A Day in Bruges, Belgium
How Many Days are Needed to Visit Bruges? Is a Day in Bruges Enough?
In December 2024, I visited Belgium for the first time and wanted to see as many key sights as possible, including the charming city of Bruges. With Brussels as my base, I decided that one day would be enough to explore the main attractions. The alternative—changing accommodations and hauling my luggage on the train from Brussels to Bruges—didn’t seem worth the hassle. Instead, I carefully planned my day in Bruges to make the most of my time.
How to Spend a Day in Bruges: Canals, Windmills, Chocolate & More - Table of Contents
- How Many Days are Needed to Visit Bruges?
- Why Visit Bruges Worth Visiting?
- The Easiest Way to Get to Bruges
- Getting Around Bruges
- Minnewater Park
- Canals of Bruges
- Church of Our Lady
- Burg Square (De Burg)
- Market Square (Grote Markt)
- Jan van Eyckplein Square
- Windmills Along Kruisvest
- Belgium Chocolate in Bruges
- Video Highlights on My Day in Bruges
- Tours of Bruges
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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Why Visit Bruges Worth Visiting?
Bruges is one of the most unique cities in Belgium, with scenic canals reminiscent of those in Amsterdam. Many of these waterways date back to the 12th century, with some even originating in the 9th century. The city is also famous for its cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and picturesque squares, with the entire historic center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bruges feels like something out of a fairytale. Spending a day in Bruges, I wandered its narrow streets and felt as if I had stepped back in time. Along the way, I visited the Church of Our Lady and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. I even ventured beyond the historic center to see the old windmills along Kruisvest.
Of course, no trip to Bruges would be complete without indulging in its world-famous chocolate. Before leaving, I visited several of Bruges’ famous artisan chocolatiers.
The Easiest Way to Get to Bruges
The easiest way to reach Bruges is by train. During my visit, I spent a day in Bruges after traveling from Brussels, where trains to Bruges run frequently. Departures occur roughly every 30 minutes during peak times, and the journey takes about one hour. Ticket prices are approximately €20 each way for second-class travel and €30 for first class.
Bruges’ train station is located just outside the historic city center. From there, I walked through Minnewater Park towards the main sights in Bruges. The leisurely walk, with several photo stops, took a little over an hour to reach Burg Square (De Burg). On the way back, walking continuously, I reached the train station in about 20 minutes.
Getting Around Bruges
Walking Around Bruges
The best way to explore Bruges is on foot, and every place I mention in this guide was easily reached by walking. The city’s compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets make it ideal for sightseeing. However, if you prefer not to walk during your day in Bruges, there are other ways to get around.
Bruges Canal Tours
One popular option is a canal tour by boat, which offers a different perspective of Bruges. These tours depart from multiple locations throughout the city, with a fixed price of €15. The 30-minute tour follows a scenic route between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage, passing under picturesque bridges and alongside medieval buildings.
A Tour of Bruges by Horse-Drawn Carriage
Another charming way to see Bruges is by horse-drawn carriage. Carriages depart from Market Square (Burg Square on Wednesdays) and follow a 30-minute fixed route through the historic center. The cost is €70 per carriage, with a maximum of five passengers. If you’re looking for a customized tour, alternative routes can be arranged with an advance reservation.
Cycling in Bruges
For those who prefer cycling, bike rentals are also available, offering a great way to explore beyond the city center, including nearby countryside paths and the windmills along Kruisvest.
Minnewater Park
After arriving at Bruges Station, I walked across the street to Minnewater Park, a peaceful green space filled with canals, walking trails, swans, and lush plant life. The park is best known for Lovers’ Lake and Lovers’ Bridge, both of which add to its romantic atmosphere.
For those spending a day in Bruges, and walking from Bruges Station to the historic city center, I highly recommend cutting through Minnewater Park. Not only does it offer a scenic route into the city, but it also provides a quiet escape from the busier streets of Bruges.
