The ULTIMATE Bruges One-Day Itinerary For First Timers
Want to plan the perfect Bruges one-day itinerary? Read on below for a little inspiration!
Bruges is one of the most popular cities to visit in mainland Europe and unsurprisingly, often gets referred to as one of the most beautiful cities on the continent, if not the world.
With impressive Gothic Architecture, cobbled streets and modest canals weaving through the city, a one-day trip to Bruges will leave you feeling like you’ve been transported into a real-life fairy tale.
Living in London, I have spent much of my life embarking on quick getaways to over 20 different European cities.
With this, I can confidently say that Bruges ticks all the boxes for a pretty perfect European getaway. Impressive scenery, rich culture and drool-worthy food, what more could you want?
With Bruges being such a small, quaint city, one day in Bruges really is enough time to see all of the incredible things to do here and immerse yourself in all of the magic this city offers.
So what’s included in a Bruges one-day itinerary? Keep reading below to find out!
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Bruges At A Glance
✈️ How to get there – Bruges is easy to reach by train, car, or air. The nearest airport is Brussels Airport, which connects to Bruges via a direct train in under 90 minutes. If you’re traveling from nearby cities like Brussels, Antwerp, or Ghent, the train is the most convenient option, offering frequent and scenic routes. For those driving, Bruges is well-connected by highways and has plenty of parking facilities outside the city center.
🛏️ How long to stay – While Bruges can be explored in a day, spending 2 days allows you to soak in its charm at a relaxed pace. In a single day, you can cover the highlights like the Belfry Tower and Markt Square. With a bit more time, you can wander the canals, visit museums like the Groeningemuseum, and enjoy the local food scene without feeling rushed.
📅 Best time to visit – Bruges is stunning year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October). These months offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and picturesque scenery, especially with blooming flowers or golden autumn leaves. Summer is lively but can be crowded, while winter transforms Bruges into a magical wonderland, especially with its Christmas markets and cozy atmosphere.
About this Bruges one-day itinerary
This 24 hours in Bruges itinerary has been created based on my own weekend getaway to Bruges.
We had booked 3 nights/ 2 days in Bruges and found that we uncovered all of the best things to see and do in Bruges in just one day.
With that being said, the route we took through Bruges during that trip saw us zig-zagging all over the city in a nonsensical order.
The Bruges one-day itinerary you will find below will hopefully see you looping the city in a strategic fashion, to avoid having to go back on yourself and passing ground that you have already covered.
Your itinerary will look like this:
- Stop 1 – Breakfast at That’s Toast
- Stop 2 – Wander through the Market Square
- Stop 3 – Climb up the Belfry Tower (Belfry of Bruges)
- Stop 4 – Explore Burg Square
- Stop 5 – Walk through the cobbled streets to Sint Anne’s Quarter
- Stop 6 – View the Rozenhoedkaai
- Stop 7 – Enjoy some famous Belgian Beer
- Stop 8 – Enjoy Some Lunch
- Stop 9 – Walk along St Bonifacius Bridge
- Stop 10 –Chocolatier Dumon
- Stop 11 – Stroll through Minnewater Park
- Stop 12 – Enjoy Dinner and Drinks
Looking for more European Inspiration? check out my other guides here,
Stop 1 – Breakfast at That’s Toast
This Bruges one-day itinerary starts with fuelling up properly at the best brunch spot in Bruges, That’s Toast.
You can guarantee there is always a queue to get in because the brunch here is just that good (so try to get here as early as possible).
Whether you’re craving a refreshing fruit smoothie, a frothy oat latte, or delicious toasted treats, That’s Toast will be sure to have something to satisfy your palate.
It’s comforting to know that even if you decide not to head here for breakfast, That’s Toast serves up its brunch menu all day long! That’s Toast is open Monday through Sunday between 08:30 am -03:30 pm.
Stop 2 – Wander through the Market Square
Market Square is the most popular tourist attraction in Bruges and for good reason. It’s most famous for its multi-coloured Gothic buildings which resemble a scene out of a traditional Disney princess movie (which is a photographer’s dream).
