The Best Things to Do in Bruges: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems

Looking for the best things to do in Bruges? Here’s how to spend a beautiful few days in Belgium’s fairytale city—from canal views and medieval sights to chocolate shops, cosy cafés and a few local gems worth adding to your list.

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Bruges is one of those cities that almost feels too pretty to be real.

Think cobbled streets, medieval buildings, chocolate shops, cosy cafés, canal views, little bridges, Belgian beer, and enough maddeningly postcard-perfect corners to fill your camera roll before lunch (which will inevidentably include chocolate).

Although Bruges isn’t exactly a Belgian hidden gem, it is popular for a reason.

Bruges’ historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and once you start wandering around the canals, market squares and old streets, it’s very easy to see why.

I’ve visited Bruges twice—once on my first solo trip in Europe when I was 19, and again just this year—and it charmed me all over again.

With that said, in this guide I’ll cover all the best things to do in Bruges from:

• The best ‘classic Bruges’ sights and viewpoints
• The best museums, churches and historic attractions in Bruges
• Pretty bridges, canals and green spaces in Bruges
• Chocolate shops, Belgian frites, beer and cafés
• Bruges local markets and independent shopping streets
• Unique Bruges experiences and tours to add to your trip
• What to do if you only have one day in Bruges
• What to add if you’re spending a weekend in Bruges

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.

Quick Overview: Best Things to Do in Bruges

If you’re looking for…	My Personal Pick
Best hotel base	Hotel Acacia, for a central stay around 100m from Markt
Best tour in Bruges	I recommend the Bruges: Guided Tour with Boat Ride & Beer Tasting or Bruges: Walking Tour with Chocolate Tasting and Boat Ride
Best classic sights	Markt and the Belfry of Bruges
Best viewpoint	Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay)
Best photo spot	Bonifacius Bridge
Best square to wander	De Burg
Best church/history stop	Basilica of the Holy Blood
Best relaxing experience	Bruges canal cruise
Best peaceful area	Begijnhof and Minnewater
Best museum	Groeningemuseum or Gruuthusemuseum
Best chocolate stop	La Belgique Gourmande or Atelier Verbaert
Best food & drink to try	Chocolate, beer, Belgian frites and Belgian waffles.
Best beer experience	De Halve Maan Brewery
Best local-ish area	Langestraat and Hoogstraat
Best evening idea	‘t Poatersgat or ODA Rooftop Bar
Best if you only have one day	Markt, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, canal cruise, Bonifacius Bridge, Begijnhof and a cheeky chocolate stop
Best if you have two days	Add museums, De Halve Maan Brewery, Langestraat/Hoogstraat, dinner in Bruges + bar hopping

🇧🇪 💭 First Things First: Is It Brugge or Bruges?

Before we get into the best things to do in Bruges, quick note—you’ll probably see both Bruges and Brugge when planning your trip.

Bruges is the English/French name for the city, while Brugge is the Dutch/Flemish name you’ll see locally on trains, signs and Belgian transport information.

For this post, I’ll mostly use Bruges, but just know they’re the same beautiful city!

How Many Days Do You Need in Bruges?

You can absolutely visit Bruges in one day, especially if you’re coming as a day trip from Brussels, a day trip from Ghent or another nearby city.

With one day in Bruges, I’d focus on the classics: Markt, the Belfry, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge, the Begijnhof, a canal cruise and a few chocolate/food stops.

But if you can, I’d highly recommend spending at least two days in Bruges.

That way you can see the main sights without rushing, add a museum or two, enjoy a proper dinner, visit De Halve Maan Brewery, wander Langestraat and Hoogstraat, and have an evening drink somewhere cosy once the day-trippers have left.

In other words: one day is totally doable, but two days is much lovelier.

Still deciding between the two cities? Read my Bruges or Ghent comparison, or use my Bruges and Ghent itinerary to plan both.

Still choosing your dates? Here’s my guide to the best time to visit Bruges.

