Is Bruges Worth Visiting? My Honest Review After Visiting Twice

Wondering if Bruges is worth visiting? Here’s my honest review after visiting twice, including what makes the city special, if it’s over-touristy, what’s worth your time and what’s not, how long I’d spend, and who I think Bruges is actually best for.

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Bruges is one of Belgium’s most famous cities for a reason.

Think cobbled streets, canal views, medieval buildings, chocolate shops, Belgian beer, the Belfry, Burg Square and the kind of historic centre that makes you understand very quickly why so many people add it to their Europe itineraries.

In my opinion, yes—Bruges is absolutely worth visiting, as long as you go knowing it’s popular for a reason rather than expecting a hidden Belgian city with no crowds.

Personally, I’ve visited Bruges twice now: once as a day trip from Brussels when I was 19, and again recently for a two-day stay.

Both trips made me appreciate the city in different ways, so in this post I’ll be sharing:

• Whether Bruges is actually worth visiting
• What makes Bruges special
• The downsides to know before you go
• How long I’d spend in Bruges
• Whether Bruges is better as a day trip or weekend
• Who I think Bruges is best for
• Whether I’d choose Bruges, Ghent or Brussels

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

My Honest Verdict: Is Bruges Worth Visiting?

Yes, Bruges is worth visiting, especially if you want a compact Belgian city with canals, cobbled streets, medieval buildings, chocolate shops, Belgian beer and an old town that’s easy to explore on foot.

I’d recommend Bruges most for first-time visitors to Belgium, European train trips, a romantic European weekend, a solo day trip from Brussels or, of course, a Christmas-market-style city break if you’re coming in December.

But I wouldn’t personally go in expecting a hidden gem.

Bruges is popular, and you’ll feel that especially around places like Markt, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge and the main shopping streets.

For me, that doesn’t make it less worth visiting—it just means I’d plan your trip properly, arrive early if you’re coming for the day, and stay overnight if you want a calmer version of the city.

In Short…	My honest answer
Is Bruges worth visiting?	Yes, especially for a first trip to Belgium
Best for	Canals, chocolate, Belgian beer, medieval streets, romantic weekends and easy day trips
Not best for	Nightlife, low prices or a hidden-gem city break
How long I’d spend	One day works, but two days is better
Would I go back?	Yes, especially as part of a wider Belgium trip
Best alternative	Ghent if you want a more lived-in student city

What Is Bruges Famous For?

If you’re looking up if Bruges is worth it, you’ve probably seen it on your Instagram feed (or maybe the movie In Bruges) before.

But what does this fairytale city have to offer beyond its postcard pictures?

Bruges is famous for its medieval historic centre, canals, cobbled streets, chocolate shops, Belgian beer and sinfully incredible photo ops.

Case in point.

Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a prime example of a medieval historic settlement that’s kept much of its historic fabric over time.

In other words, the reason Bruges feels so preserved is because it quite genuinely is.

The canals are a big part of that too. They’re described as the “veins” of Bruges, and for centuries helped connect the city to the sea as a major medieval trading centre (so a canal boat tour here is a must).

For a first visit, the places people usually come for are Markt, the Belfry, Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge, the Begijnhof, Minnewater and, naturally, as much Belgian chocolate as your suitcase can handle.

So yes, Bruges is famous for being fairytale-looking. But it’s not just pretty for the sake of pretty.

The canals, medieval buildings, bell tower, squares and old trading history splash the city with much more depth than a pretty photo in my opinion.

For the full list of sights, food stops and local favourites, read my guide to the best things to do in Bruges.

My Personal Experience Visiting Bruges Twice

Me in Bruges in 2017 and in Bruges this year!

My first visit to Bruges was actually a little last-minute.

I was 19, on one of my first solo trips in Europe, and had gone to Brussels by myself (feeling on top of the world as you can imagine).

