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.
If you’re wondering what to see in Bruges in one day, this itinerary covers the main highlights, from the Market Square and Belfry Tower to hidden corners like Sint Anne’s Quarter.
So what’s included in a Bruges one-day itinerary? Keep reading below to find out!
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Bruges At A Glance
🎡WHAT TO DO🎡
– Enjoy an Iconic canal cruise
– Climb the Belfry Tower
– Explore Market Square
– Experience a chocolate-making workshop
🛌🏻WHERE TO STAY🛌🏻
– Snuffel Hostel (Hostel)
– Hotel Koffieboontje (Budget)
– Martin’s Bruges (Mid-range)
– Hotel Van Cleef (Luxury)
✅Travel Essentials For Bruges✅
– Book travel with Flixbus & Omio
– Stay connected with an eSIM from Airalo
– Get covered by SafetyWing Travel Insurance
📅WHEN TO VISIT📅
Bruges is a great city that can be visited all year round. For the best weather and fewer crowds, April-June and September-October are great times to visit! December is also an ideal time for those who want to experience the local Christmas markets.
About this Bruges one-day itinerary
This 24-hour 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 covered 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
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 and has to be one of the best photo spots in Bruges. 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 and 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 it 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.
If you have the time, I’d also definitely recommend booking on an afternoon canal cruise which takes you through the Rozenhoedkaai and is such a lovely way to explore the city. We actually did this on our second day in Bruges, but its definitely possible to fit into this 24 hour itinerary.
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.
If you really want to immerse yourself in the Belgian Beer culture, then I can really recommend booking this guided brewery tour.
Visit The Brewery ⬇️
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 include Poules and Moules, known for their 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
One of the most romantic things to do in Bruges is to visit the Bonifacius Bridge. It’s a charming little gem tucked away near a lush green courtyard. It really does live up to its title of being the most romantic spot in the city because 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.
Prepare For Your Trip To Bruges
🛏️Accommodation: Make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com to book your accommodation! If you’re on a budget, then make sure to check out Hostelworld.
🎟️Activities: I always book my tours through Get Your Guide and Viator so make sure to check them out as I’m sure they’ll have the perfect tour for you.
🦋Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip. I’ve used SafetyWing multiple times and I can’t recommend them enough!
📱Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available. I recommended download SIMs from either Airalo or Holafly.
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 view, 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 there are plenty more restaurants in Bruges to choose from, so you certainly won’t be going hungry!
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.
Other Things To Do During 24 Hours In Bruges
If you find yourself breezing through this Bruges one-day itinerary quicker than expected, there are a few extra experiences worth squeezing in (especially if you’re up for a bit more culture, food, and canals).
Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is one of the most popular things to do in Bruges. 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 are complimentary for children under 3 years old.
We found ourselves getting through our itinerary for a weekend in Bruges pretty quickly, so we decided to book on to this canal cruise with a walking tour on our second day in Bruges.
We were in the city on a gorgeous sunny weekend so it was so lovely to chill on a boat ride through the canals and also learn more about the citiy’s history with a walking tour.
Ultimately we did revsit parts of the city we had already seen but this time we actually got to understand more about what we were looking at.
This tour departs at 10am and 1pm and its only 2.5 hours long, so you could easily add this to the start or part way through your day in Bruges, whilst still being able to follow this itinerary.
Book Your Canal Cruise ⬇️
Join a Free Walking Tour
One of my favourite ways to get a feel for a new city is to walk it with a local, and Bruges is perfect for this. You can do this free walking tour of Bruges to learn the history, get your bearings, and find a few hidden spots you probably would’ve missed otherwise.
Tours usually run daily and start from Market Square, and you can reserve your spot in advance here, as this one is super popular.
Experience a chocolate-making workshop
If you do one extra thing in Bruges, let it be this. I booked this hands-on Belgian chocolate-making workshop and absolutely loved it. It was fun, interactive, and you get to take home your creations (assuming you don’t eat them all first).
Not into chocolate? No judgment (maybe a little). There’s also a Belgian waffle-making class that gets rave reviews (and yes, you get to eat the waffles hot off the press).
Book Your Workshop ⬇️
Take a Free Food Tour
If you’re anything like me and believe exploring a city is best done with a snack in hand, then this free food tour in Bruges is a no-brainer. It’s a fantastic intro to local eats, think Belgian fries, cheese, chocolates, and maybe even a cheeky beer tasting.
