Bruges’ historical centre is a well-preserved UNESCO Global Heritage Website online with cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and Gothic structure. Right here’s see the most productive of fairytale Bruges in 1 or 2 days.
Within the thirteenth and 14th centuries, Bruges was once considered one of Europe’s maximum necessary buying and selling ports and one of the most wealthiest towns on the earth.
Situated on the crossroads of global industry, Bruges constructed its wealth from material, banking, spices, silk and comfort items.
This wealth constructed Gothic church buildings, guild halls, medieval bridges, and canal-side mansions.
When the Zwin inlet silted up within the fifteenth century, reducing off Bruges’ get right of entry to to the ocean, the town’s speedy decline preserved its medieval structure.
Lately, it’s considered one of Europe’s most pretty medieval towns.
We have now organised this information into the most productive issues to do in Bruges over 1 and a pair of days, so you could have an concept what to prioritise in case you are brief on time.
We have now additionally more or less laid this information out as an itinerary. Should you do every day so as as we’ve them beneath, you’ll have a very good 1 or 2-day strolling itinerary for Bruges that can mean you can see the most productive museums, points of interest and picturesque places within the town.
BRUGES MAP
The entire points of interest we’ve integrated on this weblog publish were integrated at the map beneath that will help you navigate Bruges.
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THINGS TO DO IN BRUGES IF YOU HAVE 1 DAY
Here’s what we advise you probably have 1 day in Bruges. Those are the primary points of interest at the side of probably the most maximum picturesque spaces of the town.
1. GROTE MARKT
Grote Markt (Marketplace Sq.) is the historical centre of Bruges and an excellent spot to begin your seek advice from.
The sq. is a UNESCO Global Heritage Website online and surrounded through stunning examples of Flemish structure, together with the vibrant guild properties which date again to medieval instances.
Eating places line the sq., which can be at all times busy and set as much as cater to the vacationer marketplace. On the other hand, I loved consuming right here for the reason that surroundings was once excellent and the meals is in most cases excellent high quality all over the place Bruges.
The Belfry of Bruges, which I recommend you seek advice from subsequent, is at the Grote Markt.
2. BELFORT (BELFRY)
I used to be excited to seek advice from the Belfry principally as it featured within the film In Bruges, nevertheless it additionally will give you an ideal view of Bruges.
The tower dates again to the thirteenth century and includes a treasury and a carillon with 47 bells. The carillonneur performs on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM.
The tower is 83 metres prime and comes to 366 stairs to achieve the highest. The staircase is very slim.
The Belfry is integrated at the Bruges Card, which I like to recommend getting in case you are following this information (extra about this beneath).
TIMED TICKETS // You want to ebook a timeslot upfront for the Belfry as customer numbers are managed because of the extraordinarily slim staircase.
3. SALVADOR DALÍ EXHIBITION
Ahead of my ultimate shuttle to Bruges, I had no thought the town had an enduring Salvador Dalí exhibition. So, I used to be very excited to search out it, and it didn’t disappoint.
It’s positioned within the Belfry construction, making it a handy appeal to seek advice from after seeing the Belfry tower.
The exhibition has greater than 300 works through Salvador Dalí, the vast majority of which can be art work and sketches. There also are sculptures, engravings, and a couple of quirky items of furnishings.
The construction is as quirky because the artwork, with pretend columns, backgrounds in good blue, stunning crimson and leopard print, and a number of gold. Some would possibly assume it appears to be like outdated and wanting a refresh, however I believed it was once completely suited for Dalí and his taste. I believe it’s precisely how he would wish it to seem, and it appears like being transported again to the time he produced them.
I’ve observed numerous opinions on-line in regards to the deficient high quality of the audio information, which is legitimate. I ditched it in favour of taking a look up the items I used to be specifically excited by on ChatGPT, which equipped a significantly better description of what you had been taking a look at.
ENTRY TICKETS // Ebook your Salvador Dalí Bruges tickets right here to skip the queue.
