13 BEST Things to Do in Bruges (incl. 1 & 2-Day Itineraries)
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Trying to plan a trip to Bruges but feeling overwhelmed by canals, chocolate shops, bell towers, and museum queues? It’s a lot to fit in, especially if you’re only here for a day or two.
We’ve been to Belgium plenty of times, and Bruges is still the place we keep coming back to. It’s our favourite city in the country and one of the most visually striking places we’ve seen in Europe. And after exploring hundreds of cities across 50 countries, that’s saying something!
Bruges is compact and walkable, but don’t let the size fool you. There’s more to see than most first-timers expect, and having a loose plan makes all the difference.
This guide breaks down the best things to do in Bruges, with our top picks (like climbing the iconic Belfry, exploring a medieval prison-turned-torture museum, and walking the old ramparts past windmills and quiet canals).
You’ll also find suggested 1- and 2-day itineraries, hotel tips, and an interactive Google Map to help you pull it all together.
Don’t miss these!
Our Top Picks for Your Bruges Trip
Bruges is one of the most romantic and photogenic cities in Europe, but the best spots book up fast. These are the tours and hotels we genuinely loved and would book again in a heartbeat.
Top experiences in Bruges
- Walking tour & canal boat trip (our #1 pick, the perfect first‑day intro to see Bruges from every angle)
- Belgian waffle‑making workshop (our most fun foodie experience in Bruges!)
- Historium Bruges Experience (an immersive journey through medieval Bruges)
Best places to to stay in Bruges
- Boutique Hotel Sablon (stylish and central, our favourite hotel we stayed in Bruges)
- Hotel Aragon (excellent location & breakfast)
13 Best Things to Do in Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is full of charm, with medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, peaceful canals and more chocolate shops than you’ll ever need. The following list covers some of the main attractions in Bruges, along with a few hidden gems that deserve more attention.
Did you know? You’ll see both “Bruges” and “Brugge” used for the city’s name. “Brugge” is the Dutch/Flemish spelling, while “Bruges” is the French and English version. Both are correct.
1. Take a canal cruise through the city
A canal cruise is one of the best ways to start a trip to Bruges. The city is built around its waterways (much like Amsterdam or Venice), and seeing it from the water gives you an instant feel for its layout and character.
We booked this guided walking tour combined with a boat ride, and it couldn’t have been better! The tour guide walked us through the main squares, quiet streets, and historic spots, pointing out details we’d have walked past without noticing.
Then, finishing with a half-hour canal boat tour gave us the chance to relax and enjoy Bruges from a different angle. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
Doing both together (ideally on your first day) means you get a solid overview straight away, which makes the rest of your time in Bruges feel easier. You already know your way around and have a list of places you can return to later.
🛶 Want the perfect first-day intro? Book this top-rated tour for a canal cruise and a guided walk through medieval streets.
2. Climb the Belfry of Bruges (Belfort)
The Belfry of Bruges is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
This historic bell tower was built around 1240 and has been rebuilt and expanded over the years due to fires. It once stored important records and served as a medieval watchtower.
Today, it’s a must-see, and climbing to the top of the Belfry rewards you with one of the best panoramic views in Bruges.
Our top tip: The bell tower has 47 bells, and live carillon performances happen three times a week. We caught one by chance, and it was so much fun! If you want to time it right, go on a Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday between 11am and 12pm.
There are 366 steps to reach the top, one for every day of the year, including leap years.
The narrow, winding staircase can feel a bit intense, but the panoramic views over Bruges’ rooftops are absolutely worth it. Only 25 people can go up per timeslot, so it’s best to book a timed ticket at least a day in advance.
Did you know? The belfry tower plays a dramatic role in the dark comedy film In Bruges starring Colin Farrell. If you’ve seen it, you’ll definitely recognise the spot.
