bruges walking tour route

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Self-Guided Walking Tour Bruges

This post is a free, self-guided walking tour of Bruges historic centre, along with a downloadable map with our suggested route.

You can complete this tour in 60-90 minutes, but you may want to take more time to explore the area and see as much as possible.

Click the map to enlarge

This tour can also be done as an audio tour.

Here is how it works:

• Download the tour on our Booking Page .
• Get a confirmation Email with .mp3, .pdf and embeddable map
• Enjoy the tour (s)

Even if you don't download any tours, you will still have access to valuable information on sightseeing, eating and playing in Prague.

Listen to a sample of our Bruges Historic Center Tour.

Available Tours:

• Historic Central Bruges

INTRODUCTION

Bruges is one of the most well-known cities in Belgium, and in fact in all of Europe.

This city has a history dating back thousands of years, so there are a lot of notable landmarks worth visiting.

This tour will take you to dozens of the most historic locations in the city centre, and we will also point out some of the more popular breweries, chocolatiers, and other businesses you may want to discover.

In addition to learning about the history of Bruges, this tour will also take you to one of the most photographed locations in the world and show you a somewhat offbeat way to get there.

Experience both the hustle and bustle of large public squares as well as the more charming side of this city which you’ll discover as you walk along the canals of the river.

We will begin the tour at Market Square and circle around the centre of Bruges, returning at the end to the same location.

You can expect to visit at least 13 historic sites along the way. The map located above can be downloaded to your phone.

This tour will cover approximately 1.6 kilometers (around 1 mile) of the city centre in Bruges.

Thankfully, there aren’t many stairs to navigate, but you will have to cross two bridges on your way around the city.

There are also several free walking tours of Bruges that run daily if you would like to have a live tour guide. 

1. Market Square

Take a look around Market Square to see some of the most notable sites in the city before heading out on this adventure.

Not only can you see historic buildings like the Belfry and the Provincial Court, but you’ll also experience some of the culture on display in Bruges.

Market Square has been a marketplace since the year 958, and to this day they still hold an open market on Wednesdays where you can purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, cheese, flowers, and more.

The Wednesday markets run from 8 am - 1 pm each week, so if you’re here in the morning on the right day, you may even have a chance to do some shopping while you’re in this area.

In addition to its history as one of the predominant sources of commerce in Bruges, this location is also home to a prominent statue featuring two historic figures.

This statue depicts Jan Braydel and Pieter de Coninck, two heroes who fought for freedom against the French in the 14th century. 

Both Breydel and Coninck participated in multiple attacks on French garrisons from 1302-1309 during the Franco-Flemish War, and they also supported the troops in other ways.

You can find out more about their story by reading the historic novel “The Lion of Flanders.”

Both statues were erected in 1887 in response to the artistic era of Romanticism, a nostalgic period which encouraged the glorification of important historic moments.

If you look to the East from the centre of this square, you will see the historic Provincial Palace, built in the neo-Gothic architectural style starting in 1887 and having been completed in 1921.

Provincial Palace

To the left of the palace is a museum known as the Historium , and this is a great attraction to visit if you want to know more about what life was like in Bruges during the medieval period.

While you’re walking around Market Square, you may notice a horse-drawn carriage here and there, and you can actually go for a ride around the city center on these wonderful vehicles.

Our next stop is at the Southern end of the square, so start moving in this direction when you’re ready to move on.

2. The Belfry

Standing 83 metres (272 ft.) high, the Belfry is one of the most historic buildings in all of Bruges and it has actually been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Although it was originally built around the year 1240, there was a fire in 1280 which required the tower to be rebuilt. Sadly, this was the site of the city archives, and they were lost in the fire.

The octagonal upper area of the Belfry was added sometime between 1483-1487 and capped with a wooden spire that bore the image of St. Michael. Unfortunately, the spire eventually attracted a lightning bolt in 1493 which destroyed it and the bells in the tower.

Although they would replace it once again, the new spire was also destroyed in 1741, and they never bothered replacing it after that.

While the Belfry is much shorter today due to the lack of a spire, you can probably see the Gothic era-inspired stone parapet at the top of the structure today which was added to the rooftop in 1822.

Much of this building and its architectural style dates back to the medieval period, but the rooftop features a somewhat different type of architecture, which makes this Belfry an excellent example of mixed artistic styles.

During the 16th century, a carillon was added to the tower which allowed the bells to be played like a musical instrument with a keyboard.

The bells at the top of this tower have been used for a variety of purposes over the centuries, including the announcement of the time, work hours, political/religious events, and even ironically as a fire alarm.

The carillon has had a different number of bells at different periods in its history. In 1675, there were 35 bells. By the end of the 19th century, there were 48 bells. Today there are only 47. While some bells are as light as 2 pounds, others weigh up to 11,000 pounds. The differences between each bell allow the Belfry to play many different tones through the carillon.

The music played by the carillon changes every two years, and the tunes chosen are often based on a theme of some sort. 

From 2014 - 2016, the music was themed after songs that were popular during WW1 in order to celebrate the centennial of the war. There are carillon concerts held here throughout the summer, and we recommend checking their calendar to see if there will be a concert during your visit to Bruges.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Belfry or seeing it from the inside, tickets are available to enter the building and see the bells, the carillon, the treasury, and even the view from the tower.

Tickets are €12 for adults or €10 for seniors, students, and young adults from the age of 6 - 25. Children 5 and under are welcome to enter for free with an adult.

https://www.museabrugge.be/en/visit-our-museums/our-museums-and-monuments/belfort And for fans of the film, In Bruges, this is indeed the tower that elder hitman falls to his ultimate death from.

From here, the next stop on our tour will take you Southwest down the Steenstraat on the way to the St. Saviour’s Cathedral. 

If you’re interested in shopping, you’ll find quite a few popular stores along this street including a Swatch store, Tommy Hilfiger, Swarovski, H&M, and many others.

3. Simon Stevin Statue

As you head down Steenstrat, you’ll be surrounded by a variety of different businesses until you eventually see a clearing on the left surrounded by trees. 

This is a somewhat smaller public area than the Market Square, but one of the first things you’ll probably notice are street food vendors and some small amusement rides for children.

Behind all of these structures, you’ll discover a statue at the centre. This is a statue of Simon Stevin, a very important historical figure who was born right here in Bruges. 

Stevin was the mathematician who proved the law of equilibrium on an inclined plane, which was an important moment in the history of science and mathematics.

He also contributed to our understanding of physics, geometry, chemistry, and even mechanics. One of his biggest contributions was to help spread the use of decimals in Europe.

He was also known for contributing to the science of how music is both written and understood by presenting his theory for the division of the octave into 12 equal intervals.

Unless you want to purchase a snack while you’re here, there isn’t much else to see in this public square, and there are quite a few small restaurants in the area, so this could be a good place to take a break.

When you’re ready to continue the tour, you can either continue Southwest on Steenstraat or walk South of the Simon Stevinplein Square to Sint-Salvatorskoorstraat. Both streets will take you to St. Saviour’s Cathedral, but we recommend returning to Steenstraat if you want to see the front of the church first.

4. St. Saviour’s Cathedral

St. Saviour’s Cathedral is the oldest parish church in Bruges, dating back to the 10th century. 

Sadly, this structure was destroyed by a fire early on and rebuilt between the 13th - 14th centuries.

For hundreds of years, St. Saviour’s Cathedral has been the central religious building in the city, and it remains one of the most historically relevant religious sites.

Although there are many other churches in the city, this is the main cathedral of Bruges, and it was granted that status in the 19th century. The roof is one of the newest architectural additions to the church, as it was redesigned after it collapsed during a fire in 1839.

Although the architect they put in charge of this reconstruction was known for his neo-Gothic restoration, Robert Chantrell chose instead to use a Romanesque-revival design for the new roof.

This cathedral is also home to several medieval tombs, a rich collection of Flemish paintings dating from the 14th - 18th century, as well as some 18th-century tapestries.

St. Saviour’s Cathedral is open to the public most of the year, and you can visit Monday through Friday from 10 am - 13:00 (1 pm) or 14:00 (2 pm) to 17:30 (5:30 pm).

If you want to visit on the weekend, the church is open from 10 am 0 13:00 (1 pm) or 14:00 (2 pm) - 15:30 (3:30 pm) on Saturday and from 11:30 am - 12 pm or 14:00 (2 pm) - 17:00 (5 pm) on Sunday.

When you’re done at the cathedral, please circle around the building on Sint-Salvatorskerkhof to enjoy a good look at the entire structure as you head toward our next destination. Head back up Sint-Salvatorskoorstraat to visit a few more stores along the way. Walk back up to the Simon Stevinplein Square and then walk down Mariastraat. 

Head further South on Mariastraat to find the Depla Chocolatier where you can pick up a few sweets before continuing your tour.

5. Depla Chocolatier

Bruges is home to several fantastic chocolatiers including Depla, who has been making a variety of sweet treats since 1958.

Belgian chocolate is notable because it has more cocoa and cocoa butter than is typically used, and it’s also required to be produced finely enough that it will melt in your mouth.

Depla is an official manufacturer of the Bruges Swan, a special type of chocolate made in dark, milk, or white varieties which is only available in this city.

The exact recipe used to make this unique treat is still a secret, and there’s no other way to get it, so we recommend stopping in to try some for yourself.

Depla also sells a variety of other products including truffles, pralines, florentines, mendiants (chocolate over dried fruit or nuts), tuiles, and more.

If you’re interested in trying some authentic Belgian chocolate, this is an excellent opportunity to take a short break and grab a few sweets at one of the best chocolatiers in Bruges.

When you’re finished at Depla, head South until you reach the intersection with Guido Gezelleplein to find the next stop on our tour.

6. Gruuthuse Hof

Dating back to 1751, this is one of the oldest restaurants in the entire city, and it remains in business to this day. 

Many consider a meal at Gruuthuse Hof a prerequisite when visiting Bruges, and for good reason.

They still serve a menu full of Belgian favorites such as Flemish beef stew, shrimp or cheese croquettes, and of course a variety of Belgian chocolate items.

This menu can give you a good sense of the kind of food that is most popular in this part of the world.

If you go inside, you’ll see that they still have an old wood-beamed ceiling which is representative of the roots of this restaurant, but that’s the only thing that really looks old in the building. One of the nice things about this location is that despite its age and history, Gruuthuse Hof is still a family-friendly restaurant that isn’t focused only on high-class dining. While their menu is a bit pricier than some of the other restaurants you’ll find in Bruges, prices aren’t so wildly expensive that you’d want to avoid dining here. 

You can expect prices for most meals to run from €15 - €25. They get 4.5 out of 5-stars on TripAdvisor.

That all said, if you’re not interested in getting something to eat, we recommend continuing the tour by heading to our next stop, St. John’s Hospital. 

Continue walking South on Mariastraat to reach this destination.

7. St. John’s Hospital

As you walk down Mariastraat from Gruuthuse Hof, you’ll eventually see a rather large building on the left.

But, that’s actually the stop after this one – you’ll actually want to turn to the right to see St. John’s Hospital.

If you walk about halfway down the street, you’ll eventually run into an arched walkway which will lead to this historic building.  

Old St. John’s Hospital was founded in the 12th century, making it one of the oldest hospitals not only in Bruges but in all of Europe.

The oldest remaining aspects of the building date back to the 13th and 14th centuries.

During the middle ages, this building was used to house and care for sick pilgrims and travelers.

The halls of the medieval hospital now contain a mixture of both gothic and Romanesque architecture.

Between the 15th - 19th centuries, St. John’s Hospital was expanded with the addition of both a monastery and a convent.

During the 19th century, they added 8 new wards to the central structure.

Old St. John's Hospital Museum

As you walk around the building, you’ll probably notice the hodgepodge of architectural styles on display from all of the different eras in which the hospital was expanded.

Old St. John’s Hospital remained in use until 1977, which means that they served the public for roughly 800 years before shutting down. 

At this time, a newer, more modern hospital was built nearby to replace the centuries-old structure.

Thankfully, this hospital was never torn down, and if you want to learn more about it, there is a museum dedicated to St. John’s Hospital at the Southern end of the complex. You can reach the St. John’s Hospital Museum by heading back out to Mariastraat and walking South just a bit. The next door you find on the right will lead to the museum.

Admission to both the hospital and museum will cost €12 for adults and €10 for seniors, students, and young adults from the age of 18-25.

Children 17 or younger are welcome to visit for free with a parental guardian.

The next stop on our tour is just across the street, and as we mentioned before, you’ve probably noticed at least one of its structures looming overhead. When you’re ready, go ahead and cross the street to see the Church of Our Lady.

8. Church of Our Lady

This beautiful religious structure was originally crafted in the 13th century, with additions being made every now and then throughout the next few centuries.

The tower of this church is 115.6 metres (380 ft.) high, and it’s the tallest building in all of Bruges. Its tower is also the second tallest brickwork in the entire world.

Unlike some of the other structures in Bruges which have undergone many renovations due to fires and other issues, the Church of Our Lady retains much of its original gothic architecture. One of the most notable examples is the flying buttresses which were constructed in the late 13th century. Inside, the nave has a cross-vault ceiling and black & white tiled flooring.

Along the side-aisles and chancel of the interior, you’ll notice the baroque style of architecture at play in much of the design.

Several famous people are buried here including Charles the Bold, the last Valois Duke of Burgundy, and the duchess Mary. 

The Church of Our Lady is also well known for its sculpture of the Madonna and Child which was created by none other than Michelangelo in 1504.

The statue is enshrined in the altarpiece of the Cappella sacra chapel. If it seems like a piece of this magnitude is a bit out of place in Bruges, there’s an interesting story behind that.

According to historians, the Madonna and Child were probably intended to be housed at the Siena Cathedral in Italy.

However, it was instead purchased by two Bruges merchants, Jan and Alexander Mouscron, who would donate it to the church in 1514.

This was the only sculpture Michelangelo ever created which was taken out of Italy during his lifetime.

If you want to see this piece, you’ll have to pay for access to the museum . Ticket prices are very reasonable at a cost of just €6 for adults and €5 for seniors, students, and young adults from the age of 18-25. Children are granted free access with a parental guardian.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 17:00 (5 pm). You can also visit on Sundays from 13:30 (1:30 pm) to 17:00 (5 pm).

Our next stop will be across the bridge to the South of the Church of Our Lady.

Keep walking down Mariastraat, cross the bridge, and keep going until you reach the intersection of Katelijnestraat and Walstraat.

This road is lined with a variety of restaurants, chocolatiers, and other shops.

If you’re hungry, this might be a good place to stop for a bite. That said, if you’d rather have some fresh seafood, you’ll find an even better stop later on this tour.

Once you reach Walstraat, turn right and walk Southwest until you reach the intersection of Walstraat and Walplein.

Turn left on Walplein and walk South down this street until you reach our next stop, the De Halve Maan Brewery.

9. De Halve Maan Brewery

The De Halve Maan Brewery is around 500 years old, but they’re also home to one of the more interesting new additions in Bruges.

In 2016, the brewery installed a 3.2-kilometer pipeline which leads to a bottling plant in the suburbs. Most of us have heard of oil pipelines, but whoever would have thought there would be a beer pipeline?

This pipe was installed to fix a logistical problem that the business had run into. In recent years, De Halve Maan Brewery has become quite popular, which meant sending trucks of beer out through these cobblestone streets on a daily basis. To cut back on those costs, the pipeline was installed. Now all of their beer can be bottled in another location 3.2 kilometers away, allowing them to avoid all the traffic and tourism which comes into the downtown area.

The current brewery at this location has been in operation since 1856, and it has been in the same family for five generations.

The De Halve Maan Brewery is open at various times throughout the week, and they offer tours as well as lunch and dinner visits. Visit the website .

Our next stop will be right behind the Church of Our Lady, so you’ll need to return the way you came. Walk Northeast on Walstraat until you reach Katelijnestraat and turn left. 

From here, walk Northwest on Katelijnestraat which will turn into Mariastraat, and cross back over the bridge. 

Once you’re back on the right side of the river, turn right when you reach O.L. Vrouwekerkhof-Zuid, the road just ahead of the Church of Our Lady, and head to the back of the building. 

You’ll know you’re on the right track when you see the Gruuthusemuseum in front of you. This museum houses a lot of historic furnishings, and it is located inside a former palace.

Once you reach the end of this path, there will be a fork in the road. Turn right and head toward the bridge.

10. Bonifacius Bridge

Although there are several ways to cross the water in this part of the city, this small, tucked-away bridge behind the church is widely considered to be one of the most scenic and romantic locations in the city.

This off the beaten path is great to enjoy the quiet views of both the canal and the Church of Our Lady, as well as tour boats passing underneath.

