How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Bruges

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Bruges is like an open air museum; one of the best preserved medieval city centers in Europe. It’s definitely deserving a visit, no matter the time of year. We wrote this blog after 3 city trips discovering this beautiful city in Belgium, so you can use it as a quick start guide when planning your trip to Bruges!

The top ten places to see in Bruges

Want to warm yourself up for your trip to Bruges? Checkout the 2008 movie In Bruges! It’s a great crime thriller with a sense of humor and the beautiful medieval city as its decor. #tictip

1. Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay)

The album cover of Bruges. It can be hard to claim a good photo spot on this street corner along the main canal, as most tour groups stop here. And it’s obvious why; it offers a pittoreske view of all the good things Bruges has to offer, from the canals to the medieval buildings to the big Belfry. Definitely make a stop here when discovering the city. Also a popular spot to hop on a canal cruise.

2. Begijnhof (Beguinage)

These gardens and home have alway been home to nuns and women who chose to live a celibate live in mostly silence. Find your inner peace and get a taste of the century old serene lifestyle when wandering between the white painted houses and yellow daffodils. 

3. Canal Cruise

A must do while in Bruges. There are many places to hop on a boat and start cruising the canals. The skipper usually doubles as an audio guide, which is definitely worth it due to the extensive history this medieval city has. There are many exciting tales and unusual facts to be discovered! A canal cruise offers a unique view on the many typical brick gothic houses and you cover a large area in a relative short amount of time.

4. The Belfry

This icon of Bruges can be seen from anywhere in the old city; the perfect orientation point to guide you back to the main market square. It used to store all the treasures of the city and served as a watch and bell tower. Make sure to climb the stairs to enjoy the view yourself; it’s the best view in town!

5. Burg Square

The Burg Square is the original center of power in Bruges. It’s surrounded by beautiful renaissance buildings like the city hall, which is great to visit to indulge yourself in the enormous wealth of a past era. Come early to capture Bruges at its finest and enjoy the mystical atmosphere. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is also located here, as are some great waffle shops (see dining tips).

6. Basilica of the Holy Blood

Not just another chapel, but one of the most important sights of Bruges. You can join a que to admire a vial with a relic of Christ’s blood! If that’s not enough, gaze at the beautiful artwork and leave fully at peace. As with most popular sights it’s best to come early to avoid the crowds.

7. Minnewater 

Minnewater is also called the “lake of love” and has a romantic atmosphere any season of the year. Cross the Lover’s Bridge and you’ll be blessed with eternal love according to local legend. This lake is famous for its many beautiful white swans, just waiting to be part of your perfect Bruges picture. The Begijnhof (nr 2) is also located near this lake.

8. De Halve Maan Brewery

“Special” beer is an intricate part of Belgium culture, and so Bruges has a long brewery tradition as well. De Halve Maan is the most famous brewery and you can visit the original location in the old city. Taking a tour through De Halve Maan Brewery is definitely a fun and interesting activity, that ends with sampling their “Brugse Zot” beer on the terrace. Make sure to spot the beer pipeline in the entrance that runs to the new factory outside the old city center.

9. Church of Our Lady

One of the most eye catching sights in Bruges, with an impressive brick spire that is the second tallest in the world! This Gothic style Roman Catholic Church is the perfect place for a stop to rest during your old city tour. Take in the magnificent artwork and count your blessings. Make sure to checkout the world famous Madonna and Child sculpture by the one and only Michelangelo!

10. Gruuthuse museum

This beautiful city palace is next to the Church of Our Lady and even has a connected chapel that serves as first class tickets to a balcony view into the church itself. The museum shows a perfect example of how the interior of a rich family would have liked like in the golden ages. It breathes the atmosphere of Bruges and is really worth a visit (even if museums are not really your thing)!

Our tips for a sweet (tooth) time in Bruges

Belgium is known for its fine chocolates like praline bon bons and the waffles offcourse. Bruges is one of the best places to sample them and there are many artisan shops to help you out. Here are some recommendations of sweet spots in the old town that are worth the Instagram hype:

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Petris Bread & Pastry
A bit of Paris in Bruges. Here you’ll find all the classics, from fresh croissants to real cannoli, to enjoy before you start a long day of sightseeing.

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Chez Albert
The classic Belgium waffle with a perfect view from the Burg Square.

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Chocolate Tour or Workshop
The old town is riddled with fancy chocolate ateliers. But for the real chocolate lovers there are many great tours and workshops that will give you the ultimate experience!

👍🏻👍🏻 OTTO Waffle Atelier
Very popular spot via social media at the Church of Our Lady. The waffles are shaped in a Bruges lace (Brugs kant) pattern. As lace is a famous product of Bruges this is a fun twist but quite expensive for a waffle though.

👍🏻👍🏻 Laurence
Nice little shop with fresh waffles near the Halve Maan brewery. Classic waffle take away and nothing too fancy.

Best places to eat while in Bruges

It can be hard to determine the best place for you to eat that really maximes the city trip experience. You could "Drink heavily with locals", as celebrity chef and travel enthusiast Anthony Bourdain once answered to the question: "How do you find the little gems, those great little restaurants?". This can be a lot of fun, especially at a tucked away authentic Belgium beer cafe like De Garre (#tictip) for example. However, if you don't have the time or need an alcohol free method; check out our recommendations!

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Benedict Cafe
A short walk to the lesser visited parts of the old city. Classy and delicious lunch in a serene atmosphere, especially when enjoying the sun in the minimalistic garden.

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Le Petit Patron
An absolute Bruges classic; fondue with super fresh ingredients. A dinner must and conveniently located near the central market.

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 That's Toast
Trendy spot with some of the best lunch in town, especially when you like toasted sandwiches. Try the …

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Sanseveria Bagel Salon
A+ for the original decor of this cozy cafe featuring, of course, a lot of Sanseveria green plants. Not cheap but  very well put fancy bagels with fresh lemonades.

👍🏻👍🏻 De Beurze
Located right on the central market square, it offers great views and a cozy fireplace. Perfect for a Belgium beer with some all time classics like croque monsieur or madame. Nothing too fancy, but a nice stop on your itinerary.

👍🏻👍🏻 Frit-bar
Great location to enjoy classic Belgium fries with a broad variety of toppings. Great central stop when visiting the old city.

👍🏻 Opus Latino
A well advertised restaurant in the old city. The dishes of Italian origin are better than the other regular dishes like the spare ribs. Nice ambiance in the restaurant itself.

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