4. STADHUIS (CITY HALL)
The following factor I’d counsel if you happen to solely have 1 day in Bruges is the Stadhuis, or Town Corridor.
It’s one of the most oldest and most pretty the town halls in Belgium and a enormous instance of the wealth and status Bruges loved throughout the Center Ages.
You don’t want too lengthy to seek advice from as it’s in reality only one room, the pretty Gothic Corridor, which dates again to the 14th century.
The corridor has an implausible trees vaulted ceiling and enormous work of art from the nineteenth century illustrating Bruges’ historical past. There are knowledge playing cards in more than a few languages to provide an explanation for the art work.
The opposite factor I in reality loved within the The town Corridor was once the loose interactive show about how Bruges has modified a number of instances over the centuries from the affects tidal adjustments dropped at the panorama, get right of entry to and primary industries within the town.
Stadhuis is integrated at the Bruges Museum Card.
5. BASILICA OF THE HOLY BLOOD
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is correct subsequent door to Stadhuis in Burg Sq., and it’s effectively price popping in for a fast glance.
It’s an ornately adorned Gothic chapel which was once rebuilt within the sixteenth century and restored within the nineteenth century. It comprises brilliant work of art, stunning stained-glass home windows, and gilded main points.
The chapel is legendary for having a material which is alleged to comprise the blood of Jesus. You’ll be able to procedure as much as a raised platform to view the relic, which is housed in an ornate crystal case.
VIEWING TIMES // Basilica of the Holy Blood is loose to go into and open from 10 AM to five:15 PM; alternatively, the relic is solely obtainable between 12 PM and four PM.
6. ROZENHOEDKAAI
Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) is likely one of the maximum photogenic spots in Bruges. A bend within the canal creates stunning reflections of the medieval structure lining the banks, with the Belfry tower within the background.
There are a couple of (very busy) cafés overlooking the canal and a number of other extra eating places within the small laneway resulting in the perspective.
Rozenhoedkaai may be the place to begin for the canal cruises.
Should you’re excited by getting footage in the most productive mild, the solar lighting fixtures up the construction around the canal within the morning. Within the afternoon, the solar is in the back of the constructions, so morning is healthier.
7. DE HALVE MAAN BREWERY TOUR
I discovered a number of alternatives to drink beer in Bruges, however in case you are taking a look to be told a little extra about what you’re ingesting, the De Halve Maan Brewery excursion is a wonderful factor to do in Bruges.
Excursions get started from 12 PM via to round 4 PM and ultimate for 45 mins. You’ll be informed in regards to the conventional manufacturing procedure, how a lot love and care are poured into Belgian beer, after which style some on the finish.
Excursions wish to be booked upfront.
8. GROENINGE MUSEUM
The overall factor I’d recommend if you happen to solely have 1 day in Bruges is the Groeninge Museum, which is the town’s positive artwork museum.
It has a very good choice of works from Flemish and Belgian artists, together with Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Gerard David, and Hugo van der Is going.
Works span from the fifteenth century, via to neoclassical items from the 18th century and fresh artwork from René Magritte.
It’s a good way to peer each the masters and fresh Belgian artists in a single very manageable assortment.
Groeninge Museum is integrated at the Bruges Museum Card.
IF YOU HAVE 2 DAYS IN BRUGES
Subsequent, I’ll give an explanation for what else you have to do in Bruges you probably have every other day to spend.
9. SINT-JANSHOSPITAAL (ST JOHN’S HOSPITAL)
St John’s Health center is likely one of the oldest preserved health center constructions in Europe, now working as a museum with masterpieces through Flemish artist Hans Memling.
I in reality loved walking across the construction. There are hovering trees ceilings, stone arches, and a few very curious shows.
The segment at the historical past of illnesses was once attention-grabbing, and the tales from the health center give an explanation for the determination that went into taking good care of sufferers.
The spotlight is the choice of Hans Memling’s art work, particularly, his 4 sensible landscapes, which have been commissioned particularly for the health center. The opposite spotlight is the magnificent altar piece, superbly offered in a dramatic glass case.
