Bruges, Belgium

Bruges

Medieval canals, a belfry and lace shops.

  • All year
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
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Things to do

2 days in Bruges

Day 1

  1. MorningClimb the 366 steps of the Belfry early, before the queues.
  2. AfternoonTake a canal boat and visit the beguinage and the Minnewater lake.
  3. EveningWalk the empty canals at night when the day-trippers have gone.

Day 2

Cycle to Damme along the canal, or visit the Groeninge Museum.

What to eat

Belgian fries, chocolates and a Brugse Zot beer.

Local tips

Make the most of Bruges

Beat the crowds

Bruges is packed with day-trippers midday. Stay the night: in the evening and early morning the canals are almost empty.

Best photo spot

The Rozenhoedkaai, the classic view of the canal and the Belfry. The Minnewater lake is quieter.

Getting there

Trains from Brussels take about an hour. The station is a 15-minute walk from the centre.

Don't miss nearby

Damme, a small village 7 km away, reached by bike along a tree-lined canal.

Good to know

Climb the Belfry early: there's a limit on how many people can be up at once. The old town is very walkable.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Bruges

Our most hidden places around Bruges: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Bruges to take with you.

6.1 km away
48 km away
49 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Bruges

Getting there

  • Ostend-Bruges Airport (OST)25 km away
  • Brussels Airport (BRU)95 km away
  • Ghent40 km away
  • Lille65 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryBelgium

Questions

Bruges: good to know

Is Bruges worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. Medieval canals, a belfry and lace shops.

How many days do you need in Bruges?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Bruges?

You can visit all year. Bruges is packed with day-trippers midday. Stay the night: in the evening and early morning the canals are almost empty.

How do you get to Bruges?

The nearest airport is Ostend-Bruges Airport (OST), about 25 km away. Trains from Brussels take about an hour. The station is a 15-minute walk from the centre.

What is there to see near Bruges?

Nearby hidden places include Ghent (38 km), Ypres (Ieper) (46 km) and Lille (66 km).

Day trips from Bruges: 10 hidden places nearby
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