One Day In Bruges Belgium: Our Guide To Spending A Perfect Day In Bruges
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Planning a trip to Bruges Belgium? If youre short on time and only have a day in Bruges, youll want to read this guide to the best things to see in Bruges in one day! Plan your trip with this one day in Bruges Belgium itinerary.
This is a guest post by Isabella Biava of Boundless Roads
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Merely by walking around the city with your eyes open, youll see beautiful buildings and stunning gothic churches, making a walk through Bruges anything but boring.
We stayed in Bruges for one day and one night, but manage to see so much during that time. The city is very small, and all the most important attractions are within walking distance from one another, making it relatively easy to visit Bruges in one day.
Still wondering what to do in Bruges for a day? If you only have one day in Bruges, this guide will help you decide how to spend your time!
Take A Boat Along The Canals
Next on the list of the best things to do on a weekend in Bruges is to explore the citys beauty by boat.
There are several pick-up points along the canals, and the tour usually takes around half an hour. Cruising around on a boat lets you see Bruges from a whole different, and its something you shouldnt miss out on. The prices are around 8 euros/person.
The boat guides also entertain their passengers throughout the whole tour with historical information about the city, giving you insights on the most important buildings, interesting facts and more.
Try to avoid the crowds by getting a boat first thing in the morning! This way after youre finished youd already be familiar with all the important spots, and youll have the opportunity to explore them on foot right after.
Check Out The Paintings At Groeningemuseum
During your two days in Bruges, the Groeningemuseum is an absolute must, as its stunning collection of Flemish and Belgian paintings span six centuries.
The Flemish Primitives are the museums true gems however 19th-century neoclassical works, post-war modern art, and masterpieces of Flemish Expressionism are highlights as well.
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The Pand Hotel Small Luxury Hotels Of The World
Rozenhoedkaai, 1 minute from The Pand Hotel
An award-winning deluxe destination in a canal-side 18th century carriage house. With an opulence in both its decor and the featured objets, the Pand Hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of The World. Privately owned and exuding the superbly eclectic style of its owner, The Pand is also perfectly located, a short stroll from Market Square. Ralph Lauren fabrics feature in some of the 26 individually designed guest rooms. An AGA cooker is the real star of a full Belgian breakfast.
Historic Old Town Hotel On-Site Parking Limousine Service
Make The Most Of Your Trip With 9flatscom
Find the hundreds of swans that inhabit the waters of the city, sailing through its channels. You may want to visit more similar cities after this, so why not look at accommodation in Hamburg or apartments in Amsterdam, in the neighbouring Netherlands, and let the water take you to every corner of these beautiful cities? With 9flats.com the possibilities of finding apartments in Bruges and anywhere in the world are endless, so dont think twice and book now.
Latest reviews for places in Bruges
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Good To Know Information
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Currency used in Bruges is the Euro.
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If you’re planning on taking the Eurostar like we did, book as far in advance as you can as to avoid ridiculously high train ticket prices. We learned this the hard way…
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Free Wi-Fi is available on hotel grounds.
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The train station is about 20 minutes away on foot or 10-15 by public transit. You can also hire a taxi or arrange your own transportation ahead of time. Public transit was our preferred option because it was affordable and easy!
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Because Bruges can get very crowded during the peak hours of the day, I recommend getting an early start to see the townthe earlier the better to avoid having hundreds of people in your photos.
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I would recommend at least 2-3 days minimum in Bruges if you really want to see things. You can definitely do a day trip, but you’ll probably leave wanting to spend more time in this fairytale town!
Once Dani and I checked out of the hotel, we both agreed that our time in Bruges would not have been nearly as good as it was if we hadn’t stayed at The Pand Hotel. The location, service, and comfortable luxuries of this hotel made our time unforgettable and helped us kickoff a really amazing time in Europe. I highly recommend this hotel if you’re visiting Bruges and would like to find a hotel where you can maximize your time because of its location, or if you’re interested in a boutique hotel that offers a wonderful experience and great service.
Pandreitje 16, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Hotel Academie: Minnewater / Astrid Park
Looking to stay in oh-so romantic Minnewater and Astrid Park? If so, Hotel Academie is a great choice, less than one hundred metres from Minnewater Park.
This comfortable boutique hotel in Bruges is located in a quiet residential area, however you can still easily walk to the main attractions in the city.
The hotel itself has a beautiful exterior and charming decor, only adding to the romantic vibes. Theres also a great buffet breakfast so you can get your coffee or sugar kick before a day exploring Bruges.
