Known as the ‘Venice of the North,’ Bruges is one of Belgium’s most enchanting cities, and a one-day trip is the perfect way to get a taste of its medieval history and stunning architecture. While a cruise stop offers a glimpse, this full-day itinerary allows you to discover the city’s genuine charm, visiting popular tourist attractions while also exploring local spots. Get ready to climb the Belfry, cruise the canals, and indulge in the city’s famous culinary delights with this carefully crafted guide!
Disclaimer: The canal tour option I include is not sponsored.
Note: For this itinerary, no public transportation is needed. Bruges is a very walkable city!
Morning: The Heart of Bruges
Breakfast at a Local Café
Start your day with a delicious breakfast to fuel your day! While there are cafes in the main squares, they will be more expensive. You can find less expensive and crowded spots on the side streets. I recommend going to Kottee Kaffee, a more local spot that is far from the main squares of Bruges.
Canal Boat Tour
Hop on a 30-minute canal tour! While a popular tourist activity, this is a must-do in Bruges! A canal tour offers a unique perspective of the city’s architecture and allows you to see charming spots that are difficult to reach on foot. The tours are also narrated, providing interesting historical context. A canal tour in the morning helps you avoid waiting in a long line.
TIPS: While many places in Bruges accept cards, some of the smaller ticket booths for the canal tours may be cash-only. It’s always a good idea to have some Euros on hand. Canal tours are usually around €15 per person. You will be able to find many highly ranked tour companies on Google; this company here is a highly ranked option!
Grote Markt (Market Square) and The Belfry
This is the central hub of Bruges and an absolute must-see. This is the main square of Bruges, surrounded by stunning medieval buildings, including the colorful guild houses and the Provincial Court. The Belfry is the most iconic landmark in the square! Climb the 366 steps to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. While it’s very touristy, the view is worth it! Make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds. Visit the official website here to book tickets.
Burg Square
Just a short walk from the Grote Markt, this square is home to the Gothic Town Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is known for its vial said to contain a drop of Jesus’s blood. Every year on Ascension Day (which always falls on a Thursday, 40 days after Easter Sunday), this artifact is carried through the streets of Bruges in the spectacular and deeply traditional Procession of the Holy Blood. The two-story design is beautiful, with a dark Romanesque lower chapel and a vibrant Gothic upper chapel. You might have to wait in line to view the vial, especially during the summer season.
Afternoon: Art, History, and Hidden Gems
Lunch
Even though it is in the Markt (Market Square) and will be crowded, I recommend Manhattn’s Burgers for lunch. I ate here while I was in Bruges for a day, and the burgers were very well-made. Another restaurant to eat at that is farther from the Markt is De Republiek Stadmakers & Grand Café, popular with locals. Boho Brunch is close to the Markt, but customers have said the food is reasonably priced.
Minnewater Park and The Beguinage
The Beguinage (Begijnhof) is a less-touristy spot is a serene and beautiful enclosed courtyard with white-painted houses and a quiet garden. It was once a home for beguines (pious laywomen) and is now a convent for Benedictine nuns. This spot is a nice, peaceful escape from the crowds. Minnewater Park, known as the “Lake of Love,” is a short walk from the bustling city center and offers a peaceful escape to take a break from sightseeing. This romantic and picturesque park is surrounded by lush green lawns and ancient trees, where you can see swans gliding on the water. It’s the perfect place for a stroll and to take some great photos.
St. Boniface Bridge and The Church of Our Lady
These two spots are close to each other and are among the most photographed in the city. Arguably one of Bruges’ most beautiful spots, the St. Boniface Bridge is a 20th-century bridge that offers a picture-perfect view of the Church of Our Lady and the tranquil canal below. The Church of Our Lady is a Gothic architectural style church, and its brick spire is the tallest structure in Bruges and is one of the tallest brick towers in the world. It dominates the city’s skyline, alongside the Belfry and St. Saviour’s Cathedral. It houses Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Madonna and Child sculpture, which is the only one of Michelangelo’s sculptures to have left Italy during his lifetime.
Evening: Culinary Delights and a Final Stroll
Beer and Frites
Before dinner, find a local pub (or a “brown cafe”) to sample some of Belgium’s famous beers. De Halve Maan brewery is a popular option, but you can also find a more intimate spot. Grab a cone of fresh Belgian fries from a local vendor—they’re a must-try!
Dinner
For dinner, venture to the Sint-Anna Quarter. This residential neighborhood has quieter streets and more authentic, affordable restaurants. You will find plenty of options here, from traditional Flemish fare to international cuisine. Highly-rated restaurants include Sint-Anna (closed on Mondays and Sundays, Cambrinus, and ONSLOW (open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday)
Take a final stroll along the canals
As the sun sets and the crowds thin out, take one last walk through the city. The most magical time is when the medieval buildings and canals are beautifully lit. The Quay of the Rosary (Rozenhoedkaai) is especially stunning at this time. It’s the perfect way to cap off your day, revealing why Bruges has earned the nickname “Venice of the North.”
Tips on Finding the Best Belgian Chocolate
Look for the “Handmade in Brugge” label: This seal of approval from the local tourism board signifies that the chocolates are actually made in Bruges, ensuring you’re getting an authentic product.
Don’t be afraid to try samples: Many of the smaller, family-run shops offer samples. This is a great way to discover your favorite flavors before you commit to a full box.
Explore beyond the main squares: While you’ll find plenty of chocolate shops in the central squares, some of the best hidden gems are on the smaller side streets.
Popular Chocolate Shops
Dumon Chocolatier: This is a beloved local shop! Dumon is known for its high-quality, handmade chocolates. It is a very photogenic spot with a fairytale-like exterior. Reviews love their creamy, smooth chocolates that are reasonably priced.
The Old Chocolate House: Besides selling chocolate, this is also a tearoom that is famous for its hot chocolate. You get a mug of steaming milk and a bowl of chocolate pellets on a spoon to melt into your drink. You can also buy their chocolates to take home.
Pralinette: This chocolatier is known for its beautiful and artistic creations. The chocolates are like tiny works of art, and they specialize in unique flavors and hand-rolled truffles.
Conclusions
This guide offers a picture-perfect day in Bruges, combining must-see tourist attractions with local spots to help you avoid large crowds. By balancing the popular landmarks with quiet, local gems, you’ll get to experience the “Venice of the North” from every angle. From climbing the Belfry to a quiet evening stroll along the canals, I hope this itinerary helps you fall in love with Bruges just as I did.