In the west of Belgium’s Flemish region lies Bruges, one of the most picturesque towns in the world. Often nicknamed the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its canal network, the cobbled streets and traditional gingerbread-style Flemish terraces entice millions of tourists to visit this wonderful city every year. And they are rarely disappointed. Exploring Bruges is like stepping into a fairytale and the whole city is adorned with charm. Top that with delicious snacks and traditional food at every corner, and you have the perfect destination.
Belgium is a very small country, and so it’s easy to take a day trip to Bruges from the country’s capital, Brussels. This guide to how to take a magical day trip to Bruges is filled with everything you need to know before you set off, including how to get there, why you should go, and Bruges essentials to pack with you. Of course, most importantly this guide takes you through all the best things to do in Bruges during your day trip, and all the best food and drink to fuel your day. You’ll also find an easy itinerary to help you put together all this information and plan your day trip to Bruges, which is at the end of this post.
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Is Bruges Worth Visting?
In my opinion, taking a day trip to Bruges is absolutely worth it. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with its cobbled streets, fairytale cottages and cute traditional terraces and facades. That’s not even mentioning the amazing food and drinks you can sample, from the fries, chocolate (and hot chocolate!), waffles, beer, hearty food…. the list is endless. You’ll have the opportunity to delve into the cultural side of Bruges and Belgium, in the most picturesque setting possible.
Is One Day in Bruges Enough?
Bruges is a relatively small city, and with my guide to a day trip to Bruges, you can easily explore the whole city in a day. It’s a great option for budget travellers as you can head back to your base city (likely Brussels), where the accommodation will probably be much cheaper.
This itinerary isn’t too fast paced for the average traveller, but there are a lot of activities packed in. If you prefer to slow things down, you might want to consider booking overnight accommodation and splitting your trip over two days. This comes with added advantages too – if you wake up early you can enjoy the empty streets of Bruges before the tourists arrive for the day.
Where is Bruges?
Bruges is found in the north-west of the European country of Belgium. It is close to the border with the Netherlands and is easily reached from many Belgian cities, including the capital, Brussels.
How to Get to Bruges From Brussels
The easiest way to travel from Brussels for a day trip to Bruges is by train. There are direct trains that take just over an hour from the three main Brussels train stations (Central, Midi and North). Make sure you check the SNCB (Belgian train operator) website for the full timetables, but trains tend to run between Brussels and Bruges every 15-20 minutes. The last train home from Bruges to Brussels is at 23:25.
Train tickets from Brussels to Bruges are well priced, and there are good discount options as well. A standard weekday return ticket is €28,80. At the weekends, tickets are half price across the whole train network. If you’re travelling to Bruges on a budget, it’s best to go on the weekend as you’ll save 50% of your travel costs. For those under 26, you can get a youth ticket, which costs just €13,20 (€6,60 per single to any destination across Belgium), and for seniors over 65, there is the senior ticket, which entitles you to a return journey for just €7,20.
Top Tip: If you arrive by train for your day trip to Bruges, make sure you pass through Minnewater park on your way to the city centre. It’s a lovely little green space that makes for the perfect serene start to your day if you have the time. Alternatively, you could have a wander through the park on your way back to the train station when your day is done.
If you are arriving in Belgium by plane (either to Brussels Airport Zaventem or Charleroi Airport) and want to head straight to Bruges, there are some options available. From Brussels Airport Zaventem, you can take a direct train to Bruges. It passes through Brussels. From Charleroi Airport, there’s a shuttle bus that will take you directly from outside the airport to the city of Bruges. Make sure you book online before you travel as it’s cheaper and saves queuing time.
Bruges Day Trip Essentials
There are a few essentials that you should definitely pack for your day trip to Bruges.
The most important one is cash. Many of Belgium’s most famous delicacies are found in the form of street food, and often these vendors don’t accept card. If you plan to try out the fries and waffles, make sure you are prepared and take a few euros with you in cash. It’s much easier to be organised and sort this beforehand, as otherwise, you might end up wandering the streets of Bruges searching for an ATM, instead of enjoying your day. If you want to enjoy some beer on your day trip to Bruges, take some extra cash as well, as a few of the bars also don’t accept card.
Although there are many snacks to try around Bruges, it can’t hurt to pack a couple of snack bars or pieces of fruit to keep you fuelled up. Day trips make for very long days, and you’ll be on your feet for most of it. It’s very easy to get peckish, and once that hanger kicks in, the day can go downhill pretty quickly. Even though you might not need them after trying all the sweet treats from the streets of Bruges, pop a few snacks in your day trip bag, reading to quell hunger as soon as it appears.