St John’s Health center is integrated at the Bruges Museum Card.
10. CHURCH OF OUR LADY
The Church of Our Girl is a gorgeous Gothic church, which is loose to go into if you wish to have a snappy go searching.
On the other hand, there’s a paid museum (integrated at the Bruges Museum Card) which comprises a bunch of fascinating art work.
A very powerful is no doubt the marble statue of Madonna and Kid through Michelangelo.
It was once first of all designed for the Siena Cathedral. On the other hand, it was once bought through a rich circle of relatives who shipped it out to Bruges. It’s one of the most few Michelangelo sculptures to go away Italy.
That is more than likely a type of points of interest in Bruges that I’d solely counsel after you’ve observed the whole thing else, until you’re specifically excited by seeing the Michelangelo. On the other hand, I in reality loved visiting, and there have been a number of different main points, such because the painted graves, which I discovered fascinating.
11. GRUUTHUSEMUSEUM
Gruuthusemuseum is a museum housed within the former palace of a rich circle of relatives that managed the industry of the herbs used to brew beer.
The museum includes a host of industries which have been pivotal to Bruges, together with tapestries, lace, ceramics, furnishings and all types of different crafts in the case of on a regular basis existence.
The construction is lovely, however to be truthful, I didn’t to find the exhibitions that fascinating. If you’re pressed for time, that is the only museum I’d believe skipping, until you could have a specific hobby in ancient Bruges artefacts.
What I in reality favored was once the very good view from the balcony, which has an ideal view of essentially the most fascinating little bridge in Bruges.
Gruuthusemuseum is integrated at the Bruges Museum Card.
12. ST SALVATOR’S CATHEDRAL
St Salvator’s Cathedral is the oldest parish church in Bruges, with a mix of architectural types together with a Romanesque base, a Gothic nave, and a fortress-like tower.
There’s a bunch of spectacular art work and tapestries, however the spotlight for me was once the ornate carved choir stalls.
It’s loose to go into St Salvator’s, and it was once a lot quieter than the Church of Our Girl or the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
13. CANAL BOAT TRIP
Taking a canal boat excursion in Bruges is likely one of the most well liked issues to do. You’ll flow previous the unique structure with guides offering insights into the town.
I’ve ranked this somewhat low at the checklist as a result of I imagine there are higher issues to do in Bruges, and lots of cruises don’t seem to be well-run, in large part because of the huge selection of other people they are trying to house.
The boats are small and regularly somewhat packed, so you’ll be able to’t stand up and transfer round in any respect. There’s additionally no safe haven from the solar or rain.
Buyer comments in relation to normal organisation and information high quality is blended so it’s a good suggestion to pick out a excursion moderately.
BOAT + WALKING TOUR // This excursion on Get Your Information may be very effectively rated and features a strolling excursion of probably the most primary attractions in Bruges in addition to meals and beer tasting.
14. JERUSALEM CHURCH
The rich Adornes circle of relatives constructed the Jerusalem Church to seem very similar to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
By contrast to the opposite church buildings in Bruges which can be elaborate and ornate, the Jerusalem church is an austere house which feels a lot more solemn. There are some peculiar options, such because the altarpiece coated in cranium motifs.
The complicated additionally features a museum to the Adornes circle of relatives.
The Jerusalem Church is on learn how to seek advice from the Windmills (see subsequent segment) and I’d typically recommend you pop in for a fast glance.
On the other hand, at €10 to go into, it’s no longer one thing I’d essentially counsel until you’re specifically excited by witnessing the spiritual devotion of the circle of relatives.
15. WINDMILLS ON THE RAMPARTS
When you have a while within the overdue afternoon, I’d counsel taking a stroll out to the Windmills.
There are 4 windmills in Bruges, which can be positioned at the Kruisvest ramparts, a part of the previous town defences.
It’s a pleasing scenic walk which takes you out of the town centre and alongside the tree-lined paths alongside the river.