Admission and opening hours: Tickets cost €15 (about £13 or US$17) or are free with the Musea Brugge Card. The Belfry is open daily from 9am-8pm, though hours can vary depending on the season. Check the official site for current timings.
An easy way to save in Bruges
The Musea Brugge Card includes entry to 11 attractions, including the Belfry, Gruuthusemuseum, City Hall, and St John’s Hospital – all featured in this guide.
We used the pass ourselves, and it saved us over €15 per person. Visiting just three or four of the included places could cover the cost (depending on your itinerary). Plus, you’ll skip the hassle of buying separate tickets.
3. Learn about medieval life at Historium Bruges
We love a good museum, and whenever we visit a new city, we always make time for a few. One that really stood out in Bruges was Historium because it’s so different from a typical museum.
Instead of glass cases and labels, Historium takes you through seven themed rooms following the fictional story of Jacob, an apprentice to the Flemish painter Jan van Eyck.
With video, sound, special effects, and atmospheric sets, it recreates the vibe of 15th-century Bruges in a way that feels more like stepping into a story than walking through a gallery.
We really enjoyed it, even as adults. The audio guide was easy to follow, and the storytelling made Bruges’ history feel alive in a way traditional museums often don’t.
Our top tips: Book your Historium ticket in advance! You move through the rooms in small groups, so daily capacity is limited. Some readers told us they couldn’t get same-day tickets in person.
There’s also a VR add-on, but we didn’t think it was worth the extra fee. It only lasts 8 minutes and feels a little outdated.
Admission and opening hours: Standard tickets are €21 (about £18 or US$24) and not included in the Musea Brugge Card. Open daily from 10:30am–5pm.
Explore 15th-century Bruges at Historium and enjoy a fun, immersive journey into medieval life.
4. Stroll around the Grote Markt (Main Square)
The Grote Markt is the main square of Bruges and a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. Framed by colourful buildings and lined with cafés, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to stop for photos from every angle.
You’ll also find the Belfry tower and the Provincial Court here, so it’s a perfect starting point for exploring the historic centre.
Did you know? The Grote Markt has been Bruges’ social and commercial heart for over 1,000 years. It began as a busy trading square and still holds that spirit today.
There’s often something happening here. You’ll see horse-drawn carriages lined up, walking tours setting off, and people enjoying a drink on the terrace.
The weekly market takes place on Wednesdays, with food stalls taking over the square. On Saturdays, a larger general market fills the space with everything from produce to clothes.
Christmas time is especially magical. The market square becomes a proper Christmas market, with fairy lights, food stalls, and a small ice rink that makes the whole place feel like a festive film set.
Our top tip: Come early for a quieter look at the square, especially if it’s not a market day. Or grab a seat at the upstairs café inside Historium Bruges for a peaceful view over the rooftops and stalls. You don’t need a museum ticket to head up.
5. Take a scenic lakeside stroll through Minnewater Park
Minnewater Park is one of the best places in Bruges to take a breather. Just a short walk from the train station, it’s a great place to slow down and enjoy a more peaceful side of the city.
With ivy-covered bridges, tree-lined paths, and swans drifting across the water, it’s almost too perfect.
Did you know? Bruges has had swans gliding along its canals for centuries. One story says the Holy Roman Emperor ordered the city to care for them as punishment in the 15th century.
The lake is known as the Lake of Love, and there’s a romantic tale behind the name. Legend has it that Minna, a local girl, died of heartbreak after being kept apart from her true love. Whether or not it’s true, it adds a bit of charm to an already lovely setting.
Our top tip: Come early in the morning for a quieter experience. We stayed nearby and often had the whole park to ourselves before 8am. It’s also one of the best places in Bruges for golden hour photos, especially around the bridge near the Begijnhof.
6. Eat your way through Bruges
If you’re not eating your way through Bruges, you’re missing one of the best parts. From crisp fries to handmade chocolates and melt-in-your-mouth waffles, the city is full of favourites (and yes, they’re worth the hype!).