As the streets of Bruges are predominantly cobbled, make sure you wear a comfortable pair of shoes. Your ankles and soles may never forgive you if you try to spend a day in Bruges in heels. A good pair of trainers should do you just fine, and in the summer you’ll be fine with a pair of sandals as long as they are supportive and have a back strap so they don’t slip off.
You’re definitely going to want to remember your day trip to Bruges, and to be able to look back on your time there you should take a camera and snap some photos. It’s hard to take a bad photo of Bruges, and with a good camera or phone, you’ll be good to go. I use the iPhone XR and the Fujifilm XT-20.
The Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to Bruges
Begijnhof
One of the most interesting parts of Belgian culture that aren’t known by many people is the Begijnhofs (Béginuages in French). Around the 13th century, and through to the 19th and 20th centuries, groups of women, called Beguines or Begijns, started to form religious communities in which to live. These communities gave them security and stability without having to enter into marriage, and without having to renounce their right to property to become a nun.
The Bruges Begijnhof is one of 13 Begijnhofs across Belgium awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status. Many have been repurposed, like the Groot Begijnhof in Leuven which is now used as university accommodation. In Bruges, the Begijnhof is now used as convent by Saint-Benedict nuns.
It’s free to visit the Bruges Begijnhof, and it’s open daily from 6:30 am-6:30 pm. Given its current use, it’s very important to be quiet and respectful during your visit. There is information at the front gate that tells you the correct etiquette to adopt when you are there.
Church of Our Lady Bruges
Bruge’s Roman Catholic Gothic style church is the tallest building in the city. The architecture and detail of the brickwork is really interesting. Inside, you can see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, as well as many other important art pieces.
The church is open daily from from 9:30 am-5 pm. It’s free to enter part of the church, but if you’d like to explore the whole thing, you can pay a small fee to enter their church museum.
Bonifaciusbrug
Hidden behind the Church of Our Lady Bruges, Bonifaciusbrug is one of the most beautiful spots in Bruges. As picturesque as it gets, the brick bridge was built in the 20th century and crosses a canal. Across the canal, you’ll see some traditional houses and behind you is an alternative view of the aforementioned church.
Although it will only take you a few minutes to see and cross the bridge, it’s such a lovely stop on your route to the city centre.
Fries Museum
It’s no secret that Belgium is famous for its fries, and while the best Belgian fries are found in Brussels, in Bruges you can learn all about the history of the french fry at the Frietmuseum. You’ll learn all about how the tasty snack was invented, and its journey through history. The museum provides a really fun, interactive experience and, of course, you can try some famous fries at the end of your visit.
The museum is open daily from 10 am-5 pm. Tickets cost €7, with small reductions for students, seniors and children. It’s best to book tickets online to be prepared, but you can also pay at the entrance to the museum. You can also buy a bundle ticket that includes the Choco-Story Museum.
Choco-Story Museum
Made by the same father and son duo that opened the Fries museum above, the Choco-Story Museum will take you through another one of Belgium’s biggest attractions – chocolate! Much like the Fries Museum, Choco-Story will take you through the history of chocolate, as well as the production. You’ll also have the chance to watch a chocolate making demonstration and sample some of the products.
Choco-Story is open daily from 10 am-5 pm. Tickets cost €9,50, again with small reductions for students, seniors and children. You can see all the bundle ticket prices on their website and also book your tickets.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into Belgian chocolate or other exports, why not book a tasting tour or workshop!
Belfry of Bruges
Dominating the main square in Bruges is the Belfry, a 13th century bell tower that is one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Belgium. You can climb to the top of the Belfry for amazing views over the city.
The Bruges Belfry is open from 9 am-6 pm daily. Tickets cost €12-€14 and can be booked online. The Belfry is not accessible for wheelchair users, or anyone who may have difficulty climbing the 366 steps to the top.
Markt
Belgium is known for its elaborate and beautiful market squares, and Bruges is no exception. Markt lies in the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and traditional façades. In Bruges Markt, you’ll find the Belfry, as mentioned above, Bruges’ old courthouse and a museum of Bruges history. The north side of the square is lined with restaurants inside the most beautiful, gingerbread-style houses. It’s just about as picturesque as it gets. In the warmer months, the terraces of these restaurants spill out into the square and it makes for a great atmosphere.
As with the Begijnhofs, the historic centre of Bruges (which includes Markt and the surrounding area), is a UNESCO World Heritage site. When something is internationally recognised for its architecture and beauty, you know it will be worth visiting. There are often events taking place in Markt square, so you might stumble upon something fun. Otherwise, spend a bit of time here taking in all the beautiful architecture and charm.
Burg Square
Just a street over from Markt and like a miniature version of it is Burg Square. The main building here is Bruges City Hall, but you’ll also find the Basilica of the Holy Blood and a few other nice facades.
