Are you wondering what to do in Bruges if you only have a day? I live in Belgium and Bruges is one of my favourite places for a day trip. This medieval city is easy to explore on foot and never loses its charm. Here is the most beautiful 1 day in Bruges itinerary that will help you experience the best of this UNESCO World Heritage gem.
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Quick overview of the best 1 day in Bruges itinerary
- Grote Markt square
- Climb the Belfry Tower
- Canal boat tour
- Lunch at a traditional Belgian restaurant
- Historium Bruges experience
- Belgian chocolate, waffles and beer tasting
- Evening walk to see the city beautifully lit up
How to plan your one day in Bruges itinerary
The historic centre of Bruges is only around 1.5 miles (2.5 km) in diameter and only takes around 45 minutes to explore on foot. This means you can take your time on your one day in Bruges itinerary. That said, it’s worth researching in advance, so you can plan which attractions you’d like to see. This Bruges travel blog post will give you an overview of some of the best.
If you would like help finding your bearings in the city, why not book a guided rickshaw tour of Bruges, which is a pleasant way to take in all the sights.
Otherwise, you can walk straight to the main tourist centre, Grote Markt. From here you can easily reach all the best places to visit in Bruges. Read on to find out more.
Discover the attractions of Bruges on this top-rated one-day guided tour including transfers from Brussels.
Morning
Start your day exploring Bruges’ most iconic sights. You’ll begin in the stunning Grote Markt square, climb the famous Belfry Tower for panoramic city views, then enjoy a relaxing canal boat tour through the medieval waterways. Alternatively, book a guided tour of Bruges starting at 10.30am that covers all these activities.
Get your bearings in Grote Markt
The first thing most visitors head for when they arrive in historic Bruges is its large central square, or Grote Markt in Flemish. As you approach the square, the first thing you will notice is the 83-metre tall Belfry of Bruges.
Entering the square, you’ll take in the grand neo-Gothic Provincial Palace and the region’s distinctive crow-stepped gable buildings. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is completely free of traffic except for the horses and carriages which clop around the cobblestones, taking tourists for a ride (priced at around €50 for 30 minutes).
Check the latest prices and availability of guided rickshaw tours of Bruges.
Climb Bruges’s famous Belfry Tower
Built in 1240, the Belfry of Bruges is the medieval tower that dominates the Grote Markt. Previously the city’s observation deck and treasury, the belfry still serves as a clock tower, complete with 47 bells. It was featured heavily in the popular 2008 movie In Bruges.
You can climb the 366 steps to the tower’s summit and take in the panoramic views across the city. However, the queue of tourists is usually long with a half-hour wait before you’ve even got inside, so you’ll need to decide if you have time to include this in your Bruges day trip. Open year round, seven days a week, except for major holidays, tickets to the belfry cost around €12 for adults.
Learn more about the Belfry on this guided tour of Bruges.
Explore the canals by boat
The canal network and bridges that run through Bruges are particularly pretty. From March to mid-November, depending on the weather, there are Bruges canal boat trips available for tourists.
Running throughout the day, the boats regularly depart from five locations around the city and the trips last half an hour. These guided boat tours are informative, fun and give you a unique perspective on the city and its impressive history.
Book your place on a charming canal boat tour of Bruges here.
Enjoy a traditional Belgian lunch
After your morning of sightseeing, it’s time for a proper Belgian lunch and a well-deserved break. As with most cities, try to avoid dining in the restaurants in the heart of the tourist areas. Bruges has many restaurants dotted along its small alleyways and quieter squares, where you can usually enjoy a better quality and value meal.
I liked De Vlaamsche Pot, a rustic, slow-cooking restaurant recommended to me by a friend who went to university in Bruges. At this mid-priced restaurant, you can find all the traditional Belgian dishes, along with a good range of Belgian beers and friendly service. Take your time to relax and recharge for the afternoon.
For something a bit different, try the Belgian Pigeon House. As the name suggests, their speciality is roast pigeon, as apparently Belgium is also renowned for its racing pigeons. The restaurant’s coal-fired oven means that whichever meat you choose, it will be tender and falling off the bone, as you dine in the venue’s charming medieval cellar.
If you’re looking for something to wash down your food with, it has to be a world famous Belgian beer. During Bruges’ Golden Age, the city had 54 breweries. These days it’s down to three working breweries. One of them, De Halve Maan, has been brewing beer since 1856 and offers tours and tastings. There are a number of beerhouses in the city, including the lively Cafe ‘t Brugs Beertje, which serves 300 different Belgian beers.
Afternoon
This afternoon, immerse yourself in Bruges’ Golden Age at the Historium museum, where cutting-edge technology brings its medieval history to life. Then indulge in the city’s legendary food culture with authentic Belgian chocolate, waffles and beer experiences – from hands-on workshops to historic breweries and museums.
Immerse yourself in the magical Historium Bruges
Historium Bruges in the Grote Markt is one of the Bruges’ best places to go for visitors of all ages. This attraction uses immersive and virtual reality technology to transport you to the time of city’s Golden Age.