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Grand Hotel Casselbergh Brugge
History meets millenial design in the historic centre. Grand Hotel Casselbergh takes three canal-side historic townhouses with an ultra-modern annex seamlessly attached and adds everything from an extravagant spa in the ancient basement to an elegant salon-style lounge. The decor is traditionally luxurious in the wood-beamed heritage buildings and mid-century modern in up-to-the-minute annex accommodation. Theres parking, too.
Historic Old Town Spa Private Parking Near Grand Market Square
Explore Bruges City Centre
Bruges is stunning, to say the least. Every corner just looks like out of an old medieval fairytale. There are countless beautiful places that need to be discovered , so take a stroll around Bruges city centre and soak in the atmosphere around you.
The city is considered one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe, as most of its medieval architecture has remained intact throughout centuries. Bruges historic city centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
Check out the colourful market square, climb the Belfry tower, pay a visit to the Church of Our Lady, walk along the river Despite its small size, Bruges is packed with sights worth checking out. Everything you need to see located in very close proximity, so exploring on foot has never been easier.
A blogpost on the best things to see in Bruges is coming very very soon!
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When In Bruges Ending
Where does the movie in Bruges take place?
- Guilt-stricken after a job gone wrong, hitman Ray and his partner await orders from their ruthless boss in Bruges, Belgium, the last place in the world Ray wants to be. Guilt-stricken after a job gone wrong, hitman Ray and his partner await orders from their ruthless boss in Bruges, Belgium, the last place in the world Ray wants to be.
Bruges City Centre Where To Stay In Bruges For First Timers
The most popular area for visitors to Bruges is the city center, sometimes referred to as in the Ring because of the Ring Road circling the city center. Some of the best hotels in Bruges can be found here, as it is where most tourist attractions are located.
The city center is fairly small, about two miles across, so any hotel will be in walking distance of what you want to see. The hub of all activities in Bruges is Market Square, easily found by the 83-meters tall belfry in the square. If youre wondering where to stay in Bruges for Christmas market the city centre is definitely the right area to stay in.
Many hotels in Bruges city centre are family friendly and kids will love all the green space along the river to run and chase the ducks. This UNESCO World Heritage Center is the best area for tourists in Bruges.
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Minnewater & Astrid Park
Looking for somewhere ultra-romantic to stay in Bruges? Or perhaps just seeking out a little peace and quiet? If so, Minnewater and Astrid Park are great choices.
Minnewater is really one for the romantics. A local legend says that the Park is named after a local lass, Minna, who was in love with a warrior from a neighbouring tribe. When she was betrothed to another man by her father, she ran away.
Her dash from unhappy matrimony eventually ended near Minnewater Lake, in the arms of her lover Stromberg. Alas, as with most romantic stories, things took a sour turn when she died of exhaustion.
Didnt any love stories have a happy ending back in the day?
Anyway, today Minnewater is a beautiful park thats popular amongst couples taking romantic strolls, and anyone whos a fan of green spaces.
Another beautiful park is nearby Astrid Park, so named after Astrid of Sweden, Queen of the Belgians.
While these areas have a calm and peaceful atmosphere, they are still within easy reach of the city centre with its many attractions.
Minnewater Highlights
- Lake of Love and Love Bridge cross the beautiful lake via the picturesque Love Bridge apparently if you do it youll experience eternal love. So, be careful who you cross with.
- Minnewaterpark if your romantic stroll across the bridge isnt enough, you can explore the whole beautiful park
- Astrid Park if staying in the area, you cant miss exploring this park as well. Keep a look out for the beautiful fountain.
Best For First Time : Historic City Centre
While in Bruges there is no better place to stay other than the city centre. This area is famous for its rich heritage. At the centre of Bruges you will find the Grote Markt, which is one of the largest squares in the area. There are several sites where you can take walks and enjoy your trip. The main thing that dominates the square is the Belfry which is a tower and you can access it by climbing the stairs. The best way to view what Bruges has to offer.
Where to Stay in Bruges City Centre
- Best Luxury Hotels in Bruges
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The Historic Centre Of Bruges
Photo credit: Flickr Daniel Mennerich
If youre looking for accommodation in Bruges, it feels obvious to choose the medieval city center of Bruges, an absolute must-see. Besides the citys narrow cobbled streets, its typical medieval architecture, and many historic monuments dont miss the Markt the central square of Bruges as well as the Burg, featuring the refined facades of the Gothic-style town hall. The Markt is the Market Square, a popular meeting point for both tourists and locals, surrounded by numerous bar terraces and restaurants.
