Bruges, Belgium
Locavy ratings
Party
3/5
Sightseeing
4/5
Relaxation
3/5
Value
3.5/5
Transport Links
3/5
Experiences
4/5
Party
3/5
Sightseeing
4/5
Relaxation
3/5
Value
3.5/5
Transport Links
3/5
Experiences
4/5
At a glance
Bruges is an excellent year-round city break destination, renowned for its stunning historic buildings and charming atmosphere.
Party
While Bruges isn’t famous for its electric party scene, it still offers plenty of opportunities for a lively night out. The nightlife is primarily centered around the old town, which is lined with popular bars and pubs. Notable spots include Café Du Théâtre, De Coulissen Brugge, and Bar Des Amis.
Sightseeing
Bruges is a beautiful city with many must-see sights, including the Belfry Tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Enhance your experience by taking one of the city’s sightseeing tours to fully appreciate its beauty.
Relaxation
When visiting Bruges, Minnewaterpark is a must for those seeking relaxation. Additionally, a scenic walk through the grounds of Tillegem Castle is highly recommended for a tranquil experience.
Value
While Bruges isn’t the cheapest destination, it’s more affordable than Brussels and offers excellent value for money. To reduce costs, book accommodation in advance and purchase the Bruges Citypass.
Transport links
Fly
Train
Drive
Fly
Ostend-Bruges International Airport, located 30 km west of Bruges, is the city’s local airport. However, due to its small size and distance, most tourists transit through Brussels Airport and take a train to Bruges, taking around 50 minutes.
Train
Taking the train is the best way to visit Bruges. Brugge railway station offers excellent connections to major cities across Belgium, including Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp.
Drive
Bruges is a compact city with an excellent public transport network, making car hire unnecessary. Additionally, the city center is known for heavy traffic, further discouraging driving.
Experiences
Bruges offers a wide range of excellent experiences. The best activity is exploring the city’s colorful old town. Additionally, consider joining one of the many food tours or discovering the city by taking a canal cruise.
Best Things To Do
1. Wander Bruges Old Town
Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Bruges Old Town with its medieval streets, charming canals, and historic buildings. The colorful market square is the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Early morning or late afternoon visits are best to avoid crowds.
2. Explore Bruges' Museums
Visit Bruges’ diverse museums, such as the Groeningemuseum, the Historium, and the Choco-Story Museum. Each offers unique insights into the city’s art, history, and culture.
Consider buying a Museum Pass Brugge for discounted entry to multiple museums.
3. Join a Bruges Food Tour
Delight your taste buds with a Bruges food tour, sampling local specialties like Belgian waffles, chocolates, and beers. Learn about the city’s culinary history from knowledgeable guides.
Choose a tour that includes visits to both famous and hidden gems for a comprehensive experience.
4. Enjoy a Canal Cruise
Discover Bruges from a different perspective on a canal cruise. Glide through the picturesque waterways, passing by beautiful architecture and scenic views.
Opt for a sunset cruise for a particularly magical experience.
5. Visit Tillegem Castle
Discover the 13th-century Tillegem Castle, located southwest of Bruges. Take a tour of the castle and explore its expansive grounds, perfect for a day of historical immersion and scenic walks.
Check the opening hours in advance as they can vary, especially during off-peak seasons.
6. Sightseeing Tour
Explore Bruges’ historic landmarks like the Belfry Tower and Basilica of the Holy Blood on a sightseeing tour. Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus tour or a guided cycling tour to learn about the city’s rich history and architecture.
Opt for an early morning tour to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
7. Minnewaterpark
Stroll around Minnewaterpark’s tranquil lake and gardens, located south of Bruges’ city center. Known for its picturesque scenery, this park offers a peaceful escape with beautiful swans and lush greenery.
Visit during spring for blooming flowers or autumn for colorful foliage.
8. Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood
Admire the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a stunning church that houses a revered relic believed to contain the blood of Jesus Christ. The basilica features both Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Visit on a Friday to witness the veneration ceremony of the Holy Blood.
9. Climb the Belfry Tower
Ascend the Belfry Tower for breathtaking views over Bruges. This iconic medieval bell tower, located in the market square, offers panoramic vistas of the city and beyond.
