A Day Trip to Bruges, Belgium: The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary

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Are you planning a day trip to Bruges? This medieval city is quaint, beautiful, and popular with those looking to experience the beauty of Belgium.

The entire city is often described as an “open-air museum,” with its cobblestone streets and historic architecture. It’s been dubbed one of the most romantic cities in Europe and the entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are narrow cobblestone streets, canals, bridges, and stunning churches… It’s so picturesque that you’ll want to drink it all in! Trust me, a day trip to Bruges, definitely won’t be a disappointment.

If you’re looking for a unique place to visit in Europe, this city is the perfect destination.

How to Get to Bruges From Brussels?

If you’re travelling from Brussels, here’s a super easy day trip option

We took the train from Brussels. It’s fairly easy to get to Bruges from Brussels and the train took about an hour.

There is a train that leaves every 30 minutes, and, if trains aren’t your thing, then there’s a bus that takes about 90 minutes.

We booked our train tickets from the train station in the city centre, but, if you’d rather book them in advance, you can also book online.

Plus, Brussels isn’t the only place you can visit the city from. You can also take a day trip to Bruges pretty easily from Ghent, Paris, Amsterdam, or even London.

✅ Book your train travel to Bruges, here

The Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Bruges

So, if you’re wondering exactly how to spend your day trip to Bruges, here are my top recommendations:

9:00 – Visit Rozenhoedkaai

Cost: Free

Rozenhoedkaai is a great place to start your Bruges itinerary. This is one of the most photogenic places in the city. Located on the canals, you’ll find yourself surrounded by waterside cafes, restaurants, and gorgeous scenery.

Rozenhoedkaai has long since been regarded as the most Instagram-worthy spot in the city. With the beauty of the canals and the buildings, it’s easy to see why it’s known as the ‘Venice of the North.’

It’s so beautiful at dawn when all the sunbeams are shining through it, so if you fancy getting to the city ultra early, you’ll certainly love this stop.

Plus, if you fancy returning at sunset, it’s also pretty spectacular. Although it’s much busier than dawn, it’s another great time for taking pictures as it’s illuminated with lights and you’ll also have the amber glow of the sun.

9:30 – Visit Minnewater Lake

Cost: Free

After this, take a short, 15-minute walk to the south of the city and the beautiful Minnewater Lake. A bit of a hidden gem in Bruges, Minnewater or the Lake of Love, is by far one of my favourite places here.

Tucked away at the southern corner of the city, it’s beautiful during any time of day. The view across Minnewater can’t be beaten; especially around sunset when all the sunbeams are shining through the trees.

Even though it’s slightly outside of the city centre, it’s definitely worth a visit even if you only have a day trip to Bruges.

10:30 – See the Church of Our Lady

Cost: Free

The Church of Our Lady Bruges is the main church in the city. It dates back to the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries, and it’s one of the most important Gothic churches in Europe.

It’s easy to find the church as the city’s skyline is dominated by its 122-metre masonry steeple. Inside the church, the altarpiece called the Madonna and Child with Saints is considered to be one of Michelangelo’s best works.

11:15 – Visit St. Salvator’s Cathedral

Cost: Free

St. Salvator’s Cathedral is one of the biggest and most impressive churches in the city. The architecture is simply stunning.

The building was built between the 12th–15th century, but it was rebuilt several times over the years that followed due to fires or wars.

It’s a beautiful building on the outside, but the inside is pretty impressive too, with a large organ, medieval tombs, and gorgeous Brussels tapestries on the walls.

12:00 – Climb Bruges Belfry

Cost: €15 per adult

For fantastic views across the city, make sure you visit the Belfry of Bruges. The medieval bell tower is located in the heart of the city, and it offers great panoramic views from its 83-metre height.

This old tower used to be part of a large fortified city wall. It formerly housed a treasury, and the city archives, and was a defensive tower.

Today, it’s one of Belgium’s main tourist attractions and it offers a great view of the city.