Here’s what you should try:
Our top tip: If you want to go beyond just tasting waffles and beer, we highly recommend this Belgian waffle-making workshop with beer tasting. We did it ourselves and had such a blast: mixing the batter, flipping waffles, sampling Belgian beers, and piling on toppings. It’s interactive, social, and hands-down the most fun foodie experience we had in Bruges!
7. Visit Bruges’ most iconic photo spot, Rozenhoedkaai
Rozenhoedkaai is one of the best places in Bruges for that picture-perfect moment.
The canal curves past centuries-old buildings, with the Belfry peeking out just behind. When the light’s right, especially around golden hour, it looks like something from a postcard. It’s the perfect place to end your day!
You don’t need to spend ages here, just five or ten minutes is enough to take it all in. But this is the one if you’re after a classic Bruges view that sticks with you.
Did you know? Rozenhoedkaai means ‘Rosary Quay’. It gets its name from the rosary sellers who once lined the quay, selling prayer beads to pilgrims visiting the city.
8. See the Gothic-style hall inside Bruges Stadhuis
If you’re even slightly into history, the Stadhuis is well worth a visit. It’s one of Belgium’s oldest city halls, built in 1376, and the Gothic architecture inside is stunning.
The vaulted ceilings and large murals in the main chamber really give you a sense of Bruges’ past importance.
Did you know? Bruges Stadhuis is one of the oldest continuously used city halls in Europe. Local government has been run from here for over 600 years.
Next to the Gothic Hall is a historical room with a well-made augmented reality model. It walks you through the history of Bruges and its connection to the sea since Roman times. It only takes about 15 minutes and is a great way to understand how Bruges became such a major medieval trading city.
Our top tip: Bring your headphones! You can play a free audio guide on your phone by scanning a QR code at the entrance.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the Stadhuis is €8 (about £7 or US$9), or free with the Musea Brugge Card. It’s usually open daily from 9:30am-5pm.
9. Explore the peaceful Begijnhof (Beguinage)
This is one of the quietest corners of Bruges and easily one of the most beautiful. Just behind Minnewater Park, the Begijnhof is a cluster of whitewashed houses built in the 13th century for lay religious women known as beguines. Today, it’s still home to a small group of Benedictine nuns and single women of Bruges.
We found it by accident and were so glad we did! The grassy courtyard was dotted with yellow flowers, and the soft light in the early evening made everything feel a little surreal. There’s a small chapel on the grounds and a few benches where you can just sit and soak in the calm.
Our top tip: Visit close to sunset if you can. The light is beautiful, and there are usually fewer crowds.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is free. The grounds are open daily, typically from around 6:30am-6:30pm.
10. See the magnificent 15th-century interior of the Gruuthusemuseum
Even if you’re not big on museums, it’s worth stepping inside the Gruuthusemuseum just to admire the architecture.
The building is a 15th-century mansion filled with sweeping staircases, ornate wood carvings, vaulted ceilings and tall arched windows overlooking the city. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in Bruges.
Did you know? The Gruuthusemuseum is named after the Gruuthuse family, who made their fortune by holding the monopoly on gruut, a medieval mix of herbs used to brew beer before hops became common. Bruges built its wealth on the stuff.
There’s a full exhibition inside, with everything from tapestries and religious artefacts to household items and portraits. But honestly, the setting itself is the real standout. It feels more like a medieval palace than a museum.
Our top tip: Bring your headphones. You can use a free audio guide on your phone by scanning the QR code at the entrance.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is €14 or free with the Musea Brugge Card. The museum is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm, and it’s closed on Mondays.
11. Tour the Torture Museum
This probably isn’t one of the first things that comes to mind when planning a trip to Bruges, but the Torture Museum was a surprise highlight for us. We found it by accident and spent nearly an hour inside.