Is Bruges Walkable?

Yes—Bruges is very walkable, and that’s one of the best things about visiting!

Most of the main sights are within an easy walk of each other, especially around the historic centre.

You can wander from Markt to Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge, the Groeningemuseum, Minnewater and the Begijnhof without needing to overthink transport.

You don’t need to pay for a boat or bus ride to enjoy Bruges either.

A canal cruise is lovely if you have time, but simply walking around the cobbled streets, bridges and canal paths is honestly one of the best free things to do in Bruges.

🚂 P.S. – Bruges is very easy to explore once you’re in the historic centre, but your best route into the city will depend on where you’re travelling from. If you’re coming from Brussels as well, read my Brussels to Bruges day trip guide next.

If you’re planning a wider Belgium trip by train, read my guide to visiting Bruges without a car.

Top Sights & Viewpoints in Bruges

See Markt, Bruges’ Main Square

If you’re seeing Bruges for the first time, Markt has to be on your list.

This is the city’s main square and one of the easiest places to get classic Bruges views—with colourful stepped-gable buildings, café terraces, horse-drawn carriages, the Provincial Palace, and the 83-metre Belfry of Bruges towering over it all.

It’s busy, yes, but if you come right after breakfast at your Bruges hotel (just a short walk away) you can get some lovely photos without the crowds.

I wouldn’t necessarily spend ages here, especially if you only have one day in Bruges, but it’s worth coming through at least once to take in the square, see the Belfry up close, and get your bearings before discovering more of the historic centre.

Climb (or Admire) the Belfry of Bruges

Right on Markt, you’ll find the Belfry of Bruges, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

The 83-metre tower dates back to the 13th century and is one of those Bruges sights you’ll see again and again (and again) as you wander around the city. If you’re up for the climb, you can take on the 366 steps to the top for views over Bruges and the surrounding area.

Or stay below and listen to the Belfry’s bells ring over the city on the hour. It’s pretty spectacular.

Wander Burg Square & Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Just a short wander from Markt, Burg Square—or De Burg, as it’s known locally—is another fabulous Bruges stop to add to your list.

Around the square, you’ll find Bruges City Hall, the Liberty of Bruges, the Deanery and the Basilica of the Holy Blood—made up of an upper and lower chapel with stunning Romanesque architecture.

P.S. – Entry to the basilica itself is currently free, although there’s a small charge if you want to visit the museum and treasury.

Take in the View at Rozenhoedkaai

If there’s one viewpoint you’ll probably recognise before you even get to Bruges, it’s Rozenhoedkaai.

Also known as Rosary Quay, this is one of the most photographed spots in the city—and for good reason. In one lovely snap you’ve got the canal, historic buildings, little boats, and classic Bruges rooftops.

It does get busy, so I’d come earlier in the morning or later in the evening if you want a better chance of getting a photo without too many people in it.

But even with the crowds, it’s absolutely worth seeing.

Get a Photo on Bonifacius Bridge

Are you sensing a theme here?

For another beautiful Bruges photo spot, make your way to Bonifacius Bridge.

It’s one of the prettiest bridges in Bruges (which does say a lot), tucked near the Church of Our Lady and Gruuthusemuseum, with canal views and half-timbered houses as your backdrop.

Again, I wouldn’t plan loads of time here, but it’s definitely one for a nice photo op.

Walk Around Minnewater, the Lake of Love

Ready for love? For a quieter side of Bruges, head towards Minnewater, also known as the Lake of Love.

This is one of the prettiest green spaces in Bruges, especially nice if you’re walking into the historic centre via Bruges train station, as you’ll pass through it before reaching the busier parts of town.

Visit the Begijnhof

Right near Minnewater, you’ll find the Begijnhof—one of the most peaceful places to visit in Bruges (and one of my favourite stops on the trip).

Officially known as the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde, it was founded in 1245 and was once home to beguines—religious women who lived in a community without taking formal monastic vows.