Although the bridge itself may look ancient, it’s actually one of the newer structures in Bruges, as it was constructed in the early 20th century.

When you’re ready to continue on, keep walking east past the bridge and away from the church into the Arentshof park. 

There are a lot of sculptures in this area, and if you look just South of here you’ll see a gated archway that leads to Groeninge street, and the first notable shop in this area is The Bear Necessities toy store.

If you’re bringing children along for this tour, or if you want to get a nice souvenir for some kids at home, we recommend making a stop here to see some of their unique teddy bears.

To reach the next stop on our tour, head Northwest through Arentshof Park until you reach Dijver Road. When you get to the street, you’ll see the Arentshuis museum to the left and the museum’s shop to the right.

This museum houses a lot of artwork, primarily focused on the works of Frank Brangwyn, which includes paintings, drawings, watercolors, furniture, pottery, and even carpets.

If you’re interested, ticket prices are €6 for adults, €5 for seniors, students, and young adults from the age of 18-25. Children 17 and under get in for free.

From here, turn right and head down Dijver Road to reach our next destination which you’ll see on the left.

11. Dijver Park/Flea Market

Located alongside the water, Dijver Park is home to the Bruges flea market which is open every day of the year.

Even if you don’t feel like doing any shopping, you may want to take a look around to see the variety of items for sale in the area. 

You can expect to find paintings, furniture, toys, and many other interesting knick-knacks.

This flea market is open from March through November every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am - 18:00 (6 pm).

This is also just a nice place to enjoy views of the water and spend some time soaking in the local culture, experiencing the social fabric of the city.

Whether or not you’re planning to spend any money here, you’ll find the next stop on this tour by continuing Northeast along Dijver Road.

Once you reach a four-way stop, continue Northeast on Rozenhoedkaai Road. 

12. Quay of the Rosary

As you walk up the Rozenhoedkaai Road, make sure to pay close attention to the view on your left. When you come to the bend in the river, you’ll reach the Quay of the Rosary.

This is one of the most photographed locations in not only Bruges but the entire world. If you’ve seen images of this city before, chances are one of them depicted this exact site.

The Quay of the Rosary was likely the site where salt traders would dock and either load or unload their goods during the middle ages. At the time, salt was a valuable and important commodity in Bruges.

It’s not difficult to see why this would be such a popular stop to take a few photos, because this is certainly one of the most picturesque views in the entire city.

If you haven’t already pulled out your smartphone or camera to take your own photo, we highly recommend taking a few minutes to get a good shot of the Quay of the Rosary.

Many travelers recommend seeing this location during the evening if possible, as the area is well lit and the view produced after dark is often described as unforgettable.

Once you’re done taking a look around and enjoying a few excellent photo opportunities, continue walking Northeast on Rozenhoedkaai Road. This turns into Braambergstraat at the bend in the river.

Continue walking down Braambergstraat until you reach the intersection with Vismarkt.

13. Fish Market

By the time you reach the intersection of Braambergstraat and Vismarkt, chances are you’ll already be smelling something a little fishy. 

Whether or not you choose to let your nose guide you, you’ll find the historic Fish Market on the left-hand corner of this junction.

Although there was an open-air fish market in this area during the middle ages, the official market you see today was constructed in 1821 and it bears a coat of arms with two entwined fish under a crown.

The fish market is open every morning from Tuesday through Saturday, so depending on when you visit, you might not actually hear or smell much of anything.

That said, if you come when the market is open, the experience should be pretty interesting.

You can expect to see a wide variety of fish for sale at the market including locally caught seafood like flounder and sole as well as some herring, mackerel, cod, haddock, and grey prawns.

Even if you don’t plan to purchase anything here, you can expect local restaurants to sell these types of freshly-caught fish.

If you want to find a restaurant that receives their fish from this market, consider asking one of the vendors for this information.

The fish salesmen who work here every week take a variety of different approaches to selling their wares, so you can expect to hear a lot of interesting things from them as you walk by.

If you’re in the mood to try some of their fish, many stands bordering the market provide takeaway dishes that you can enjoy while continuing your tour.

There are also several restaurants selling a variety of seafood in the area, so this might be another great location to stop for a meal if you haven’t done so already.

When you’re done, head Northwest on the Vismarkt road toward the water and cross the bridge to find our next stop.

As you pass through the alleyway on the other side, you’ll eventually walk through a large and ornate archway adorned with statuettes of saints at the top.

This is the first significant and eye-catching attraction you will see which is actually part of our next stop.

14. Bruges City Hall & Courthouse

Once you’ve passed through the archway, turn around to see two rather large buildings to both your right and your left which are actually connected.

The building on the left is actually the former location of the Bruges City Hall. Construction of this landmark was started in 1376 and it was eventually completed in 1421.

The architectural style used for Bruges City Hall was inspired largely by the Gothic movement.

Take a moment to look closely at the niches for each window and you’ll notice they’re all almost exactly the same.

This is actually an architectural touch known as the “Brugian span” and named after Gothic architecture which was typically found in Bruges.

Bruges City Hall is one of the oldest examples of a statehouse in the Low Countries with over 600 years of history serving as a government building.

Even today, this is one of the most important political sites in the entire city, and they still hold city council meetings in the Gothic Hall.

In addition to serving a purpose for the city government in modern times, this building also houses a lot of interesting historical artifacts and artwork.

Admission to the Bruges City Hall museum is €6 for adults and €5 for seniors, students, and young adults from the age of 18-25. Children 17 and younger get in for free.

The courthouse, otherwise known as Brugse Vrije (or Liberty of Bruges), can be found to the left of the City Hall and it served the purpose of court of law between the years of 1795 - 1984.

Sitting atop the building you’ll see a golden statue of Lady Justice, holding out her scale for the world to see.

Much like the city hall, there are a lot more examples of artwork and noteworthy artifacts inside the building.

Brugse Vrije has also become a museum, and you can expect to pay the same prices to enter this location. Both museums are open daily from 9:30 am - 17:00 (5 pm).

You’ll find the next stop on our tour simply by walking Southwest through Burg Plaza which is located in front of Bruges City Hall. 

There’s just one more site we want you to see before returning to Market Square!

15. Basilica of the Holy Blood

If you walk alongside Bruges City Hall heading Southwest through the plaza, you’ll eventually run into this historic church.

This is actually one of the oldest churches in the entire city, dating back to the year 1134. Although it’s not the biggest church in Bruges, it’s still a pretty historic location.

Although it was originally built to be the chapel of the Count of Flanders, this site was promoted to a minor basilica in 1923.

This church houses a relic of the Holy Blood which is said to have been gathered by Joseph of Arimathea, and it is located in the upper chapel.

The lower chapel is dedicated to St. Basil the Great.

While the lower chapel is an excellent example of Romanesque architectural structure, the upper chapel has been rebuilt and renovated multiple times in the Gothic and Gothic Revival style.

The St. Basil Chapel houses a wooden sculpture of the seated Madonna and Child. Jesus on the Cold Stone and the Pieta.

There are also relics of St. Basil and Blessed Charles the Good to the left of the choir.

The Chapel of the Holy Blood is at the top of a staircase which is ornamented with gilded bronze statues representing many notable figures from throughout Flemish history.

There’s a large wall-painting behind the high altar which depicts Christ shedding his blood with the towns of Bethlehem and Jerusalem in the background, representing two of the most important locations in his life.

The lower half of the painting depicts the transport of the relic of the Holy Blood from Jerusalem to Bruges.

The relic itself is contained in a vial and kept in a silver tabernacle in the chapel.

Whether or not you choose to go inside the church, there are a few other places you may want to visit in the area while on the way back to Market Square.

Bruges Beer Experience and Other Attractions

Head North of Burg Square until you reach Breidelstraat. Once you reach this street, start walking West.

Breidelstraat is lined with many interesting shops and restaurants including a few jewelers, a Stefs Chocolatier, and a souvenir store.

One of the most interesting things to see in this area is the Bruges Beer Experience, which is an interactive museum covering the history of beer in the area.

In addition to learning about how beer is made and the role it has played in the history of this city, you’ll also have an opportunity to sample some of the best brews in Bruges.

Once you are finished looking around these shops, continue West on Breidelstraat until you reach Wollestraat.

At this point, you’ll be able to see both the Belfry and Market Square once more, which will complete our tour.

OTHER CITIES

Be sure to check out our guided free tours of Bruges . Free Tours by Foot is also present in most European cities. Here are just a few below. 

Check out our tours in  Florence ,  Rome ,  Paris ,  Prague ,  London ,  Lisbon ,  Berlin ,  Amsterdam ,  Barcelona , and  dozens of more cities .

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Bruges’s Best: The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Medieval City

This post may contain affiliate links. When you click an affiliate link, we may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Also, please check for opening times, restrictions, weather, etc., on the days of your trip. We do our best to keep the post updated, but these things can change quickly.

If you love a medieval European vibe, then Bruges is definitely something you will love. It is a cozy, charming, unique city unlike any other European city. It is a place where time seems to stand still, and the very essence of enchantments fills the air.

Bruges is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. But, especially during fall and winter, it turns into a magical land. With its winding canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture that whispers secrets of centuries past, Bruges is a place where every moment feels like a romantic reverie.

As you walk down the narrow century-old bridges with majestic white swans gliding in the canals nearby, it is easy to feel the romance in the air around you. It is a place I always look forward to visiting time and again.

If you are visiting Bruges for the first time, you will probably find yourself lost not just in its beauty but also in its narrow streets, each more beautiful than the other. The first time I visited Bruges, I had no plan and just followed my heart and mostly legs. It was a wonderful experience, and since the historic center is very compact, I didn’t think I would have missed seeing something important.

At least then, it looked to me like I saw them all. Only later did I realize that I missed so many beautiful spots that were very close to the other places I visited, but I just didn’t know that I had to look for them in the first place. The next time, I visited everything I missed and compiled a complete list of all you can see in Bruges.

Table of Contents

How to Reach Bruges?

Bruges is well connected through trains from both Antwerp and Brussels, two main cities in Belgium. It will take around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Bruges from Antwerp, with a change in Gent. It takes about 1.5 hours from Brussels North without any transfers. You can also quickly drive to Bruges, but I recommend going by public transport to explore the city.

How Many Days to Spend in Bruges?

Bruges is a magical city, and I recommend spending at least 2 days minimum. However, a lot of tourists visit the city on a day trip. 2-3 days would be an ideal time to explore the city and climb Belfry or visit some museums or cathedrals based on your interest.

I would not recommend visiting Bruges as part of a day trip for many reasons. The main reason is you will be stuck among the many tourists visiting the city and won’t be able to enjoy its magic. Spending a night or two will give you sufficient time for the city’s charm to rub on you and do its magic. (It could sound like I’m hyping the city up, but it is what it is.)

When to Visit Bruges?

Bruges is a fabulous place to visit any time of the year. However, spring and summer are usually more overcrowded than other seasons. But also Christmas time is quite popular because of its charming Christmas markets . If you want to enjoy peace and quiet, fall and winter (except during the holiday season) are perfect as the crowds are comparatively less. I especially love visiting during the fall to enjoy the foliage colors, which add to the magic of the place.

Why Go on a Self-Guided Walking Tour in Bruges?

The best way to explore Bruges is by walking, and trust me, you don’t want to drive around the old town. Not only is it difficult (and sometimes not allowed), but it is also not the best way to experience the city’s magic.

We loved our experience walking around the city several times and have created this ultimate self-guided walking route for you to enjoy your time in Bruges. Oh yeah! We have included a  nice map  marking all the places for you to start using it right away, hassle-free. For convenience, we have made the entire  route in a loop  so you can start with any location closer to your stay. You need not travel far to just begin your walking tour. I have also added some tips and photo spots to help you plan your perfect trip.

Tip!   Although this is a walking tour guide, I highly recommend taking your time at each stop and visiting places on the way. You can do this entire route in a couple of hours or take two days to explore more at your favorite stops and immerse yourself in the city’s vibe. Also, Belgium is famous for its chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer , and it would be such a disappointment not to load yourself with all these delicacies. Their waffles are to die for.

The Walking Route

It’s time to put on your walking shoes and get transported to the medieval era.

Since the best way to reach Bruges is by train, which has connectivity from Brussels and Antwerp, the two main cities of Belgium, for convenience, I have the main railway station of Bruges as the starting and ending points of our walking route. If you happen to commence your walking tour from a different location, feel free to bypass the station and proceed to the subsequent stop, as the Bruges railway station, unlike some beautiful railway stations in Europe, holds little allure and makes no sense to visit unless you are hopping on a train.

How To Use The Map?

The locations from the walking route are numbered in the map. If required, zoom in and click on a number to view brief details about the location. Click ‘View in Google Maps’ to view the location’s complete details in Google Maps.

1. Minnewater Park and the Lake of Love

Minnewater Park, located right across the station, surrounds a beautiful lake called the Lake of Love . This place is actually as mesmerizing and romantic as it sounds. Bruges is known for its rich and dark medieval history, and there is a legend about the lake getting its name from a romantic story with a rather heavy ending.

Nevertheless, the park looks so serene, and you would forget that you are in the city’s heart as it feels so magical. The park is huge, and you can spend a lot of time sitting by the lake or walking around the park.

But here are some things that are not to be missed if you don’t have too much time.

• The bridge across the lake is called the  Minnewaterbrug,  also called the  Lover’s Bridge , and it is believed that kissing your partner on the bridge will seal a lifelong love.
• There is another red bridge a little further along after crossing the Lover’s Bridge called the  Barge Bridge,  which is a beautiful photo spot. 
• When crossing the Minnewater Bridge, you can already spot the Minnewater Castle on the other side of the lake. The Minnewater Castle is now a restaurant, but it looks more beautiful from the other side of the lake.

Oh, did I mention swans ? You can see many of them gracefully gliding across the waters, making you feel like you have been transported to a fairytale land.

Route Guide

The next stop is just around 500 meters from the Barge bridge and a 7-minute walk through the Minnewater park.

2. Begijnhof

The Begijnhof of Bruges is part of the historical center of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Begijnhof, founded in the 13th century, was home to a group of women known as Beguines, who were not nuns but chose to live a life dedicated to prayer, charity, and community service. The Begijnhof comprises a set of white-washed houses that reflect the Flemish Architecture and has a small church and a central green courtyard.

Begijnhof was quite unique in the medieval period, allowing women to follow religion and community service without taking formal religious vows.

This place looks picturesque and serene and holds a lot of significance during the religious and political turmoil of the Middle Ages. This place also served as a shelter for the poor and the vulnerable during the various crises that happened during the time.

Currently, these houses are residences of Benedictine nuns who maintain the place’s serene environment and religious traditions.

Tip!   On the way to Begijnhof, check out Sashuis , which is very close to Begijnhof, and it looks like a house built on top of the canal. Sashuis was once the lock house and residence of the lock keeper of the canal. Currently, it is also used as a center for exhibiting local artisans’ works. So, if you are into handmade works, drop in and check out the beautiful work of the local craftsman.

If you walk along this place during the evenings, you can see all the swans gathered around in the canal and in the green patch along the canal where they eat. It is such a lovely sight to see so many swans at once.

The next stop is around 500m from the Begijnhof. But, when you are walking along Wijngaardstraat , you can spot all the horse carriages. I love the “clip-clop” sound that comes as the horses walk. It really feels like you are in a different era. However, watch out for horse poop when you walk down this street. I found this place to be a little smelly (if you know what I mean), but it is beautiful to see these carriages. (There is even a horse-head-shaped water fountain on this street.)

3. Sint-Janshospitaal (Saint John’s Hospital)

Saint John’s Hospital is one of the oldest surviving hospitals in the history of Europe. This hospital, built in the 12th century, started as a hospice for pilgrims and travelers and later converted to a hospital. It provided medical care for around 800 years until it was closed for service in the early 20th century. It was then converted into a museum to showcase the history of healthcare and medical practices throughout the centuries.

Note!   The museum is temporarily closed for visitors and reopens on 16th December 2023.

The view of Saint John’s Hospital from the  Mary’s Bridge (Mariabrug)  is quite beautiful. It offers a nice spot to capture the architectural beauty of the place. You will go through this path if you also take a canal tour, giving a different perspective from the waters.

The next stop is next to Saint John’s Hospital, just 50 meters away (can’t be any closer, I suppose).

4. Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (The Church of Our Lady)

The construction of this brick church started in the 13th century and displays a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The soaring tower of this church stands at an impressive height of 115 meters, making it the second-tallest brick tower in the world. (Isn’t that spectacular?)

This church spire adorns the skyline of Bruges beautifully. The church is open to visitors and houses a museum but continues to be an active place of worship.