The museum is small but well put together. Dozens of medieval torture devices are displayed alongside detailed English descriptions, and the wax figures help bring the stories to life in a way that’s eerie but not overly gory.
There’s no audio guide, but the signage is clear and informative.
Did you know? The Torture Museum Oude Steen is housed in the oldest prison in Bruges. The building’s vaulted cellar once held prisoners before being transformed into this historical exhibition space.
It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re curious about the darker side of European history, this is a fascinating stop that feels very different from Bruges’ other attractions.
Our top tip: Allow around 45 minutes. It’s not huge, but there’s plenty to take in and it’s more thought-provoking than you might expect.
Admission and opening hours: Tickets cost €10 (about £9 or US$11), and they’re not included in the Musea Brugge Card. The museum is open daily from 10am-6pm.
12. Step into the Pharmacy of Old St John’s Hospital
Just beside the main hospital museum, you’ll find a little pharmacy that’s one of Bruges’ more unusual stops (and a surprisingly interesting one!). It’s set inside a 17th-century monastery that was turned into a pharmacy in 1643 and run by nuns right up until 1971.
Inside, you’ll see original wooden cabinets, old glass bottles, handwritten prescriptions, and antique medical tools, all within a beautifully preserved space.
The herb garden that once surrounded the pharmacy is mostly gone now, but you’ll still spot a few small plots outside the entrance where they grew medicinal plants.
Our top tip: This is a lovely little detour if you already have the Musea Brugge Card. Otherwise, the €5 ticket might feel a bit steep for such a small place. It’s a short visit, but it certainly adds a more personal layer to the city’s history.
The Old St John’s Hospital museum is at the back, and it reopened in 2023. We didn’t think it was particularly well presented, so we would skip the general museum and just stick to the pharmacy.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is included with the Musea Brugge Card, or €5 if you pay separately. It’s usually open daily from 9.30am to 5pm.
13. Walk a section of the historic ramparts around Bruges
Built from the 13th century onwards, Bruges’ ramparts once protected the city with stone walls, fortified gates, and a wide moat. While the walls are mostly gone, the moat still circles the historic centre and is now surrounded by leafy parks and walking paths.
Four original city gates are still standing, along with four old windmills on the eastern side.
As you follow the path, you’ll come across tree-lined walkways, quiet bridges and views you won’t see in the busier parts of town. It’s one of the nicest ways to experience a more laid-back side of Bruges.
The whole route is around 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) and can be walked or cycled. But even just a section is worth it.
Here are two stretches we liked the most (you can see them in the interactive map below):
Interactive Map: Must-See Spots in Bruges
To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together an interactive map with all the sights mentioned in the top 13. You’ll find everything pinned by location, making it easy to build your itinerary and get your bearings while you explore. Just click on the map below to see what’s where.
How to use this map: Click the icon in the top left to see the full list of locations. For a bigger view, open it in a new tab via the top-right icon. You can also save it to your own Google Maps by clicking the star next to the map title.
Other Noteworthy Attractions and Experiences
We’ve focused this guide on what we think are the best things to do in Bruges, especially if it’s your first time. But if you’ve got extra time or feel like seeing more, here are a few extras to consider (that didn’t make it on our must-see list):
Choco-Story Chocolate Museum – A bit touristy and geared towards kids, but still enjoyable if you’re interested in how chocolate is made. We preferred Chocolate Nation in Antwerp, which is the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world.
Groeningemuseum – The go-to spot in Bruges for art lovers. It’s home to some stunning Flemish works, but it’s best suited for those in the city who have more than a day or two.
Basilica of the Holy Blood – A small, free chapel said to hold a relic of Christ’s blood. It’s a quick visit and worth stepping into if you pass by.
Frietmuseum – A quirky museum all about Belgian fries. It’s fun for families or if you’re curious about food history, but it’s definitely not a must-see.