Today, it’s known for its whitewashed houses, quiet courtyard and one of the best pockets of beauty in Bruges—just a few minutes away from the bustle of Markt.

Visit Groeningemuseum

If you want to add a museum to your Bruges itinerary, Groeningemuseum is one of the best.

It’s especially known for its collection of Flemish Primitives, including works by artists like Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling, so it’s a good stop if you want more than just pretty streets and canal views.

I wouldn’t say this is an absolute must if you only have one day in Bruges and don’t usually love art museums, but if you have two days in Bruges—or if the weather turns very Belgian…

Tickets are around €15 at the time of writing, but check the latest prices before you go.

Visit Gruuthusemuseum & Look for the Juan Luis Vives Bust

Another museum to have on your list is Gruuthusemuseum, set right near the Church of Our Lady and Bonifacius Bridge.

The museum is set inside the former city palace of the Lords of Gruuthuse, and houses the bust of Juan Luis Vives in the garden behind it—a famed Spanish humanist who called the city home until 1540.

I’ll admit it’s not a huge ‘must-see in Bruges’, but I thought it was a beautiful stop past the ‘postcard Bruges’ bits.

Tickets are around €15 at the time of writing, but check the latest prices before you go for Gruuthusemuseum too.

Visit the Church of Our Lady

We’re moving onto food, I promise! But lastly, I’d recommend the Church of Our Lady for an easy historic stop in Bruges.

The church is best known for Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, a stunning white marble sculpture that’s especially significant as it’s the only sculpture by Michelangelo to leave Italy during his lifetime.

You can visit the church itself for free, but there’s a charge if you want to see the museum section with Michelangelo’s Madonna and the mausoleums.

Food, Drink & Markets (Oh My!) in Bruges

Try All the Belgian Chocolate You Can Get Your Hands On

Leaving Bruges without stuffing your face with copious amounts of handcrafted chocolate is, quite frankly, rude.

So make sure you make time for at least one (or twelve) chocolate stops while you’re here.

On my last trip, I loved popping into La Belgique Gourmande, which is full of very giftable Belgian treats, from pralines and chocolate bars to macarons and cuberdons.

I’d also add Atelier Verbaert to your list, especially if you remember it as The Chocolate Kiss. It’s now under its new name, but still has locations on Steenstraat in Bruges and is a lovely one to look out for while you’re wandering around the centre.

Tuck in for Belgian Waffles

Another Belgian delicacy you simply can’t leave the city without is Belgian Waffles.

Now, there’s a lot of debate over where to find the best waffles in Bruges. House of Waffles is the most well-known but often quite busy in peak season; Otto Waffle Atelier Katelijnestraat is a great alternative with a huge selection of toppings, and Chez Albert is another good option. In short, it’s hard to find bad waffles in Bruges!

Enjoy A Pit Stop for Belgian Frites

Another very important Bruges stop: Belgian frites. Because sometimes the best travel snack really is a cone of hot frites between sightseeing.

If you’re around Minnewater or the Begijnhof area, ’t Walpoortje should be visited.

But to be honest with you, it’s hard to do fries wrong in Belgium, so just see which one is closest to wherever you happen to be sightseeing.

Visit De Halve Maan Brewery

If you like Belgian beer (who doesn’t), De Halve Maan Brewery is one of the best things to do in Bruges.

The family brewery is right in the historic centre on Walplein, so it’s easy to pair with Minnewater Lake or the Begijnhof houses.

Here you can book a guided brewery visit, learn a bit about the history of the brewery, and have a nice little beer tasting too.

A bit of a nerdy (why are you telling me this?) fact: it also has an underground beer pipeline that carries beer from the brewery in the historic centre to the bottling plant outside the city. In other words, you’re visiting the best of the best!

Sit at a Café and Do Some Bruges People-Watching (yes, seriously)

Not everything in Bruges needs to be a museum, ticket or tour.

