Bruges travel guide: discover the medieval fairytale city of Belgium
Imagine sipping Belgian beer by a canal, surrounded by gingerbread-house-like buildings. That’s Bruges!
It’s a city that feels frozen in time, full of cute buildings and gorgeous streets. The best part? It’s compact enough to explore on foot or by bike, making it perfect for a short break.
Check out our Bruges travel guide for all you need to know about visiting Bruges. And, don’t miss our guide on the best things to do in Bruges as well as the best places to stay – or, you can see all our content on travelling to Belgium here.
How long should you stay in Bruges?
We reckon 2-3 days is ideal for Bruges. It’s enough time to see the main sights, sample the local delicacies, and soak up the atmosphere without feeling rushed. If you like history or art, you might want to add an extra day to dive into a few museums and churches.
You could also stay longer and add on a few day trips, for example to the more modern town of Ghent or for a walk around the countryside surrounding Bruges.
Bars and restaurants are open in the evening, but we found it surprisingly quiet. There’s still a few places open to eat and drink, but it didn’t have the nightlife we were expecting (or Brussels has).
Where should you stay in Bruges?
For first-timers, we recommend staying in the historic city centre. Yes, it’s a bit pricier, but the convenience is worth it. You’ll be steps away from the main attractions and can easily pop back to your hotel for a midday rest (trust us, you’ll appreciate this after a morning of sightseeing).
If you’re on a budget or prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider staying just outside the centre in areas like Sint-Gillis or Sint-Andries. These neighbourhoods are still within walking distance of the main sights but offer a more local vibe.
One thing to keep in mind: Bruges gets busy with day-trippers. Staying overnight means you get to experience the city’s magical atmosphere in the early morning and late evening when the crowds have gone. There’s nothing quite like an evening stroll along the canals when they’re all lit up!
Read our full guide on where to stay in Bruges.
How do you get to Bruges?
Getting to Bruges is a breeze, especially if you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe.
By train
Bruges has a well-connected train station, making it easy to reach from other Belgian cities and beyond. If you’re coming from Brussels, it’s just an hour away. From Ghent, it’s even quicker at about 30 minutes. There’s also direct trains to Amsterdam, which take about 3 hours.
Once you arrive at Bruges station, getting to the centre is simple. We’d recommend walking – it’s about 20 minutes to the city centre and it’s a nice walk through Bruges.
Or, you can take a bus (numbers 1, 6, 11, or 16) to the Markt (main square), or grab a taxi from outside the station.
By air
The nearest airport to Bruges is Brussels Airport. From there, you can catch a direct train to Bruges, which takes about 1.5 hours. Easy!
If you’re coming from the UK, you’ve got options. You could fly to Brussels and then take the train. Or, here’s a tip: consider taking the Eurostar to Brussels (3 hours) and then hopping on a train to Bruges (1 hour). It’s often quicker (and more scenic) than flying!
By car
Driving to Bruges is straightforward, but parking in the city centre can be a bit of a headache. We’d suggest using one of the park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of town. It’s cheaper and less stressful.
Remember, Bruges is a small city with narrow streets. Once you’re there, you won’t need a car. In fact, many parts of the centre are car-free, which adds to its charm.
How do you get around Bruges?
One of the joys of Bruges is how easy it is to get around.
Cycling and walking
Bruges is made for wandering. The compact city centre is perfect for exploring on foot. You can easily walk from one side to the other in about 30 minutes.
If you want to cover more ground, hire a bike. It’s a great way to venture a bit further afield, but bear in mind you may not need it for Bruges town centre – it gets busy and you’ll be dodging tourists, and it’s so compact you won’t need it. There are plenty of rental shops around town. Just be careful on those cobblestones when it’s wet!
Public transport
Bruges has a good bus network, but honestly, we rarely used it. The city is so walkable that you probably won’t need to. If you do decide to use the bus, you can buy tickets on board or at newsagents. A single trip costs €3, or you can get a 10-journey card for €16.
Taxis and car shares
Taxis are available, but they can be pricey for short trips. You’ll find taxi ranks at the train station and in the Markt. Uber isn’t available in Bruges, but there’s a local alternative called Victor Cab that works in a similar way.
Canal tours
While not strictly transport, canal tours are a great way to see the city from a different perspective. They last about 30 minutes and give you a good overview of Bruges’ layout and history. You’ll wander past the various points to buy a ticket and get on board.
When should you go to Bruges?
Bruges is lovely year-round, but each season has its charms.
Spring (March to May): This is our favourite time to visit. The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller than in summer, and the city’s gardens are in bloom. Plus, you might catch the Bruges Beer Festival in February or early March.
Summer (June to August): It’s peak tourist season, so expect crowds. But the weather is great for outdoor activities, and there are lots of festivals, including the Bruges Triennial of Contemporary Art.
Autumn (September to November): Another great time to visit. The crowds thin out, and the autumn colours in the parks are stunning. Don’t miss the Kookeet food festival in September.
Winter (December to February): It can be chilly, but Bruges transforms into a winter wonderland. The Christmas markets are magical, and you might even see the canals freeze over. Just pack warm clothes!
What should I do in Bruges?
Bruges is packed with things to do, but here are some must-dos:
- Get lost! Wander Bruges many cute streets and canals
- Climb the Belfry: Yes, it’s 366 steps, but the view is worth it. Go early to beat the crowds.
- Take a canal tour: It’s touristy, but it gives you a unique perspective of the city.
- Explore the Begijnhof: This peaceful courtyard offers a glimpse into Bruges’ past.
- Sample Belgian beers: Visit the Halve Maan Brewery or one of the many cosy brown cafés.
For more detailed itinerary ideas, check out our post on the best things to do in Bruges.
Most attractions are open daily, but many museums close on Mondays. Plan accordingly!
What should I pack to visit Bruges?
You don’t need anything special for Bruges, but consider packing:
- Comfortable walking shoes: Those cobblestones can be tricky!
- Rain jacket: The weather can be unpredictable outside of summer.
- Reusable water bottle: Tap water is safe to drink.
- Layers: The weather can change quickly.
- Appetite: For all that chocolate and beer!
How can I be more sustainable when I visit Bruges?
Bruges is working hard to become more sustainable. Here’s how you can help:
- Use public transport or bike: It’s better for the environment and often quicker.
- Train, don’t fly: You’ll reduce your emissions getting to Bruges by up to 90%
- Stay in eco-friendly accommodation: Look for hotels with green certifications such as Green Key.
- Buy local: Support local artisans and businesses.
- Avoid single-use plastics: Bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bag.
- Spend your cash at local businesses: Bruges has a lot of cruise ship day trippers, which aren’t known to spend their cash (since they buy most things through the cruise ship company). Support local businesses and avoid chains.
For more eco-friendly travel tips, check out Visit Bruges’ sustainability page.
Conclusion
Bruges is a city that captures hearts. From its picturesque canals to its mouthwatering chocolates, it’s a place that leaves you wanting more.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to step into your own fairytale. Bruges is calling, and trust us, you won’t regret answering!
Have you been to Bruges? What was your favourite part? Let us know in the comments below! And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow travel lovers and subscribe to our blog for more travel tips and inspiration.