12:45 – Explore Bruges Markt

Cost: Free

After you’ve spent some time exploring the Rozenhoedkaai, head to Bruges Markt. This is a beautiful city, and it’s best explored on foot and this is the main market square.

There are many shops here that sell chocolate or lace-related things, which makes for great souvenirs! And you absolutely have to try Belgian chocolate from the market here.

13:15 – Lunch

After you’ve explored the cathedral, it’s worth stopping for a spot of lunch. A few of the best spots to grab lunch include De Vlaamsche Pot for traditional Flemish dishes or De Garre for delicious Belgian beer and snacks,

14:15 – Wander the Old Town streets

Cost: Free

After you’ve explored the main town square, it’s well worth exploring some of the surrounding streets in the city of Bruges.

To be perfectly honest, you could just wander around the city streets for hours, as there are so many beautiful buildings to see.

Of course, if you only have one day in Bruges, it’s probably not worth spending too long doing this. But, nonetheless, definitely take some time to explore the old town.

15:00 – Visit the Historium

Cost: €20 per adult

Next, head to the Historium in Bruges for a great taste of the history of Bruges.

It’s an interactive museum that takes you on a journey through time, from the Roman era all the way up to the modern day.

There are interactive displays and multimedia shows, so it’s perfect for both adults and children.

16:00 – Admire Bruges City Hall

Cost: Free

After a scrummy lunch, head to the Town Hall. This beautiful building is a must-see during one day in Bruges. It’s one of the oldest cathedrals in the entire Netherland region.

Completed in 1421, it’s also one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in Europe. It’s easy to find too as it’s located in the heart of Bruges, in Burg Square, so it’s definitely something you won’t want to miss on your trip.

16:30 – Explore the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Cost: €5 per adult

This curious church is definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in religious history. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is best known as the home of an important relic: a vial containing what is believed to be Christ’s blood.

It is said that this relic was collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought from the Holy Land before being placed in the church. It also contains some pieces from Jesus’ cross and other relics that are said to have been brought back by the Crusaders.

17:00 – Take a Canal Cruise

Cost: €15 per adult

I love a boat ride and think it’s a great way to see a destination.

You get a unique perspective of a city from the water, especially one as unique as this. Coupled with the facts and information that your guide will give you, it’s easily one of the best things to do during a day trip to Bruges.

There are so many different options for canal tours, and you’ll be able to choose one that suits you best. You can choose between a one-hour or two-hour tour and it’s always great fun and a wonderful way to see the city.

✅ I recommend this canal tour in Bruges

If You Have More Than a Day Trip to Bruges

If you’ve looked at this day itinerary and decided that there’s more here than you can see in a day, here are some more amazing things to do in the city.

Visit The Choco-Story

Can you really go to Belgium and not try Belgian chocolate? Easily one of the best things to do in Bruges, chocolate is a must-try while you’re here. The Choco-Story is a pretty good reason to spend more than a day in Bruges.

The Choco-Story is an immersive journey into the world of Belgian chocolate. Located just north of the heart of Bruges, you can explore the rich history and artistry behind one of Belgium’s most beloved treats.

From the origins of cocoa cultivation to the intricate process of chocolate making, you can witness the craftsmanship and passion that go into crafting Belgian chocolate. There are interactive exhibits, tastings, and demonstrations. You can even make your own chocolate!

✅ Book tickets to the Choco-Story here

Explore the Groeninge Museum

Another must-visit if you have more than a day in Bruges is the Groeninge Museum. You’ll love this if you’re even the slightest bit curious about the rich artistic heritage of Belgium.

Inside, you’ll find a diverse collection spanning centuries and showing the evolution of Flemish and Belgian art. With its stunning array of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, the Groeninge Museum is a great place to visit if you’re an art fanatic.

Visit St John’s Hospital

St. John’s Hospital is another taste into the city’s historic past. It was founded in the 12th century and served as a place of refuge and care for the sick and poor travelling through the city.