Next to the City Hall, you can pass under an ornate archway and through a cute alleyway.
Canal Boat Tour
The winding canals of Bruges are one of the most famous parts of the city, leading to its nickname as the Venice of the north. They’re great to see from the streets but to get a different perspective, hop on a canal boat for a tour.
There are a few spots around the city where you can book a boat tour, and the easiest place is probably on a straight of the Dijver canal, between Bonifacius Bridge and Rozenhoedkaai. The prices are very similar, around €10 p.p. and tours last an average of 30 minutes. Check out the Coudenys tours or Boottochten.
Jan Van Eyck Square and Langerei
One of the nicest areas to explore the canals is in the north of Bruges, between Jan Van Eyck Square and Langerei. It’s a lot more spacious than the winding streets of the city centre, but still just as picturesque. The canal is lined on both sides by the traditional houses, and you can cross the water on lovely brick bridges.
At Jan Van Eyck Square you can also find Poortersloge, one of Bruges’ most important buildings in the city’s international trade system from the 15th century onwards. Today it is a contemporary art museum.
Discover more things to do in Bruges
Where to Eat and Drink on a Day Trip to Bruges
Planning where to eat and drink on any day trip is important, but especially so on a day trip to Bruges. If there’s anything that Belgium is known for, it’s food! You’ll want to try fries, waffles, chocolate, beer…. the list goes on! This list of where to eat and drink on a day trip to Bruges is by no means exhaustive, but these are all great spots with different traditional foods to try.
Margritt Café
Margritt Café is the perfect place to fuel up for the day or to grab a cosy Belgian hot chocolate to warm up. They serve a great selection of coffee and drinks, as well as homemade cakes and healthy dishes. It’s also perfect for breakfast in Bruges, as they usually have bagels, smoothies and pastries.
You’ll find Margritt Café on Sint-Amandsstraat, and it’s open Monday-Saturday from 9 am-5 pm. You can check out their Facebook page for updates (in Dutch).
Chocolatier Dumon
This is easily one of the most famous chocolate shops in Bruges (perhaps even Belgium!), and a great place to pick up a souvenir to take home from Bruges. Chocolatier Dumon has three different shops in Bruges, all serving up delicious, freshly prepared, authentic Belgian chocolates.
All of the locations have a great selection of chocolates, but the best one is on Eiermarkt Street, simply for its facade. The exterior looks like an adorable little cottage. You can find the opening hours and locations of the different shops on the Chocolatier Dumon website.
Read Next: The Most Instagrammable Places in Bruges
Belfry Fries Carts
Street food is at the heart of Belgian culture, and no day trip to Bruges is complete without sampling a little paper cone of fried potato snacks… yes, I mean fries! There are two friteries outside the Bruges belfry, hailed by locals as the best in the city.
You can expect them to be open daily, from early until late, so you can grab some fries at any time during the day. They’ll cost a few euros, and make sure you have cash because friteries rarely accept card.
The Beer Wall/2Be Bruges
Definitely one of Bruges’ coolest drinking spots, 2Be Bruges is a bar and souvenir shop that looks out on the Dijver canal. One of the main attractions is found right at the entrance – an entire wall filled with Belgian beer bottles. You can see all the different brands and types of beer imaginable! This extends into the bar, where you’ll find a huge selection of beer memorabilia decorating the space.
Upstairs, there’s a large selection of famous Belgian cartoon memorabilia on display, with characters like Tintin and the Smurfs. You can also find a secret terrace that looks out over Rozenhoedkaai.
You can try out some great Belgian beers at 2Be, and they provide great descriptions and advice about each beer to help you pick the right one for you. 2Be Bruges is just around the corner from Rozenhoedkaai, on Wollestraat. The bar is open from 10 am-7:30 pm (8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays), and is closed on Wednesdays. The bar is cash only.
Go.fre (Waffles on a Stick)
If you’re on a longer trip to Belgium, chances are you’ll have already tried a waffle or two by the time you get to Bruges. Although they’re pretty difficult to get tired of, try something different in Bruges with a waffle on a stick from Go.fre. You can select the chocolate to dip the waffle in, and then choose from a list of countless different sprinkles and toppings.
They cost around €4 with the chocolate and toppings (slightly cheaper without), and you can enjoy them whilst wandering around Markt, as the shop is right around the corner. The shop is usually open from 10 am-6 pm, but you can check their Facebook page for the most up to date hours before your visit.
Brazi’s Sandwich Shop
If you’re looking for a unique lunch on the go, Brazi’s is the perfect place. They serve up sandwiches and paninis, hot dogs, pastries, and authentic Brazilian snacks. The food is fresh and delicious, the prices are good, and the staff here are incredibly friendly. We were in the store for all of a few minutes while we ordered and waited for our food, but left with a huge smile on our faces from their delightful customer service.