A scenic, less-touristy stroll that displays off Bruges’ geographical region attraction inside of town limits.
TO SQUEEZE IN
Someplace alongside your travels, there are some things you’ll wish to squeeze in to get the entire Bruges enjoy.
CHOCOLATE
Chocolate is a huge a part of the Belgian identification, and Bruges has over 50 chocolate retail outlets. So, you’re by no means some distance from a repair whilst out exploring the town.
Chocolate in Belgium is so excellent for the reason that minimal cocoa content material is dictated through regulation. Additionally they use fewer fillers and keep away from substituting cocoa butter with vegetable fat, a not unusual observe in heavily produced candies to cut back prices.
The result’s a miles richer, creamier, tastier chocolate that’s additionally costlier. The most efficient chocolate I discovered, so as, was once:
Chocolate Manufacturing unit De Burgh — With Willy Wonka posters and cabinets filled with machine-produced candies, the entire signifiers had been off. However, one aspect of the shop is devoted to hand-crafted chocolate, and it was once through some distance the most productive I attempted in Bruges. It’s positioned off the Burg beside the Church of the Holy Blood.
The Chocolate Brothers — There’s a real focal point at the high quality of the product on this fashionable, uncluttered house, and the chocolate is clean and scrumptious. It’s simply around the highway from the Church of Our Girl.
Elisabeth Chocolatier — Elisabeth is a sequence with a number of retail outlets throughout Belgium. In Bruges, they’re positioned on Grote Markt, and it’s extra geared in opposition to vacationers. However, it’s a excellent position for a chocolate present with lovely packing containers of cakes, pralines and nougat.
GEMS WE RECOMMEND
The meals in Bruges is in most cases of a prime quality, principally as it’s reasonably conventional. Maximum menus may have Flemish stew, mussels, and hen vol-au-vent.
Cafedraal Eating place — A wise eating place with stunning interiors the place Ray and Chloe had their first date in In Bruges. Reservations required.
Gran Kaffee Du Passage — Vintage Flemish dishes completed effectively in an attractive previous eating place.
Cafe Vlissinghe — Our favorite brown bar in Bruges with a sunny courtyard and an atmospheric beer corridor.
Dee’s Speciality Espresso — Should you’re wanting a high quality espresso, Dee’s is the most productive I discovered in Bruges.
NOT ON THE LIST
There’s so much to do in Bruges, so that you’ll wish to make a choice about what to skip.
Minnewater, often known as Lake of Love, is a leafy park at the southern fringe of Bruges. It’s great sufficient, however there’s no longer an enormous wish to make the particular shuttle. It featured within the film, In Bruges, so if you happen to’re a fan, the most productive time to seek advice from is after the De Halve Maan brewery.
I didn’t have time for Brugse Vrije on account of opening instances, and the fictional love tale operating throughout the Historium was once just a little at the lame aspect.
The white-washed properties within the Beguinage circling the lawn are lovely, however I’d solely seek advice from if you happen to had time to spare.
The Choco-Tale audio excursion is a little long-winded, however children would more than likely adore it.
PLANNING & LOGISTICS
WHEN TO GO?
The most efficient time to seek advice from Bruges is throughout the shoulder seasons: April-June and September-October.
From April to June, the elements is delicate, the gardens are in bloom, and the crowds are manageable. In September and October, it’s possible you’ll begin to get transparent, crisp days, and customer numbers will likely be down presently as effectively.
Bruges is lovely over Christmas, however the climate will likely be chilly and damp, and it may get very busy.
Height season is July-August when the elements is round 15-23°C (59-73°F), it may be busy and also you’ll more than likely pay essentially the most for lodging.
HOW LONG DO YOU NEED?
Two complete days are sufficient to peer the primary points of interest and get a style for native Belgian existence, specifically within the type of beer, chocolate and stew.
Should you had 3 to 4 days, you have to see the whole thing and get out of the town by the use of a motorcycle journey within the geographical region or a shuttle to the coast.
