-painted houses and a lovely garden, which offer a glimpse into the lives of the Beguines
• Groeningemuseum: An art museum that houses an impressive collection of Flemish and Belgian masterpieces
• Burg Square: One of the most historically significant and picturesque squares in Bruges, Burg Square has been a central part of Bruges since the 9th century when it was the site of a fortified castle built by the first Count of Flanders. Over the centuries, it’s served as the administrative and political heart of the city and an important social hub. Don’t miss these attractions at Burg Square:
  • City Hall (Stadhuis): Dating back to the late 14th century, this is one of the oldest city halls in the Low Countries, which includes Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and northwestern France
  • Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek): This unique double church houses a relic believed to contain a drop of Christ’s blood and boasts both Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles
  • Liberty of Bruges (Brugse Vrije): A former palace of the Bruges Liberty, this now houses the City Archives and has an impressive Renaissance facade
  • Town Hall Museum: The City Hall also houses a museum where visitors can learn about the history of Bruges and see various historical artifacts

We also looked into some Bruges walking tours but didn’t end up doing any of these. You’ll just have to go and try one of them for yourself (and let us know what you think)!

• Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges (2.25 hours)
• Storytelling Tour Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips (2-3 hours)
• Bruges: Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour (2 hours)

Have you ever been to Bruges, Belgium? Do you think one day in Bruges is enough? Let me know what you would add to this Bruges itinerary in the comments below!

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads