Bruges Day Excursion Suggestions: Route Map & 12 Activities to Explore
A day trip to the fairytale town of Bruges, Belgium should undeniably be on your travel bucket list. Tucked away in northwest Belgium, this storybook town is easily reachable from popular Western European cities like Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, or London. With cobblestone streets and charming gingerbread-style houses lining picturesque canals, Bruges is a captivating destination for any traveler – even if you only have one day for a quick visit.
To craft the ideal Bruges day trip, we've put together an itinerary that takes you through the town's enchanting landmarks, hidden gems, and most popular sights. Even if you prefer guided tours or leaving the planning up to the experts, we've included multiple day trips suggestions from Bruges that can make your day even more magical.
Travel Tips for Visiting Bruges in a Day
Before diving into our Bruges day trip itinerary, familiarize yourself with some helpful tips to enhance your visit:
Get there early or spend a night to avoid crowds
Similar to any tourist town, Bruges can become exceptionally crowded, particularly during the peak summer season or when cruise ships are docked in the city. To fully enjoy the town's enchanting streets without being hindered by throngs of tourists, consider arriving early or spending a night in the city. Arriving by cruise? Book a shuttle service in advance from Zeebrugge cruise terminal to get ahead of the crowd. If you plan on arriving by train, be sure to consult our honest review and guide on booking train travel through Rail Europe for the best experience.
Explore the side streets
One clever way to avoid large crowds in Bruges is to spend time meandering the narrow alleyways and hidden back streets. You'll discover a trove of picturesque vistas untouched by the crowds of the main corridors.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Since the majority of Bruges can be easily explored on foot, wear a good pair of comfortable shoes to ensure your walking tour delightfully unfolds without any aches or discomfort.
Most Popular Bruges Day Trips (Guided)
If you'd prefer to let a knowledgeable guide lead the way, consider booking one of Bruges' most popular guided day trips:
- Brussels to Bruges Day Trip: This 9.5-hour tour transports you from Brussels with round-trip bus transportation, a guided walking tour, and ample free time to explore the town at your own pace.
- Bruges and Ghent Day Trip from Brussels: This popular 10.5-hour tour from Brussels pairs both Bruges and Ghent in a single guided day trip with transportation and a walking tour of both cities.
- Amsterdam to Bruges Day Trip: If you're based in Amsterdam, there's a wide array of day trips available to enchanting locations. This particular guided tour from Amsterdam to Bruges spans 12 hours, including transportation, a guided walking tour, and 3 hours of free time to soak up the captivating vistas of Bruges.
- Paris to Bruges Day Trip: With a full day tour, including a canal tour, guide, and roundtrip transportation, witness the splendor of Bruges from the French capital of Paris.
- London to Bruges Day Trip: Although slightly trickier due to customs requirements, a day trip from London to Bruges can be accomplished. But we'd advise choosing alternatives like visiting villages in the Cotswolds for a better day-trip experience without the need for a passport or lengthy customs process.
Also, be sure to check out our 2-day Brussels itinerary if you wish to explore more destinations in Belgium.
Bruges Belgium Day Trip Itinerary
Now that you're armed with helpful tips and guided tours to consider, let's dive into our delightful Bruges day trip itinerary:
10:00 a.m - Minnewater Lake (Lake of Love)
11:00 a.m - Stroll through the serene Beguinage
11:30 a.m - Enjoy lunch and beers at De Halve Maan Brewery
1:00 p.m - Embark on a Canal Cruise
2:00 p.m - Visit Church of Our Lady
2:30 p.m - Mingle with the town's spirit at Bruges' picturesque bridge
2:45 p.m - Snack on delicious Bruges streetfood at FritBar
3:00 p.m - Leisurely walk by the Quay of the Rosary
3:15 p.m - Marvel at the relics held within Basilica of the Holy Blood
3:30 p.m - Explore the history and majesty of Bruges City Hall and Burg Square
4:30 p.m - Absorb the town's lively atmosphere at Market Square
5:00 p.m - Climb the Belfry
6:00 p.m - Sample the town's sweet treasures (chocolate!*)
6:30 p.m - Indulge in a delicious dinner with a dessert of melt-in-your-mouth waffles
- If you're ready to dive deeper into chocolate culture, consider booking a workshop or visiting Choco-Story, Bruges' chocolate museum.