HOW TO GET THERE?
One of the simplest ways to get to Bruges is through educate. Belgium has a very good rail community this is speedy, environment friendly, and in most cases excellent price.
Listed below are the commonest educate routes to Bruges:
- From Brussels: Direct trains each and every hour, adventure time 1 hour
- From London: Eurostar to Brussels (2 hours), then connecting educate (general 4-5 hours)
- From Amsterdam: 3-4 hours with one connection in Brussels or Antwerp
- From Paris: Thalys to Brussels, then connecting educate (general 4 hours)
All of your educate trips will also be booked by the use of thetrainline.com or omio.com. Each platforms settle for global playing cards.
GETTING AROUND?
Bruges educate station is ready 1.5 kilometres south of the historical centre, which is a 20-minute stroll from the station.
The bus station is at once outdoor the educate station, making it simple to get into the town centre along with your baggage.
A unmarried shuttle at the bus prices €3, payable through tapping a contactless card at the white machines at the bus. (The darkish machines are for native shuttle playing cards).
The historical centre is compact and totally walkable. Maximum main points of interest are inside of a 20-minute stroll of one another.
WHERE TO STAY
As Bruges is a compact town, it’s no longer tricky to search out lodging inside of strolling distance of the historical centre. It doesn’t subject an excessive amount of which house in Bruges you keep in; the entire town is beautiful.
Listed below are some suggestions from us.
LUXURY
BOUTIQUE
- The Pand: A comfortable boutique lodge set in an 18th-century carriage area.
- Lodge de Orangerie: Romantic canal-side lodge with plush interiors.
- Bariseele B&B: Eco-friendly adults-only keep in a historical construction.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY / HOSTEL
MUSEA BRUGGE CARD
The Musea Brugge Card supplies get right of entry to to all museums run through Musea Brugge for 72 hours ranging from the time you input the primary museum.
The prices for the Museum card are as follows:
- Adults: 33.
- Formative years (18-25): €25
- Youngsters (13-17): €17
BRUGES MUSEUM CARD // Ebook your Musea Brugge Card on-line sooner than your shuttle. Scan the voucher at any taking part museum to turn on your card.
OPENING DAYS & COST FOR THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS
The desk beneath has the outlet main points for the museums we’ve coated on this information that will help you plan. We have now additionally integrated the cost to lend a hand you make a decision if the Museum Card is worthwhile.
There are a couple of further museums coated through the Museum Card that we didn’t seek advice from. See the complete checklist of integrated museums right here.
| MUSEUM | HOURS | DAYS | COST (Grownup) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfort (Belfry) | Take a look at the Bruges website online for opening instances | Each day | €15 |
| Stadhuis (Town Corridor) | 9:30 AM to five PM | Each day | Unfastened |
| Xpo Salvador Dalí | 10 AM to six PM | Each day | €10 (no longer integrated at the Museum Card) |
| Groeninge Museum | 9 AM to five PM | Closed Wednesdays | €15 |
| Basilica of the Holy Blood | 10 AM to five:15 PM | Each day | Unfastened |
| Saint Saviour’s Cathedral | 10 AM to one PM & 2 PM to five:30 PM | Each day | Unfastened |
| Sint-Janshospitaal | 9:30 AM to five PM | Closed Monday | €15 |
| Church Of Our Girl | 9:30 AM to five PM | Each day | €8 (museum) |
PRACTICAL TIPS
- Dutch / Flemish is the legit language, however English and French are extensively spoken. Each waiter/waitress I met spoke no less than 3 languages.
- It’s a compact town, and also you’ll do numerous strolling so put on at ease sneakers.
- We were given sopping wet and sunburnt all at the identical day, so be ready for all kinds of climate.
- Contactless fee was once approved in all places. We actually didn’t also have any euros with us, and it was once by no means an issue.
You’ll be able to toughen our weblog through reserving your shuttle the use of those assets.
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Thank you on your toughen.
Paul & Mark.
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