One of the noteworthy pieces in the museum is the sculpture of “Madonna and Child” by the renowned Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo . It is one of the very few of his works that can be found outside Italy.

The next stop is around 210 meters from the church and takes about 3 minutes.

5. Bonifaciusbrug (Boniface Bridge)

Boniface Bridge, a very old one, is one of the newer constructions in the city around the early 20th century. But it is one of the most popular and beautiful bridges in Bruges, mainly owing to the views around it. You can gaze at the half-timbered houses hanging over the canal, which looks much more romantic when a group of swans pass by. The bridge also offers a nice view of The Church of Our Lady and its spectacularly high towers. You could also peek at Gruuthuse Museum, right behind the bridge.

This bridge is one of the most popular photo spots in the city, and you can see why. It sure looks stunning at any hour of the day. Still, the morning lights paint this place in golden light, which looks exceptionally picturesque.

If you get lucky, you can spot a bevy of swans racing each other in the canal waters. It was quite the sight, and it really made me feel proud about waking up early.

The next stop is just on the other side of the bridge and is just 120 meters away.

6. Gruuthuse Museum

Bruges is famous for its countless museums, from the traditional historical museums to the modern, and there are even some quirky ones to explore. Gruuthuse Museum is a historic gem that offers a deeper insight into the heritage of the city and the region of Flanders. It is worth walking around the museum’s exteriors even if you are not into museums, as it is a former palace turned into a museum. Its late Gothic-style architecture is something to admire, and the courtyard is free to access.

The next stop is right across the road to the museum’s main entrance. It is just 100 meters away along the canal.

7. De Dijver Park

Although called a park, it is not as big as Minnewater Park or any park in general. You can spot a small stretch of a few rows of trees along the canal. But walking among the trees is pretty nice, especially in fall, as the foliage turns orange, and you can see fallen leaves all along the pathway.

Psst!   The locals usually set up flea markets here, and you can see some interesting things for sale.

On the side of the park near the Gruuthuse museum, you can get a good view of the canal, the trees, and the houses, making it quite a nice photo spot.

Spoiler alert! The next stop is a shop, which could be interesting for people of different interests for different reasons. So walk along the trees to the other end of the park and take the turn to your left at  Nepomucenusbrug . It is only 240 meters from the farther side of the park. (Yes, it’s that small, but beautiful though.)

8. 2be Shop and the Beer Wall

The 2be shop is a store with many TinTin merchandise and other products. Even if you are not buying, it is lovely to walk around the shop looking at all those cute miniatures from the TinTin series and a few others. They also have a bar and a collection of liquor on display. Before you enter the 2be shop, you can already spot a wall full of various types of beers on display. It is called the Beer Wall , and there is a nice, cozy bar right there.

This little shop also has a small terrace from where you can get outside views of the canal, which is quite beautiful. It is a nice place to capture a couple of shots, especially in the mornings and evenings, as the light is more soft for pictures.

The next stop is again pretty close and only 100 meters away. I know, right? In Bruges, you can see a lot, even walking very little. It is all close together.

9. Rozenhoedkaai

This place is one of the most popular spots among the tourists. It is a super famous Instagram photo spot in Bruges. A little after 10 am, you will slowly start seeing crowds fill this little street, as it is also the starting point for canal tours. Centuries before, rosaries were sold here, hence the name.

Rozenhoedkaai offers a great view of the Belfry of Bruges with a canal in the foreground. But, it could be really difficult to enjoy the views when it is crowded. If you like to capture some great postcard shots, visit the place before 10 am in the morning when you can admire the true beauty of the place.

Tip! If you visit during peak hours, just hop on a boat tour, which will still be full, but you can get a better view from the water than from the street level, which is filled with people.

You need to just walk about another 140 meters until you reach the next stop.

10. Blinde-Ezelstraat 

Blinde-Ezelstraat is a narrow, short street connecting the fish market ( Vismarkt ) with Burg Square. There are many interesting legends to explain the reason behind the name of this street, which means Blind Donkey Street. However, the actual reason might not be that interesting, as the street got its name from just an inn from the 15th century called Den Blinden Ezel (The Blind Donkey).

The vault that connects the city hall with the civil registry makes this street more attractive to visitors, which looks very impressive from the outside with gold-colored detailing on its facade.

Naturally, the next stop is the square on the other side of the street, which is the length of the street itself, which should be around 100m.

11. De Burg (Burg Square)

De Burg, or the Burg Square, is one of the city’s two significant squares, forming the heart and soul of the historic center. This square is surrounded by various historic buildings built over different centuries, flaunting their charm. It is quite a small square compared to Market Square. However, it holds a lot of significance, history, and beauty.

This is where once the power of the city resided; however, even today, it is the home to the  14th-century  gothic-style  city hall of Bruges  (it also has a museum).

Other Important Buildings in De Burg

Old Courthouse :   An 18th-century building that was used as a courthouse. It has an ornate facade with gold-colored details.

Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek) :   Next to the city hall, tucked in the corner, is a small grey building, which is a 12th-century church that is said to hold a vial of a drop of the blood of the Christ. Hence, the name church of the holy blood.

The church also has a museum with an entry fee, but the chapel is free to visit and worth visiting. Originally, the church was built in Romanesque style but later transformed into Gothic style. (I am no expert and can’t tell much difference between the two styles, but the church’s exterior and interior are impressive.)

If you want to click pictures of the square without crowds and cars, visit in the mornings. After 10 am, the square gets filled with many cars parked there.

De Burg gives you some great views of the Belfry of Bruges.

The next stop is just around the corner, about 160 meters from the Burg square. (Hint! It’s the other main square of the city.)

12. Markt (Market Square)

The Markt is, without a surprise, the main square of the city, and the classic postcard image of colorful houses of Bruges that you can see is from here. You can see a row of colorful houses, which are now mostly restaurants primarily aimed at tourists, for you can get an excellent view of the square and the Belfry of Bruges, located just across these restaurants. It is just so beautiful and busy, with the food trucks parked near the entrance of Belfry, the horse carriages waiting to take the tourists for a tour of the city, and many tourists and locals walking around the place.

Some other important buildings are located in this square, like the grand gothic-style building, which is the  Provincial Court  located to the right of Belfry.

The Historium of Bruges  is located next to the Provincial Courthouse, which houses a museum and a bar called the  Duvelorium Belgian Beer Bar , which offers a good view from its terrace on the first level facing the market square.

At the center of the square, you can find the statue of  Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck . These two local heroes played an important role in the Flemish resistance, behind which you can spot a series of flags hoisted.

This is by far the city’s busiest area, and I know it’s getting repetitive, but the only chance to see the place empty is early in the morning. But I have to say, unlike others, this place looks lively and more enjoyable when it’s bustling with people than when it’s calm and quiet.

The next stop is right in Market Square, so there is no need to go anywhere.

13. Belfry of Bruges

Belfry is a bell tower in Bruges that dates back to the 13th century. This top of the tower looks like the castle in the chess pieces. It is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site and the city’s most significant tower. It is also one of the first things I think of when someone says “Brugge”. The tower has suffered a lot and undergone multiple renovations, yet it still stands strong.

There is even a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow called “The Belfry of Bruges”, which goes,

In the market-place of Bruges stands the Belfry old and brown; Thrice consumed and thrice rebuilded, still it watches o’er the town.

The tower has 366 steps that can be climbed to see a wonderful view of the historic center of Bruges. The view is worth the climb, and you can also stop in between at multiple levels so that you are not completely out of breath by the time you reach the top.

What I love most about Belfries is the 47 carillon bells, which play multiple times during the day. It gives me Christmas vibes even when the sun shines bright in late summer.

The next stop is a 400-meter walk from the Belfry Tower and should take you around 5 minutes to reach.

14. Jan van Eyckplein

Jan van Eyckplein is a canal-facing square named after the Northern Renaissance painter Jan van Eyck. This place looks lively in the evenings, with people chatting with each other, reading books, or enjoying outdoor meals from the restaurants around. The canal begins right after the statue of Jan van Eyck, who stands tall in the middle of the square.

The statue, canal, and the clock tower from a nearby historic building converted to a 4-star hotel (Hotel Biskajer) together offer a stunning backdrop to your photos when taken from  Koningsbrug,  which means the King’s Bridge (which is the first stone bridge that you spot running across the canal from the square). This is where the boat tour takes a turn and heads back. Also, this canal is called Spiegelrei, where Spiegel means “mirror,” referring to how clear the canal’s water is. On a less windy day, when no boats are around, you can see a clear reflection of the row houses on the canal.

A few blocks from the statue is Genthof 7 , which looks like a tarnished house with a wooden facade. Looks quite burnt, but it is one of the authentic medieval wooden houses preserved to date after they were banned in the 17th century as a measure to prevent fire hazards. If you look keenly at the construction, you can see that every level is a little outwards than the previous one. It was a technique used to minimize damage from water logging during medieval times.

The next stop is 600 meters away from the Jan van Eyckplein. Most part involves walking along the canal of Spiegelrei. Make sure to turn back as you walk along to enjoy the postcard-perfect views of the square.

15. Sint-Annakerk

This church is relatively newer compared to many others in Bruges. This 17th-century gothic-style church has a stunning baroque interior. When the church was initially built, there was a scarcity of materials, making it a single-aisled church. But later, due to the donations of some of the city’s wealthy residents, the interiors were done rather lavishly, which you can see. Hence, it is also called the “Salon church of Bruges”.

The next stop is another 600 meters from the church, and now you are walking a little further away from the crowded center of the city.

16. Kruispoort gate

This is one of the well-preserved city gates of Bruges. This was constructed in the 15th century and is next to the old windmills. If you fancy a longer walk, you can walk along the waters to the next gate, Gentpoort Gate , which is around 1.2 km. Our next stop is in the opposite direction to Gentpoort, so you might want to do a separate walk to cover all four gates at once.

If you are here in the mornings, you can spot a lot of locals taking their dogs for a walk or on their morning jog. It looks very peaceful.

As you might have guessed, the next spot is where the old windmills are. 350 meters from the Kruispoort gate.

17. Sint-Janshuismolen

Although typical of The Netherlands, these types of windmills have also graced Bruges a little after the outer city wall was built. The windmills were reconstructed multiple times in the same location over time, and the one you can see today was not built until 1770. Four original windmills are still preserved as specimens in this region; however, the Sint-Janshuismolen is the only one still operating, mainly used to grind flour. It is also open to visitors. It looks beautiful perched on the slopes with a lush green lawn and water flowing behind it.

Tickets!  If you are keen on visiting the inside of the windmill, make sure to  get your tickets from the official website .

The next destination is not a single stop but rather a couple of them located next to each other as you walk across the little street. The first one among the many is at a distance of 1 km from the windmill.

18. Bridges of Bruges

By now, it is quite established that the city is full of old and new bridges, most of which are very charming. We will now walk along (across – if you wish to) some of the bridges with picturesque views. If you ask me, “Are these the most beautiful bridges in the city?”. Honestly, I don’t know. Most of them look wonderful, but these are some of the best.

After walking for about 1 km from the Sint-Janshuismolen, you will first reach the  Torenbrug.  You will walk along the canal Gouden-Handrei (the street is also called Gouden-Handrei).

The bridges are from the 14th century, along with the many stone benches you can find along the canal. It is a lovely place to sit, relax, read a book, or enjoy a picnic with beautiful views. This street looks very peaceful and cozy, and since it is a little further from the historic center, you will find fewer people, even during mid-day.

The next bridge along this street is the  Augustine Bridge (Augustijnenbrug) . From here, you can spot a bridge on either side. One is obviously the Toren Bridge, and the other is  the Flemings’ Bridge (Vlamingbrug) .

At the Flemings’ Bridge, you must walk across the bridge to continue walking on the other side as it is the only way. The view here is awe-inspiring, especially near Ezelbrug.

The next stop is a 350-meter walk from Ezelbrug. The walk will take you across the same canal, and the route is relatively straightforward.

19. Sint Jakobskerk

Sint Jakobskerk (St James Church) is a 13th-century church that was expanded to its current size by the 15th century. Its huge red doors look majestic on the outside. Over time, the church has collected quite a number of artworks mainly donated by wealthy families. 

The next stop is the last, and it is another church, which is quite magnificent. It is around 700 meters from the St James Church.

20. Sint-Salvatorskathedraal

The  Sint-Salvatorskathedraal  is the oldest parish church of Bruges. This cathedral’s gothic tower adorns the city’s skyline with Belfry Tower and Our Lady’s Church. Saved this destination for the last. Finishing off the walking tour in style, don’t you think?

This massive cathedral was built in the 12th century as just a Parish church. The construction of a new, bigger church began after the demolition of the   Sint-Donaaskathedraal , which was once near the present city hall, due to a fire.

After the construction, which lasted over a century, the Sint-Salvatorskathedraal slowly reached its current size and grandeur. The church eventually attained its status as a cathedral in the 19th century. Throughout this period and to date, the church has gone through multiple renovations. Yet, it still stands tall, marking the skyline of Bruges.

This is the end of our walking tour, and the next stop is the station from where we started. The walk back to the station is around 1.1 Km.

Oh, wait! While heading back to the station, take the route that goes through  ‘t Zand Square,  especially if you are visiting on the first half of Saturday when there is usually a market here with various shops filling the otherwise empty square. You can find food, clothing, and various other items in the market here. I always enjoy shopping here and love the atmosphere in general.

Where to Stay in Bruges?

Staying in one of the medieval houses converted into B&Bs and hotels is definitely a must. There are so many beautiful stay options in Bruges. Book yours well beforehand, as most good ones get booked quickly.

• Old Bruges B&B
• De Zomere B&B
• Boutiquehotel ‘t Fraeyhuis
• Dukes’ Palace Brugge
• Dukes’ Academie Brugge
• Maison Amodio B&B
• Guesthouse Maison de la Rose
• Hotel Ter Brughe by CW Hotel Collection
• Hotel Het Gheestelic Hof by CW Hotel Collection
• Hotel Central

Want to explore more options in Bruges? Please search on Booking.com here . We use Booking.com to book all our stays and have always had a good experience.

Now, you have everything you need to know to go on a self-guided walking tour of the city. Take your time, soak in the magic, take tons of pictures, and enjoy a lot of delicious food on the way. (We can burn the calories with more walking.)

Are you excited to visit Bruges? I visited Bruges twice in the fall, so I have compiled some amazing and adorable things you can do in Bruges during the fall season . Also, don’t forget to read about the important things to pack for a fall season trip and some useful information to know before you visit Bruges .

If you are visiting Bruges, add the nearby city of Ghent to your itinerary. If you are not convinced, I have enough photos of this beautiful city to tempt you to visit it.

Hey, I am Kiki! A full-time software developer and hardcore travel enthusiast who is always up for a new adventure and the author of RooKiExplorers. I love to travel the world and enjoy talking about it, helping everyone around me plan their trips, and avoiding making the mistakes I made.

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Home » Travel » Destinations » Bruges One Day Itinerary: A Self Guided Bruges Walking Tour

Bruges One Day Itinerary: A Self Guided Bruges Walking Tour

Belgium’s hottest city is Bruges. This place has everything. Old windmills. Charming cobblestone alleys. A giant plastic whale jumping out of a canal. And with this Bruges one day itinerary, you can see the highlights on foot and still have time for an afternoon beer break.

This Bruges itinerary and custom map is an exact replica of our day trip to Bruges from Brussels. Had it not been a busy Saturday in August, we would have spent more time exploring the city.

However, if you only have six or seven hours for your visit, this one day in Bruges walking tour is for you.

If you’re looking for more great cities to explore in Belgium, consider adding one day in Brussels to your travel plans.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, click here .

Bruges 1 Day Itinerary Guide

— Bruges: Know Before You Go — The Best Time to Visit Bruges — What to do in Bruges in One Day — Day Trip to Bruges Walking Tour Map — Bruges Day Trip Guided Tours — Other Things to do in Bruges — Where to Go After Your Bruges Day Trip

Know Before You Go

Estimated Itinerary Budget: €35 per person (excluding transport)

Bruges uses the Euro, and you should plan to carry cash in addition to your card(s). Many places in Bruges will take card, but some smaller restaurants and shops are cash-only.

Dining out in Bruges can be surprisingly expensive, even outside the main plaza.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can skip the recommendations in the itinerary below and grab some takeaway from Bocca. It’s a fast-casual Italian spot where you can create your own pasta bowl for about 7-10 Euros.

This is a walking tour, so no need to fret about public transportation. Bruges station is just south of the city center, and can be reached by train from Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp. FlixBus also runs routes to Bruges from a number of other European cities.

Belgium has three official languages: French, German, and Dutch. However, most folks in Bruges are fluent in Dutch and English. Unlike Brussels, where most people speak French, you’re better off sticking to English in Bruges (unless you know Dutch)!