Be prepared for a steep climb up the 366 steps, and try to visit early to avoid long lines.
10. Christmas Market
Experience Bruges’ enchanting Christmas market, held from late November to early January. Wander through stalls and food vendors, savour seasonal treats and shop for unique gifts.
Go in the evening to see the market lit up with twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
1. Wander Bruges Old Town
Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Bruges Old Town with its medieval streets, charming canals, and historic buildings. The colorful market square is the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Early morning or late afternoon visits are best to avoid crowds.
2. Explore Bruges' Museums
Visit Bruges’ diverse museums, such as the Groeningemuseum, the Historium, and the Choco-Story Museum. Each offers unique insights into the city’s art, history, and culture.
Consider buying a Museum Pass Brugge for discounted entry to multiple museums.
3. Join a Bruges Food Tour
Delight your taste buds with a Bruges food tour, sampling local specialties like Belgian waffles, chocolates, and beers. Learn about the city’s culinary history from knowledgeable guides.
Choose a tour that includes visits to both famous and hidden gems for a comprehensive experience.
4. Enjoy a Canal Cruise
Discover Bruges from a different perspective on a canal cruise. Glide through the picturesque waterways, passing by beautiful architecture and scenic views.
Opt for a sunset cruise for a particularly magical experience.
5. Visit Tillegem Castle
Discover the 13th-century Tillegem Castle, located southwest of Bruges. Take a tour of the castle and explore its expansive grounds, perfect for a day of historical immersion and scenic walks.
Check the opening hours in advance as they can vary, especially during off-peak seasons.
6. Sightseeing Tour
Explore Bruges’ historic landmarks like the Belfry Tower and Basilica of the Holy Blood on a sightseeing tour. Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus tour or a guided cycling tour to learn about the city’s rich history and architecture.
Opt for an early morning tour to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
7. Minnewaterpark
Stroll around Minnewaterpark’s tranquil lake and gardens, located south of Bruges’ city center. Known for its picturesque scenery, this park offers a peaceful escape with beautiful swans and lush greenery.
Visit during spring for blooming flowers or autumn for colorful foliage.
8. Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood
Admire the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a stunning church that houses a revered relic believed to contain the blood of Jesus Christ. The basilica features both Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Visit on a Friday to witness the veneration ceremony of the Holy Blood.
9. Climb the Belfry Tower
Ascend the Belfry Tower for breathtaking views over Bruges. This iconic medieval bell tower, located in the market square, offers panoramic vistas of the city and beyond.
Be prepared for a steep climb up the 366 steps, and try to visit early to avoid long lines.
10. Christmas Market
Experience Bruges’ enchanting Christmas market, held from late November to early January. Wander through stalls and food vendors, savour seasonal treats and shop for unique gifts.
Go in the evening to see the market lit up with twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
10 Things You Need to know
1.
Bruges Citypass
Consider purchasing the Bruges Citypass for discounts on the city’s popular sights and activities.
6.
Safety Tips
Bruges is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
2.
Language
Dutch is the official language of Bruges.
7.
Getting Around
Explore Bruges easily on foot; public transport options are limited but sufficient.
3.
Where to Stay
Stay in the old town for easy access to Bruges’ compact city center and main attractions.
8.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping in Bruges is appreciated but not mandatory.
4.
Best Time to Visit
Bruges offers year-round charm, from summer outdoor activities to a magical winter market.
9.
Weather Conditions
Expect mild summers and cool winters in Bruges; prepare for variable weather.
5.
Sunday Closures
Many shops and attractions in Bruges are closed on Sundays.
10.
Currency
While credit cards are widely accepted, having cash on hand is useful for smaller purchases and markets.
6.
Safety Tips
Bruges is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
7.
Getting Around
Explore Bruges easily on foot; public transport options are limited but sufficient.
8.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping in Bruges is appreciated but not mandatory.
9.
Weather Conditions
Expect mild summers and cool winters in Bruges; prepare for variable weather.
10.
Currency
While credit cards are widely accepted, having cash on hand is useful for smaller purchases and markets.