The Best Things to Do on a Bruges Day Trip
To help enhance your understanding and appreciation of each attraction on our Bruges one day itinerary, let's explore them in further detail:
Minnerwater Lake (Lake of Love)
Located at the southern end of Bruges, Minnerwwater is a captivating body of water teeming with swans and enchanting landscapes during summer months when the surrounding trees are particularly verdant.
If you arrive by train at Brugge Train Station, gaze upon the lake's beauty as a starting point for your day trip.
Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde (Begijnhof Brugge)
Wander through the tranquil Beguinage, founded in 1245, where you'll find a small church and a large grassy courtyard lined with groups of houses.
A Beguinage was similar in essence to convents or monasteries, housing single or widowed women who chose to dedicate their lives to God, but unlike nuns, beguines could leave the community and marry if they so desired.
De Halve Maan Brewery
后退到家属运营的鲍里正 acknowleged as the largest independently-owned brewery in Belgium, De Halve Maan Brewery is a must-visit spot in Bruges, offering the opportunity to tour its history and heritage or simply sample its delightful beers and savory dishes at its on-site restaurant.
Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is an excellent way to explore Bruges' waterways, encounter charming architecture, and understand the town's history in a relaxed and scenic manner.
Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady, boasting a steeple dominating the town's skyline, boasts impressive brick architecture and is home to one of the most famous Michelangelo sculptures of all time: Madonna and Child.
Bonifacius Bridge
This picturesque, pedestrian bridge situated behind the Church of Our Lady offers breathtaking views in every direction, making it an ideal spot for capturing some stunning shots of the town.
Quay of the Rosary (Rozenhoedkaai)
Witness two canals converging near Tanners Square as you stand upon the captivating Quay of the Rosary. The picturesque setting makes for an idyllic backdrop for canal cruises and swan boat encounters.
Bruges City Hall (Stadhuis) and Burg Square
Explore the elaborate city hall, dating back to the early 1400s, and get to know Bruges' ornate Gothic Hall when you enter the city hall by purchasing tickets.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
Nestled away in a corner of Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood is a small, sacred treasure centered around a vial rumored to contain Christ's actual blood. Tucked away within the central chapel, visiting the relic is an immensely moving and historical experience.
Market Square
Market Square is the largest and most colorful square in Bruges, featuring the Belfry tower looming over the square and offering a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
In December, Market Square becomes particularly enchanting when hosting the city's incredible Christmas Market, further cementing Bruges as one of Europe's top Christmas destinations.
Climb the Belfry
After the sights of both Burg Square and Market Square have been absorbed, take a turn climbing the Belfry's 366 narrow and steep stairs for an unforgettable bird's eye view of the enchanting Bruges.
Sample Belgian Chocolate
Bruges is a chocolate lover's paradise, offering an array of delightful shops brimming with tempting treats. Dip into a chocolate shop and indulge in a wide variety of chocolates or grab a box as a special souvenir to take home.
Where to Stay in Bruges for One Night
For those looking to spend the night in Bruges, consider these charming boutique hotels in the town's medieval center:
- Hotel Het Gheestelic Hof: A cozy and intimate 3-star hotel situated on a quiet street in the heart of Bruges.
- Hotel de Castillion: A more luxury-oriented hotel that provides a romantic ambiance and is tucked away next to the Beguinage.
What to Eat in Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is renowned for several tantalizing treats:
- Chocolate: A must-try in Bruges, chocolate is almost omnipresent. Grab a box and sample a variety of delectable flavors.
- Belgian Waffles: Combining sweet and savory, waffles are a popular option in Bruges, making for a delightful treat any time of day.
- Pommes Frites: In Bruges, these Belgian fries are traditionally served in paper cones and typically dipped in mayonnaise instead of ketchup.
- Beer: Bruges abounds with beer gardens and quaint pubs, specialized breweries, and an annual beer festival.
- With its captivating charm and awe-inspiring sights, Bruges should not only be on your travel bucket list but also be considered for a one-night stay to avoid crowds.
- To appreciate the lesser-known vistas of Bruges, explore the narrow alleyways and hidden back streets that offer a trove of picturesque vistas untouched by the crowds of the main corridors.