Today, you can explore the beautifully preserved wards, chapels, and courtyards, and gain insight into the medical practices and religious customs of the Middle Ages.

The hospital’s highlight is the Memling Museum, named after the Flemish painter Hans Memling, who lived and worked here. The museum houses a splendid collection of Memling’s masterpieces, including altarpieces and portraits from medieval times.

Is Bruges Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely! Bruges is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Europe. It’s also very close to Brussels and the Netherlands, so it’s a great option if you’re city-hopping in Europe

When is The Best Time to visit Bruges?

We visited Bruges in winter and loved it. The markets are fantastic, plus this wonderful city is alive with twinkling lights and decorations. It makes a wonderful European city to visit in December.

However, if you want warmer weather, I’d recommend visiting between April and May. You’ll find pleasant temperatures and lower prices than the peak summer season. I’d also avoid July and August for this reason.

Is a Bruges Day Trip Enough?

Personally, I found that a day trip was enough time to see the essentials in Bruges. But, I would recommend spending at least two nights if you want to do some of the other activities that the city has to offer, like exploring the museums or visiting the breweries.

Should I Visit Ghent or Bruges?

Ghent and Bruges are both great choices if you’re looking for places to visit in Belgium outside Brussels, and it really depends on what you’re interested in.

If you want to see more of a modern city with some medieval elements, go for Ghent. If you’re more interested in medieval architecture and history, and an old-style feel, Bruges is the better choice.

Or, if you have plenty of time in Belgium, why not visit both? They’re only a 30-minute train ride away from each other, and there’s plenty to see and do in both cities.

While there are a lot of great things to do in Brussels, we thought that both of these day trips really added to our time in Belgium. They also allowed us to see a different side of the country than just the capital.

What to eat in Bruges

Food is a huge part of Belgium culture and while in Bruges, don’t forget to indulge in one of the city’s many delicacies.

Here are some of the best things to eat while visiting:

• Belgian Chocolate: Indulge in the finest Belgian chocolate, available in numerous shops throughout the city. Try pralines, truffles, or simply a classic chocolate bar.
• Waffles: Enjoy the famous Belgian waffles, served with an array of toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fresh fruit, or ice cream. My personal favourite is the caramel topping.
• Mussels (Moules): Belgium is renowned for its delicious moules-frites (mussels with fries). You can often find fresh mussels cooked in a variety of flavorful broths, often accompanied by crispy Belgian fries.
• Frites (Fries): Sample some Belgian fries, typically served in paper cones with a choice of sauces such as mayonnaise, ketchup, or spicy samurai sauce.
• Beer: Belgium is famous for its beer, and Bruges boasts numerous breweries and pubs where you can taste a wide selection of local brews. Don’t miss out on trying a Belgian Trappist beer or a refreshing lambic.
• Flemish Stew (Carbonnade Flamande): This hearty beef stew, simmered in beer and seasoned with onions and spices, is a comforting dish perfect for colder days. I had this when I visited the Christmas Markets (one of the best Christmas markets in Europe) and it was delicious.
• Cheese: Explore the local cheese shops and try some authentic Belgian cheeses, such as Brugge Dentelle, Brugge Blomme, or the creamy Brugge Oud.
• Speculoos: These spiced shortcrust biscuits are a Belgian favourite, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. You can find them in bakeries and shops throughout the city.
• Waterzooi: A traditional Flemish fish or chicken stew made with vegetables, potatoes, and cream, offering a rich and flavorful taste of Belgian cuisine.

Remember to explore the local markets, bakeries, and restaurants. You can find a lot of good food in these places

Final Thoughts on Taking a Day Trip to Bruges

Overall, Bruges is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium and such a hidden gem in Europe. This Belgian city is gorgeous with distinctive buildings, picturesque canals, and delicious cuisine.

Whether you like history, food culture, or simply romantic cities in Europe, you’ll love spending a full day in Bruges and you may even wish you could spend more time!

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