How To Spend 1 Day In Bruges? Best Itinerary!
Looking for the best 1 day in Bruges itinerary? You came to the right place!
Bruges is one of my favorite cities in Belgium, and I’ve visited it many times in every season.
Most people visit Bruges for the Christmas markets, but this charming medieval town is a fantastic destination year-round!
In this article, I’ll show you all the best things to do in Bruges for a day, where to eat, and where to stay if you’re spending a night.
So, let’s get started with what to do in Bruges for a day!
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What To Do In Bruges For A Day?
This Bruges itinerary starts from the train station, assuming you’re visiting Bruges on a day trip.
However, it also works great if you spend a night in Bruges and you’re starting your day early from the city center!
🏰 Booked a last-minute trip to Bruges? This Small group guided walking tour and boat cruise will show you around the best places to see in Bruges in 2.5 hours!
1. Visit the unique Bruges Beguinage
As you’re coming from the train station, the first stop on your Bruges itinerary should be this unique beguinage.
The beguinage dates back to the 13th century, and you can still stroll the grounds and admire the historic white brick buildings.
Interestingly, these beguinages are not the same as the convent or a monastery, which makes Flemish beguinages a unique cultural tradition recognized by UNESCO.
Women who used to live here weren’t nuns. Instead, they were either unmarried or widowed women who entered religious life, without retiring from the world.
People still live in Beguinage buildings, so you should explore quietly and respectfully.
2. Admire the view from the Beguinage Bridge
This iconic bridge offers one of the most picturesque views in Bruges.
On one side, you can see the tranquil Minnewater Lake, also known as the Lake of Love, complete with graceful swans gliding across the water.
On the other side, you can see a canal lined with historic buildings.
It’s the perfect spot for a photo or simply to pause and take in the beauty of the city.
3. See Saint John’s Hospital
Saint John’s Hospital is one of the oldest hospitals in Belgium, dating back to the 12th century.
While it was a functioning hospital until several decades ago, today it is a museum. Inside, you’ll find historical medical artifacts and stunning art, including works by Hans Memling.
Even if you don’t enter the museum, you can stroll the grounds and admire the intricate architecture.
4. Cross Boniface Bridge
Known as the “Bridge of Love,” Boniface Bridge, surrounded by stunning architecture and lush greenery, is one of the most popular photo spots in Bruges.
This small stone bridge looks like it came straight out of a fairytale!
5. Take a photo on the famous Rosary Quay
Rosary Quay is the most famous spot in Bruges, and it gained popularity when it appeared in the movie “In Bruges”.
It is also Bruges’s most popular photo spot, with postcard-perfect views of the canals and iconic medieval buildings.
6. Go on a canal cruise
A Bruges Canal cruise is one of the most popular things to do in the city. The departure point is on Rosary Quay.
Cruising down the canals offers a unique perspective of Bruges. You will pass charming hidden corners and under picturesque bridges while seeing the medieval buildings from the river.
It’s an ideal way to relax and learn more about the city’s history. Canal cruises are especially lovely if you visit Belgium in summer when the trees lining the canal are green!
Canal cruises are one of the most popular things to do in Bruges, so book your Bruges Canal Cruise in advance!
7. Find the hidden Blinde-Ezelstraat archway
One of the Bruges’ hidden gems is tucked behind the De Burg square, and you might not notice it if you don’t look up.
When you cross the Blinde-Ezelstraat bridge and walk towards De Burgg Square, you’ll see an intricate archway connecting the buildings on either side of the narrow street.
8. Admire the buildings around De Burg Square
De Burg Square is one of my favorite spots in Bruges. It showcases the city’s architectural diversity, from Gothic and Renaissance styles to baroque designs.
The ornate buildings of City Hall and Basilica of the Holy Blood are the square’s standout landmarks, and you can admire the intricate carvings of their impressive exteriors.
If you visit Bruges in the winter, this is where you’ll find the big Christmas tree!
9. Grab a waffle in Chocolate Bar Brugge
No trip to Bruges is complete without having a Belgian waffle.
Head to Chocolate Bar Brugge if you want to enjoy a vegan waffle with a charming view of the cobblestone streets of Bruges.
10. Visit Market Square
The heart of Bruges, Market Square, is lined with colorful gabled houses and lively cafés. It’s a great spot to take in the city’s energy, see the Belfry Tower, and enjoy some people-watching.