One of my favourite ways to enjoy the city is simply sitting at a café for a while and watching Bruges do its thing, cue horse-drawn carriages clopping over the cobbles.

Case in point: the photos above are literally the views from Le Pain Quotidien.

(P.S. – Here’s some more fabulous cafés in Bruges)

Browse Bruges Markets

If your trip lines up with a market day, Bruges has a few worth knowing about.

On Wednesdays, there’s a food and flower market on Market Square from morning until early afternoon, while Saturdays bring a larger food, clothes and general market around ’t Zand Square.

There’s also the Fish Market on from Wednesday to Saturday, plus craft and antiques-style stalls around the Fish Market and Dijver at certain times of year.

I wouldn’t build your whole Bruges trip around the markets, but if one happens to be on while you’re there, it’s a nice way to get a local Bruges feel for the city in between the main sights.

‘t Poatersgat

If you’re staying overnight in Bruges, this is your reminder not to end the day too early.

For a cosy beer stop, ‘t Poatersgat is a good one to know about—a medieval cellar hidden down on Vlamingstraat with a long and lovely beer menu.

If you want something a bit more polished, ODA Rooftop Bar is a fab one in the heart of Bruges, with cocktails, wine, bites and rooftop views over the city skyline.

Still deciding where to eat and drink? Read my full guide to where to eat in Bruges, plus my favourite cafés in Bruges.

Independent Shopping & Local-ish Areas in Bruges

Wander Langestraat and Hoogstraat

For a slightly less polished side of the city, add Langestraat and Hoogstraat to your Bruges list.

The area is dotted with vintage shops, creative businesses, bars and food spots worth having a little walk around. Pop into De Kobbe for your next secondhand gem, this antique pop-up on Langestraat or cool bars like Dogma!

Shop Local with Handmade in Brugge

Shopping for chocolate isn’t the only thing you need to get up to in Brugge.

If you want something more interesting than your usual souvenirs, I highly recommend checking out Handmade in Brugge.

You’ll find everything from artisan products and design pieces straight from Brugge to smaller gifts that actually feel connected to the city (vs. your run-of-the-mill Europe tourist shop).

Check Out Bruges Bustling Shopping Streets

For more central shopping in Bruges, the main streets to know are Steenstraat, Zuidzandstraat, Geldmuntstraat and Noordzandstraat.

Steenstraat and Zuidzandstraat run between Markt and ’t Zand, so they’re easy to wander if you’re moving between the main square and the Concertgebouw side of the city.

Here you’ll find an all-you-need mix of international shops, Belgian brands, boutiques, chocolate shops and plenty of places to pick up gifts too.

They’re also just a short walk from Hotel Acacia.

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

Unique Experiences & Tours in Bruges

Take a Bruges Canal Cruise

A Bruges canal cruise is one of the most touristy things to do in Bruges, but for good reason.

On a first trip to Bruges, it’s absolutely one of the best things to do in the city. Boat trips here last around 30 minutes and run through the historic centre between Jan van Eyck Square and the Begijnhof, for views of Bruges you just don’t get from the streets.

If you only have one day in Bruges, this is also one of the easiest ways to see a lot of the city without over-planning.

I’ve also written a full Bruges canal boat tour review with what the experience is actually like and what to know before you go.

Take a Guided Walking Tour

If you’re someone (like me) who likes understanding what you’re looking at, a guided walking tour through Bruges is a great way to go beyond the pretty backdrops and discover more of Europe’s very lived-in medieval city.

I’d especially consider one if it’s your first time in Bruges, or if you only have one day and want someone to connect the dots between Markt, Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the canals, and Bruges’ old trading history.

Indulge in a Boat Ride & Beer Tasting Tour

If you want something that feels very Bruges without having to book a bunch of separate options, I’ll never tell you a boat ride and beer tasting in Bruges is a bad idea.

