Rosary Quay Sunset Bruges

Bruges Travel Guide

Boniface Bridge Bruges

Bruges Travel Guide

Bruges is one of Europe’s dreamiest cities. The winding canals, cobblestone streets, stone bridges & charming brick buildings. Walking around Bruges feels like something out of a fairtytale and I loved my visit there. Every corner and street of Bruges felt like a postcard. And as is true with where you visit in Belgium, you can’t go wrong with the fries, waffles, beer or chocolate.

Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!

*Backpacks & Bubbly – Top Pick for Drinks With A View*

Duvelorium Belgian Beer Bar

For the best views of Market Square head to the rooftop bar at the Historium – you can visit the bar without buying a ticket to the Historium, and its outdoor patios offers the best panoramic views over the entire square!

View from Historium Bruges Brewery
Duke's Palace Bruges

Where to Stay in Bruges

I decided to splurge a bit when I was in Bruges! It tends to be a bit of an expensive place generally, and it was one of my last stops of a month long trip, and I wanted to end my trip in a nicer hotel. Bruges is pretty small, so you can basically stay anywhere in the historic city center and be walkable to most things you’d want to see.

Dukes Palace Bruges

This stunning 5 star hotel is impeccable and located right in the heart of Bruges. Dukes Palace was so well decorated, had an amazing on site restaurant and a lively bar/lounge for later in the evening that also served food!

Dukes Palace Residence

For a slightly cheaper alternamtive try the sister hotel Dukes Palace Residence. This 4 star hotel is in a building across the street from Dukes Palace and still offers stunning rooms, and has access to all the facilities at the Dukes Palace Residence. I stayed here, as it was slightly cheaper and I knew I wouldn’t be spending a ton of time in the hotel! The room was spacious, the bed was so comfortable & the bathroom with a full tub was so luxurious!

Best Things to do in Bruges

Take a Canal Tour

Exploring Bruges by canal, while touristy, really is a must when you’re visiting. Bruges canals rival places like Amsterdam and Venice and its a great way to see the city. Your guide will point out the highlights so you can walk to them for a longer visit later.

The boat tour is only 30 minutes, but most companies offer a 2 hour walking tour after if you’d like to join that. Book tickets here. It usually is 36 Euro per person.

Wander Market Square & De Burg

Market Square and De Burg are the two main squares of Bruges Old Town. They’re both exceptionally picturesque and worth taking some time to explore.

From Market Square head down one of the most picturesque streets in Bruges, Steenstraat, Geldmuntstraat 

Visit the Picturesque Rosary Quay

This was my favorite area of Bruges, the views of the canals from Rosary Quay are some of the best in Bruges (especially at sunset) and the street directly behind here, Braambergstraat, was my favorite in Bruges.

Walk Across the Infamous Bonifacius Footbridge

One of the most photographed, and stunning areas of Bruges is an arched stone footbridge spanning across the canal. This is one of the best areas of Bruges to explore. I recommend heading there early, it’s small and gets super crowded, so your experience (and pictures) will be better if you head there early.

Explore Minnewater Park & the Lovers Bridge

Picturesque Minnewater Park, Lovers Lake and the affectionaltely named Lovers Bridge comprise one of the most endearing areas of Bruges. Spend a morning or afternoon wandering this area.

Try Some Belgian Beer (preferably with a view)

There are some awesome breweries with great views, vibes & beer sprinkled all throughout Bruges. If you’re short on time these are the best ones:

  • Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres – frequented by locals this large spot has a cool indoor space, but the canal-side patio is the highlight
  • Beerwall – another beer garden with canal views, this is one of the prettiest parts of Bruges
  • Duvelorium Belgian Beer Bar – this second story patio at the Historium offers epic views over Market Square

Indulge with a Belgian Waffle

When in Belgium… there are waffles everywhere, but some are better and fresher than others. My top two recommendations are Waffle Bar Brugge & Otto Waffle Atelier Katelijnestraat

Buy Some Chocolate to Bring Home

Belgium chocolate is some of the best of the best, if you’re going to go to one chocolate shop make it Dumon!

Find the Best Photo Spots in Bruges

See my photo spots section on my Bruges Travel Map for the 10 best photo spots in Brugs

Bruges Street
Steak from Cambrinus Bruges

Best Restaurants in Bruges

Best Traditional Spots

  • Cambrinus
  • Bistro Brugis
  • Bistro Den Amand
  • De Vloamse Trine
  • De Gastro
  • FritBar – Bruges (takeaway fries, don’t miss this spot!)

Best Waffle Spots

  • Waffle Bar Brugge
  • Otto Waffle Atelier Katelijnestraat

Best Chocolate Shop

  • Chocolatier Dumon

Best Bars in Bruges

Bruges has an amazing bar scene; first there’s tons of great breweries, but you’ll also find so many cute & cozy pubs, and fun cocktail bars

  • Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres
  • Bar Des Amis
  • Duvelorium Belgian Beer Bar
  • Beerwall
  • Le Trappiste
  • Groot Vlaenderen
  • Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan
  • Bieratelier Brugge
  • ODA Rooftop Bar
  • Het Rand Restaurant and Bar
View from 2BE Bar Bruges
Market Square Bruges

Getting to Bruges

Bruges does have its own airport Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST) it’s about 16 miles from Bruges, but it tends to be cheaper/more flexible to fly into Brussels and take the train to Bruges.

By train

  • Brussels –> Bruges 1 hour
  • Ghent –> Bruges 25 minutes
  • Antwerp –> Bruges 90 minutes

Getting Around Bruges

Bruges is super walkable once you get to the main downtown/old town area. From the train station it’s a 20 minute walk to the Old Town area, so with luggage it’s best to grab a taxi. Once you’re in the Old Town it’s many pedestrian-only streets and squares, so you’ll be on foot for most of your exploring!

How Many Days to Spend in Bruges

2 Days

To really get to explore Bruges I’d recommend 2 days, but you could also visit in one or even as a day trip if you just wanted to hit the highlights or are short on time. It’s only one hour from Brussels & 25 minutes from Ghent so you could easily visit as a day trip from either!

Rosary Quay Sunset Bruges
Boniface Bridge Bruges

Safety for Solo Female Travel in Bruges

5 out of 5

Bruges is tiny and super safe! There are some windy, darker streets and it can be a little quiet/sleepy later at night, but I didn’t feel unsafe at all walking around or coming home from dinner on the later side 11PM/midnight-ish

Bruges Travel Map

Bruges – Top Blog Posts