The square is home to other iconic sites in Bruges such as the Bruges town hall and the Belfry Tower as well as lots of bars and restaurants serving traditional Belgian Dishes. If you are visiting Bruges during the Christmas/festive period, Market Square turns into a Magical Christmas Market with cute stalls selling trinkets and mulled wine.
And, if you fancy it, here is where you can catch a horse and carriage should you fancy exploring the city in a unique and romantic way.
Stop 3 – Climb up the Belfry Tower (Belfry of Bruges)
The Belfry Tower is located at the heart of the city square. It graces the Bruges skyline, making it visible virtually anywhere in the city.
Historically, during its operational era, the Belfry Tower was both an observation post to spot incoming danger and a repository of a treasury, safeguarding the city’s wealth.
These days it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bruges, drawing in visitors from all over the world.
Ascending the 366 steps along the winding spiral staircase is a must-do experience. Although the climb can be tough, the reward is worth it as you’ll be treated to an unmatched bird’s-eye view of the city’s charming rooftops, canals and impressive architecture.
Entrance to the tower is between €12 to €14 for adults, while children under the age of 6 can enter for free.
This is one of the best places to visit in Bruges so whatever you do make sure you visit this spot during your 24 hours in Bruges.
Stop 4 – Explore Burg Square
Located right next to Market Square, lies the equally beautiful Burg Square which is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
The square is home to the city hall which is a masterpiece of Gothic Architecture which stands as a testament to Bruges Medieval history.
Here you will find the Basilica of the Holy Blood. This church dates back to the 12th century and houses one of the city’s most famous relics, The Holy Blood. This is believed to be a fragment of the blood of Jesus Christ. Inside you can admire not just the relic, but also the Basilica’s beautiful ornate interior.
At Burg Square, you can also find Liberty Palace, a luxurious building dating back to the 17th century that once served as the city’s civil courthouse.
If you’re looking to truly soak up Bruges’ Medieval vibe, then Burg Square is the place to visit!
Stop 5 – Walk through the cobbled streets to Sint Anne’s Quarter
One of the best things about Bruges is exploring all the quaint and quiet cobbled streets, so make sure you carve out time for this on your Bruges one-day itinerary.
For an authentic taste of the city’s charm, I recommend heading to the area of Sint Anne. Sint Anne is one of the quieter neighbourhoods of Bruges, so it is a great place to escape the crowds for a little while.
If you’re feeling a little parched at this point, then I recommend stopping off at one of the bars along the Predikherenrei to have a drink and maybe some nibbles. Punta Est bar was our favourite as it’s situated right on the river so makes for the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere and do a spot of people-watching.
Stop 6 – View the Rozenhoedkaai
Stop 6 on this Bruges one-day itinerary is the Rozenhoedkaai. The charming quay is nestled in the heart of the city and is easily one of the most photogenic spots in Bruges, so it’s 100% a must-see for anyone visiting Bruges.
Surrounded by stunning Gothic Architecture and picturesque canals the Rozenhoedkaai offers the perfect blend of Bruges Medieval charm and natural beauty. The swans gliding through the water add to the fairy-tale-like charm.
Make sure you have your camera at the ready when you arrive at the Rozenhoedkaai because it really is the most beautiful and photo-worthy spot in Bruges.
Stop 7 – Enjoy some famous Belgian Beer
No Bruges’ one-day itinerary would be complete without trying some traditional Belgian Beer (a cornerstone of the country’s cultural heritage). Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of a bar or the immersive experience of a brewery Bruges will have something for you.
If it’s a bar you prefer then 2be Beer Wall is a fantastic option. 2be Beer Wall is famous for its quirky and very literal wall of beer. Not only do they have an impressive selection of beer, but their beer garden is set right on the river, so it makes for the perfect place to relax and have a drink.
If you want to learn more about the brewing process then a trip to Bourgogne Des Flandres Brewery will be good for you. Here you can explore the brewing process and learn more about the history of Belgian beer. You can book a guided tour of the brewery here.