Even so, if you don’t have Google Translate installed on your phone with the Dutch dictionary downloaded, do that before you leave. Personally, I like to learn a bit of the local language when I travel abroad.

If you’re keen to learn some Dutch, check out these essential travel terms and phrases for globetrotters.

Bruges is in the Flemish region of Belgium, which makes the city’s culture more Dutch than French. Here are a few quick tips to make your visit a smooth one:

• Always greet the shopkeeper and restaurant staff when entering a building. A simple hello goes a long way.
• Tipping is not necessary, as Belgian restaurants include service charges in the bill. However, it’s also normal to round up to the nearest whole number or leave a couple Euros for quality service.
• Cyclists are everywhere and don’t always signal their approach with a bell. Keep your eyes peeled when crossing the street or turning corners. And don’t walk in the bike lanes!

My Favorite Belgium Travel Guidebooks

These books win my travel blogger Seal of Approval for vacation planning:

• Lonely Planet: Pocket Bruges & Brussels
• Rick Steves Belgium: Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp & Ghent
• DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Belgium and Luxembourg

The Best Time to Visit Bruges

From summer festivals to winter Christmas markets, it’s hard to choose the best time to visit Bruges. Here are some tips to help you decide when to plan your Bruges day trip:

• January – March:  Temperatues are fairly cold (about 4°C/40°F), but you won’t have to contend with any crowds and might see some pretty snowfall.
• April – May:  Springtime brings pretty blooms and greenery in the parks, and crowds are manageable aside from the Ronde Van Vlaanderen bike race.
• June – August:  You’ll have warm weather, but all of Europe is on holiday, making Bruges feel quite overrun in places.
• September – November:  The autumn off-season is a beautiful time to visit, with golden leaves falling into the canals and streets.
• December:  The Bruges Christmas market is famous for its charm, and worth braving the cold temperatures to see. In fact, Bruges is one of the best places to visit in Europe in December !

What to do in Bruges in One Day

Minnewater Park

I wish every city had a serene park directly across from its main transit station. After exiting the hustle and bustle of the train terminal, head northeast towards Minnewater Park. As you walk east, you’ll come upon the iconic Minnewater bridge that overlooks the “Lake of Love” and floating designer school.

Though it’s tempting to rush straight into the city, take a few minutes to walk deeper into the park. The leaves were just beginning to change during our visit, which made for some lovely photos.

Brunch/Lunch

Despite having an unusually large breakfast before arriving in town, we couldn’t pass up the chance to dine at a cafe lined with bookshelves.

As literature lovers who will happily eat breakfast at any hour of the day, Books and Brunch was a must-visit destination during our Bruges day trip. The menu was a good mix of Belgian and European fare, with solid, well-labeled options for vegetarians and vegans.

We were fortunate to nab the last table, so I recommend making a reservation if you’re visiting on the weekend.

K. Astridpark and Alleys

I love wandering residential areas during my travels, and Bruges’ neighborhoods are particularly lovely. Spend some time strolling through the local park and meandering through the streets.

Enjoy the quiet while you can, as the rest of this Bruges walking tour will take you through some highly trafficked areas.

Sint-Janshuis Windmill

From this part of town, you have a couple of options to get to the windmills. You could either double back north, cross back over the canal, and head southeast to the walking path.

Or, you could head southeast towards the main canal and cross the bridge at the Gentpoort. If you opt for the latter option, you’ll just need to cross back over the canal at the Kruispoort gate bridge.

Either way, it’s a long walk up the side of the canal towards the windmills. Be mindful of your surroundings, as the paths are also used for biking!

The lengthy trek is certainly worth the view of the windmill on the hill, especially on a partly cloudy day like the one pictured. There are actually two windmills in this area, though Sint-Janshuis is the more famous and impressive of the two.

In the summer months, the interior is open to the public, where you can see the 250-year-old mechanics in action.

Save me for later!

 Cafe-Bistro Terrastje

After the long windmill walk, you’ll probably need a bit of rest and relaxation. Luckily, the Café-Bistro Terrastje is only a short distance across the canal.

This eclectic, cozy spot was a highlight of our Bruges walking tour, with local Belgian beers on tap and classic oldies piping through the speakers. We only intended to stay for a quick drink, but ended up hanging out for a good 45 minutes.

Jan Van Eyck Square

Once you’ve refreshed yourself at the cafe, head south towards the canal. The Spiegelrei boasts gorgeous canal-front houses and stone bridges, making for a perfect walk towards the most Instagrammable places in Bruges: Jan Van Eyck Square.

While the famous plastic whale was taken down in 2019, this area is still utterly picturesque.

Check out the statue of renowned Northern Renaissance painter Jan van Eyck and admire the lovely architecture of the surrounding buildings before heading south towards the main square.

Grote Markt

Emerging from the narrow alleyways to enter the city center is a bit jarring. The main square is surrounded by cafes, brightly-colored buildings, and plenty of visitors. The key sights include the iconic Belfry of Bruges, the Gothic-style Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Provincial Court.

Like most European cities, Bruges hosts festivals here throughout the year, including the famous Meifoor just after Easter. Note that the square can get quite crowded during peak season.

Of all the things I wanted to include in our Bruges 1 day itinerary, climbing the Bruges belfry was at the top of my list. Paying €10 to climb 366 steps seemed a bit crazy after having been on my feet for two days, but I figured the views over the city would be worth it.

Alas, the queue was impossibly long, and we simply didn’t have enough time to wait around. If you’re hoping to climb the belfry during high season, get there as soon as it opens (9:30am) to avoid the lines. Fortunately, we’re already planning a return trip to Belgium, so we won’t make this mistake again!

The shops lining the old streets of Bruges are just as charming as you’d imagine. I’m not big on shopping, especially when traveling light, but I couldn’t resist popping into the adorable stores selling everything from watercolor paintings to Christmas decorations.

This part of town gets extremely packed during high season and on the weekends, so be prepared to battle the crowds as you buy and browse.

If you’re shopping for Belgian chocolate, pay close attention to the prices. My husband, a.k.a. Mr. Economics Major, noticed some interesting pricing sheets in a few shop windows that actually made it more expensive to buy in bulk!

Sint-Salvatorskathedraal and the Church of Our Lady Bruges

As you walk southwest from the city center, you’ll see the spires of the 700-year-old Sint-Salvatorskathedraal. Should you choose to enter (no admission fee required), check out the paintings and the ornate organ.

From here, head southeast down the Heilige-Geeststraat to reach the Church of Our Lady Bruges. If you’re an art lover, the €6 admission fee is worth it to see Michelangelo’s famous Madonna and Child painting, among other works.

To truly appreciate the splendid exterior, walk around back and approach it from the rear alleys on the canal side. It’s one of my favorite Instagram spots in Bruges.

Dinner and Departure

Pass by the Site Oud Sint-Jan on your way out of the city, which houses the Center for Modern Art and is surrounded by geometric gardens. If you’re only in Bruges for one day, you probably won’t have time to go in the museum itself.

We planned to have dinner at the eclectic De Stoepa restaurant before returning to Brussels, but my stomach wasn’t up for the task. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, try to grab a seat in the outdoor beer garden.

Day Trip to Bruges Walking Tour Map

Click here for the full interactive map!

Bruges Day Trip Guided Tours

If a self-guided day trip to Bruges feels like too much work, that’s okay! You can easily book a guided tour online. There are even round-trip options from Brussels and Amsterdam , saving you the hassle of navigating the trains and buses.

Have More Than One Day in Bruges?

If you can extend your Bruges 1 day itinerary to a full day or overnight trip, here are some extra things to try:

• Take a boat ride through the canals: Boat Trips Brugge is a popular choice for soaking up the city’s charm on the water.
• Visit the museums: Check out the Groeninge Museum for paintings by the old Flemish masters, or take a quirky tour through the Torture Museum.
• Tour a brewery: The Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan offers guided tours and has a museum chronicling the history of Belgian beer brewing.

Remember to book your accommodation in advance! Apartment rentals in Bruges are in short supply, and the best hotels get snapped up fast.

Where to Go After Your Bruges Day Trip

• Brussels:  This stunning capital city is only an hour away by train, and you can see it all with my 24 hours in Brussels guide.
• Ghent:  A short train ride will take you to Ghent for even more beautiful Flemish architecture.
• Rotterdam:  Nearly destroyed during WWII, Rotterdam is now known for its innovative, modern architecture.
• Amsterdam:  Connect through Brussels via train, where you can spend 2 days in Amsterdam exploring beautiful canal streets and top-notch museums.

Bruges is a city so charming it makes you question your reality. I half-expected a fish to pop out of the canal and start singing. It was certainly a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Brussels (excluding the crowded market area).

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium or looking for a weekend break in Europe, I highly recommend spending at least one day in Bruges!

Have you taken a Bruges day trip? What places would make it on your must-see list? Let me know in the comments below!

18 thoughts on “Bruges One Day Itinerary: A Self Guided Bruges Walking Tour”

I have been to Bruges! It was a few years ago during October. We planned on staying one day but we loved it so much we ended up adding another. We totally fell in love with the city. It looked so beautiful with the fall colours. But I definitely would want to visit it in the spring or summer. Great guide and lovely photos!

When we left, I was thinking how beautiful Bruges would look in the fall! We’ll definitely do a return trip, so hopefully timing works out so that we can see those lovely autumn hues 🙂

Bruges is definitely on my radar. I love walking the streets of beautiful places. Great itinerary, thank you.

Thanks, Julie! Bruges is packed with charm and super easy to see on foot. I hope you get to visit soon 🙂

I can´t believe I´ve never been to this beautiful city although it´s just 2 hours by car from my home. But I hope to make it this autumn finally and I will definitely safe your walking tour and tips for it. And it´s good to know that most people speak English because I was surprised when visiting Brussels that most people just speak French.

Belgium has an interesting language divide for being a relatively small country. I hope you enjoy your trip!

I want to go to Bruges! I remember watching the movie, ‘In Bruges,” and it looked like a charming place. I love accessible cities where you can walk or cycle through. Plus, the Grote Market is beautiful with the colorful houses! Saving this post when I visit. Thanks!

The movie was also my first introduction to the city! Luckily our trip was bit more lighthearted 🙂

Thank you very much for mentioning Books & Brunch ! We’ve posted a link to your blogpost on our Facebookpage ( https://www.facebook.com/Booksenbrunch/ ). Regards, the Books & Brunch team…

Thanks for your support! We had a lovely time 🙂

Your blog really inspires me. I even followed you on Instagram! I will be in Europe in September and your blog is a great help. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you so much for the kind words! September is a great time to visit Europe, as the crowds should be thinning out. I hope you have a wonderful visit 🙂

Such a perfect itinerary. I went to Bruges last year for a day trip but would love to go back to see some of the things I missed last time!

Thanks, Charu! I’d also love to revisit Bruges for a longer trip, especially for the Christmas market.

Hi there. We are in Brussels now and decided to do a day trip tomorrow to Bruges. I think we will follow your map exactly, thanks so much for this!

Happy to help, Kevin! I hope you enjoyed your visit 🙂

Nice walking tracking through one of belgium finest citys

Such a detailed Itinerary. Since the time I had Belgian icecream and croissants in a stop over at the Brussels airport, I have been meaning to visit it sometime soon. Your article will be of great help. Thanks.

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A perfect self-guided Bruges walking tour to take in the best scenery

European city breaks that are accessible by train are an ideal way to escape the UK for a change of scenery and culture. On a self-imposed year off flying we decided to explore the UK and also take short hops across the English Channel. One of the destinations we chose was the gorgeous city of Bruges in Belgium. With a compact city centre making it a great walking destination, I planned a perfect self-guided Bruges walking tour to take in the best scenery.

Grote Markt and the Belfort in Bruges

I say planned. That’s not exactly true. There were places I wanted to see for sure, but we meandered on a route that managed to capture most of these in one day, with plenty of stops along the way. In preparation for the trip, instead of buying a guide book, we watched the movie ‘In Bruges’. Surely, this would tell me everything I need to know about the city? Despite its sometimes dark and hilarious take on Bruges, ‘In Bruges’ confirmed to me in no uncertain terms that this was a beautiful city, despite the lead character Ray being less than impressed. I also contacted the Bruges tourist office who kindly sent an information pack with information about the city including maps.

A compact medieval city

The good thing about Bruges, and one of the main selling points for this trip, was that it’s a reasonably small city. This means that you can walk everywhere. No need to figure out how you are going to get from one place to the next. Just use your legs. The historic city centre (which is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site) sits within the main ring road of the city, has mostly cobbled narrow streets and is fairly easy to navigate. By that, I mean that if you get lost, just look for one of the main landmarks and head back towards it.

Street scenes in Bruges

We stayed at the GRAND HOTEL CASSELBERGH, a beautiful hotel located just 150 metres from the central market square (Grote Markt) – a perfect place to be based. From here, we walked. And walked. And walked. Bruges did not disappoint. The city is absolutely and breathtakingly beautiful. Almost every building, every narrow cobbled street and every bridge over the network of canals is gorgeous and a delight to see and photograph.

Note: This post has been updated in January  2022 to reflect site formatting changes. 

A self-guided Bruges walking tour

Bridges and iconic Bruges scenery

A Bruges walking tour to take in the best scenery

Stepping out of the hotel [A] and turning right, unexpected moments of sunshine were casting their beams down the narrow streets creating a nice light against the buildings. Heading down Meestraat and crossing the Meestraat Bridge [B] behind the hotel provided some fantastic views of the rear of the buildings that are located on the Burg Square on the banks of the Groenerei canal.

Views from the Meestraat Bridge

Turning right from the bridge to walk along the Groenerei canal along Steenhouwersdijk leads to a gorgeous little square called Huidenvettersplein [C] , with a collection of quirky historic buildings, many of them now housing restaurants and cafes. In the warmer months, Huidenvettersplein is a buzzing hive of activity with outdoor seating taking up much of the space.

Historic buildings in Huidenvettersplein

Huidenvettersplein at night

Continuing through the small square, the cobbled street leads back to the banks of the Dijver canal at Rosenhoedkaai [D] to one of the iconic and most photographed scenes in the city. The viewpoint across the canal from the intersection takes in large tree who’s branches cascade over the water, with a stunning backdrop of the historic buildings of Bruges including the Belfort tower above everything else.

Iconic view from Rosenhoedkaai

Rosenhoedkaai view at night

Canalside walks and brewery tours

Heading in a south westerly direction leads onto Dijver, where the promenade along the river widens to an avenue of trees and benches – the perfect spot to admire the historic details of the buildings on the opposite side of the canal. On the opposite side of the Dijver away from the water, there are number of openings leading down narrow side streets. A little look down Groeninge [E] felt like a snapshot of a moment hundreds of years before. The weathered buildings showing their age, but remaining stunning in their architectural style

Looking down Groeninge

To the right of Groeninge, an archway in a brick wall leads into Arentshof, the gardens of the 18 th century building housing the Arentshuis art museum. The pathways through the gardens lead to one of the prettiest bridges in Bruges – the Bonifacius Bridge [F]. The early 20 th century pedestrian bridge crosses the canal into the grounds of the imposing Church of Our Lady Bruges. Trying to capture a shot of the bridge without a number of people is a mean feat but a little patience always wins through.

The beautiful Bonifacius Bridge in Bruges

Crossing the Bonifacius Bridge and looking back, the rear of the Bonifacious Guesthouse sitting on the bank of the canal captures the essence of the architecture of the city perfectly. It looks so Bruges. Aged brickwork contrasting with dark wood panelling around the small leaded windows, the 16 th century building is a stunning reminder of the medieval beauty of the city. Definitely in the running for our next visit’s accommodation option.

Medieval architecture of the Bonifacious Guesthouse

At this point it’s worth paying a visit to the Church of our Lady Bruges, before continuing south on Mariastraat. The Mariaburg bridge crossing the canal provides another iconic Bruges walking tour photo opportunity. St. Jaanshospitaal set aside the water is one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe and now houses a museum.

Views of St. Jaanshospitaal

Mariastraat leads onto Katelijnestraat. The area to the right features a collection of narrow cobbled streets and alleyways that should be explored leading to the De Halve Maan Brewery – a recommended stop in the area. The pretty cobbled street of Walstraat leads to a small square called Walpein [G] . There are cute boutique shops and cafes with outdoor seating where you can enjoy a cold beer while watching horses and carts passing by, carrying tourists around the area.

