Bruges Travel Guide: 1-Day Itinerary, Top 9 Things To Do

Last Updated on 27/03/2025

Things to do in Bruges – Bruges (Brugge) is Belgium’s most beautiful medieval town, known for its canals, ancient architecture, and romantic atmosphere, often called the “Venice of the North.” If your European trip takes you through Belgium, consider setting aside a day to explore classic attractions like the Belfry of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and immerse yourself in the charm of this fairy-tale town!

Contents

How to Get to Bruges?

From Brussels：Take the Belgian National Railway (SNCB) from Brussels Central Station (Bruxelles-Central), and it’s about a 1-hour train ride to Bruges Station (Brugge).
- Brussels Travel Guide: 1-Day Itinerary, Top 10 Things To Do
Weekend Half-Price Ticket Tips：SNCB offers a Weekend Ticket on Saturdays, Sundays, and Belgian public holidays, allowing you to enjoy 50% off return tickets for travel across the country.
Free Stopover Ticket Tips：With a standard return ticket or weekend ticket, you can stop at any station in Belgium for free once (either on the outward or return journey). For example, you can plan a brief stopover in Ghent (Gent) before heading to Bruges.
- Ghent Travel Guide: 1-Day Itinerary, Top 9 Things To Do
You can also book ➡️ Eurail Global Train Pass for 33 European Countries
Local Day Tours
- Bruges & Ghent One-Day Trip from Brussels
- From Paris: Bruges 1-day tour

Bruges Attractions Map

This map features my recommended attractions, food spots, and train station locations in Bruges.

The map is set to English by default. Simply click on the 'Enlarge Map' icon in the top right corner to switch to your preferred language!

1-Day Itinerary in Bruges

Bruges is compact, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other. I suggest exploring the medieval town by foot and taking a boat tour!

Rozenhoedkaai and Bruges Canal Tour

Rozenhoedkaai is one of the most iconic photo spots in Bruges, located at a bend in the canal with the Belfry of Bruges in the background, creating a classic postcard scene. It is also one of the departure points for the Bruges Canal Tour, where many visitors embark to admire the medieval buildings and waterside views along the canals.

Address：Rozenhoedkaai, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Boat Tour Boarding Points：Major docks in the city centre
Recommended Experience：Bruges: Walking tour, canal boat tour, with beer tasting options.

Markt Square

Markt Square, located in the heart of the old town, is a large open space surrounded by historical buildings like the Belfry and the Provincial Court, showcasing the medieval European cityscape. The most striking feature here is the row of colourful traditional gable-roof buildings, which create a beautiful contrast against the surrounding classical-style architecture.

It’s also the perfect spot to try Belgian fries and waffles! You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the streets of Bruges, passing by the main attractions, feeling like you’ve stepped back in time to the Middle Ages.

Address：Markt, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Belfry of Bruges

Built in the 13th century, the Belfry of Bruges is 83 meters tall and one of the city’s landmark buildings. Once a watchtower, you can now climb its 366 steps for a stunning view over the red-tiled rooftops of Bruges. Along the way, there’s an exhibition space showcasing the history and mechanics of the bell tower.

Address：Markt 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Opening Hours：10:00-18:00
Recommended Experience：Bruges Museum Pass, which grants access to 11 museums.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Located in Burg Square in Bruges’ old town, the Basilica of the Holy Blood was built in the 12th century and, after several reconstructions, now features a neo-Gothic style. The basilica is famous for housing a vial said to contain the blood of Jesus, and every May, the “Procession of the Holy Blood” attracts many pilgrims. Inside, you’ll find a stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic decorations, making it a must-visit in Bruges.

The vial of Holy Blood, brought from Constantinople by Joseph of Arimathea, is the church’s most important highlight.

Address：Burg 13, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Opening Hours：10:00-17:15
Official website

The Provincial Court (Provinciaal Hof)

The Provincial Court (Provinciaal Hof), located in Markt Square, is a neo-Gothic building. The original “Water Hall” was built in 1294 and served as the centre of Bruges’ port until it was demolished in 1787 due to canal siltation. In the late 19th century, the Provincial Court was built on the original site and completed in 1892, with the final phase finishing in 1920. It was the seat of the West Flanders Provincial Government until 1999 when it was converted into a space for ceremonies and exhibitions.

Address：Markt 3, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Opening Hours：10:30-18:00
Official website

Bruges City Hall (Stadhuis Brugge)

The City Hall of Bruges (Stadhuis Brugge), built in 1376, is one of Belgium’s oldest city halls, located in Burg Square. It features late Gothic architecture, with a rectangular shape and corner towers. Inside, the grand Gothic hall has an intricately crafted wooden vaulted ceiling and displays many historical artworks and paintings that reflect the history and wealth of Bruges. The museum within the City Hall is open for a fee or can be accessed for free with the Bruges Museum Pass.

Address：Burg 12, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Opening Hours：09:30-17:00
Recommended Experience：City Hall (Stadhuis Brugge) Ticket

Church of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk)

The Church of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk), built between the 13th and 16th centuries, is one of Bruges’ landmarks. Its 122-metre-high bell tower is the tallest structure in Bruges and the second tallest brick tower in the world. Inside the church, you’ll find Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, “Madonna and Child,” one of the few works of the artist to leave Italy.

Address：Mariastraat, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Opening Hours：09:30-17:00
Recommended Experience：Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk Ticket

Cathedral of St. Salvator (Sint-Salvatorskathedraal)

The Cathedral of St. Salvator (Sint-Salvatorskathedraal) was originally built in the 10th century and was later upgraded to a cathedral in the 19th century. The church has undergone several changes, and the original St. Donatius Church was destroyed by fire in 1116, then rebuilt in 1127. The present building started construction in 1250 and took nearly a century to complete. After a roof fire in 1839, British architect Robert Gunter restored it and added a higher tower, surpassing the height of the Church of Our Lady. The oldest parts of the church date back to the 12th century, and the bell tower reaches 99 meters.

Address：Steenstraat, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Opening Hours：10:00-17:30
Official website

Lake of Love (Minnewaterpark )

Located just a short 10-minute walk from Bruges Train Station, Minnewaterpark is a peaceful park named after the “Lake of Love.” The lake reflects the willow trees and swans, making it a perfect spot for a stroll and relaxation.