While I was there, I met two American girls who were planning to visit Bruges the next day. I think they’d seen it on Instagram or heard it was worth doing as a day trip, and I ended up tagging along.

At that point, I hadn’t travelled through that much of Europe yet, so I didn’t really know what to expect from Bruges.

But stepping into the city for the first time, with its canals, medieval buildings, cobbled lanes and chocolate shops, made me understand why people fall so shamelessly hard for little European towns.

I also visited Ghent on that same Belgium trip, which is why I always find the Bruges vs Ghent conversation interesting. They’re both beautiful canal cities, but definitely have very different personalities.

My second visit to Bruges was years later, with a bit more travel experience and, thankfully, a little more spending money.

This time, I went for a weekend trip and stayed at Hotel Acacia, climbed the Belfry, took a canal boat tour, wandered around the Gruuthuse Quarter, spent more time in chocolate shops and local businesses, and actually got to enjoy dinner, drinks (Belgian waffles, of course) and the city as more than a quick day trip.

P.S. – You can read my full Hotel Acacia Bruges review for the rooms, location and what my stay was actually like.

My first trip made me fall for the fairytale version of the city.

The second showed me why it’s worth staying overnight if you can—especially for more time at the museums, cafés, beer stops, independent shops and all the little Bruges corners you definitely won’t have time for on a rushed day trip.

Reasons Bruges Is Worth Visiting

If you’re still deciding whether Bruges is worth adding to your Belgium itinerary, these are the main reasons I’d say yes.

🚶🏽‍♀️ Bruges Is Very Easy to Explore on Foot

One of the top things I love about Bruges is how easy it is to explore without a car.

From Bruges train station, you can walk into the historic centre in around 15–20 minutes, and once you’re in the old town, most of the main sights sit very close together.

This means you can easily fill a one-day Bruges itinerary or two-day Bruges itinerary with just walking between Markt, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge, the Begijnhof, Minnewater, chocolate shops and cafés without constantly thinking about transport.

For the train, bus and walking details, read my guide to visiting Bruges without a car.

🚆 Bruges Works Really Well as a Day Trip or Weekend

Bruges is also worth visiting because it’s genuinely easy to reach by train.

From Brussels, the train to Bruges takes just over an hour on average, which makes it one of the easiest day trips from Brussels if you’re already spending time in Belgium.

But I’d say Bruges works even better if you can stay overnight.

One day gives you the classic version: Markt, the Belfry, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, a canal boat tour, chocolate and a wander through the old town.

Two days gives you time for dinner, Belgian beer, coffee, independent shopping, Langestraat and Hoogstraat, and one museum or cultural stop without feeling like you’re squeezing the whole city into just a few hours.

🛶 Bruges Canals Are Fantastic and a Huge Part of the City’s History

The canals are the beating heart of Bruges and one of the biggest reasons the city feels so special.

They’re not just a pretty backdrop for photos, either. In fact, they’re called the “veins” of the city; for centuries they helped shape Bruges’ layout, trade and connection to the wider world.

It’s why I do think a canal boat tour is worth doing, even if it’s touristy. The boat trips usually last around 30 minutes and run between Jan van Eyck Square and the Begijnhof, giving you a very different view of Bruges’ medieval buildings, bridges and tucked-away canal-side corners.

I’ve shared the full boarding process, route and my honest verdict in my Bruges canal boat tour review.

🍫 Bruges Is Brilliant for Chocolate, Beer & Waffles

If your ideal Europe trip includes chocolate shops, Belgian beer, waffles, frites and cosy cafés, Bruges makes that very easy.

You can stop at Bruges chocolatiers like Dumon Chocolatier on Eiermarkt, La Belgique Gourmande, Atelier Verbaert, or The Old Chocolate House, try Belgian waffles around the centre, add frites between sightseeing, or make time for De Halve Maan Brewery if you want a proper Belgian beer stop.

I wouldn’t say you need to plan your whole trip around food, but Bruges is very good at giving you quite edible reasons to keep wandering.