Cobbles on Walstraat

Seeing incredible Flemish architecture from a Bruges walking tour

Before continuing on from the this part of the self-guided Bruges walking tour, there’s the opportunity to take a brewery tour at the De Halve Maan Brewery, or wander a little further and visit the stunning Begijnhof, a 13 th century convent garden. Heading back north from this area along, retracing footsteps along Mariastraat, there’s another lovely scenic spot that feels like a step back in time. The Gruuthuse Hof [H] sits on an intersection between Mariastraat and Heilige-Geeststraat just north of the Church of Our Lady Bruges. A beautiful red brick building built in a traditional Flemish style, it sits beautifully between the cobbled streets that surround it.

The typically Flemish Gruuthuse Hof building

From here, heading north on Mariastraat leads to Simon Stevinplein square and onto Steenstraat, the more commercial part of Bruges where the streets are lined with stores and cafes. Turning right onto Steenstraat provides the opportunity for the retail therapy if that’s your thing. This street leads back towards the heart of the old city, arriving at the main hub of Bruges – the Grote Markt [I] . A large and bustling plaza flanked by fantastic buildings in each direction, Grote Markt is a popular spot in the city.

The 12th century Belfort of Bruges

To the south stands the 12th century Belfort dominating the square at 85 meters high. To the north, a row of traditional and colourful Flemish houses, now a collection of bars and restaurants offering great views out onto the square and the Belfort. There’s a vibrant atmosphere in the plaza, but for authenticity when choosing cafes and restaurants, it’s worthwhile choosing some spots away from the square.

Traditional and colourful Flemish houses on Grote Markt

Continuing along from Grote Markt, the final stretch of this Bruges walking tour leads back along Breidalstraat and onto Burg Square [J], with the gothic City Hall building dominating the space. The ornate Basilica of the Holy Blood is also located here, and the square hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. A short walk from Burg Square leads back to the Grand Hotel Casselbergh, where the loop is complete.

The gothic City Hall building in Burg Square

A Bruges walking tour by night

The buildings are stunning by day, but at night the city really shows its charm. The floodlit buildings and the reflections on the canals capture the full detail in all its glory. The city streets are also fairly quiet in the evenings in comparison to the day time. Grote Markt, completely crowded on a Saturday afternoon, was practically deserted in the evening making it a much more pleasant experience to stroll the streets. The city felt like a safe place to wander at night too.

Night scenes from Steenhouwersdijk

The rear of City Hall from Huidenvettersplein

Burg Square at night

We found this a great route to capture the essence of Bruges and see some of the more scenic spots. In truth, the city centre is compact and beautiful enough that any route taken would be equally rewarding. We experienced a number of attractions, visited many historical buildings and sampled far too much beer – all of which is covered in another post, linked below.

READ ABOUT MY TOP THINGS TO DO ON A BRUGES CITY BREAK

RELATED CONTENT

If your planning to visit Bruges or other cities with a Flemish influence, the posts below may be of interest.

Stay at the GRAND HOTEL CASSELBERGH: A GREAT PLACE TO EXPLORE BRUGES

Looking to visit north east France? THINGS TO DO IN LILLE ON A WINTER WEEKEND BREAK

TRAVELLING BY EUROSTAR: TIPS TO UPGRADE AND ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE

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No comments.

jaicommunity

Wow – look amazing. Photos are very good.

Evelyn Mitsunaga

Beautiful. Haven’t been there – now I want to go!

Shoot from the Trip

It’s lovely Evelyn!

That was a wonderful overview tour. Thank you for sharing.

Beautiful. Time for a return visit!

Belgian Beer and Belforts – Shoot from the Trip

[…] around taking it all in, and you still wouldn’t tire of it. Check out my earlier post here for a little stroll around the city taking in the […]

jasonlikestotravel

I only ended up taking a daytrip to Bruges so I particularly love your nighttime photos! I need to go back!

Grand Hotel Casselbergh, Bruges – Shoot from the Trip

[…] Would you like to take a photo tour around Bruges? Then click here. […]

A long weekend in Lille | Shoot from the Trip

[…] been to Bruges earlier in the year, absolutely loved it, and one of the first recommendations that came up on the […]

A round up of 2018 | Shoot from the Trip

[…] selection of beers. It’s an easy city to get to by train, and an easy city to navigate on foot. We’ll definitely be […]

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The Best 24-Hours in Bruges, a Self-Guided Tour of the City

Known as the  Venice of the North ,  Bruges  is a medieval paradise replete with sweeping canals, quaint cobblestones alleyways, unique Gothic architecture and an utterly enchanting atmosphere. Bruges is not just a  medieval-looking town ; it  IS  a medieval town .  The streets are still lined with stones older than perhaps even my home country, and even the most ubiquitous family house looks like a gothic paradise. 

In English and French, Bruges is pronounced “broozh,” but in the native Flemish, it’s called  Brugge , pronounced, “broo-gha.” Bruges is a UNESCO-protected city, and as such, historians ensure that everything remains unchanged and is in a perpetual state of Gothic opulence. Any renovations undertaken to protect buildings from the perils of old age are done with lots of research and employ only old materials to fix or repair any damage. Bruges is truly one of my favourite cities to visit. You could walk endlessly along the streets and continuously find new discoveries. It’s a fairy-tale like a village, and I think far too many people just breeze through it on a day trip from Brussels. To truly experience the city at its best, you must spend the night and dedicate 48 hours to exploring every nook and cranny of the city.

Hotel Bourgoensch Hof

Basilica of the holy blood.

Before you head out on your adventures, here’s some history of giving you some context for your travels throughout this Gothic city. Bruges first established itself as a settlement in the 9th century. Since it was a city settled on the river, connected to the North Sea, it immediately became a hub for international trade. It was called  Bruges  after the old Scandinavian word  Bryggia , which means  harbour . In the middle ages, Bruges was one of the largest trade centres in northwest Europe. It specialized in Flemish cloth, one of the most important products in medieval times. Because the cloth market was exploding all over the country, more and more money poured into the city. The overwhelming wealth that the city gained over the years allowed Bruges to build some of the most impressive medieval architectural masterpieces in Europe.

15th Century Bruges

Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, Bruges continued to fluctuate under an ever-changing economy. While other European cities were able to expand, Bruges remained a small town. It couldn’t keep up with the growth happening worldwide and eventually lost its position as a leading trade city to  Antwerp  with a population that doubled its own. Bruges slowly fell out of the limelight and eventually disappeared from European high society.

In the 1800s, Bruges became the most impoverished city in Belgium as all trade routes into the city had shut. It is perhaps this period of poverty that we have to thank for the preservation of the city’s historic architecture. There was no money for renovations, expansions or modernization of any kind. In the mid-19th century, when the tourism industry started to creep outside the major cities into the countryside, people began to discover this untouched gem. People from all over fell in love with the antiquated facades and peaceful canals they found here. In the 1900s, Bruges became a popular tourist destination, and eventually, in 1970, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List and was deemed a “medieval historic settlement.”

To make your way to Bruges, you can take the train from any other European city to  Bruges Station  or fly into the  Brussels Airport , located about 110km east of Bruges. Direct trains from the Brussels Airport run every hour into Bruges station.

You can quickly get on a local bus from the train station that will take you to the town centre. The commuter bus drives through the narrow, cobblestone streets of medieval Bruges at breakneck speed. There were a few close calls as we barreled around tight corners, but any locals on the bus didn’t seem the least phased, so I took their nonplussed reaction as comfort and watched the red brick scenery pass us by.

Our bus dropped us off in  Markt Square , close to our hotel, and we walked through the square dragging our rolling suitcases along as we went.

TIP: Make sure you have sturdy wheels, or better yet, a knapsack, as suitcases with wheels will take a beating in this city! They’re pretty much isn’t a single smooth surface in the entire place.

Accommodation

Another big tip for visiting Bruges is to stay at least one night in the city. Many visit only for a day trip and rush through the sites just to check them off their bucket list. I more than encourage spending a few days here to properly experience the atmosphere of this ancient city, both during the day and at night. Once the heavy loads of day-tripping tourists disappear in the afternoon, the town’s true nature comes alive. Locals open their doors, and the city feels more than just a postcard.

Hotel Jan Brito

Hotel Jan Brito  can be found right in the center of Bruges, just a hop, skip and a jump from Market Square. The hotel is located inside a 16th-century manor house, and staying in this place feels like sleeping inside a piece of the history of Bruges. There are 37 different rooms to choose from, but lucky for those looking for a good deal, they also offer budget rooms where you can stay that are still beautiful but offered at a great price. These rooms will run you $136 US/night.

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If you’re looking for a hotel to take your breath away, look no further than  Hotel Bourgoensch Hof .  This architectural masterpiece was once a famous brewery that overlooked Bruges’s canals. Despite its conversion to a hotel, the building retains many architectural details that made it unique when it was a brewery. Book one of their canal view rooms if you can splurge a bit. You can open the blinds in the morning or at night and sit on the windowsill looking out at the boats floating down the canal. Rooms will run you $180 US/night.

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More and more  Airbnb  options have been popping up all over Bruges. This is your chance to stay inside a historic property and treat it less like a hotel and more like a home.  This option  in central Bruges is a 17th-century romantic little cottage tucked away on a private street. You’ll sleep on one of the city’s most colourful and charming roofs and relax in the morning with a cup of coffee in the garden. Airbnb always offers such unique experiences and properties. This one costs $183 US/night for two people.

After you’re settled into your hotel, it’s time to dig your heels into the history, art and architecture that pours from the veins of Bruges. And what better way to do this than to take a stroll to get up close and personal with the city. You could do this entire walking tour in one day, but I advise you to break it up over two days. Allow yourself time to venture inside the buildings and museums. If you can’t do the time work, you can totally do this walking tour in one day, but it will be a push!

Self-Guided Walking Tour

The grote markt or market square.

The best place to start your tour is in the  Grote Markt or Market Square . Seems fitting to begin your journey where Bruges first established its trading center and the location which would bring in all the wealth the city became known for. The first known marketplace was built here in the 10th century. Later, in the 12th century, a wooden market hall was built to help house the fish and cloth imports and exports away from the cold and the sun.

The square turned from a simple shopping arena into a meeting place for jousting tournaments, weddings, royal parades and even executions. Despite the time, the square is still used today as a modern marketplace. Every Wednesday, local vendors come out with fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, cheese and more to sell to locals and tourists alike! It’s the perfect place to get ingredients for a picnic, so I highly recommend you visit here on a Wednesday morning!

In 1996, the square was converted into a  pedestrian zone  where horse-drawn carriages and bicycles were the  only  modes of transportation allowed. Tourists can wander and gaze up at the buildings around them without fear of being hit by a car. And gaze up, you will! While the horse and buggies might be too pricey for the regular tourist, bikes are a great way to explore the city, and Market Square is always a place to rent a bike for a few hours.

The Bruges Belfry

The  Belfry Tower , atop the infamous  Cloth Hall , looms over the Market square. The Belfry was built in 1240 but needed to be rebuilt in 1280 after a fire ravaged the first building. If the octagonal top looks slightly unfinished, you’d be correct. The tower was once topped with a high spire, well many spires actually, but each one was the victim of lightning strikes which reduced them all to ash. There is a famous poem by  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow  which goes,

In the marketplace of Bruges stands the Belfry old and brown; Thrice consumed and thrice rebuilt. Still, it watches o’er the town.

In the medieval ages, the Belfry’s bells were the only indicator citizens had to tell the start of the workday, to signal for fire, or even to mark the beginning of a festival or event. In the 16th century, a 35-set  carillon  was installed in the tower. A  carillon  is a set of bells which could be played using a keyboard below the tower, creating a more musical sound than a few single bells rung from ropes ever could.

Climbing the Tower

You can still climb the 366 steps to the top of the tower as patrolmen once used to do to look out for fires that could have destroyed this incredible city. The view from the top is unparalleled and worth the time and effort it takes to climb up. These days the cost to climb the tower is  € 12,00  for adults if you have the money to spend this is a great experience. I recommended visiting the  Concertgebouw Circuit  if you want a great view across the city with a slightly lower price and fewer tourists. The cost to visit the roof terrace on the seventh floor is only €8, and you’ll also see a fine collection of modern art. There is definitely a price you pay for history at the Belfry, so just weigh which ones are more important to you.

Snack on “French” Fries

At the bottom of the Belfry Tower is a local french fry vendor who serves up some of the most delicious  Belgian french fries . There are ongoing disputes over the term “french fries” and their origin. The Belgians insist it was them, but the French disagree. The story goes that when American armies were stationed in Belgium, the Flemish military served them up one of their favourite (and inexpensive) meals – fried strips of potatoes.

The American army LOVED them and took the recipe back home. They ended up calling them  french  fries since French was the local language in Belgium then, and the Americans assumed they have stationed in France, not Belgium since that’s the language they heard spoken. While the French aren’t known for selling fries on the street, the Belgians have perfected this snack to be served on the go. They serve them alongside a mustard and mayonnaise dipping sauce which is an oddly delicious side dish and the perfect thing to eat to keep you going throughout your walking tour.

While chowing down on your snack, take a moment to study the brightly coloured buildings surrounding that square. Each one is topped with iconic crow-stepped gables, which have become the quintessential characteristic of Bruges.

Jan Breydel

Take a seat in the centre of the square, beneath the grand statue of  Jan Breydel  and  Pieter de Coninck . These two men are local heroes known for leading the uprising against the invading French in 1302 and keeping Bruges a part of Belgium.

Provincial Hof

Across from the statue is the  Provincial Hof  or  Provincial Court . The building now houses the  Government of West Flanders  and a local post office, but hundreds of years ago, it was home to the largest port in Bruges. Initially built in 1294, it was demolished in 1787 and rebuilt in a Neo-Gothic style reminiscent of the original Gothic roots of the city. One of the most iconic parts of its design is the bright red dormer windows which pop out of the stone grey roof.

Hendrik and Gustaaf Pickery  designed all the interior decorations. You’ll find intricate stained glass windows and exquisite ironwork which covers all the rooms like wild vines. Gothic architecture was inspired by nature and how the organic world is so free and ornate. The statues and murals within depict scenes of famous people from West Flanders, a visual history of the building of their great city spread out for you in art.

Chocolatier Dumon

Dumon Chocolates  are one of the most popular souvenirs people bring home from Bruges. Belgium is known worldwide for their chocolate creations, and  Dumon  has found a way of perfecting the art. Established in 1992, this family-run business expanded around Belgium, but their first family-run shop was in Bruges.

As you open the door, you are overwhelmed with melting chocolate’s sweet and slightly bitter scent. The tiny shop is almost arm’s length wide but is charmingly cluttered. Chocolates glisten behind glass cabinets, and you can’t help but start to drool. While there are no labels, the kind employees (all family members) will lovingly tell you about all the different kinds of chocolate and prepare a customized box with all your favourites. They speak English in addition to French and Belgian, but if you can’t communicate, you can’t go wrong with anything inside.

Hof Bladelin

Past Dumon, walking along the narrow streets and alleyways, you come upon  Hof Bladelin . Hof Bladelin was once an aristocratic mansion, which has now been converted into a home for the elderly and a small museum. The Hof Bladelin was built in 1451 as the house of  Pieter Bladelin  and his wife,  Margaret of Vagewierre . Pieter was the counsellor and treasurer for Philip the Good, the Duke of Burgundy. At the time, he was one of the wealthiest men in Bruges and wanted to build a house which reflected his enormous wealth. The Bladelins had no children, and after their death, the house came up for auction in 1472. It was purchased by the Medicis, a powerful Florentine banking family known for covering the most beautiful pieces of art and architecture from the world’s greatest artists.

The Hof Bladelin has the architectural design of a Gothic castle. The Renaissance courtyard was designed in the Italian style and added to the building by the  Medici family.  Stone medallion portraits of  Lorenzo de Medici  and his wife can still be found in the courtyard. The ribbed vaulted ceiling in the interiors has some interesting corbels adorned with scenes depicting the duties of Bladelin and the life of St. Alphege of Canterbury.

The Poortersloge

The Poortersloge , or  Burgher’s Lodge , is an exemplary model of Gothic architecture in Bruges. It was built at the end of the 14th century and served as a meeting place for the  burghers  (town or city’s citizens). One can admire its magnificent façade, decorated with stone figures; one of these is of the legendary bear,  Beertje van de Logie , dated 1417. In the past, banquets and festivities were held here; nowadays, the building contains historical documents.

If you’re feeling peckish, stop off at the  Cambrinus pub . The building oozes history. The original pub was built here in 1699, and despite a few updates, much of the place remains the same. When you arrive, the waiter will bring you a book the size of a dictionary with over 400 varieties of beer listed and vivid descriptions in various languages. There, indeed is something for everyone. In addition to the best beer list in the country, their traditional Brugian food is also to die for. The rabbit stew is my favourite and will warm you up from the inside out if you are travelling in any of the colder months.

