Weekend in Bruges: How to Spend 2 Magical Days in Belgium’s Fairytale City

Bruges is one of those cities that captivates you from the moment you arrive. Its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and peaceful canals make it the ideal destination for a weekend getaway. With two days in Bruges, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the famous landmarks, uncover hidden gems, and enjoy the unique city experiences. Here’s a complete guide to help you make the most of your time in Bruges.

Is Two Days in Bruges Enough?

Day 1: Exploring Bruges’ Historic Highlights

Morning: Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your weekend with a leisurely breakfast at Bruges’ cozy cafés. Choose a café offering local specialties, like freshly baked pastries and Belgian waffles, to give you the energy needed for a day of exploration.

Recommended Cafés: try That’s Toast or Carpe Diem Bakery & Tea-room, both of which offer a delightful breakfast and a cozy setting in the heart of Bruges. (prices ranging from 10 to 20 euros per person).

Market Square (Markt)

After breakfast, head straight to Market Square, the vibrant center of Bruges. You’ll be surrounded by stunning medieval architecture, lively cafés, and charming shops. Take a moment to admire the buildings and enjoy the atmosphere before moving on to your next stop.

Climb the Belfry Tower (Belfort)

One of Bruges’s most iconic landmarks, the Belfry Tower, offers an unbeatable view of the city. Climb the 366 steps to the top and soak in the panoramic vista over the red rooftops and canals.

Opening hours: Sunday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets for the Belfry Tower: link 

Burg Square and the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Burg Square is another must-see in Bruges, a short walk from the Market Square. It’s home to Bruges’ Gothic City Hall (Stadhuis) and the stunning Basilica of the Holy Blood, where you can see a vial said to contain the blood of Christ.

Opening Hours: 9.30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tickets: Entry is free for the Basilica, €4 for City Hall (click here)

Lunch: Sample Belgian Classics

Take a break for lunch and enjoy traditional Belgian cuisine. Moules-frites (mussels and fries) and stoofvlees (beef stew) are popular, often served with local beer.

Where to Eat: Try Poules Moules or Délice Brugge for an authentic Belgian dining experience. 

Afternoon: Canal Boat Tour & Rozenhoedkaai

A visit to Bruges wouldn’t be complete without a canal boat tour. Floating along the city’s picturesque canals gives you a unique perspective of its medieval architecture. This is a peaceful and relaxing way to see some of the city’s hidden gems.

After your boat tour, head to Rozenhoedkaai, the most photographed spot in Bruges. It’s the perfect place to capture stunning views of the city’s canals and charming facades.

Tour Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: €10-15 per person

Optional: Take a Brewery Tour at De Halve Maan

If you’re a Belgian beer fan, a De Halve Maan brewery tour is a fantastic way to spend the afternoon. Learn about the brewing process and taste their famous Brugse Zot beer. It’s an authentic Bruges experience you won’t want to miss.

Opening Hours: Tours run daily

Cost: Around €12 per person

Evening: Dine with a View of the Canals

End your first day with a relaxed dinner at a restaurant with canal views. Dining by the water as the sun sets is a magical way to wrap up your day.

Recommended Restaurants: Bistro de Pompe or ’t Huidevettershuis. for a romantic evening with a view.

Day 2: Discovering Bruges’ Hidden Gems

Morning: Stroll Through Minnewater Park

Begin your second day with a peaceful morning stroll through Minnewater Park, also known as the Lake of Love. The park’s serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it the perfect place to unwind. It’s a quieter spot in Bruges, away from the main tourist areas.

Explore Kruispoort and Bruges’ Windmills

Head slightly off the beaten path and visit the historic Kruispoort gate and the windmills along the old city walls. Bruges once had over 20 windmills, but today, only four remain. The Sint-Janshuismolen windmill is the most famous, and you can even go inside to see how it works.

Opening Hours: Open daily, with some windmills accessible for visits

Mid-Morning: Visit the Groeningemuseum (or Alternatives)

For art lovers, the Groeningemuseum offers an impressive collection of Flemish masterpieces. If you’re looking for something different, you can also visit the nearby Arentshuis Museum, featuring 19th and 20th-century art, or the Frietmuseum, a quirky museum dedicated to the history of Belgian fries.

Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tickets: €8 for Groeningemuseum, €7 for Frietmuseum

Lunch: Taste Belgian Chocolate

No trip to Bruges is complete without sampling some of its famous chocolate. Before lunch, stop by one of Bruges’ renowned chocolate shops, such as The Old Chocolate House, The Chocolate Line, or Dumon Chocolatier, for a treat. Afterward, head to a cozy local restaurant for lunch.

Where to Eat: Try Délice Brugge or Diligence for a mix of traditional and modern Belgian cuisine.

Unique Experience: A Charming Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

For a unique way to see Bruges, consider taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobbled streets. It’s a charming and romantic way to explore the city, especially in the late afternoon when the streets are quiet. This experience will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a romantic novel.

Cost: Around €50 per carriage ride (up to 5 people)
Duration: 30 minutes

Evening: Sunset at Bruges’ Windmills

As your two days in Bruges close, end your trip with a peaceful walk around the windmills at Kruisvest. The sight of the windmills silhouetted against the setting sun is a beautiful and fitting way to say goodbye to this enchanting city.

FAQs: Bruges in Two Days