For more specific restaurant, chocolate, waffle and beer recommendations, read my guide to where to eat in Bruges.

🏰 The Historic Centre Is Genuinely Stunning

Bruges is popular, but I also think the best places are popular for a reason.

The historic centre is compact, with lots of things to get up to and enjoy in a short time.

You’ve got Markt with the stunning Belfry of Bruges rising above it, Burg Square with Bruges City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the ‘is this real?’ Rozenhoedkaai canal viewpoint, and the charming whitewashed Begijnhof houses, just to name a few.

And lest we forget—canals, cobbled streets, stepped-gable buildings, bell towers, chocolate shops and medieval squares. In other words, you’ll be absolutely spoilt for beauty.

🛍️ But There’s More to Bruges Than the Postcard Spots

I also think Bruges is worth visiting because it has more to offer once you look beyond the classic Bruges tourist loop.

On a longer visit, you can add Groeningemuseum or Gruuthusemuseum, wander towards Langestraat and Hoogstraat for vintage shops and creative businesses, look out for Handmade in Brugge makers, visit De Halve Maan Brewery, or sit at a café around Markt or Simon Stevinplein and watch the horse-drawn carriages move through its very Instagrammable cobbled square.

That’s the version of Bruges I appreciated more on my second visit!

For more places beyond the main tourist loop, read my unique things to do in Bruges guide.

Downsides to Visiting Bruges

As much as I love Bruges, I do think it’s worth going in with the right expectations.

Because yes, Bruges is absolutely worth visiting, but it’s not perfect for every type of traveller.

It Can Feel Very Touristy in Places

Bruges is not a hidden gem.

Around places like Markt, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge and the main shopping streets, you’ll definitely feel that you’re in one of Belgium’s most popular cities.

Personally, I don’t think that ruins the experience. Some places are busy because they really are that good, and Bruges’ canals, medieval squares and chocolate-shop streets are still worth seeing.

But I would plan around it.

Come earlier in the day if you’re visiting Bruges as a day trip, stay overnight if you can, and don’t spend your whole visit in its busiest few streets.

It’s Not the Cheapest Belgium City Break

Bruges isn’t the most expensive place I’ve ever visited in Europe, but I wouldn’t call it a bargain city either.

Hotels in the historic centre can get pricey, especially in busy seasons (this is the one I stayed in), and restaurants around the main squares are naturally going to be more tourist-facing.

That said, you can still keep things reasonable with Belgian frites, waffles, casual cafés, chocolate stops, train travel rather than renting a car and a hotel booked early.

P.S.—My main advice? Don’t eat directly on Markt. Wander a few streets away, and you’ll usually find better options. You can see the places I’d actually recommend in my where to eat in Bruges guide.

It’s Not a Big-City Trip

If you want nightlife, lots of neighbourhoods, major galleries, huge food variety and a more urban Belgian city feel, Bruges may not be the one…

It’s called a city on paper, but for me, from a traveller’s perspective, it really is more like a compact old town.

I’ll be honest though, that’s exactly the appeal. Bruges is best when you want canals, cobbled streets, medieval architecture, chocolate, beer, cafés, museums and a city that’s easy to walk around rather than a Brussels- or Paris-style itinerary.

If you want something bigger, busier or a little more of a lived-in city in Belgium, I’d look at visiting Brussels, Antwerp or Ghent alongside your Bruges trip.

Is Bruges Worth Visiting for One Day?

Yes, Bruges is worth visiting for one day.

In fact, my first visit to Bruges was a day trip from Brussels, and it was enough time for the city to make a very strong first impression.

With one day in Bruges, I’d keep things classic: Markt and the Belfry of Bruges, Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Rozenhoedkaai, a canal boat tour, Bonifacius Bridge, the Begijnhof, Minnewater and a chocolate stop.