Burg Square

Burg Square  is one of the most stunningly old parts of the city. Surrounding you from all sides are architectural gems from the Gothic era, the Renaissance and the Neo-Classical revival.

Burg Town Hall

Burg Town Hall , or  Stadhuis , is the oldest building in the square, built in 1376 in authentic Gothic fashion. Between the bright red painted window frames are carvings of men from the  Court of Flanders  intermingled with biblical figures. Each one looks down at the townspeople below, guiding and inspiring them to do good in their daily lives.

Palace of the Liberty

Sandwiched between the Town Hall is the  Palace of the Liberty . This once served as the Old Court House for more than 200 years. The brilliant white painted facade with gold trim is decorated like a wedding cake with a golden  Lady of Justice  statue on top.

In the corner of the square, tucked away so tightly it almost seems to disappear, stands the  Basilica of the Holy Blood.  This 14th-century church holds one essential item, a vial of “ Holy Blood,”  believed to be drops of blood and water washed from the body of Jesus Christ.

Behind its dark, richly decorated facade hides an even more ornamental interior. The interior houses two chapels, each polar opposite of the other. The upper chapel is the crown jewel of West Flanders in high Gothic style. From floor to ceiling, there are darkly painted murals depicting the Holy Trinity and various scenes of the journey of the Holy Blood Relic to Bruges. Vividly portrayed stained glass windows provide the only natural light inside the chapel. Little modern lighting has been installed inside to ensure the murals don’t fade with time, so this sombre lighting constantly fills the church.

Holy Blood relic

The Holy Blood relic is embedded in a rock-crystal vial and placed inside a glass cylinder framed with two golden crowns. It is only shown to the public on certain days of the week, so if you’re making a pilgrimage just to see it, check the schedule. When it is not displayed, it is housed inside a silver tabernacle with a picture of the  Lamb of God  on the front. In recent years the validity of the vial has come under question, and investigations have shown that it was nothing more than a Byzantine perfume bottle from Constantinople. But to those who believe, no amount of science can deter them.

The lower chapel is a simple Romanesque layout from the 12th century, the last Romanesque church in all of West Flanders. This chapel has been virtually unchanged since it was first built. The two chapels are connected, but a large brick staircase was built in 1533 in the Renaissance style, which was subsequently destroyed during the French WWII occupation but rebuilt in the 19th century. Moving from one chapel to another is like stepping back in time, and you really appreciate the incredible technological advances.

Across the bridge from Burg Square is the  Vismarkt  or  Old Fish Market . The fish market was once located in Market Square, but the smell of the fish was so intense that people around the square complained, so it was moved further east. The covered stone arcade was built in 1821. The market is only open from Wednesday to Saturday in the early morning, but you can visit the iconic stone structure anytime.

Dijver Canal

From the Fish Market, walk west along the  Dijver canal.  The canal’s passageway from the fish market to  Nieuwstraat  provides a classical view of Bruges, great for picture taking. Various restaurants along the canal are reasonably touristy but provide one of the most beautiful vistas in Bruges. If you just want to hop into one of their patios for a drink, I think the overpriced beer is well worth the scenery. This is a great place to end your first day, or if you’re trying to squeeze it all into 24 hours, you can continue from here.

Groeninge Museum

Across the street and down a few lanes from the canal is the  Groeninge Museum . The Groeninge Museum is an essential stop on your tour of Bruges as it introduces you to Brugian and Belgian art over six centuries.

The  Primitive Flemish  style of painting is featured throughout the walls of museums. Flemish art isn’t classically thought of as exceedingly masterful since it sometimes seems grotesque, raw and explicit. But that’s exactly what I love about it. Flemish painters were always trying to emulate their Italian counterparts to achieve a dynamic perspective, but they didn’t have the technical skills to realize these effects. The result is images which appear almost warped, but whose expressions are so real they leave a lasting impression on the people who view them.

Arents House Courtyard

Across from the Groeninge Museum, you’ll find the  Arents House . Arents House was once an ancient manor belonging to the noble  Arents  family. It now hosts an extensive collection of paintings by the British artist  Frank Brangwyn . While it might be worth a visit on a more extended tour to Bruges, today, we are merely exploring its courtyard.

The small square between the two medieval houses is the perfect place to stop and pause. Listen to the sounds of cobblestones underfoot and the trickle of water which flows down the canal. From Arents Court, you have one of the most splendid views of the  Church of Our Lady’s  tower. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear the church bell rings across the street and the soft crowing of birds perched above. Four exciting sculptures by artist  Rik Poot  surround the courtyard, representing the “Four Apocalyptic Knights,” which greatly complement the artistic surroundings.

Bonifacius Bridge

Before heading to the  Church of Our Lady , you’ll pass across the  Bonifacius Bridge . Despite only dating from 1910, it is one of the most beautiful bridges in Bruges. The tightly interlaced cobblestones and red brick archway provide the perfect frame for the church towers behind it. Standing on the bridge, you can watch tourists paddle up and down the canal. Looking atop the bridge, you have this lovely view of some of the most charming houses peeking out onto the water.

The Church of Our Lady

All of the churches in Bruges are enormous. They seem to absolutely tower over the tiny houses below.  The Church of Our Lady’s  tower is 122 meters high, the highest point in Bruges and the world’s second tallest brickwork tower. Because the church took over two centuries to build, it combines various evolutions of Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Interior of the Church

‘While the interior might not be as grand as its exterior, it is still worth poking your head inside. The central organ is small but opulent, hiding behind the high altar screen. A few dozen simple chairs provide seating for the small but dedicated congregation. The altar screen is unique both in colouring and design. Its white and green coloured marble interior is highlighted with splashes of gold leafing. The green marble is a feature you don’t always see, making this cathedral interior special. Along the nave are columns dotted with reliefs of various influential saints. A large wooden pulpit stands at attention on the right side of the nave; dozens of beautifully carved cherubs hang off the sides, clinging to books with golden scriptures written for the people below to read.

Behind the high altar is the resting place of two of Bruges’ most famous residents. The golden tombs of  Charles the Bold  and the  Duchess Mary of Burgundy  lie in quiet repose beneath a magnificent tryptic. Their elaborately designed tombs are worth looking at, so don’t miss touring the back half of the church.

Madonna and Child

The crown jewel of this church is the white marble sculpture of the  Madonna and Child , created by  Michelangelo  in 1504. Over the years, the statue has been stolen by foreign invaders, but those dedicated to preserving its place in Bruges have always managed to bring it back home. Although this sculpture doesn’t have the same impact as Michelangelo’s  Pieta  in Rome, the sadness on Madonna’s face reflects her knowledge that this little boy will grow up only to die for the sins of his people. It’s an ominous prelude of things to come and a wonderful piece of Michelangelo’s portfolio.

Gruuthuse Hof

Away from the Church of Our Lady is the  Gruuthuse Hof,  a small but historic dwelling adorably sandwiched between two major streets. Although it has now been converted into a restaurant, the Gruuthuse Hof is one of the oldest residences in Bruges. While in one of the prime locations for tourists, the restaurant keeps a somewhat simple, traditional menu that caters to locals and tourists alike. With only 28 seats inside and 12 on the patio, the place remains intimate despite its popularity over the eras. If you can find a table, it’s worth stopping in for the featured meal of the day.

St. Salvator’s Cathedral

Up from the Gruuthuse Hof is  St. Salvator’s Cathedral . It is the oldest parish church in Bruges, with parts dating back to the 10th century. But the original design was much less grandiose than the current incarnation. In 1834, after Belgium’s independence, St. Salvator’s was given the status of a cathedral, and the meagre church had to be extensively renovated to match its new profile.

The architect of the new cathedral was  William Chantrell , an English architect who was greatly influenced by the resurgence of Neo-Romanesque architecture. Neo-Romanesque buildings feature thick walls, round arches, sturdy pillars, barrel vaults, large towers and decorative arcading. Because most of the rest of Bruges is so powerfully Gothic, this church really stands out.

Jasper van der Borcht

The neo-Gothic interior of the church is relatively plain but is accented with stunning embroidered tapestries from the 18th century. These antiquated works of art were made in Brussels by  Jasper van der Borcht  and featured astounding Bible scenes, all created with needles and thread. To the left of the nave, the pulpit is a stunning example of Louis XVI’s designs. Designs of Louis XVI were predominantly produced in France and exemplified the last phase of the Rococo style. The techniques focused on natural forms and dramatic embellishments.

Old St. John’s Hospital

Walking down from St. Salvator’s Cathedral, we come upon  Old St. John’s Hospital , which is now the  Memling Museum . Before becoming a museum, it was used as a hospital for the sick and dying, who were administered to by nuns and priests. Inside are many relics and six paintings by a 15th-century painter and Bruges resident  Hans Memling .

One of the highlights inside is the  Shrine to St. Ursula . In the shape of the church, there are six panels carved into a gilded wooden reliquary that tell the story of St. Ursula’s sainthood, painted by Memling himself. The work was commissioned by the Hospital of St. John and is one of the most exquisite pieces of religious art I’ve seen close up. The three-dimensional details and rich colours are remarkable. Inside the museum, you can also visit the old pharmacy. It’s a real treat for anyone who loves going back in time and seeing how sickness was treated in the 1800s. It will make you very thankful for modern medicine, that’s for sure!

De Vos Almshouse

Further south, away from the central part of the city, we will come across the  De Vos Almshouse . This small grouping of little houses, facing a lush green herb and flower garden, once housed poor residents, widows and the elderly. The homes were purchased by a wealthy Brugian merchant who loved his city and wanted to give back to the less fortunate. Each house was donated to a specific guild (e.g., the mason’s guild, the blacksmiths, the coopers etc.) and would provide housing for members of that guild when they became too old to work, fell ill or lost their jobs. You might notice how none of the houses have windows which face the street – this was because, at the time of their construction, there was a tax imposed for any street-facing window, and to save money, the builders were sure to avoid designing any street-facing windows.

Before our final destination, stop into the  Beguinage’  De Wijngaard ‘ or  Vineyard.  This grouping of identical-looking white houses is one of the most peaceful places to rest your weary feet in Bruges. So far away from the town centre, this site is often unvisited by day-tripping tourists, so you’ll usually have it all to yourself.

Since 1245, the Beguine sisterhood of Bruges has lived here, and in 1937 it became a monastery for the Benedictine sisters. To enter the Beguinage, you first pass through a large arched entrance gate built in 1776. Inside you find houses which range from the 15th to 19th century.

The Minnewater

Minnewater , or  Lake of Love,  is one of the most beloved retreats for the remaining permanent residents of Bruges. Again, since this is farther away from the historic centre, you’ll find that fewer tourists make their way here, and more locals are seen simply enjoying a day out in the park. Swans float up and down the picturesque canals, and lovers roam under the densely forested pathways, arm in arm. This is the ideal place to reflect on your time in Bruges.

Dine on Mussels

Head up from Minneswater towards  ‘T walpoortje restaurant  for a great dinner to end your long day! If you’re wondering what to eat on your last day here, I recommend the mussels or  modules and frites,  as they’re called in Bruges. Mussels are a Belgian specialty. They are so simple to cook, so you can’t go wrong. The ones here are extra delicious, and you won’t be able to leave even a drop behind!

Explore the City at Twilight

If you’ve taken my advice and planned to stay the night, you’re in for a treat! Nighttime changes the appearance of the city. When the sun sets, there is something about making even those little modern touches disappear, and you’re left with only the city’s medieval roots. Many historic buildings are lit at night, giving them an eerie golden against the midnight blue sky. The street will be as quiet as you’ll ever find them. We walked for almost an hour without seeing a single another tourist. Only the gargoyles are looking down on us. It was spooky but, honestly, one of the coolest experiences of the trip! Make an effort and stay the night, and you’ll be rewarded with something truly special.

And with the setting of the sun and the night drawing to a close, it’s time to head home. This concludes my little walking tour and guide to Bruges. I hope this helps you plan out your time on your trip to this magical Medieval city! Let me know in the comments what your favourite part of the city was or what you’re most interested in learning about on your future travels out in Bruges!

Happy Travels Adventurers

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Belgium ‎ >  Bruges  >  Free Bruges Walking Tour Map   

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Free Bruges Walking Tour:

Walking Tour Location : Bruges Belgium City Center Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self-Guided ) Start : Bruges Train Station End : Stadsschouwburg Bus Stop Walking Distance : 2.5 Miles Time : 2 Hours for Walk ( with attractions 5-6 hours ) Fun Scale :  10 out of 10

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Overview of Old Town Bruges:

Bruges is super cool

We hope you enjoy our free Bruges walking tour!

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1. Notre-Dame Cathedral :

About Notre Dame Cathedral : Also known as Notre-Dame de Paris, the former location of a Roman temple and then the Basicilia of Saint Stephen ( Saint-Étienne ) which dated back to either the 4th or 7th ( renovation of rebuild ) century until 1160.  This early 5-nave basilica was very large for its time and around half the total size of the current Cathedral.  Construction on the first Notre Dame then started in 1163 with Pope Alexander III setting the first stone.  Dedicated to the Virgin Mary ( Notre Dame ).

2. Paradise Square ( Place du Parvis ):

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Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.

Bruges Self-Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide

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• Bruges, Belgium The route doesn't have a specific start and end point. You can start at any point on the route. Once you are inside the provided app, walk to any point of interest. If you are within 15 meters a message will pop-up and the tour will start.
• Not wheelchair accessible
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• Most travelers can participate
• This activity requires an internet connection and gps function on your phone.
• The average duration of the activity is is 2-3 hours. However you have until the end of the next day to finish it. Enough time to take a break, visit a museum or have a drink.
• Number of stops/stories: 57
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• St. Walburga's Church (Sint-Walburgakerk)

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• You'll start at Bruges Bruges, Belgium The route doesn't have a specific start and end point. You can start at any point on the route. Once you are inside the provided app, walk to any point of interest. If you are within 15 meters a message will pop-up and the tour will start. See address & details
• Pass by Bruges The Markt Belfort St. Walburga's Church (Sint-Walburgakerk) Sint-Salvatorskathedraal
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How to plan a walking tour of Bruges' myths and legends

​From holy vials to storied works of art, discover myths and legends on a walking tour of the Belgian city.

1. The Belfry Bruges’ most famous landmark, this 13th-century belltower has watched over the city from the market square through a series of disasters, from lightning strikes to raging fires. It’s a sensible place to start a walking tour, particularly as you can ascend the tower’s 366 steps to be rewarded with sweeping views over the city’s gothic rooftops. On the way up, admire the carillon, a vast keyboard instrument which plays tinkling tunes on 47 bells.

2. Rosary Quay A few minutes’ walk east takes you through the stately Burg Square, past the glorious gothic town hall, to Rosary Quay. This canal-side wooden dock is celebrated as the most photogenic spot in Bruges — no mean feat in a city famed for its beauty — and was named for the rosaries that were once sold here to pious pilgrims. You can follow in their footsteps and visit the neighbouring Basilica of the Holy Blood, home to a vial said to contain the blood of Christ.

3. Church of Our Lady A five-minute stroll south of the basilica — stopping en route to refuel with some Belgian confectionary at the Old Chocolate House — takes you to the mighty Church of Our Lady. Beneath its flying buttresses and baroque ornamentation lies Michelangelo’s Madonna of Bruges, arguably the city’s greatest treasure. In its 500-year-old life, this sculpture of the Virgin and baby Jesus has survived both the French Revolutionary Wars and theft by the Nazis.

4. Saint John’s Hospital Right next door is one of Bruges’ most darkly fascinating spots: one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, dating back to the 12th century. Grisly artefacts, such as vintage medical instruments and cabinets full of strange potions, will make you feel grateful for the advances in medical science over the last millennium, while an exhibition of works by the Flemish master Hans Memling includes his Shrine of St Ursula, a gilded wooden reliquary painted with religious scenes.

5. De Halve Maan You’ll have earned a drink by now, so take Maria’s Bridge over the canal, another popular photo opportunity that takes in the   city’s stunning medieval architecture, before heading to De Halve Maan. The most famous brewery in Bruges, it has been producing classic Belgian beers for 500 years and has been run by the same family for the last six generations. If you dare, try the Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel — a potent beer that’s 11% ABV.

6. Minnewater If you’re not feeling too giddy, finish your stroll at Minnewater. Also known as the Lake of Love, this tree-shaded, rectangular pool is named for star-crossed Minna and Stromberg, two legendary lovers akin to a Belgian Romeo and Juliet. Today, people flock to the surrounding park to enjoy a picnic and take in views of the swans — a symbol of Bruges’ wealth and power for centuries — which glide elegantly beneath the arches of Minnewater Bridge.  