Canals of Bruges
One of the biggest highlights of spending a day in Bruges is exploring its scenic canals, which have earned the city the nickname “Venice of the North.” Bruges’ waterways date back to medieval times and were essential for trade, connecting the city to the North Sea via the Bruges–Ostend Canal.
Today, the canals add to Bruges’ charm, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy them. Walking along the canal-lined streets offers beautiful views, especially from the city’s many bridges. Bruges has over 80 bridges, each offering a unique perspective of the waterways and the surrounding medieval buildings.
For the best canal views, visit Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay), one of the most photographed spots in Bruges. Another great viewpoint is from Bonifacius Bridge, a charming stone bridge near the Church of Our Lady. If you’re taking a boat tour, you’ll pass under some of the city’s most picturesque bridges and see Bruges from a completely different angle.
No matter how you choose to experience Bruges’ canals—by boat, from a bridge, or simply strolling along their edges—these waterways are a defining part of the city’s beauty and history.
Church of Our Lady
During my day in Bruges, I visited several churches, the first being the Church of Our Lady. This stunning Gothic church dates back to the 13th century and is home to one of Bruges’ most famous artworks—Michelangelo’s marble sculpture of Madonna and Child. This masterpiece, created in the early 16th century, is one of the few Michelangelo sculptures found outside Italy.
Another highlight of my day in Bruges was the Stations of the Cross exhibit. The miniature depictions of Christ’s journey to the crucifixion were incredibly detailed and moving. They reminded me of my visit to the actual Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem, making for a meaningful connection between the two sites.
Burg Square (De Burg)
Burg Square, or De Burg, was the first of two famous squares I visited in Bruges. Since it was the holiday season, a giant Christmas tree stood at the center of the square, adding a festive atmosphere to the already picturesque setting.
Dining and a Great View
Needing some time to relax, I took a quick break from my day in Bruges to get some food. Surrounded by historical buildings and restaurants, I found a great spot for lunch while taking in the sights.
Bruges Town Hall
One of the most famous landmarks in De Burg is the Bruges Town Hall, a magnificent Gothic-style building dating back to the 14th century. The intricate facade and detailed sculptures make it one of the most impressive town halls in Belgium.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
Also located in De Burg is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses one of Bruges’ most treasured religious artifacts—a relic of the Holy Blood, believed to have been brought from the Holy Land during the 12th century.
During my day in Bruges, I was only able to see the Upper Chapel, which features striking stained-glass windows and vibrant frescoes. There was about a 15-minute wait to enter, and visitors are required to remove their hats. Photography is only allowed in the main altar section, while photos are strictly prohibited in the area where the Holy Blood relic is displayed. The relic is typically on display every Friday, as well as daily for two weeks leading up to Ascension Day.
Market Square (Grote Markt)
The second of Bruges’ two famous squares that I visited was Market Square (Grote Markt). Since my day in Bruges coincided with the Christmas market season, the square was filled with festive booths and holiday decorations, making it harder to take in the full view of its historic buildings.
Bellfort of Bruges
The most famous landmark in Market Square is the Belfort of Bruges (Belfry Tower). Dating back to the 13th century, this towering structure houses an observation deck offering one of the best panoramic views of Bruges. Visitors must climb 366 steps to reach the top, but I decided to skip the climb during my day in Bruges.
Christmas Markets and Colorful Buildings
Instead, I took my time exploring the square, stopping at Christmas market stalls and sampling some local specialties. I also took a moment to admire the Provincial Court, an ornate neo-Gothic building, and the row of colorful stepped-gable buildings, which are some of the most photographed spots in Bruges.
Jan van Eyckplein Square
From Market Square, I continued walking to Jan van Eyckplein Square, home to a statue of Jan van Eyck, one of the most influential Flemish painters of the 15th century. Known for his pioneering use of oil paint and meticulous attention to detail, Van Eyck played a crucial role in early Northern Renaissance art.
From Market Square, I continued walking to Jan van Eyckplein Square, home to a statue of Jan van Eyck, one of the most influential Flemish painters of the 15th century. Known for his pioneering use of oil paint and meticulous attention to detail, Van Eyck played a crucial role in early Northern Renaissance art.