You won’t see everything, but you’ll get the Bruges people usually dream about: canal views, medieval buildings, cobbled lanes, Belgian chocolate and enough old-town charm to make the day feel completely worth it.

Would I try to do multiple museums, a long brewery tour, shopping streets, dinner and evening drinks all in one day? No.

That’s where your day trip will definitely start to feel a bit tight.

But if one day is what you have, Bruges is absolutely worth adding to your Belgium itinerary.

Is Bruges Worth Staying Overnight?

My one-night stay at Hotel Acacia and early mornings in Bruges before the crowds!

If you can, yes.

Staying overnight is honestly what made me appreciate Bruges more on my second visit.

A day trip gives you the classic version of the city, but staying overnight gives you time for the parts of Bruges that feel like more than just a pretty stop.

You can check into a central hotel like this one, go out for dinner, have a Belgian beer somewhere cosy, wander the old town before or after the busiest hours, and give yourself a second day for coffee, independent shops, Langestraat and Hoogstraat, or one museum like Groeningemuseum or Gruuthusemuseum.

On my most recent trip, I stayed at Hotel Acacia, which worked really well because it’s so close to Market Square. Especially being able to walk back between sightseeing, dinner, drinks and chocolate stops…

You can read my full Hotel Acacia Bruges review, or compare more areas and options in my guide to where to stay in Bruges.

In short, if you’re deciding between a day trip and one night in Bruges, I’d choose one night if your schedule and budget allow.

Is Bruges Worth Visiting in December?

I haven’t personally visited Bruges in December yet, so I won’t pretend to give you a full first-hand review of the city at Christmas.

But if I visited for a third time, I would absolutely come specifically for Christmas in Bruges.

Bruges’ cobbled streets and medieval buildings only get all the more charming when the cold weather hits—and is great if you want to see festive lights and visit Bruges’ two Christmas markets.

That said, expect cold weather, shorter days and crowds around the festive markets, especially on weekends.

If I visited Bruges in December, I’d probably stay overnight, book a central hotel, plan a few indoor stops, and leave plenty of room for chocolate and beer stops too.

For the seasonal pros and cons of visiting Bruges throughout the year, read my guide to the best time to visit Bruges.

Bruges or Ghent: Which Is More Worth Visiting?

Oh, this is a hard one, because I really like both.

If I had to choose, I’d say: if you want a classic fairytale Belgium trip, visit Bruges.

Bruges gives you all you want for a ‘postcard European’ trip—the canals, cobbled streets, medieval buildings, chocolate shops, stepped-gable houses, the Belfry, Markt and that polished old-town feeling people often picture when they think of Belgium.

In short, it’s the easier city to fall for instantly. But if you want a more lived-in student city, I’d choose Ghent.

Ghent still has beautiful canals and historic buildings, but it feels a bit younger, more local and less arranged around visitors. There’s more of a vibey feel here, with cool Ghent cafés, and it’s a great alternative to polished Bruges.

For a first Belgium trip, I’d probably still choose Bruges if you can only pick one, simply because it’s so distinctive and easy to enjoy.

But if you have time, Bruges and Ghent together make a brilliant Belgium pairing (and are around 25–30 minutes from each other by train, a no-brainer really!).

Read my full Bruges or Ghent comparison, or use my Bruges and Ghent itinerary to plan both.

Bruges or Brussels: Which Should You Visit?

Bruges and Brussels are completely different trips, so I wouldn’t compare them as if they do the same job.

Brussels is the better choice if you want a bigger city, museums, galleries, Grand Place, more restaurants, international connections and a wider mix of neighbourhoods.

Bruges is the better choice if you want a compact, walkable old-town city break with canals, chocolate, beer, medieval architecture and a softer pace.

That said, if you’re flying into Brussels, I wouldn’t necessarily skip it completely. But if you’re choosing one place for the most instantly charming Belgium trip, Bruges is definitely going to give you that feeling faster.