Published in the Jan/Feb 2023 issue of   National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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My Authentic Walking Tour of Bruges

Growing up around Bruges, I have regularly wandered around its narrow streets and discovered new places. Here is my walking route of Bruges.

— Visited Regularly

Bruges Canal View

Known around the world as a fairy-tale medieval town, Bruges is a hotspot for tourists who admire cobbled lanes and picturesque canals. Growing up around Bruges, I have spent many days wandering around its narrow streets and discovering new places. Whenever international friends come over for a visit, I take them on my preferred route to guarantee they see all the highlights! I also take them to some local spots that the regular visitor won’t find easily while browsing the internet.

Read on and enjoy… My Authentic Walking Tour of Bruges .

Blog Content

Bruges’ history.

Did you know Bruges was founded by Vikings in the 9th century? It used to be surrounded by the sea and served as a great port. Until the 14th century, it was the centre of Europe with different languages spoken on the streets and tradesmen selling the most exotic products.

Starting from the 16th century, Bruges fell into decline as Antwerp (another great Belgian city) dominated the cloth industry with its brand new harbour. In the 1800s, Bruges even turned out to be Belgium’s poorest city. With no money for investments, the city no longer grew and this is the reason it kept its medieval look throughout the years.

In the 20th century, Bruges is now a popular tourist destination for its medieval heritage and is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’. Remarkably having survived two world wars, this town has proved to withstand the test of time and is well worth a visit on your next Europe trip!

Venice of the North

Where to Stay in Bruges

A trip to Bruges is best enjoyed overnight so that you can enjoy the quaint streets at night and observe its history by moonlight. Some recommended Bruges accommodations are provided below:

Low Budget – Charlie Rockets Youth Hostel or BE House Medium Budget – Hotel ‘t Putje Unique Accommodation – Hotel De Orangerie

Walking Route of Bruges

If you have little time in Bruges, I highly recommend this route as it takes up less than two hours and takes you through Bruges’ highlights with a few extra local gems. With more time on your hands, use this tour as a guideline but make sure to wander off into the backstreets and explore to the fullest!

Minnewaterpark and Begijnhof

I usually start my tour at the train station which is the meeting point for all busses, trains, and car parks anyway. From there, I make my way to the Minnewaterpark, a tranquil public green space featuring a lake and the gatehouse of a demolished castle. If you are lucky enough to visit Bruges during the Christmas period, you’ll find an ice-skating ring here built on the lake.

This park will bring you straight to the historic centre of Bruges, with a first popular spot to tick off on your left, the ‘Begijnhof’. The impressive gateway will take you to a wide-open green space with tiny white row houses and massive trees.

Het ‘Begijhof’ or the beguinage is a confined space of solitude for women who wanted to live in a pious way but outside the walls of a convent or monastery. You’ll find these in lots of Belgian and Dutch cities dating back to the 13th century. Nowadays there are no beguines, but this one in Bruges is still home to a few nuns.

Fun Fact: if you visit this place just before noon, you’ll be able to follow the midday mass with these nuns. They still ring the church bells by pulling the ropes with their bare hands. An authentic sight to see, even if the nuns check their iPhone to make sure the timing is right! (haha) Please always remember to dress appropriately, keep your silence and not take pictures.

Minnewaterpark Brugge

Brugge Begijnhof

From Wijngaardplein into the City

As you walk out of the ‘Begijnhof’, you’ll notice a lake with lots of swans flocking together as this is where they get fed. A horse fountain marks the entrance into the centre. Follow along the cobbled lanes and take in the romantic charm of the picturesque buildings. You have now entered Bruges…

You’ll notice plenty of chocolate, fries and souvenir shops as you make your way through Bruges. Make sure to try out a waffle and some ‘frietjes’ with mayonnaise as they are our local speciality. Most chocolate shops even offer free samples to taste.

Now turn left and make your way to the ‘Walplein’, a great spot to devour a beer on a sunny afternoon!

Bruges Streets

Wijngaardplein Bruges

Brewery ‘De Halve Maan’

Located on the Walplein, you’ll find Bruges most popular brewery. Now get ready for my favourite thing about this city.

Fun Fact: as you walk into the brewery, you’ll notice pipelines going out under the cobbled street. This two-mile underground pipeline goes from the brewery to an out-of-town bottling plant with enough beer to fill 12,000 bottles an hour. Indeed my friends, we have a BEER pipeline!

De Halve Maan hosts lots of tours around the brewery which is a great way to learn more about the beer-making process. It’s a popular place to visit so we recommend reserving your tickets online. While you are around, don’t forget to have a taste of their ‘Brugse Zot’, a local beer famous in Bruges.

Stoofstraat

Next to the church on the Walplein, you’ll find a tiny alleyway which leads you to a cute little courtyard. Tiny streets like these used to be booming with brothels back in the day; with this one intriguingly being located right next to a church. Funny enough, priests were a regular customer back then…

Bonifacius Brug

Let me take you to one of the most pictured places in Bruges. Behind the Church of Our Lady, you’ll find a little oasis with lovely bridge and canal views. Surprisingly, this stunning bridge isn’t even a century old. But it got its medieval look being built out of rubble and tomb stones from a nearby site. The building pictured is actually a hotel, probably with the best views in Bruges.

Bonifacius Bridge

Wandering with the pooch

A hotel with a view

Rozenhoedkaai, Huidenvettersplein and Vismarkt

Follow along the avenue and admire the sites even more, we’re now getting close to the centre of the city. On your left, you’ll recognise a famous view of Bruges, so take your time to get in some selfies.

Once your visit to Bruges is well documented, head to the tiny square of Huidenvettersplein. Translated as ‘Tanners Square’, this place boomed with tanners working their leather in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, it’s another great spot for a beer.

Next to Huidenvettersplein, you’ll find the original fish market (Vismarkt). Fish used to be sold on the Main Square but as the townspeople started complaining about the stench, fishmongers were moved here. Today you can still buy your fresh saltwater fish here every morning from Wednesday to Saturday.

Rozenhoedkaai

Huidenvettersplein

Cityhall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Let’s enter the centre of Bruges through the ‘Blinde Ezel Straat’ onto the ‘burg’ square. This isn’t the main square yet, but the view of the city hall and surrounding buildings sure show the richness of Bruges in the 14th century. Bruges’ city administration still occupies the Gothic Town Hall these days.

When you face the city hall, you’ll find a quirky looking building in the right corner of the square. This small basilica claims to have the blood of Jesus Christ and holds an annual parade through the city to worship it. You can visit and see the relic for yourself in exchange for a small donation. Again, always remember to dress appropriately, keep your silence and not take pictures.

Blinde Ezel Straat

On our way to main square

Before we head on to the main square, it’s time for a quick rest with a beer in De Garre. This tiny traditional pub has three storeys, is filled with locals and tourists and is hidden away in one of the back alleys. Named after its beer, you have to try a Garre, one of my favourite beers in Belgium. Be careful though, it’s a strong one!

Main Square and Belfort

You have made it to the heart of Bruges, what we call the ‘Grote Markt’. The tower soaring up into the sky is called the Belfort (Belfry) which formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives. It also served as an observation post for spotting fires and other dangers. During the Middle Ages, many cities competed with each other by building the highest tower, so you’ll find these all over Belgium.

If you are into beer tastings and want to enjoy a lovely view over the main square head to Historium Brugge . In the pub on the second floor, you’ll get to enjoy great balcony views with a mix of Belgium’s best beers in small tasting glasses (also accompanied with chocolate!). While in this building you can also register for a virtual tour , to witness Bruges in its high time during the Middle Ages.

Steenstraat

One for those who enjoy some shopping! This street has all the main shops, but do wander off and enjoy the boutique shops in the alleyways as well! I usually make my way back to the station through this street and another large square called t’Zand.

Wollestraat

At the end of this street, you’ll find a place called the Beer Wall . This pub features a window display with most Belgian beers. I say ‘most’ as no one knows exactly how many beers there are in total. Especially as breweries are still inventing new, local beers every day. In the pub, you’ll have the opportunity to do some more beer tasting as well.

Getting to Bruges

Getting to Bruges by car is quite easy. Bruges is about 30 minutes from Ghent and an hour from Brussels if traffic is alright. Car park nearest to the city centre is by ‘t Zand or the train station.

Belgium has excellent rail service and it takes only an hour to get to Bruges from Brussels. Tickets start at €6.60 if you’re under 26 and €12 if older.

Chocolate shops everywhere

Getting lost in the back streets

Bruges Streetview

Thanks For Reading

Thank you for reading our blog post, we hope it gave you that little motivation to book your next adventure!

Any questions then let us know in the comments below or contact us via the contact page. Want to keep up with our adventures? Then follow us on our Instagram .

Onto your next adventure? Try these.

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Bruges Walking Tour – DIY for Free!

As part of my visit in Belgium around Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp, I could not miss visiting Bruges too.

At 138.4 square kilometres in size, you can easily do a self-guided walking tour around Bruges in half a day. Because of what a small town it is, it is extremely easy to do a free walking tour in Bruges on your own at completely at your own pace.

I was especially exhilarated to be finally visiting this little town after watching the movie In Bruges (and watching one of the main casts jumping down from the Belfry :/). The plot was meaningless, but the scenes did set me up for what to expect on my day trip there.

Bruges is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings, which makes it exceptionally pleasant to do a walking tour on your own and do some city sightseeing around Bruges.

It is a 30-45 minute walk from the train station to the centre of Bruges.

Be sure to stop by at the tourist centre while you’re at the train station to grab a map!

A Brugge city tour is easy to follow once you have the Bruges walking tour map.

The highlights below are follows the order starting from the moment you walk from the train station to the furthest major attraction in Bruges.

Recommended duration in Bruges : half day

At A Glance

1. Begijnhof/ Minnewater

2. st saviour’s cathedral, 3. church of our lady/ onze-lieve-vrouwekerk, 4. rozenhoedkaai, 5. market square/ markt, 7. burg square, 8. city hall/ hotel de ville, 9. jan van eyckplein/ het voormalige hanzekwartier, 1. kathe wohlfahrt, 2. river boat ride, what to see on a self-guided bruges walking tour, belgium.

Be greeted by a family of swans and this picture-perfect bridge flanked by surrounding buildings.

The hub of all activities. Most of the shops facing the centre are restaurants, but don’t miss the row of iconic, narrow houses that are built above it!

This 13th-century belfry has a 47-bell carillon and is 83m high, offering panoramic views.

Costs 6€ to climb up the 366 steps .

I’ve been climbing towers in Ghent , Antwerp, Florence, etc and honestly, the views is worth every effort and penny you put in. I would never let any tower pass me by without conquering it.

There are rest points in between and while the steps are steep and climbing in circles may get you groggy, the fact that the enclosed tower only allows you to see at most 3 steps in front of you before curving upwards helps make climbing up easier. Trust me, it’ll be worth it.

It is situated on the Burg Square .

It is a former Hanseatic quarter. This part of the city used to be a thriving port in 1200.

This red brick medieval building on this quarter is the first building to be restored in the 19th century.

What’s interesting about this wooden facade (above) is that it is an authentic wooden house that was prohibited from the 17th century onwards because of it being a fire hazard.

You can find this along the road Genthof in the direction Woensdagmarkt .

Other things to see and do in Bruges, Belgium

Chanced upon this store between Markt and Burg, Kathe Wohlfahrt .

If you haven’t seen this around Europe, it is a Christmas store, with little Christmas trinklets displayed on every possible corner of the shop. I was extremely fascinated by the cuckoo clocks, angels, chimes, wooden dolls and Santa Clauses that I’ve only seen in fairytale shows.

This shop originates from Rothenburg, a medieval old town famous for its Christmas markets!

I visited Rothenburg too and am equally enraptured by the little Christmas shops there! I will accompany a post with pictures of Rothenburg soon. 🙂

When in Bruges , take the river ride if you can! It was a pity I couldn’t because it was pouring the entire day I was there. You’ll be able to see parts of Bruges that are hidden from the pedestrians on the streets.

It costs no more than 8€ .

There you go, that’s a Brugge free walking tour for you to do, at your own time and pace!

There are also day tours that goes from Brussels daily at 11am.

If you’re in Belgium, don’t miss out the full Belgian experience by visiting Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp! Each offers unique sights and vibes.

Read other posts about Belgium:

• Visiting Ghent, Belgium For Free!
• Coolest Ghent Food Recommendations from a Local
• Couchsurfing in Ghent, Belgium
• Packing List for Europe Winter
• Cheapest Way to Travel Around Europe
• How Much Does A Trip To Europe Cost?
• Europe Trip; 6 Months, 16 Countries, 55 Cities, 11 Languages
• Is Couchsurfing Safe? 6 Couchsurfing Lessons & Tips From Travelling Solo

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26 March 2015, Thursday

Isabel Leong

Full-time travel blogger at Bel Around The World and SEO coach roaming the world at a whim, Isabel helps aspiring content creators and brands get the most out of their online presence by attracting organic leads/traffic and achieving financial freedom with her Skyrocket With SEO course. She's closely involved in and has been featured as a speaker in other travel & digital nomad networks & podcasts such as Traverse, Travel Massive, The Nomadic Network and Location Indie.

Hi! I'm Isabel, a full-time traveller and digital nomad from Singapore. In the past 10 years, I've lived in New Zealand , Japan , Kauai Hawaii , Mexico , Costa Rica and Bali . Pulling from my own world travel adventures and blogging lessons, I share my tried and tested tips, so that I can get YOU to work LESS and play MORE!

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Very nice article, I had just shared this article on my travel site, I hope you don’t mind. This is a website that let bloggers or travelers to share some great articles or photos about travel, and indexed by attractions.

I know you love travel and write a lots of blog post about interesting places in the world, so I would like to invite you to be a member of our community and share your blog post, photos or review.

You can check the link below to find your articles on my site, if you don’t want me to share your articles, please tell me, I will remove it as soon as possible.

Hope you all the best =)

I’m glad you found my site! Yes indeed everything you said is true of me. 🙂 I can’t wait to share more of my articles on your site. I’m glad you like them! 🙂

This looks so pretty – I’m sorry you couldn’t go on the boat ride though! I’ve been itching to get back overseas (I live in DC) and Bruges is now on my list of places to go 🙂 I’ll be stopping by again to read about your other adventures! – Hannah, thecatsandcoffee.com

That’s so nice. I haven’t been to the US, except for NYC. I’ve been dying to go!

I’ve never thought about visiting Belgium before, but now you have me wanting to!

Karin | truncationblog.com

This looks amazing and so fun. It is so beautiful there. Such a tragedy from yesterday, but someday I hope to go to Belgium!

How pretty! This looks like an amazing town to wander around in. 🙂 I love slowly exploring a new city on foot!

You’re right! I love exploring Europe’s little towns by foot too!

Isabel, thanks so much for linking to my guide to Belgium. I really appreciate it. 🙂

You’re welcome Karen! Thank you for linking my blog on your Couchsurfing link too. Could you modify the link to: belaroundtheworld.com/couchsurfing-yay-or-nay/ Thank you!

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Walking tours in Bruges

6 tips for free walking routes and guided city tours, 1. walking through the city’s historic centre.

Start at Bruges Central Station and take a leisurely stroll through the old town. This self-guided walk will take you past famous historical sights such as the Grand Place, the Belfry, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Church of Our Lady. For more information and a map of this walk, visit the official Visit Bruges website. In addition, organised tours are available from various providers, such as Free Walking Tours and GuruWalk .

2. 8-km-walk from Brugge station

This city walk starts at the city´s train station. The first highlight on this route is the beautiful Beguinage. Then stroll through Minnewaterpark past the Gentpoort to the Koningin Astridpark. After a few quiet streets, you will arrive in the city centre with imposing, centuries-old buildings and its many canals. Past each stone arch bridge, another beautiful spot looms up. Admire the Jan van Eyckplein, the Grote Markt with the 83-metre-high Belfry, the Arentshof with the Groeninge Museum and much more!

Download the NS-walking route (Dutch)

3. Walk along the canals of Bruges

The Brugse Reien, the canals that run through the city, are often called the lifelines of Bruges. A walk along these canals offers a unique view of the city. Start your walk at Minnewater Park, near the railway station, and follow the canals through the city.

More details can be found on the City of Bruges website

4. Beer tasting walk Bruges

If you are a beer lover, consider a beer tasting walk in Bruges. Start at the historic brewery De Halve Maan, near the city centre, and visit several local bars and cafés for tastings. A guided walk is also among the options. This Brugge BeerWalk takes three hours and you will not only enjoy the beer along the way, but also the history of Bruges' beer.

Book the Brugge BeerWalk

5. Choose your own city tour

You can also explore the city on your own. Visit Bruges offers three different routes: romantic spots, quiet locations or a tour of the most beautiful hotspots!