Also, why not climb the 336 steps of the belfry to enjoy a panoramic view overlooking the city? To the south of the district, dont miss the famous Beguinage of Bruges. Separated from the city by a surrounding wall circled by water-filled moats, the beguinage is a former convent dating back to the 13th century. The historical center is an excellent area to stay in Bruges if you want to explore the citys cultural treasures while being able to go sightseeing on foot.
Photo credit: Flickr Emmanuel PARENT
Best Airbnb In Bruges: Stylish Room With River View
When visiting a city for the first time, it sometimes helps to rent a private room instead of a whole apartment. This way, theres always someone near that can help you find the best hotspots. We chose this Airbnb because of its great location and unique style. You can enjoy the river view while being in the heart of the city. If you need any recommendations, feel free to reach out to your host and hell be happy to help.
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B& b De Sterre: Sint Gillis
If plenty of charm is your thing then youre sure to love B& B De Sterre. A midrange B& B in Sint Gillis, it is one of the best hotels to stay in Bruges if you love history.
Located in an 18th century summerhouse, the B& B just oozes historic charm and character. Youll feel like youre entering a real home as you step inside and take in all the gorgeous character features of the property.
The friendly hosts are a credit to the property and cannot do enough to help make your stay in Bruges wonderful. A delicious fresh breakfast is also a great way to start every new day in the city.
Arriving To The Hotel
Once we arrived in Bruges, we were left with the decision on how to get to our hotel. Bruges’ train station is only about a 20-minute walk to The Pand Hotel , but we were jet lagged as hell and we didn’t want to drag our luggage across the cobblestone streets for 20 minutes. Ultimately, we opted for public transit since it was the most affordable option and dropped us off about 2 minutes from the hotel.
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Plan Your Trip To Belgium
Need data for your trip to Belgium? We use Tep Wirelesswhich offers unlimited data for $8 per day. Travelling King readers can get 10% off using the discount code TRAVELLINGKING on check out.
Dont forget to get Travel Insurance, its best to always be prepared! I would recommend travel insurance from WorldNomads.com, which is available to people from over 130 countries. Its designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.
Read more on Belgium:
Looking for a particular destination, see below otherwise you can go to Belgium Travel Guide to view current posts
Best Bruges Hotels With Parking
If youre arriving by car, its best to book accommodation with available parking. Moreover, many shopping streets are car-free during the weekends.
Another option is to use the convenient parking at the Central train station .
A lot of the hotels in the Historic Old Town have public or private parking. However, if you look for secured parking, check out these top hotels.
Crowne Plaza Hotel is the perfect hotel with parking for couples. Its very central, right on Burg Square and next to Basilica of the Holy Blood. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool and a private car park.Why book location on Burg Square, indoor swimming pool, private car park
If you look for a great family hotel with secured parking, look no further. Acacia is the place for you. Its a lovely quiet hotel right in the heart of the Historic Old Town. Private underground parking is available on site for an extra cost. In addition, there is public parking nearby.Why book 150m from Market, secured underground parking, ideal breakfast selection
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B& b Exclusive Guesthouse Bonifacius
B& B Bonifacius
A hidden home from home in two 16th century houses, overlooking a canal and linked by an outdoor terrace. The owners remarkable achievement is to combine the ambience of a deluxe hotel with the intimacy of a private house. Guest accomodation reflects the historic surroundings with four poster beds and an elegant, yet pared back style. Breakfast is served in a gothic dining room overlooking the canal. A roaring fire behind the leaded windows of the lounge welcomes guests home on cooler evenings.
Famous Historic Property Located along Canal Private Parking
Where Is The Best Area To Stay In Bruges Belgium
- 7 Best Places to Stay in Bruges The Pand Hotel. The Pand Hotel has an old-world feel to it, fitting since it’s situated in a magnificent 18th century townhouse. Hotel Dukes’ Palace. If the Hotel Dukes Palace looks aristocratic, that’s because Burgundian nobility once lived here Grand Hotel Casselbergh Flanders Hotel Hotel Navarra Brugge Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce Hotel Fevery
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Things To See And Do In Magdalena Quarter
Climb to the top of Gentpoort and enjoy the views.
Dine on succulent Meiterranean fare Pomperlut.
Enjoy an afternoon of sunshine, nature and play at Astridpark.
Excite your sense at Carpe Diem.
Explore the grounds of the Church of Our Lady Bruges.
Feast on a sweet and delicious breakfast at Sanseveria Bagelsalon.
Go for a stroll through Minnewater Park.
Kickstart your day at Books & Brunch.
See an incredible collection of Flemish masterpieces at Groeningemuseum.
Sip fantastic local brews at the Half Moon Brewery.
Visit the Smallest Museum.