Stop 8 – Enjoy Some Lunch
All the walking that’s involved in this Bruges one-day itinerary will see you working up an appetite, so now it’s time to enjoy some lunch.
For such a small city, the food scene in Bruges is surprisingly abundant. Two of my favourite food spots in Bruges included Poules and Moules known for its delicious traditional mussel dishes and De Gastro which offers a cosy atmosphere and scrumptious local food (both are great places to refuel before continuing on your adventures in Bruges).
Stop 9 – Walk along St Bonifacius Bridge
Bonifacius Bridge is a charming little gem tucked away near a lush green courtyard. It’s well known for being a “romantic” spot in the city (which was affirmed to me when I witnessed a proposal in this exact spot).
Though you won’t need to stay in this place for too long, it is definitely worth a visit to admire the beauty of the bridge and its storybook-like views of the canal as well as the quaint architecture nearby.
Stop 10 – Get some chocolate treats at Chocolatier Dumon
It would be criminal to come to Bruges and not indulge in some delicious Belgian Chocolates, which is why this is an important stop on your Bruges one-day itinerary. Belgian chocolate is renowned worldwide so you really do have to take the opportunity to enjoy it whilst you’re here.
As you can probably imagine, Bruges boasts a whole host of chocolate shops, each with its own unique charm and specialities. My personal favourite one has to be Chocolatier Dumon, a family-run establishment best known for its high-quality, handmade chocolates.
There are several branches dotted across Bruges but if you are following this itinerary closely then the most convenient branch to visit (close to the St Bonifacius Bridge) is Chocolatier Dumon Walplein.
Stop 11 – Stroll through Minnewater Park
Minnewater Park and its serene lake often called the “Lake of Love” are a breathtaking natural oasis nestled in the heart of Bruges. With its lush greenery, charming swan, and picturesque views it makes for the perfect spot to pause and soak up the tranquillity of the city. It is an ideal destination for picnicking, reading a good book, or people-watching.
Legend has it that the name ‘Minnewater’ is named after a young girl named Minna, who strolled into the forest to reunite with her one true love (romantic, eh?).
Stop 12 – Enjoy the evening
Fancy winding down your day with an evening of cheese and meat fondue? Then make sure to head to Bieratelier restaurant, located close to Minnewater Park. Its laid-back atmosphere and hearty fondue offerings make it the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Bruges.
If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then you can find plenty more delicious foodie options in Bruges in my comprehensive Bruges restaurant guide with options to suit every palette.
Still, have room for dessert and a nightcap after dinner? Treat yourself to freshly made waffles at Fred’s Waffles. For drinks make sure to head to Le Trappiste for beers. Le Trappiste is a very unique bar housed in a 13th-century crypt, which I think is the coolest way to end your day in Bruges.
Have more time?
If you find yourself getting through this Bruges one-day itinerary super quickly then why not add some more activities into the mix?
Experience a chocolate-making workshop
If you have more time one of the coolest things you can do in Bruges is experience a chocolate-making workshop. Where better to learn the craft of chocolate making than in Belgium right?
This is one of the best tours In Bruges. Not a fan of chocolate? Why not try this Belgian Waffle-making course instead?
Canal Cruise
One of the most popular things to do in Bruges is a canal cruise. This is a unique way to explore the city, gaining access to secret corners of Bruges that are unattainable on foot.
The Rozenhoedkaai (stop 6 on this Bruges one-day itinerary) is 1 of the 5 points in the city where you can catch a boat. The boat tours offer a 30-minute journey through Bruges.
Tickets are priced at €12 for adults, €7 for children aged 3-11, and complimentary for children under 3 years old. Alternatively, you can combine a boat trip and a walking tour which you can purchase here.
Visit a Museum
Want to get informed on the history of Bruges and even learn about why Belgium is famous for its fries? Then why not try to fit a trip to a museum into this Bruges one-day itinerary?