This one‘s great and will take you on a guided walking tour, a canal boat and a local Belgian beer tasting all in one day. Is this heaven?

Or a Chocolate Tasting & Boat Ride Tour

Okay, never mind, heaven might actually be a Bruges walking tour with a chocolate tasting instead.

If beer’s not your thing, this is a great one to enjoy more of the same Bruges medieval tour and boat ride, but with a sweeter finish.

For the full comparison, read my guide to the best tours in Bruges, including canal cruises, walking tours and food experiences.

Where to Stay in Bruges

For this trip, I stayed in and recommend Hotel Acacia if you want a central Bruges base that makes exploring super easy.

It’s just a 3-minute walk from Market Square, so you’re close to Markt, the Belfry, Burg Square, chocolate shops, restaurants and all the main shopping streets without needing to overthink transport.

You can read my full Hotel Acacia Bruges review for photos and what my stay was actually like.

For more options, read my guide to where to stay in Bruges, including the areas I’d consider for a first trip.

Final Thoughts on My Favourite Things to Do in Bruges

There’s a reason I’ve visited Bruges twice (and would go back for a third in less than a heartbeat).

Between Markt, the Belfry, Burg Square, the canals, Rozenhoedkaai, chocolate shops, Belgian beer, peaceful quirky corners like the Begijnhof and local(ish) streets like Langestraat and Hoogstraat, it’s one of those European cities that’s very easy to enjoy.

Have the best trip and happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Things to Do in Bruges

💭 What is there to do in Bruges, Belgium?

For a first trip, I’d see Markt, the Belfry of Bruges, Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge, Minnewater, the Begijnhof and take a Bruges canal cruise.

If you have more time, add Groeningemuseum, Gruuthusemuseum, De Halve Maan Brewery, Langestraat and Hoogstraat, Bruges markets, chocolate shops and tuck into a cosy beer bar in the evening.

💭 Is Bruges worth visiting?

Yes, Bruges is absolutely worth visiting.

It’s popular and touristy in parts, but I don’t think that makes it any less lovely. The historic centre is beautiful, the canals are genuinely worth seeing, and there’s enough to do beyond the postcard views if you have a bit of time.

I go into the good, the touristy and who I think the city suits in my full Is Bruges worth visiting? review.

💭 What is Bruges known for?

Bruges is best known for its canal-filled historic centre, cobbled streets, medieval buildings, Markt, the Belfry, Belgian chocolate, beer and stunning Bruges views around Rozenhoedkaai and Bonifacius Bridge.

💭 Can you walk around Bruges without paying for a boat or bus ride?

Yes—Bruges is very walkable, and many of the best things to do in Bruges are free to enjoy from the outside, including Markt, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge, Minnewater, the Begijnhof and the canal paths.

A canal cruise is lovely if it’s your first visit, but you don’t need to pay for one to enjoy the city!

💭 Is Bruges good for a day trip?

Yes, Bruges works very well as a day trip, especially if you’re coming from Brussels, Ghent or elsewhere in Belgium by train.

With one day in Bruges, I’d just keep your plans more realistic: Markt, the Belfry, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, a canal cruise, Bonifacius Bridge, the Begijnhof and a chocolate stop will more than fill the day.

💭 How many days do you need in Bruges?

You can see the main highlights of Bruges in one day, but I’d recommend two days in Bruges if you can.

One day gives you the postcard version of Bruges. A two-day trip gives you more time for museums, De Halve Maan Brewery, Langestraat and Hoogstraat, a proper dinner, evening drinks and slower café stops.

💭 What should you absolutely do in Bruges?

For a first visit, I’d absolutely see Markt and the Belfry, wander Burg Square, take in the view at Rozenhoedkaai, walk across Bonifacius Bridge, visit the Begijnhof, take a canal cruise, try Belgian chocolate and have Belgian frites. To name a few…

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

• Is Bruges Worth Visiting? My Honest Review After Visiting Twice
• 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

• 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