The best way to do it, in my opinion, is to use Brussels as your arrival point, then take the train to Bruges for a day trip or overnight stay.

P.S. – Here’s how to take a day trip from Brussels to Bruges!

How Many Days Do You Need in Bruges?

Like I said, you can see Bruges in one day, but I think two days is better.

Here’s how I’d think about it:

A few hours in Bruges: enough for Markt, Rozenhoedkaai, a quick canal view and maybe a chocolate stop, but it will feel like a very small taste.

One day in Bruges: enough for the main sights, a canal boat tour, the Belfry or Burg Square, Bonifacius Bridge, the Begijnhof, Minnewater and a few food stops.

Two days in Bruges: my personal recommendation for a first visit. This gives you the classic sights, plus dinner, drinks, coffee, independent shops, one museum or cultural stop, and a better feel for the city beyond the busiest hours.

Three days in Bruges: not necessary for everyone, but it works if you want a very relaxed trip, more museums, day trips, or Bruges as part of a wider Belgium itinerary.

For most people, I’d say one day is doable, but two days is ideal.

Read my One Day in Bruges itinerary if you’re short on time, or my Bruges weekend itinerary if you’re planning to stay overnight.

Who I’d Recommend Bruges For

Bruges then and now!

Personally, I’d recommend Bruges if you love walkable European cities, medieval architecture, canals, chocolate shops, Belgian beer, old squares and a trip that feels easy to plan.

It’s especially good if you’re a:

• First-time visitor to Belgium
• Solo traveller looking to plan an easy day trip
• A couple looking for a romantic European weekend
• A study abroad student planning tour first European trips
• Traveller coming from Brussels by train
• Chocolate and beer lover
• Person who like compact cities without needing a complicated itinerary

I probably wouldn’t recommend Bruges as strongly if you hate touristy places, want big nightlife, need a very budget-friendly trip, or prefer cities that feel more ‘edgy and local’ from the start.

In that case, I’d look at Ghent, Antwerp or Brussels as well.

My Final Verdict: Is Bruges Worth Visiting?

So, is Bruges worth visiting?

In my opinion, yes.

Bruges is absolutely worth visiting if you want a compact Belgian city trip with canals, cobbled streets, medieval buildings, chocolate shops, Belgian beer and a historic centre that genuinely feels special to walk around.

It is popular. It can be busy. It’s not the cheapest Belgium stop, and I wouldn’t go expecting some undiscovered little town with no tourists.

But I do think Bruges is worth the hype if you plan it properly.

Go for one day if you only have time for the classics. Stay overnight if you want a fuller version of the city. Add Ghent if you want a more lived-in canal city afterwards.

For me, Bruges is one of those places I’m always going to recommend, especially if it’s your first time in Belgium or one of your first trips through Europe.

And if you’re anything like 19-year-old me, there’s a good chance it will make you fall a little bit more in love with European towns too.

Have the best trip and Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Is Bruges Worth Visiting?

💭 Is Bruges worth visiting for tourists?

Yes, Bruges is worth visiting for tourists, especially if you want canals, medieval architecture, chocolate shops, Belgian beer, cobbled streets and a walkable old town.

It’s touristy in places, but I don’t think that makes it less worth visiting. It just means you should plan your timing well and look beyond its busiest few viewpoints.

💭 Is Bruges too touristy?

Bruges can feel touristy around Markt, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge, the canal boat areas and the main shopping streets.

But I still think it’s worth visiting because the city really does deliver on what people come for: canals, medieval buildings, chocolate, beer and a historic centre that feels genuinely special.

If you want a calmer version, arrive early, stay overnight, or add places like Langestraat, Hoogstraat, Groeningemuseum, Gruuthusemuseum and De Halve Maan Brewery.

💭 Is Bruges worth visiting for one day?

Yes, Bruges is definitely worth visiting for one day.