Day trip to Ghent or Antwerp – Both are easy to reach by train from Bruges. Ghent is just 22 minutes away. Antwerp takes around 1.5 hours and offers bigger-city energy with great architecture, shopping, and the excellent Chocolate Nation museum. If you’re curious about other cities worth visiting in Belgium, here’s our guide.
Church of Our Lady and Michelangelo’s Madonna – Famous for the Madonna of Bruges sculpture, but it’s displayed behind a screen. Still, the church itself is worth a peek.
Blind Donkey Street – A peaceful little alley with medieval charm. Nice for a quick photo stop if you’re nearby, but not something to plan around.
Suggested 1-Day and 2-Day Itineraries
Bruges is compact and easy to explore on foot, but there’s more to see than you might expect. Whether you’re here for a short break or just passing through on a Bruges day trip, these itineraries help you cover the highlights without rushing:
One Day in Bruges Itinerary
Perfect if you’re visiting on a day trip or short city break and don’t have much time:
1-day itinerary
Morning
Midday
Afternoon
Evening
Two Days in Bruges Itinerary
A relaxed pace with time to explore more hidden corners and experiences. Ideal if you’re here for a long weekend.
2-day itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Evening
Where to Stay
If it’s your first time in Bruges, we recommend staying inside the historic centre. This area is circled by canals and old ramparts, and nearly all the main attractions are within walking distance. It means you can spend your time exploring instead of figuring out public transport.
We’ve stayed in Bruges a few times now, and these three hotels have become our favourites. All of them are within easy walking distance of Markt Square and the top sights:
FAQ: Visiting Bruges
We’ve been to Bruges a few times now, and these are some of the questions we get asked most often. If you’re planning a trip and wondering about logistics or what to prioritise, here’s what you should know.
Is Bruges worth visiting for just one day?
Absolutely. Bruges is compact and easy to explore in a day. You won’t see everything, but you’ll have enough time to cover the main highlights like the Belfry, canals, Markt Square, and a few quieter corners (all without feeling rushed).
How many days should I stay in Bruges?
One day is enough time to see the top sights, but staying for two days allows you to explore at a slower pace, check out a few museums, and enjoy the cafés and quiet backstreets.
Can you do Bruges and Ghent in one day?
Technically yes, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Both cities are packed with things to see, and each deserves a whole day. If you’re short on time, focus on one and do it properly.
What is the number one must-see in Bruges?
If we had to choose just one, we’d say climbing the Belfry. The view from the top gives you a great sense of the city, and the building itself is iconic.
What is Bruges known for?
Bruges is known for its medieval charm, canals, chocolate, beer, and Belgian waffles. It’s often called the “Venice of the North” – and yes, it does feel like a fairytale city!
Is Bruges walkable?
Yes, very. Bruges is one of the most walkable cities in Europe. The historic centre is compact and flat, and it’s easy to get around on foot (or by bike).
How can I get from Brussels to Bruges?
If you’re arriving at Brussels Airport, there’s a direct train to Bruges from the airport station. And if you’re travelling from Brussels Central or Brussels Midi (for example, if you’re coming in on the Eurostar), you can hop on a direct train from there too. The journey takes about an hour, and trains run frequently throughout the day.
One Last Thing to Know
Bruges is one of those cities that rewards slowing down. After a few visits, it’s still the place we recommend most to friends looking for a quick break with medieval charm, lazy walks, good beer, and quiet corners.
We hope this guide helped you figure out the best things to do in Bruges and gave you the clarity (and confidence!) to build a trip that’s both relaxed and rich in experience.
If you only do one thing, make it this guided walking tour & canal cruise. We’ve done it more than once, and it’s still our favourite way to experience the city. The views are brilliant, the pace is slow, and it’s the easiest way to get your bearings without rushing.
Want to see more of Belgium? Have a look at which Belgian cities are actually worth visiting. It’s an easy country to travel around by train, and you can visit most of them as day trips from Bruges. The post also includes the one city we visited and wouldn’t return to.
