14 Fun Things to do in Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a quaint and picturesque city located on the north coast of Belgium (and yes, it’s also the set of that popular Colin Farrell film, In Bruges).

With colourful buildings, cobbled roads, streets lined with gorgeous flowers, gothic architecture, and modest canals meandering through the city, a trip here will leave you feeling like you’ve been transported into a real-life fairy tale.

Over the last 5 years, I’ve visited over 20 European cities. I can honestly say that Bruges ticks all the boxes for a perfect European city getaway: beautiful scenery, interesting culture, and incredible food.

Plus, if you don’t have a lot of time and are worried about not having time to fully experience it, you’ll be glad to know that it’s easy to fully experience Bruges in just one to two days.

The city is relatively small, so you can climb the Belfry Tower, take a leisurely canal cruise, and wander the Markt square — all before dinner. And if you’re a fan of chocolate (who isn’t?), you’re in for a real treat because this city takes its sweets seriously!

These are the most fun things to do in Bruges on a quick weekend getaway!

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Prepare for your trip to Bruges

14 Fun Things to Do in Bruges

From medieval towers and fairytale canals to mouthwatering waffles and chocolate shops around every corner, Bruges is bursting with charm.

Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend or a quick solo getaway, these are the best things to do in Bruges that’ll make you fall in love with the city.

1) Climb up the Belfry Tower (Belfry of Bruges)

Chances are, wherever you are in Bruges, you’ll be able to see this beautiful tower standing proud in the city skyline.

The Belfry is a medieval bell tower in the heart of the city square. It once served as an observation deck to spot incoming danger and was also home to a treasury.

These days, the Belfry Tower serves as one of Bruges’ tourist hot spots.

Climbing the 366 steps up the narrow spiral staircase will give you unparalleled birds-eye views of the city.

The entrance fee to the tower is between €12-14 for adults and free for children under the age of 6. 

This is definitely one of the best things to do in Bruges for first-timers and was my personal favourite.

2) Explore Burg Square

Burg Square is located just off the main Markt Square. It is home to the city hall and boasts yet another display of impressive Gothic Architecture.

Here, you will not only find the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a church dating back to the 12th century and home to a relic of the Holy Blood.

But you will also find Liberty Palace, a decadent and impressive building from the 17th century. Burg Square is the perfect place to admire Bruges’ historic architecture.

3)  Wander through the Markt

The Markt is home to both the Bruges town hall and the Belfry tower. The Markt is Bruges’ main square and is the lively hub of the city.

Not only do bars and restaurants line the square, but it’s also another incredible place to admire some of the stunning Bruges architecture.

On your trip to Bruges, you will notice horses and carts trotting through the city. The Markt is where you can catch one of these and see the city from a different perspective.

4) Enjoy the Bruges food and drinks scene

Until now, we’ve covered a lot of places of interest in Bruges, but for such a small city, Bruges has managed to pack in a host of incredible bars and restaurants throughout the city to satisfy any palate.

From fries covered in mayonnaise to Michelin-star dining, and of course, Belgian beers and breweries galore, you certainly will not be leaving this city hungry or thirsty.

Do not leave Bruges without trying mussels, waffles, and some cherry beer!

Here are some of the best bars and restaurants you can visit in Bruges:

• 2BE Beer Wall
• Le Trappiste
• That’s Toast
• Poules Moules
• House of Waffles
• De Gastro
• Bieratelier
• ‘t Brugs Beertje

5) Hop on a Canal Tour

Hop in a boat and cruise through the city. In my opinion, this is one of the few must-do activities in Bruges. You’ll sail under beautiful bridges and get access to secret corners of Bruges not accessible on foot.

There are five landing stages in the city from which you can catch the boat, you’ll find the busiest one at the Rozenhoedkaai.

The boat tours in Bruges last 30 minutes, and you’ll be taken to some of the most stunning spots in Bruges, complete with detailed descriptions from your captain about the places you visit. Tickets for €12 for adults, €7 for children between 3-11, and free for children under 3. 

Alternatively, you can combine a boat trip and a walking tour, which you can purchase here.

6) Visit one of Bruges’ many Museums

Want to get informed on the history of Bruges, admire some art, or even learn about why Belgium is famous for its fries? Then a trip to a museum could be for you.

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

7) Indulge in some of the finest Belgian Chocolates

It would be truly criminal to visit Belgium and not try some of their sweet chocolate treats (unless, of course, you don’t like chocolate, then we can let you off).

You will find a heap of chocolate shops dotted throughout the city, especially along the Wollestraat.

However, our favourite shop was Chocolatier Dumon, a family-run business, which can be found in two different locations within Bruges. Make sure to pick up a 15-chocolate selection box for €8.50.

8) Have a drink by the Canal

If you’re visiting Bruges in the summer, then having a drink along the river is one of the most fun things to do.

Pick one of the bars along the Predikherenrei (Punta Est was our favourite), order your favourite drink, and watch the world go by with the sun shining on your face. Perfect.

9)  Visit the In Bruges filming locations

As if the name wasn’t already a big giveaway, Bruges was the setting of the popular Colin Farrell film, In Bruges.

And if you are a big movie buff, then this will be one of the most unique things to do in Bruges for you.

Luckily, a lot of these spots are places to visit in Bruges that I’ve already mentioned in this post, so you can kill two birds with one stone!