With one day, I’d focus on Markt, the Belfry, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, a canal boat tour, Bonifacius Bridge, the Begijnhof, Minnewater and chocolate.

It’ll give you the classic Bruges experience without trying to do absolutely everything.

💭 Is Bruges worth staying overnight?

Yes, I think Bruges is worth staying overnight if your time and budget allow.

A day trip gives you all things classic Bruges, but staying overnight gives you time for dinner, drinks, a quieter morning, more time for museums or independent shops, and a better feel for the city beyond the busiest day-trip hours.

💭 Is Bruges expensive to visit?

Bruges can be expensive in the most central visitor areas, especially for hotels and restaurants close to Markt.

But you can keep things more reasonable by booking accommodation early, travelling by train, avoiding every meal directly on the main square, and mixing sit-down meals with waffles, frites, cafés and chocolate stops.

💭 Is Bruges safe?

Yes, I found Bruges very safe to visit, including when I first went as a 19-year-old solo traveller.

The historic centre is walkable and tourist-friendly, but I’d still keep an eye on your belongings around busy places like Markt, Rozenhoedkaai, the train station and crowded shopping streets, just in case.

💭 Is Bruges or Ghent better?

Bruges is better for a classic fairytale Belgium experience: canals, medieval buildings, chocolate shops, Markt, the Belfry and a very walkable old town.

Ghent is better if you want a more lived-in canal city with a younger, student-city feel. If you can, I’d visit both.

💭 Is Bruges or Brussels better?

Bruges is better for a compact, beautiful, easy-to-walk city break.

Brussels is better for big-city museums, galleries, Grand Place, restaurants, nightlife and transport connections.

If it’s your first Belgium trip, I’d ideally do both: Brussels for the big-city contrast and Bruges for an old-town canal-city.

💭 Is Bruges worth visiting in December?

I haven’t visited Bruges in December personally, but I would definitely visit in December on a third trip.

The city has the perfect ingredients for a festive winter trip, between all the hot chocolate shops, cosy beer tuck-ins, medieval streets, canals and, of course, its two iconic Bruges Christmas markets.

Just expect colder weather, shorter days and busier weekends around the festive season.

💭 What is Bruges famous for?

Bruges is famous for its UNESCO-listed historic centre, canals, medieval architecture, the Belfry, Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Belgian chocolate, beer, cobbled streets and a very walkable old town.

Oh, and the movie In Bruges!

💭 How many days do you need in Bruges?

One day in Bruges is enough for the main highlights, but two days gives you time for the classic sights, a canal boat tour, dinner, drinks, coffee, independent shops and one museum or cultural stop for the full ‘Bruges experience,’ shall we say.

Plan the rest of your Bruges trip

Still planning? Here’s more of my Bruges guides to help you decide where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your trip.

Before you book

• Bruges or Ghent? My Honest Comparison After Visiting Both
• The Best Time to Visit Bruges: When I’d Go Again

Bruges itineraries

• One Day in Bruges: My Perfect Bruges Day Trip Itinerary
• My Bruges Weekend Itinerary: How I’d Spend 2 Days in the City
• How to Take a Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges
• Bruges and Ghent Itinerary: How to Visit Both in One Belgium Trip

Where to stay and what to book

• Where to Stay in Bruges: My Favourite Areas & Hotels for a First Trip
• Hotel Acacia Bruges Review: My Honest Stay in Bruges
• Best Tours in Bruges: Canal Cruises, Walking Tours & Food Experiences
• Bruges Canal Boat Tour: My Honest Review & What to Know Before You Go
• How to Visit Bruges Without a Car: Train Tips, Walking Routes & Getting Around

What to do and where to eat

• The Best Things to Do in Bruges: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems
• Unique Things to Do in Bruges: Less Obvious Stops I Loved After Visiting Twice
• Where to Eat in Bruges: Belgian Dishes, Chocolate, Waffles & Beer to Try
• Best Cafes in Bruges: My Favourites from My Trip