How to Spend One Day in Bruges: Itinerary for First Timers
Bruges is a beautiful city known for its historic charm, with cobblestone streets and peaceful canals. It’s a popular destination for travelers, and even if you only have one day, you can still see its main attractions with a well-planned itinerary and get a real feel for this charming city. Hopefully, you’re lucky with the weather! So, if you’re wondering what to do in Bruges for a day, this post is for you!
Is One Day Enough in Bruges?
Yes, one day is enough to see the main highlights of Bruges. The city’s compact size and the closeness of most key attractions make it a stress-free and enjoyable experience. You can visit popular spots and take a canal boat tour. While you won’t see everything, a well-planned itinerary allows you to experience the essence of Bruges in just one day. Here are the main things to do in Bruges in one day to get the most out of your visit!
Start with Breakfast at a Local Café
Kick off your day with a delicious Belgian breakfast. Bruges has plenty of cozy cafés offering freshly baked pastries, strong coffee, and Belgian waffles. To get the most authentic Belgian experience, choose a café serving local delicacies.
Recommended Cafés in Bruges: For breakfast, try That’s Toast or Carpe Diem Bakery & Tea-room. Both offer a cozy atmosphere and delicious breakfast options, with prices ranging from 10 to 20 euros per person, perfect to start your day in Bruges.
Begin Your Tour at the Market Square (Markt)
Post breakfast, your first stop should be the vibrant heart of Bruges: the Market Square, or Markt, as the locals fondly call it. This bustling square is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, setting the perfect tone for your day of exploration.
Climb the Belfry Tower (Belfort)
The tower, built in the 13th century, has played many roles over the years, from a treasury to an observation post. If you’re up for the challenge, the 366-step climb is definitely worth it for the stunning views waiting at the top.
Opening hours: Sunday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets for the Belfry Tower: link
Wander Through the Burg Square
Just a short walk from the Markt is the Burg Square, another must-see for first-timers. This square is home to Bruges’ City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
Visit the City Hall (Stadhuis)
Bruges’ City Hall is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Step inside to see its grand interior and the detailed façade if you can.
Opening hours: 7 days a week from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets for the Visit the City Hall (Stadhuis): link
Basilica of the Holy Blood
This small but fascinating basilica holds a vial of what is said to be the blood of Christ. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s a place that offers both history and serenity.
Opening hours: 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Tickets are not required for the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
Discover the Canals with a Boat Tour
No trip to Bruges is complete without a boat tour along its scenic canals. Known as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges’ canals provide a unique city perspective.
- Why a Boat Tour is a Must: It helps you explore the parts of Bruges you might miss on foot. Gliding along the canals offers a peaceful and unique perspective of the city’s medieval buildings and charming bridges, making your visit to Bruges even more special.
- Best Routes for a Canal Tour: Several operators offer boat tours, but De Halve Maan and Boottochten Brugge are highly recommended. Tours typically last about 30 minutes and cost around 10-15 euros per person, covering the main sights along the canals.
Explore the Groeningemuseum
For art lovers, a visit to the Groeningemuseum is essential. It houses a stunning collection of Flemish and Belgian art from the Middle Ages to modern times. The museum is best known for its collection of Flemish Primitive paintings, including works by Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling.
Some standout pieces include The Madonna with Canon van der Paele by Jan van Eyck and The Last Judgment by Hieronymus Bosch.
Opening hours: 6 days a week from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Wednesday)
Tickets for the Groeningemuseum: link
Step Back in Time at the Historium
A visit to the Historium is a must for an immersive journey into the past. This interactive museum takes you back to medieval Bruges with multimedia experiences, including a captivating virtual reality tour that lets you explore the city as it was in the 15th century. The Historium also features an open terrace where you can relax and enjoy a drink while enjoying stunning views of Market Square. It’s a unique way to experience Bruges’s history and beauty.
