Known as Europe’s “Venice of the North,” Bruges is a Picturesque Gem with Dreamy Canals

With Instagram-worthy canals, cobblestone streets, and colorful gabled homes, this Belgian town is like a medieval fairytale brought to life.

Europe is home to hundreds of charming medieval towns. But when you visit Belgium, you’ll find one town that tops my list of the best – Bruges. 

Known as the “Venice of the North,” the historic center of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe.

In Bruges, you can wander past soaring churches, art-filled museums, and lively market squares that once served as the most important textile market in Northern Europe.

Whether you’re gliding along on a canal cruise or tasting some of Belgium’s best chocolate in a tiny shop hidden down a side lane, Bruges is overflowing with history and charm.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

And that’s why it’s my favorite day trip from Brussels.

👉 Tip: The stunning riverside town of Dinant is another favorite!

Read More: This Jaw-Dropping Belgian Town is the Colorful Riverside Birthplace of the Saxophone

How to Get There

Bruges is an easy day trop from Brussels, here are a few ways to get there”

By train from Brussels

It’s easy to visit from Brussels on your own, as we did. Trains from Brussels are frequent and take just under an hour. From the Bruges train station, it’s a one mile walk or a quick bus ride to the town square.

From the Zeebrugge cruise port

If you’re visiting Bruges from the Zeebrugge cruise port, you can reach the city in less than 30 minutes. For cruise passengers, a tour is the best way to see the best of Bruges and still be sure you get back to the ship on time! Here are the top cruise ship excursions:

• Best Bruges Cruise-Friendly Tour including Canal Boat Ride
• Bruges Tour with Canal Cruise from Zeebrugge Cruise Port
• Round-Trip Shuttle Service from Zeebrugge to Bruges (a good option if you want transportation but prefer to explore on your own!)

By tour from Brussels

If you don’t want to navigate the trains or prefer a professional guide to get the full experience, book a day trip. The popular Bruges and Ghent – Belgium’s Fairytale Cities – from Brussels tour is a great pick and also includes the beautiful town of Ghent.

👉 Tip: Bruges makes a fantastic day, but it’s also well worth spending a few nights. The town is compact, but staying overnight means you’ll see it without the crowds when the day trippers head home. Spending the night also means you can do the top-rated Bruges at Night: Murder, Mystery & Dark Stories Small Group Walk.

Hotels in Bruges

The other great reason to spend a night or two in Bruges? It’s loaded with charming boutique hotels set inside 14th-century and 15th-century mansions.

Here are great Bruges hotels in the heart of the historic center:

• Boutique Hotel De Castillion – Rooms at this elegant property are beautifully furnished. The ivy-covered courtyard terrace is the perfect spot for a cocktail after a day exploring.
• Hotel Van Cleef – With a gorgeous canalside terrace, this family-run boutique hotel with top-notch service blends history with modern design. 
• Dukes’ Palace Brugge (by Dukes’ Hotel Collection) – With spacious rooms and an excellent breakfast, this 15th-century ducal palace turned luxury hotel is the best way to feel like royalty in Bruges.

Things to Do in Bruges

Hopefully, I’ve convinced you to spend a night or two in Bruges to see it all. But even with just one whole day, you can cover many of the best things to do.

Here are a few things you don’t want to miss in Bruges:

Take a Canal Cruise

If you only have time for one activity when you visit Bruges, make it a canal tour. It’s the #1 thing to do in Bruges and the best way to experience the city.

Gliding along the water gives you a unique perspective of the great old gabled buildings and dreamy canals that made Bruges famous. Unless you’re visiting in the peak summer months, these are usually pretty easy to book on arrival.

However, if you want to be sure you don’t miss out, this Bruges Guided Boat Trip and Walk is the best tour to book in advance. In addition to the canal boat ride, this 2 1/2 hour small group tour also includes a guided walking tour. 

Markt Square (Market Square)

The beating heart of Bruges, ringed by brightly colored cafés and the medieval bell tower (Belfry). Climb the tower’s 366 steps for views over the entire city center. Then, grab a seat in a cafe and enjoy the views.

Experience Belgian Chocolate 

Sampling local chocolate is one of the best things to do in Belgium and Bruges is home to some of the best. From artisan chocolatiers tucked into the back streets to world-renowned shops in the town square, this is the best way to taste some of the best chocolate in the world.

And, of course, there’s a fun tour for that, too 👉 Belgian Chocolate Workshop in Bruges

Burg Square

Home to the ornate City Hall and Town Hall, plus the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which holds a relic said to have been brought back from the Second Crusade. Don’t miss the lower chapel, a hidden treasure.

Church of Our Lady

Famous for Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture. Its spire is one of the tallest brick towers in the world.

Visit the Museums of Bruges

If you have extra time, there are several interesting museums worth a visit:

• Groeninge Museum – Bruges was a hub of Flemish art, and here you’ll find masterpieces by the Flemish Primitives of the fifteenth century.
• Gruuthuse Museum – This former palace houses church art, tapestries, and relics from medieval times. 
• Maison Memling (Memling Museum) – Part of the former hospital complex, filled with religious fifteenth-century and sixteenth-century works.

A Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride 

Not a must, but if you have the time, it’s a classic way to see Bruges, clopping through the back streets and sides of the square.

Movie Buffs

Colin Farrell fans will want to look out for filming locations from the 2008 movie In Bruges. 

Wrapping Up a Great Day in Bruges

Bruges is one of the best small towns in Europe for history, art, and atmosphere.

Whether you’re here on a day trip from Brussels, a cruise ship stop, or a long weekend in the capital of the Flemish Region of Belgium, this town has a way of charming everyone who visits.

Take a canal cruise, climb the belfry, sip a giant hot chocolate, and wander until you get happily lost in the back streets.

However you spend your time, Bruges is the kind of place you’ll always remember.

And if you’re looking for more great places in Belgium, start here:

This European City is Famous for Beer, Waffles, and One Seriously Quirky Tourist Attraction

This Jaw-Dropping Belgian Town is the Colorful Riverside Birthplace of the Saxophone

Belgium’s Best Foodie Destination is a Colorful Gem with Canals, Cathedrals, & Chocolate