Short on time and want to make the most of your trip to Belgium, visit Brugge!
Just an hour’s train ride outside of Brussels is the beautiful little medieval town of Brugge — a picturesque city known for its architecture, food, and beer. While the town is special enough for a longer stay, you may only have time to visit on a day trip or a quick overnight getaway.
To make the most of your trip when you’re short on time, I’ve created the perfect 1-day itinerary.
Morning
Generally, the best way to experience Brugge is on foot. So to start the day, take a short 20-minute walk from the Brugge train station to your first destination, St. Salvatores Cathedral. This gothic style catholic church is the oldest church in Brugge. The exterior is beautiful and imposing with its large bell tower. Visiting is free if you want to explore more of the architecture of view the incredible wall carpet artwork created by Jasper van der Borcht in the 1700’s.
Following the main shopping street, Steenstraat, head for the Market Square. Upon arriving in the square, you will see the medieval Belfry Tower. Take the 366 steps to the top of the tower for an amazing 360 view of the city. Tickets for the tower can be purchased online ahead of time or in person from the box office and cost about $15.
Afterward, it will be time to grab a hearty breakfast. Brugge is full of amazing restaurants to suit all your tastes and desires, but I suggest visiting the House of Waffles to experience sweet and savory Belgium waffles.
If you’re ready for a beer, just down the road is my favorite bar in Brugge, 2Be, home to the infamous beer wall. Stop in to grab a unique Belgium beer and if the weather is nice, head out to the patio to relax while looking out onto the canals.
Afternoon
After enjoying your beer, walk across the bridge for a picture-perfect moment at Rosary Quay – hint it looks right back at the 2Be patio – and snap a few photos for your memories. Then it’s time for a 30-minute canal tour! Beside the dock, you’ll find the Coudeny’s Boat Tours ticket booth. For about $13 you’ll get the best views of the city!
The next stop is the De Burg Plaza, home to Brugge City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. For $9 you can enter city hall and see the large gothic-style hall and learn more about the history of Brugge. The basilica, a catholic church famous for being the home to a vial of Jesus Christ’s blood, can be entered for free with an attached museum that is $5 if you want to learn more.
Now, it’s time for a little more culture – or at least more good eats. Take a visit to either the Brugge Beer Experience, the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum, or the Museum of Friet’s – and if you’re ambitious, try to visit them all.
Evening
Finally, finish the trip with dinner at Mozart’s where you will dine in a train coach and enjoy all-you-can-eat spareribs, potatoes, salad, and more friets – you can never have too many. The food paired with the atmosphere will end your day in Brugge on a high note.
Accommodations
If you are already in a food coma from all the amazing eats you might want to spend the night in Brugge. There are several great options in the city. From the more budget-friendly Gran Hotel de Passage to the splurge-worthy Hotel De Orangerie. After a wonderful night’s sleep, wake up refreshed and ready to take on your next destination.