Opening hours: 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets for the Historium: link
Stop for Lunch at a Traditional Restaurant
After enjoying the art and culture, it’s a good time to have lunch.
- Famous Dishes to Try: Sample classic Belgian dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries) or stoofvlees (beef stew). For dessert, opt for Brugse Zot—a local beer accompanying your meal. Belgian cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, often featuring meat, potatoes, and rich sauces.
- Where to Eat in Bruges: For an authentic taste of Bruges, try Poules Moules or Délice Brugge. Both offer a traditional Belgian dining experience in a cozy setting.
Walk Along the Minnewater Park (Lake of Love)
After lunch, take a relaxing walk through Minnewater Park, also called the Lake of Love. This quiet and peaceful spot, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, offers a serene escape. The name comes from an old legend about a tragic love story, but even if you’re unfamiliar with the tale, the park’s tranquility makes it a great place to unwind and find inner peace.
Visit the Begijnhof (Beguinage)
The Begijnhof is a tranquil spot that dates back to the 13th century. Once home to a religious community of women, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site today. This complex was once a safe haven for women who lived a life of religious devotion. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Bruges’ past.
The Begijnhof is open daily, and it’s best to visit in the morning when there are fewer people.
Opening hours: 7 days a week from 7.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Tickets are not required for the Begijnhof (Beguinage)
Chocolate Tasting and Shopping
You can’t leave Bruges without trying some of its world-famous chocolate. Belgian chocolate is renowned for its high quality, with strict regulations on ingredients that result in rich, creamy chocolates that melt in your mouth.
Top Chocolate Shops in Bruges: Some of the best places to grab a sweet treat include The Old Chocolate House, The Chocolate Line, and Dumon Chocolatier. Whether you’re a dark, milk, or white chocolate fan, you’ll find something to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Discover the Windmills at Kruisvest
Bruges isn’t all about canals and historic buildings—you’ll also find charming windmills at Kruisvest. The windmills date back to the 18th century and are still fully operational. They offer a glimpse into Bruges’ rural history and provide a peaceful escape from the city center.
Old maps of Bruges show many mills on the city walls, but today, there are only four: the Bonne Chiere Molen, Sint-Janshuismolen, Nieuwe Papegaai, and Koeleweimolen.
Best Windmills to Visit: Sint-Janshuismolen is the oldest and most famous of the four windmills. You can even see how it works inside.
Sunset at Rozenhoedkaai
End your day by watching the sunset at Rozenhoedkaai, Bruges’ most photographed spot. The view is magical as the sun sets over the canal. The combination of the water, medieval buildings, and twilight colors makes it one of Bruges’s most beautiful and photographed spots.
Arrive just before sunset to get the best light for photos. The golden hour casts a warm glow over the canal, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Enjoy Dinner by the Canal
Wrap up your day with a relaxed dinner by the canal. Bruges offers several restaurants with canal views to enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the atmosphere.
- Recommended Restaurants with Canal Views: For dinner with a view, try Bistro de Pompe or ’t Huidevettershuis. Both offer excellent food with a stunning backdrop.
- What to Order for Dinner: Go for something traditionally Belgian, like waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish stew) or flemish carbonades paired with a local beer.
FAQs: Bruges in One Day
What’s the best time to visit Bruges if I only have one day?
Where can you buy the best souvenirs in Bruges?
Can I do a canal boat tour in one day?
Should I book tickets in advance for popular attractions in Bruges?
Can you do Bruges and Ghent in one day?
Yes, it is possible to visit Bruges and Ghent in one day, but it will be a busy schedule. Both cities are relatively close, about a 30-minute train ride apart. However, to make the most of it, you’ll need to prioritize the key sights in each city. Focus on the highlights in Bruges, like the Market Square, Belfry Tower, and a canal tour, then head to Ghent to explore landmarks like Gravensteen Castle and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. It’s doable, but expect a fast-paced day with limited time at each location.