Download your own city walking tour (Dutch)

6. Nature walk

The Tillegembos nature reserve is a short distance from the city centre and a must-visit for nature lovers. Here, you can enjoy tranquillity and beauty of nature, with several hiking trails through the forest.

You can find a map on the Natuurpunt website (Dutch)

To Bruges by train

Going to Bruges for a day or weekend? Then travel comfortably by train. You can travel with Eurostar or Intercity Brussel .

• Taking Intercity Brussels? Then travel to Antwerp. There you can catch the intercity to Gent St. Pieters. In Ghent, change trains to Bruges. Travel time from Amsterdam Centraal is 3.36 hours, the price for a one-way ticket starts at € 32 with the Early Bird rate.
• When travelling with Eurostar , you can travel the same route. The travel time is 2.44 hours. The price for a one-way ticket starts at € 36.

Also want to walk around in another city?

Check out our tips in other top destinations, walking tours bruges, train and hotel bruges.

Bruges has a beautiful, historic centre with a basilica, beguinage and breweries. You can explore the city on foot.

Train to Bruges

It takes just three hours to get from the Randstad area to the medieval town centre.

Restaurants in Bruges

The tastiest places in Bruges to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Shopping in Bruges

The picturesque centre is compact, with pleasant shopping streets clustered close together.

Museums in Bruges

Old Bruges' most enjoyable and educational museums.

Weekend getaway Bruges

Bruges is so picture perfect! In the historic city centre, all the highlights are within walking distance of each other. Travel comfortably by train and arrive well-rested.

Tips Bruges

Perfect combination of Belgian traditions, historical sights and hotspots.

Train to Belgian coast

Want to take the train to a pleasant seaside town? It's definitely worth the visit!

Guided City Tours, Private Tours &

The no. 1 free walking tour in bruges, the highest rated on google & tripadvisor, local guides ✕ (free tour / private tour) city tour / sightseeing storytelling = walking tours bruges, no. 1 bruges free walking tours.

We're proud our free walking tours in Bruges have the highest ratings out of all tour operators.

Specialty Group Tours & Private Tours

Looking for a Belgian food & beer , a teambuilding activity or a private tour? Get in touch!

tour guides storytellers We make history come alive

Small groups and passionate storytellers. That's how we achieved our 5 star rating.

Our Tours & Activites in Bruges lead by local guides

Tell me stories about bruges.

Free Walking Tour Bruges

Forget retired, boring tour guides. Our passionate storytellers bring history to life through stories! And we'll share our recommendations for food, drinks & more!

Bruges Bites & Sights

Belgian Food, Beer & History: Tasting Tour

Combine tasting Belgian chocolate, waffles, fries & beer , get to know its fascinating history and see the beautiful city at the same time.

Untold stories: Bruges at Night

Alternative Night Tour Bruges

Join us at night for a completely different route through our medieval trading district, full of untold stories and legends as well as fascinating history.

2-hour Highlights of Bruges

Bruges Private Tour

Have a storyteller all to yourself. Focus on the highlights, discover the lesser known parts, let us introduce you to Belgian food & drinks or a combination of those!

About Bruges

Discover bruges' rich history and culture with a local guide.

Bruges is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque canals. Sometimes called the "Venice of the North" thanks to its looks and function as a trading hub in the Middle Ages.

Wander around, explore the cobblestone streets and gaze at the Gothic architecture. Visit one or more of the many churches and museums. Our storytellers will share their favourites with you.

And, of course, besides the historical and cultural attractions, Bruges is also known for its delicious chocolate and beer. Visitors can indulge in some of Belgium's famous chocolate at one of the many chocolate shops or sample some local brews at one of the city's many bars and pubs.

Kick-start your visit to Bruges by joining one of our guided walking tours in Bruges.

Reviews we are proud of

Left by our guests on independent platforms.

Definitely going to judge all future tours against this one. Pascal was so great and you could feel his love for the city in the tour. We had so much fun with this tour and definitely walked away feeling like we’d gotten the best of Brugge.

We had a wonderful tour with Edward! He was so knowledgeable and friendly and we really got to know the city from a local perspective.

We had a great walking tour with Ray. It was very informative and hit all the must see spots. Ray was a super knowledgeable and fun guy to walk with. I would definitely recommend this to anyone traveling to Bruges.

Frequently Asked Questions

It means that it's a Pay What You Want tour. At the end of the tour, you decide what the tour is worth to you and whether you want to reward the guide accordingly (and according to your budget). That way everyone can enjoy a tour.

We do allow people to join our tours on the spot. If you want to have your spot guaranteed however, booking through our own website here is advised (and it's free and simple).

Yes they do! If we were affraid of a little rain that half of the time we'd have to cancel our tours. Instead we adapt! With some light rain: we try to fix an umbrella for the participants that forgot their own, walk faster and relax once we've found shelter again. With heavy rain: we make sure everyone is properly dressed for bad weather or divert into buildings.

Proud Founding Member of

For years local & independant tour companies like us had to fight against a few global players and large booking platforms extorting us with booking fees. The 2020 global pandemic gave us the opportunity to work on a shared platform.

If you liked our tours then take a look at freetourcommunity.com to find the highest rated free walking tours in 65 cities in 36 countries , carefully curated by an amazing coalition of free tour enthousiasts.

Our Expert Recommendations for Bruges

Made with love.

We walk around the city every day, buy chocolates for our mums, have a waffle in between tours, drink beers with our friends and take our loved ones out for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

With all that experience we've compiled this map with recommendations for Bruges.

For every place on the map you'll find a small description. We also have them grouped per category. Probably easier, so check out our recommendations for Bruges .

Meet our guides

The marketing guy and founder of Ambassadors. Originally from the Netherlands, travelled all over Europe and studied in Brussels and Bruges where he fell in love with history and storytelling.

An art historian with an extensive experience in the art world. Gosia is a world citizen originally from Poland. She lived in Canada, worked as an art expert at Christie's London and now is an amazing storyteller in Bruges.

Professional entertainer, proud dad and one of the first free tour guides in Bruges.

Born and raised in the clay of West-Flanders. Peter quit his job in construction and became a passionate storyteller.

With a passion for history Wendy brings the history of Bruges, Ghent and Ypres to life.

School Principal, educator, proud Guest House owner, storyteller & secretary of Ambassadors.

Born in Venezuela but moved to Belgium for love. Andrés is a fantastic storyteller during the week with a great passion for history. At the weekend he's to be found behind the turntables as a DJ in various clubs in Brussels.

A diving instructor from Aruba, moved to Bruges for love. Kristy loves cooking and telling stories in English and Spanish.

Never a boring teacher. That's why his student are so happy with him. And so will you.

Bruges Canal Tours: Everything You Need To Know

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

During our recent family trip to Europe, Abby and I took a  day trip from Brussels to Bruges , a beautiful town in Belgium. We both wanted to go on one of the legendary Bruges canal tours. I’m so glad we did! This fairytale European city needs to be on your bucket list! 

Where is Bruges?

Bruges is a serene small Flemish town just northwest of  Brussels . Visiting Bruges is a perfect day trip from Brussels and is easily accessible by train.

Bruges is known as an idyllic small European city steeped in historical charm. It’s home to gorgeous canals and many fascinating landmarks. Furthermore, The city also has many great restaurants, pubs, and street-side vendors.

Visiting Bruges, Belgium

If you are visiting Brussels for a few days, taking an extra day to go to Bruges is well worth the time. Its gorgeous canals winding along against ancient stone buildings have led Bruges to be called the “Venice of the North.” 

In this blog post, I want to provide information about taking a Bruges canal tour, highlight the city’s history, and discuss some landmarks you’ll likely see on these Bruges canal tours.

Getting to Bruges from Brussels

From Bruges, you just need to hop on the Belgium intercity train. You can board directly from one of the main Brussels train stations, including Bruxelles-Nord (Brussels North), Bruxelles-Central (Brussels Central), and Bruxelles-Midi (Brussels South).

The Brussels to Bruges train runs all day, and the ride is just over an hour.  

The Belgium train website has a  dedicated page for the Brussels to Bruges train route , which is a great resource. You can buy tickets from that page as well. 

The route trip Brussels to Bruges train tickets are a standard € 32.00 for adults. However, there are a lot of discounted ticket options listed as well, and most are € 17.50 or less. 

The Bruges Canal Tours

Once you arrive in Bruges, you should have a game plan for your canal tour. It’s helpful to know a little bit about the city's layout. 

Bruges rests within a mesh of several canals that penetrate and encircle the city. These canals ultimately allow boat access to the North Sea, located about 20 kilometers north of the city. The town’s access to the North Sea made Bruges a vital shipping hub for centuries. 

The canals lining the town are relatively inaccessible as they are flanked everywhere by houses and other structures. Because of this, there are only a few places, other than bridges, where you can see the canals.  

Therefore, the best way to see these picturesque canals is on a boat tour!

Planning Bruges Canal Tours

There are five landing stages along the canals. These are the only places you can embark on a canal tour. The routes and prices are generally the same across the different tour operators. There are several canal tour operators, each with their own open-air boats.  They pretty much all follow the same route, so in my opinion, the best Bruges canal tour is the one with the shortest line.

Bruges Canal Tour Boarding Locations

Boarding takes place at the following locations. Each tour operator will leave from a different location, so be sure to check their website.

•  Michielssens, Huidenvettersplein 13
•  Coudenys, Rozenhoedkaai
•  De Meulemeester, Wollestraat 32
•  Gruuthuse, Nieuwstraat 11
•  Stael, Katelijnestraat 4

Scroll around the above map of Bruges to get a lay of the land!

The Bruges Canal Tour boat trip takes around 30 minutes. The boats typically operate between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, with 5:30 often being the last tour. Tours generally operate most of the year, except in January and early February.  

However, tour availability will vary by operator and may change based on events like municipal construction projects, canal restoration initiatives, and severe weather.

Bruges Canal Tours Tickets

Unlike the  canal tours in Amsterdam  and the  Seine River cruises in Paris , you cannot book Bruges canal tour tickets in advance. You buy your tickets directly from the tour companies at the landing stages. As of writing this, the Bruges Canal Tour price for adult tickets is € 12.00, and children’s tickets are € 7.00.

You may need to wait in line at the landing stages to purchase tickets. The canal tours are very popular and will get busy. Bruges has an active cruise ship industry (Norwegian, Holland America, Windstar, Celebrity), and the town will fill up with  cruise  passengers on day excursions.  

The extra traffic means lines for the canal tours will get longer after about 11 am. Before 11 am is the best time to ensure you have shorter lines. It also gives you the rest of the day to explore Bruges.  

TIP: Get in line for your canal tour as early as possible in Bruges. 

Private canal tours are also available. Several companies offer tours with different types of boats. Contact the companies directly to find out more.

There are a couple of great s mall-group Bruges canal tours available through Get Your Guide . They also include a Bruges walking tour. These are a great option if you want to be able to buy Bruges canal tour tickets in advance.

Other Things to Consider

During the canal tour, the boat guide will comment on the significant landmarks and history of the area. During our  day trip to Bruges , our canal tour guide did a great job narrating the tour and pointing out interesting areas, landmarks, and historical sights. Most guides can speak multiple languages and will do their best to tailor the language to the passengers’ needs. 

The boats are cash-only. Be sure to bring a few Euros to tip your tour guide.

If you want to take pictures, try to be at the front, back, or side of the boat. Most of the boats have a line of seats down the middle, but people may block your pictures if you sit there.  

The boats are open-air and uncovered, so be sure to wear your sunscreen! Also, the tours can get pretty chilly, depending on the time of year, so bring a jacket. We love the  Amazon Essentials packable jackets  for our travels.

It’s always helpful to know the history and significance of a city prior to visiting. So, I want to take some time here to talk more in-depth about Bruges and, of course, the canals. Then, I will share some of the incredible landmarks that you will see from your Bruges canal tour. 

The History Of Bruges And Its Canals

Bruges has witnessed a remarkable evolution over the centuries. Its history encapsulates the ebb and flow of urban development, from its Viking origins to a flourishing medieval center, economic decline, and eventual modern-day revival.  

The city’s tremendous ability to adapt to changing circumstances and preserve its cultural heritage is a testament to the strength and perseverance of the Danish people across time.

Origins of Bruges, Belgium

The origin of Bruges can be traced to the 9th century when Vikings established a fortress on the banks of the Reie River. The name “Bruges” is believed to be derived from the Old Dutch word “Burg,” meaning fortress. The city gradually developed into a bustling medieval trade center due to its strategic location and access to the North Sea.

The Golden Era of Bruges

Bruges experienced its golden era during the late medieval period, particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries. The city became a major commercial and cultural hub, attracting merchants, artists, and scholars across Europe.  

Bruges's thriving wool and textile industry and sophisticated network of canals contributed to its prosperity. It was home to the influential Bourse, one of the earliest stock exchanges in the world.

Bruges Economic Decline

Despite its flourishing period, Bruges faced economic challenges in the 16th century. The silting of the Zwin, a vital waterway for trade, led to a decline in maritime activity, impacting Bruges’ economy.  

Additionally, geopolitical shifts and the rise of other European trading centers contributed to the city's gradual decline in prominence.

Modern Times and Revival of Bruges

For several centuries, Bruges endured a period of relative obscurity. However, in the 19th century, efforts were made to preserve its medieval architecture, and the city gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.  

The 20th century saw a revival in Bruges’ fortunes, with tourism becoming a key driver of its economy. The city’s well-preserved medieval structures, including the Belfry of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, attract millions of visitors annually.

What Do You See on the Bruges Canal Tours?

During the Bruges canal tours, your tour guide will highlight many fascinating landmarks. Each place gives you a window into the long history of this amazing city.  

Like many European cities, it’s steeped in lore that spans epochs, and seemingly every bridge or building has a colorful and long legacy.  

Here is a list of many sites you will probably see on the Bruges canal tours. 

Founded in 1245, the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde boasts serene white-colored house fronts and a tranquil convent garden.  

This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the residence of beguines—emancipated laywomen leading pious and celibate lives. Today, the beguinage is home to the Order of St. Benedict nuns.

Saint John’s Hospital

With an eight-hundred-year history, Saint John’s Hospital has cared for pilgrims, travelers, the poor, and the sick. Explore the medieval wards where nuns and monks practiced mercy, the chapel, and a remarkable collection of archives, artworks, medical instruments, and six paintings by Hans Memling.  

Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady showcases Bruges’ artisans’ craftsmanship through its 115.5 meters high brick tower. The church has valuable art, including Michelangelo’s renowned Madonna and Child, numerous paintings, 13th-century painted crypts, and the tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold. Abby and I visited after our canal tour, and it was incredible! 

Groeninge Museum

Offering a diverse overview of Belgian plastic arts history, the Groeninge Museum features Flemish Primitives, 18th and 19th-century neoclassical pieces, Flemish Expressionism masterpieces, and post-war modern art.

Ambachtshuis Huidevetters

Built by hide tanners, this craft house near Rozenhoedkaai has two wings. The north wing, demolished in 1629, was replaced in 1630 under the guidance of Bruges architect Jan De Smet. The building was restored in 1912. It has been used as a fishmonger and stockfish farm since the mid-19th century.

Belfry & Carillon

Bruges’ tallest tower, the Belfry, standing 83 meters tall, houses a melodic carillon with 47 bells. Climbing its 366 steps rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of Bruges and its surroundings.

Fish Market

Originally located at Markt Square, the fish market was moved here in the 18th century due to complaints about the stench. Since the Middle Ages, buyers and sellers have come together at the Bruges fish market. Fresh saltwater fish, once a luxury, is still sold every morning from Wednesday to Saturday.

These small whitewashed almshouses, dating back to the 14th century, are scattered around Bruges. Wealthy townspeople or guilds established almshouses to house poor older adults or widows. Over 46 blocks have been preserved, with 43 still occupied.

Burghers’ Lodge

Situated on Jan Van Eyckplein, the Poortersloge (Burgher’s Lodge) served as a meeting spot for the Society of the White Bear in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Later, it became the city’s Academy of Arts (1720-1890) and the State Archives (1912-2012).

Visiting Bruges: The “Venice of the North”

Visiting Bruges to take one of the Bruges canal tours is a fantastic way to add something special to your trip to Belgium. Its quaint stone houses, romantic canals, cobbled streets, cookies, waffles, and chocolate make it a bucket-list destination to take friends and family of any age.  

The iconic canals are a dream for photographers. Travel to and around the city is simple and inexpensive. And as you can tell by this post, Bruges canal tours should be on your list. I recommend this trip to everyone!  

Visit the European Travel section of my blog for more adventures in Europe, and you may also enjoy the related posts below.

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