It’s run by a local tour company that mixes food stops with fun facts about Bruges, so you get a side of history with your waffle. It’s free to join, and you just tip what you feel it’s worth at the end.
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
If you’re flying in, the easiest route is to land at Brussels International Airport, then jump on a direct train to Bruges. It’s super straightforward and takes around 90 minutes. We paid about €21 for our tickets and booked everything online ahead of time.
I’d really recommend using Omio to compare train times and prices as it’s really user-friendly and gives you a huge choice of options.
Train
Bruges is well-connected by train, so if you’re already in mainland Europe, this is often the most efficient way to arrive. You can easily travel from cities like Amsterdam, Paris, or Cologne without too much hassle.
I’ve always used Omio to find the best routes as it shows you multiple options and the cheapest tickets.
If you’re coming from London, the Eurostar to Brussels is a great option, and you can book your full journey to Bruges in one go. Just make sure to book early on Eurostar or Omio to lock in the lowest fares, as the prices can jump quite quickly.
Bus
If you’re on a budget (or love a long bus nap like me), Flixbus is honestly one of the best ways to get to Bruges. I’ve used them for trips all over Europe, and it’s always been super easy and cheap.
You can check times and reserve your seat on Flixbus here (just don’t forget to bring snacks and headphones).
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-frills 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.
Bruges FAQ’s
Is One Day in Bruges Enough?
Yes, one day in Bruges is totally doable and actually kind of ideal. The city is compact, super walkable, and most of the main sights are within a short stroll of each other.
With an early start (and comfy shoes), you can hit the highlights like Market Square, the Belfry, Rozenhoedkaai, and even squeeze in a canal cruise and a chocolate stop.
Will you want more time? Probably. But if one day is all you’ve got, you can absolutely make it count.
What to do in Bruges for one day?
In one day, you’ll want to focus on the essentials and maybe leave a little room for waffles.
I recommend starting with brunch at That’s Toast (thank me later), then heading to Market Square to climb the Belfry for epic views. From there, explore Burg Square, stroll the cobbled streets of Sint Anne’s Quarter, snap some photos at Rozenhoedkaai, and take a canal cruise if you can.
Add in a beer stop, some chocolate shopping, and a sunset walk through Minnewater Park, and that’s your perfect Bruges day sorted.
Is Bruges a walkable city?
Absolutely. Bruges is basically made for walking. The historic centre is small, flat, and mostly car-free, which means you can wander from sight to sight without needing public transport.
Even if you’re doing 15k steps a day, it’ll feel like a scenic stroll through a medieval movie set. Just be sure to bring comfy shoes.
Which is better, Bruges or Ghent?
Honestly, it depends on what kind of experience you’re after. Bruges is known for its fairy-tale-like charm and scenic canals.
Ghent, on the other hand, feels more lived-in. It has a younger vibe and a strong student presence.
If you’re looking for something calm, romantic, and classic, Bruges is the way to go. If you’d rather explore a city that feels a bit more local and lively, Ghent might suit you better.
Final Thoughts On One Day In Bruges
Bruges is a compact city, but it’s full of interesting places to see, things to do, and great food to try. It’s an ideal destination if you’re short on time but still want to experience a lot.
If you’re looking to explore a bit further, take a look at my guide to the best things to do in Bruges. It’s a helpful resource if you have extra time or want to swap in a few different activities. For food options, the top places to eat in Bruges include everything from local specialities to standout cafes.
Prefer a more structured experience? These are some of the best tours in Bruges, including canal cruises, guided walks, and hands-on chocolate-making.
For more travel inspiration, browse my full collection of one-day itineraries across Europe.
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
Hello Christina, We found your one day in Bruges itinerary to be super helpful and pretty much followed it directly as you had set out, and included a boat tour too! Thank you as it meant we didn’t waste time getting lost and figuring out what to do.
We would add:
– Dinner at Diligence a great restaurant close to the square with delicious food
– A stop at the Kasteel Minnewater for a cheeky tipple on the terrace by the canal.
– Brunch at Cafe Benedict on Langestraat on your way to the windmills.
– Bauhaus on Langestraat a fun bar which is attached to a youth hostel.
– Book a slot for the Bellfry tower early to avoid disappointment
– Check the weather and adjust the itinerary to avoid a boat trip in the rain!
Hi Kerrie,
Thanks so much for your comment! SO HAPPY that you found the itinerary helpful <3. Thanks for the additional recommendations, Ill take a look into them all, appreciate it.
Thanks
Christina