Popular In Bruges filming locations:

• Minnewater Park
• Belfry of Bruges
• The Rozenhoedkaai
• Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce Hotel
• Gruuthusemuseum
• Basilica of the Holy Blood
• Burg Square

Looking for more European Adventures? Click here to see more.

10) Minnewater Park

Minnewater Park and the Lake is a stunning natural spot located in the heart of Bruges, offering a great place to relax with a picnic, sit down with a good book, or do some people-watching.

Legend has it that Minnewater is named after a young girl, Minna, who ran into the forest to be with her true love.

11) Walk along St Bonifacius Bridge

Bonifacius Bridge is a small yet spectacular bridge, situated near a beautiful, lush green courtyard.

It’s known to be quite the romantic spot and definitely lived up to that reputation when we witnessed a proposal (in case you’re wondering, she said yes).

The bridge is well known for being one of the most iconic things to do in Bruges, so I would recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds and get some nice shots! 

12) View the Rozenhoedkaai

The Rozenhoedkaai, a small quay in the centre of the city, is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable things to see in Bruges and one of the most popular places.  You won’t find this surprising when you lay your eyes on Rozenhoedkaai yourself.

The area is surrounded by Gothic Architecture, canals, and elegant swans floating through the water, meaning that this spot is highly photogenic and, yes, you guessed it, Instagram-worthy.

13) Pick up some goodies at one of the Bruges Markets

The great thing about Bruges is that you will always find some interesting market display, from food to art to books, there will be something to pique your interest (find out more about the market days and times here).

On a Saturday, we stumbled across a second-hand book and bric-a-brac Market along the canal, which, I admit, felt like an unusual thing to do in Bruges, but seemed like a hit with locals and tourists alike.

14) Take a Trip to Ghent

If you’re looking for more things to do beyond Bruges, consider taking a trip to Ghent. Ghent is another stunning Belgian city; it’s much like Bruges in its appearance and atmosphere, but on a slightly larger scale.

The journey from Bruges to Ghent is quick and easy. You can catch the train from Bruges Central Station to Ghent, and the journey will take about 20-25 minutes.

A one-way ticket to Ghent will set you back €10.

How to get to Bruges, Belgium

Getting to Bruges is easier than it might seem, especially if you’re already traveling within Europe. It’s well connected by train, bus, and even car.

While Bruges doesn’t have its own airport, it’s easily accessible from major transport hubs nearby.

Flight + Train

The most popular route is to fly into Brussels International Airport (Zaventem) and then take a direct train to Bruges.

Train tickets from Brussels Airport to Bruges typically cost around €20 – €22.

Flying into Charleroi Airport instead? Take a shuttle to Brussels Midi station, then hop on a train to Bruges (total time: ~2.5 hours).

Train

Belgium’s rail network is excellent, and Bruges Central Station offers well-connected routes to major European cities. If you’re already in cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or London, the train is a scenic and stress-free option.

• London to Bruges: You can take the Eurostar to Brussels and then catch a connecting train to Bruges (Eurostar allows you to purchase a ticket all the way through to Bruges).
• Paris to Bruges: High-speed Thalys or SNCB trains to Bruges via Brussels.
• Amsterdam to Bruges: Intercity or Thalys trains to Brussels, then change for Bruges.

Bus

Long-distance buses are a great, low-cost way to reach Bruges, especially from nearby cities like Brussels, Paris, or Amsterdam.

Bus travel to Bruges is available from various European cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam.

Flixbus is what I typically use for buses around Europe. They’re way more comfortable than you’d expect, and a cost-effective bus service providing routes to Bruges.

Where to stay in Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a compact city, which means no matter where you stay, you’re never too far from the action. But if you want to make the most of your time (and minimize walking), it’s worth booking a hotel in or around the historic center. This way, you’ll be just steps from major attractions like the Markt, Burg Square, and the Belfry Tower.

Hotels in Markt and Burg

This is the heart of Bruges, where cobbled streets meet medieval buildings and everything feels straight out of a fairytale. Staying here puts you within walking distance of major landmarks, restaurants, canal tours, and museums.

• Hotel options:
  • Zakske 13 Boutique B&B – Adults Only: Clean and modern with excellent reviews.
  • Hotel Koffieboontje: A budget-friendly hotel just 150 yards from Market Square.
  • Martin’s Bruges: A 3-star superior hotel, only 50 meters from Central Market Square.
  • Hotel Acacia: A cozy and contemporary hotel just 100 meters from Market Square.
  • Hotel Aragon: A stylish hotel located in the heart of Bruges.

Hotels in Sint Anna

If you prefer a quieter, more local feel, the picturesque Sint-Anna area offers peaceful charm while still being within walking distance of the main sites. It’s ideal for couples or solo travelers looking to slow down.

• Hotel options:
  • Hotel Van Cleef: A luxurious hotel set on one of Bruges’ stunning canals.
  • Flanders Hotel: A quiet hotel with its own indoor pool.

For alternative hotel options, you can use the search box below.

Happy Exploring

Bruges might be small, but it’s packed with magic, from its fairytale architecture and romantic canals to its mouthwatering food and rich history. Whether you’re here for a quick 1–2 day getaway or lingering longer, there are so many cool things to do in Bruges.

I’m sure you’ll find this city charming you at every turn!

If you’re planning your Bruges itinerary and have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments—I love hearing from you!

And once you have your itinerary set, check out my list of the best restaurants in Belgium to keep you fueled throughout the trip!