Vlissinghe
There are many places to try some traditional Belgian meals in Bruges, but being Bruges’ oldest serving pub makes Vlissinghe stand out. This is the perfect place to make your day trip to Bruges extra special. Grab lunch or an early dinner
Bruges Day Trip Itinerary
To make planning your day that little bit easier, here’s a simple Bruges day trip itinerary using the recommendations of things to do in Bruges above. It will show you the best route to walk around the city and ensure that you can fit in as much as possible during your day trip to Bruges
Morning in Bruges Itinerary
If you’re taking the train, start your day in Bruges with a wander around Minnewater park. You can pass through the Bruges Begijnhof and then continue making your way north into the city centre. On your way, you’ll pass two grand churches – The Church of Our Lady Bruges and Saint Salvator’s Cathedral.
By now it will be mid-morning, so head to Margritt Café for a coffee and some brunch. Alternatively, get the coffee to go and try a waffle on a stick from Go.fre at Markt, where you’ll be heading next. There are also fries stands outside the Belfry that you might want to try!
Spend the rest of your morning exploring Markt and the surrounding area. You’ll see the Belfry, Burg Square and Bruges city hall, as well as the famous Bruges photo spot, Rozenhoedkaai. I recommend taking some time to wander around the whole Markt, to really take in the detail and beauty of the surrounding buildings.
Morning in Bruges Itinerary
Minnewater Park
Bruges Begijnhof
Grab a coffee and a waffle
Explore Markt Square
Rozenhoedkaai
Afternoon in Bruges Itinerary
During the afternoon of your day trip to Bruges, you’ll head north of the city centre and explore a couple of museums to learn more about Belgium. Firstly, wander to Jan Van Eyck square and along the canal to Langerei, admiring the beautiful houses as you go.
Next up, the Frietmuseum to explore the history and production of fries, and of course, try some samples. As it gets towards lunchtime, grab a bite to eat at the nearby Brazi’s Sandwich Shop, and then check out the Choco-Story Museum. Alternatively, head to the Choco-Story museum first, and then grab a late lunch and a drink at Bruge’s oldest running café/pub, Vlissinghe.
You can spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the cobbled streets of the city and finding some secret spots. You might also want to do some shopping.
Afternoon in Bruges Itinerary
Jan Van Eyck Square
Walk along the Canals
Frietmuseum
Lunch
Choco-Story Museum
Evening in Bruges Itinerary
You can’t visit Bruges without enjoying a good beer or two so once the evening comes, head back to the city centre and Markt Square. If you want to try some traditional Belgian food, head to a bistro such as Bistro Den Amand. There are several places to eat around Markt but this is one of the most reasonably priced. As an alternative, grab some street food from the fries stands and enjoy them with a drink.
Since you’ll probably need to head back to the train station to get back to your base, it’s best to stick to the centre in the evening and enjoy the evening/nightlife there. Make sure you check out the 2BE Bruges Bar, they have a wall made of beer glasses and a terrace that looks out on the Dijver canal.
Remember that it will take around 20 minutes to walk from the centre of Bruges to the train station. On your way, cross the Bonifacius Bridge as one last thing to do on your day trip to Bruges.
Evening in Bruges Itinerary
Bistro Den Amand
Drink Beer around Markt Square
2BE Bruges Bar (The Beer Wall)
Bonifacius Bridge
That brings us to the end of this complete guide to how to take a Magical Day Trip to Bruges, Belgium. It truly is one of the best day trips to take around the world, and you have to tick Bruges off your bucket list. This guide has prepared you to spend the best day possible and plan all your activities and snacks.
If you’ve ever been to Bruges I’d love to hear your experiences, or if you think I’ve missed something off this list that I should check out next time I visit. Leave me a comment below!
If you’re taking a day trip to Bruges as part of a longer trip to Belgium, you might want to check out some more of my content. I have a day trip guide to Dinant and another guide to spending the day at the Belgian coast. You can’t forget the capital, so check out the best things to do in Brussels.
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What a great itinerary! We missed Bruges because Gent Fest was on when we were in Brussels and I want to go! Saving this for when I do. A fries museum? That beer bar? YES!
Ghent is definitely a worthy replacement, but I hope you’ll get the chance to experience the beauty of Bruges one day!
Bruges looks like such a pretty city to visit! I would love to walk around the streets there – everything looks so medieval!
It is absolutely lovely. I never tire of wandering round the city and exploring all the little side streets!
This is such a great guide! 😊I wish I visited Bruges during my visit to Belgium. It looks very pretty and magical. I hope I can visit it one day. I’m saving your post for the future.
Thank you for your lovely comment! It is just as magical as it looks, I hope you get the chance to visit one day too.