I love the colorful houses surrounding the Grote Markt; it is truly the most iconic Bruges square.
Market Square is where the main Bruges Christmas Market is held during December, with many wooden chalets serving traditional food and offering unique handmade gifts.
If you’re backpacking in Belgium, Market Square is where free walking tours depart! I took one the first time I visited Bruges, and loved exploring the city with a local.
11. Climb Bruges Belfort
For the best panoramic views of Bruges, climb the 366 steps to the top of the Ghent Belfort.
Bruges Belfort is a medieval bell tower, dating back to the 13th century. Inside the building, you can learn more about the history and importance of these bell towers in Belgium.
If you’ve already traveled around Belgium, you’ll notice this is not the only one in the country!
You can see one if you visit Ghent, Leuven, Mechelen, Antwerp, and many more places.
The stairs to the viewing platform are narrow, and you’ll climb 7 floors. However, the view is worth it!
12. Grab a drink at Duvelorium Belgian Beer Bar
If you don’t want to pay for the ticket to climb the Belfry, but instead want to enjoy a drink with a view of the Market Square, head straight to Duvelorium Belgian Beer Bar.
You don’t have to take a beer, although it is one of Belgium’s specialties, as they have other drinks too.
The terrace overlooks the Market Square and makes for a great place to take a break after all the sightseeing!
13. Wander the cobblestone streets
One of the best things to do in Bruges is simply to wander the cobblestone streets and soak in the unique atmosphere and beautiful architecture.
The entire historic center of Bruges is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement.
14. Visit one of the Bruges museums
If you still have time or the weather is not working in your favor, you can add a visit to one of Bruges’ museums to your itinerary.
There are 12 traditional museums where you can learn more about the city’s history and culture.
For example, Groeningemuseum is the one for culture and art lovers, as it houses works of some of the most renowned Belgian artists, like Jan van Eyck.
However, there are also some non-traditional museums you might be interested in, like the Chocolate Museum or Fries Museum!
Is One Day In Bruges Enough?
Yes, one day is enough time to explore Bruges.
The city is quite small, with a compact city center and all tourist attractions within walking distance.
Even if you take a walking tour or a boat excursion down the canals, you should have enough time to see everything on this itinerary.
You can spend a night in Bruges or visit on a day trip from Brussels or Ghent.
How To Get To Bruges?
You can get to Bruges by car, train, or bus.
Bruges doesn’t have an international airport, so you’ll have to fly to Brussels first before getting to Bruges.
The easiest way to get to Bruges from most places in Belgium is by train.
Taking a train is the most popular way to travel in Belgium because trains are frequent, reliable, and affordable. In fact, you can do your entire Belgium itinerary by train!
You can purchase tickets online on the SNCB website or at one of the ticket machines at the train station.
Train ticket prices in Belgium are fixed, but there might be promo deals like 50% off return tickets if you’re spending a weekend in Bruges.
I don’t think it’s worth renting a car to get to Bruges if you’re already in Belgium.
Should You Spend A Night In Bruges?
While you can see all the main tourist attractions in Bruges in a day, I suggest spending a night if you have time on your Belgium itinerary.
Bruges is a popular day trip destination, and it gets very busy during the day with day trippers from Brussels.
As most people don’t stay in Bruges, the city is lovely to stroll in at night and early in the morning.
Also, accommodation in Bruges is quite affordable for the quality, especially compared to Brussels.
Where To Stay In Bruges?
The best place to stay in Bruges is Old Town, the most picturesque neighborhood in the city, close to all the main attractions.
Plus, you’ll have the chance to stay in one of the charming, historic houses for a truly unique experience!
- TOP Pick: The Notary (It’s absolutely majestic!)
- Best Mid-Range Option: Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce (location is unbeatable!)
- Best Budget Pick: Hotel Patritius (great value for money!)
- Best Hostel: St Christopher’s Inn Hostel at The Bauhaus
Summary: Bruges 1 Day Itinerary
Bruges is a beautiful town that is definitely worth visiting if you’re traveling to Belgium.
Even with just one day in Bruges, you’ll get to stroll the cobblestone streets, admire the medieval architecture, and sail down the canals.
Joining a walking tour of Bruges is a great way to learn more about the history of this unique place.
So, now that you know what to see in Bruges in one day, it’s time to plan the rest of your trip to Belgium!
⭐ Book the ICONIC Bruges walking tour and boat tour here!