The statue is located on the outskirts of Bruges’ historic city center, near the canals. From Jan van Eyckplein, I followed the waterway toward the old windmills along Kruisvest, enjoying the peaceful walk along Bruges’ less touristy streets.
Windmills Along Kruisvest
On the eastern edge of Bruges, along Kruisvest, you’ll find several historic windmills, remnants of Bruges’ past as a medieval trading hub. These well-preserved windmills were once essential for grinding grain into flour, serving the city’s bakeries and brewers. Today, they stand as scenic landmarks, offering a glimpse into Bruges’ agricultural heritage.
The best way to experience the windmills is by walking or biking along the riverside path, where you can stop and admire them up close. A few of the windmills, such as Sint-Janshuismolen, are still functional and open to visitors during certain months, offering a chance to see the inner workings of these traditional structures.
The windmills sit alongside the Bruges-Ghent Canal, which has historically connected the two cities and served as an important trade route. This area provides a quieter, more local experience compared to the bustling center of Bruges.
Belgium Chocolate in Bruges
Before retracing my steps to the train station to catch a train back to Brussels, I had one last important task to complete my day in Bruges—buying some of the world’s best chocolate. Like many cities in Belgium, Bruges is home to an impressive selection of artisan chocolatiers, each offering their own unique creations.
For the final stop during my day in Bruges, I stopped at Chocolatier Dumon, a family-run shop known for its high-quality, handcrafted chocolates. The cozy, traditional storefront made for an inviting experience, and I picked up a delicious chocolate bar to take home. Whether you prefer classic pralines, rich truffles, or innovative flavor combinations, Bruges is the perfect place to indulge in authentic Belgian chocolate.
A Day in Bruges - Video Highlights
During my trip to Belgium, I spent a full day exploring the fairytale city of Bruges. I started my journey by walking through the peaceful Minnewater Park, where I saw swans gliding near the Pont du Béguinage.
As I wandered along the cobblestone streets, I admired the towering Church of Our Lady, visible from a distance, before stopping at Rozenhoedkaai—one of the most picturesque spots along Bruges’ canals. I took in the stunning architecture of De Burg, stepping inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and enjoyed a delicious Flemish stew with a perfect view of the square.
After exploring Market Square and Jan van Eyckplein, I made my way to the historic windmills along Kruisvest, where I spotted ships passing through the canal. Before heading back to the train station, I couldn’t resist stopping at a local chocolatier to bring home some of Bruges’ famous artisan chocolate.
Tours of Bruges
I did not take a tour of Bruges as I felt it was easy to explore the city on my own. For those looking for a tour during their day in Bruges, I have linked a few below that caught my eye. Please note I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you. I would great appreciate you using my link if you think a tour would be beneficial to your day in Bruges.
 Bruges Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour (Private Tour) - $79.63 Meet your guide in front of Hôtel Central and begin your journey through Bruges' enchanting canals, learning about the city's fascinating history and quirky anecdotes. Stop by the oldest bridge in the city and marvel at the 2be Beer Wall, a UNESCO-recognized testament to Belgian beer culture. Explore the Markt, a historic marketplace dating back to 958, surrounded by banks and guild houses, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling square. Visit the iconic De Halve Maan Brewery, where five generations have brewed beer, and discover its innovative beer transportation system. Delve into the history of Burg Square, the former fortress and main square of the city, where the history of Bruges began. Depending on your guide's chosen route, you may also pass by Jan Van Eyckplein, the Church of Our Lady, Sint-Janshospitaal, Sint-Annakerk, and the picturesque Minnewater Lake, each offering unique insights into Bruges' rich heritage. |
 Exclusive PRIVATE Walking Tour of Bruges - $84.94 We know that you want to make the best of your time in a new city, that's why we bring you the best WALKING TOURS experience in Bruges, since 2017. |
 Full Day Guided Tour to Bruges by Train from Brussels - $44.59 Bruges is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and we offer you the possibility to meet it with our experienced guides and experts in the city. We carry out guided excursions from Brussels that include transport, visit, ... |
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