Here is a list of some of the museums you can visit:
- Groeningemuseum – The best place to view 6 centuries’ worth of Belgian and Flemish Art
- Bruges Beer Museum – An interactive experience where you can learn all about the beer-making process
- Friet Museum – Where you can learn all about how fries became a Belgian Delicacy
- Salvador Dali Exhibition – Where you can view more than 300 works from Salvador Dali
- Torture Museum -The remains of the city’s eldest prison, dating back to the Middle Ages
How to get to Bruges, Belgium
Travelling to Bruges is easy from most major European cities.
Flight + Train
To get to Bruges by plane, you will need to fly to Brussels International Airport. From Brussels airport, you can then catch a direct train to Bruges. Train tickets from Brussels Airport to Bruges will cost you approximately €20 – €22.
Train
Bruges Central Station has many well-connected routes to most major European cities. You can check out the best train routes for your journey here.
If you are travelling from London, you can also catch the Eurostar to Brussels and catch a connecting train to Bruges (Eurostar will allow you to purchase a ticket all the way through to Bruges).
Bus
You can easily get to Bruges by bus from many European cities such as London, Paris and Amsterdam. One of the best and most economical bus services that provide routes to Bruges is Flixbus.
Head to their website to reserve your ticket.
Where to stay in Bruges, Belgium
If you’re planning on staying the night in Bruges before or after completing your Bruges one-day itinerary, then I’d recommend staying somewhere central.
The best central areas to stay in Bruges include:
Markt and Burg
Markt and Burg will see you stay in the cultural epicentre of Bruges, located by the Markt and Burg squares. Some of the best hotels to stay in the Markt and Burg areas are:
- Zakske 13 Boutique B&B – Adults Only – A clean and modern hotel with great reviews
- Hotel Koffieboontje – A no-thrills hotel just 150 yards from Market Square great for those on a budget
- Martin’s Bruges – Located just 50 meters from the Central Market Square, Martin’s Brugge is a 3-star superior hotel.
- Hotel Acacia – A cosy and contemporary hotel just 100 meters from Market Square
- Hotel Aragon – A stylish hotel located in the heart of Bruges
Sint Anna
Sint Anna is a stunning but quiet quarter of Bruges. It’s close enough to all the main attractions of Bruges, but far enough to ensure you get a little bit of peace and quiet at bedtime.
- Hotel Van Cleef – A luxurious hotel set on one of Bruges’ stunning canals
- Flanders Hotel – A quiet hotel that even has its own indoor pool.
Prepare for your trip to Bruges
🛏️Accommodation: When you’re hunting for great deals, make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com! If you’re on a budget, then make sure to check out Hostelworld.
✈️Flights: Check out the best flight deals with Skyscanner and Trip.com. I never search anywhere else!
🚆Transport: Need to book a bus or train whilst travelling? Check out your options on 12goasia.com, Bookaway.com and thetrainline.com.
🚗Rental Cars: Looking to rent a car for your adventures? Check out prices on Rentalcars.com and Discovercars.com.
🎟️Activities: Check out Get Your Guide and Viator for 100s of activities whilst travelling.
🦋Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip. Get affordable and flexible insurance with SafetyWing.
📱Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available. Download SIMs from either Airalo or Holafly for your time abroad.
You might also enjoy…
- Top 10 Places To Eat In Bruges, Belgium
- 14 Fun Things To Do In Bruges, Belgium
- 9 Of The VERY BEST Tours In Bruges, Belgium
Happy Exploring
I genuinely hope you have a wonderful time exploring Bruges in one day and that this Bruges one-day itinerary was useful in helping you plan your trip!
Thanks. We are going next week. Great tips
Glad you found it helpful!
Enjoy your trip
Hi Christinas! This is so useful! May I ask, what’s your preferred way to travel from London to Bruges? We will be carrying 3 pieces of luggage. Thank you!!!
Hi,
We flew to Brussels airport and then got a train to Bruges. It was cheap and fast.
Another alternative is to catch the Eurostar but I find that can often be more expensive than flying.
Thanks