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Contents

This post will share all the details of my day trip to Bruges, Belgium, from Brussels.

In my previous post on my Brussels Travel Guide, I mentioned that I took a day trip out of Brussels because I found out that the city doesn’t quite have that much to offer.

Most attractions can be seen in a day, which I eventually disagreed with.

But that’s beside the point. My day trip to Bruges turned out to be a fantastic choice for my super short trip. I had so much fun exploring the compact city, and I can’t wait to share.

Unlike Brussels, which had all the essentials of a modern capital city, Bruges had more character, similar to Porto.

It had more historical landmarks and exciting attractions, keeping history and cultural tourists busy for most of the day.

So, without much ado, let’s get straight into it!

Getting to Bruges From Brussels

  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do

Before sharing how my day went, let me quickly point out how I got there.

My favourite thing about Belgium as a country is how quick it is to commute to other regional cities by train.

In some countries, inter-city travel takes hours, but Belgium’s longest commute between the major cities is 90 minutes max.

As always, I did my research beforehand and learnt that I had to take a one-hour train from Brussels Central Station to Bruges Station.

Thankfully, the station was a walking distance of my hostel. So, I paid for tickets (€34 return) via the Trainline app and made my way to the station.

Typically, I pride myself on being able to navigate any train station.

But Brussels said it’s either French or Dutch; we don’t cater to English speakers.

So, it took quite a while to find the platforms for the train.

But I did eventually, just before I missed the train.

That was quite a humbling experience for me.

Here Are The Must-See Places To Visit In Bruges, Belgium, On A Day Trip

Like Amsterdam in the Netherlands and St. Petersburg in Russia, Bruges is also a canal-based city sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North.

There’s something about a well-kept canal around a city that always adds that extra spice.

I tried to do as much as I could despite the freezing weather.

It’s important to note that you can walk to the city centre from the train station or take a bus.

It was honestly too cold to walk too far, so I took the bus.

Use Google Maps to find out which buses go to the city centre and note your bus stop.

When you notice retail stores and restaurants, you know you are approaching the city centre.

Must-Visit Iconic Landmarks

  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • Markt/Burg Square – a gorgeous market square to soak in all views of the centre of Bruges. From the symmetrical buildings to the aesthetic restaurants to the flags that never fail to remind you that Belgium is the capital of the European Union. Also well suited for a short break or a quick snack.
  • Belfort/The Belfry of Bruges – 13th Century medieval bell tower with a carillon of 47 bells. One of 55 surviving UNESCO World Heritage belfries in Belgium and France and the most iconic building in Bruges. Tickets here.
  • Basilica of the Holy Blood – Stunning basilica famous for housing a phial claimed to contain a cloth with Christ’s blood. Super weird relic, but you can get access for €6.
  • Boottochten Brugge – Departure point for the one-of-a-kind experience of Bruges by boat. There’s nothing more immersive than experiencing a city and its architecture through its canal. Tickets here.
  • Sint-Salvatorskathedraal – An incredible 13th Century medieval cathedral with a Gothic Tower designed with a cavernous interior & noted Flemish art right in the centre of Bruges.
  • Church of Our Lady Bruges – Another 13th century iconic Gothic Church known for its soaring tower & Madonna statue by Michelangelo. It is the tallest structure in Bruges and the third tallest brickwork tower in the world. Incredible if you ask me.
  • Bonifacius Bridge – A quaint 20th-century pedestrian bridge where you can watch the views of the canal and the city.

When you have one day to visit, all the historical landmarks are a must-see. But when it comes to museums, you need to be smart about them. Depending on how much time you have, pick one or two based on your interests for a day trip. If you’re spending a few days in Bruges, Belgium, you can take your time and visit as many as you can.

Museums (if you have more than a day)

  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • Bruges City Hall – a 13th-century City Hall built with a Gothic interior and accompanied by a arts and history museum.
  • Museum – Gallery XPO Salvador Dalí – Collection of paintings, sculptures and other works by Salvador Dali, a 20th-century painter and sculptor of surrealism. Tickets here.
  • Bruges Beer Experience – Learn about the history of Belgian beer, including the many beer types, the brewing process, women and beer, food pairing and much more. Includes a museum, bar and shop. Tickets here.
  • Historium Brugge – Experience the bustling city of Bruges in the Golden Age. See how the market square has evolved over five centuries. You can also climb to the top of the Historium Tower if you like. Tickets here.
  • Frietmuseum – Learn about the history of Belgian fries and potatoes. Grab some samples while you’re at it. Tickets here.
  • Gruuthusemuseum – One of Bruges’ 15 world-class art and heritage museums displaying historic furniture, sculpture & tapestries, including lace. Tickets here.
  • Groeninge Museum – Learn about the 18th & 19th Century Flemish primitive artworks if that’s your thing in another of Bruges’ historical museums.
  • Arentshuis – If you’re into Frank Brangwyn’s artworks, here’s a chance to check out some of them.
  • Diamond Museum – Learn about the history of diamonds, including the Bruges Diamond industry. Tickets here.
  • Torture Museum Oude Steen Brugge – See a Collection of 100+ torture & execution instruments from history in one of Europe’s oldest prisons if that’s you’re fascinated.

Food & Souvenirs.

  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do
  • How To Spend A Day In Bruges, Belgium: Fun Things To See & Do

Remember to try authentic Waffles (Chez Albert is a cheap vendor off the Burg Square), Belgian Fries and Beer if you drink.

Also, make sure you grab some Belgian chocolates and Macarons.

McDonald’s has the cheapest macarons, with 6 for €4. Get some authentic lace souvenirs if you want to splurge a bit.

A tote bag, fridge magnet and keyring work as well.

Remember not to buy souvenirs around the popular tourist spots. It is cheaper to buy away from them.

Finally,

While I still enjoyed myself in Bruges, Belgium, I can see that I didn’t really scratch the surface.

I’m looking forward to going back once again.

So, if you’re a history enthusiast, you would love Bruges.