It invites you to follow the story of Jacob, a fictional pupil of the famous painter Jan van Eyck, at their workshop in 15th century Bruges. As you walk through the multimedia rooms, digital film, animatronics, props and even aromas bring to life medieval Bruges for a truly multi-sensory experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this creative and ambitious exhibition.
For beer lovers, there’s a Duvelorium bar serving Belgium’s famous Duvel beer and a first floor balcony where you can admire the beautiful square.
Don’t miss the Historium Virtual Reality centre on the ground floor near the entrance. It’s not well-signposted but well worth locating – put on the VR headset and you’ll be taken back to the year 1435 on a virtual voyage around Bruges canals.
Skip the queues and book your ticket to Historium Bruges in advance.
Belgian chocolate, waffles and beer tasting
When in Belgium, do as the Belgians do. It would be rude not to sample some of the country’s legendary delicacies. As you wander around the city, you will see plenty of shops selling chocolate, waffles and fries. There’s even a Choco-Story museum that explains the history of Belgian chocolate, with samples to taste, of course.
There’s also a museum about Belgian fries. The Frietmuseum outlines the snack’s history, from potato to plate. In Belgium, they are carefully prepared to be both fluffy and crispy. They are usually eaten from a paper cone with a dollop of one of Belgium’s impressive range of sauces that you won’t find elsewhere. You can learn about these condiments too at the museum.
Check out this wonderful chocolate truffle-making workshop in Bruges.
Enjoy an evening walk
As night falls, Bruges lights up, casting a magical warm glow across the medieval houses and canals. It’s so romantic and well worth staying until the evening to experience.
Discover the dark side of Bruges on this evening guided tour.
Where to stay in Bruges
If you decide that one day isn’t enough – and who could blame you – why not stay overnight. This way, you’ll have more time to explore this magical city. Here are some options for hotels in Bruges, depending on your budget.
The Hotel de Orangerie is a wonderful boutique venue set in a renovated 15th-century convent on a canal.
An interesting mid-priced option that’s also full of character is Hotel Jan Brito, a historic building located in the heart of Bruges.
Backpackers may want to check out the excellent Snuffel Hostel, which has modern dorms and private rooms with free breakfast.
Find out the latest availability and prices of accommodation for your dates in Bruges via the map below:
How to travel to Bruges
Bruges is around 1.5 hours by car from Brussels or you can take the train which takes about an hour and a quarter. A single ticket costs from €15 and there are special weekend deals which make the trip even more affordable. You can buy the ticket at the station or book your Brussels to Bruges train tickets in advance online.
From Bruges station, it’s around a 15 minute walk into the city centre. The equally lovely Belgian city of Ghent is only 25-40 minutes away by train, while Antwerp is 1.5 hours away. From Brussels or Antwerp you can easily connect to many European cities, including Paris, Amsterdam and London, making Bruges an ideal place for a day trip or short break.
Check available dates and prices for a full day guided tour of Bruges from Brussels.
Why visit Bruges?
Bruges was once a thriving port city. International merchants would arrive by canal here to trade everything from spices to wool. The Golden Age of Bruges was from the 12th century to the 15th century.
In the Victorian era, Bruges became one of the world’s first tourist destinations. It attracted wealthy visitors to explore its grand medieval architecture and impressive towers.
Thankfully, the city suffered almost no damage during the following century’s two World Wars, so everything you see on your one day in Bruges itinerary is authentic.
Today, Bruges welcomes eight million tourists a year to its small and beautifully preserved historic city centre, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Frequently asked questions about Bruges
Is one day enough to see Bruges?
Yes, one day is sufficient to see the main highlights of Bruges. The historic centre is only around 1.5 miles (2.5 km) in diameter and only takes around 45 minutes to explore on foot, which means you can take your time. However, if you want a more relaxed pace or wish to visit multiple museums, consider staying overnight.
What’s the best time of year to visit Bruges?
Bruges is beautiful year-round, but from spring until autumn (March-November) is the best experience as canal boats operate during this period.
Do I need to book attractions in advance?
While not essential, booking popular attractions like the Historium Bruges in advance is recommended to avoid queues. The queue of tourists for the Belfry is usually long with a half-hour wait before you’ve even got inside.
Is Bruges suitable for children?
Absolutely! The Historium Bruges is particularly engaging for visitors of all ages with its immersive technology. The compact size of the historic centre makes it easy to navigate with children, and canal boat tours are family-friendly.
Can I visit Bruges without speaking Dutch/Flemish?
Yes, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, restaurants, and attractions. The city welcomes eight million tourists a year, so most services cater to international visitors.
What should I buy as souvenirs?
Belgian chocolate, local beer, and handmade crafts make excellent souvenirs. As you wander around the city, you will see plenty of shops selling chocolate, waffles and fries that make perfect gifts.
Is Bruges accessible for people with mobility issues?
The historic centre has many cobblestone streets which can be challenging. However, many attractions and restaurants can accommodate visitors with mobility needs.
Final thoughts on a beautiful 1 day Bruges itinerary
Bruges truly is a living medieval museum that never loses its charm. The combination of authentic history, impressive architecture, delicious food and romantic canals makes Bruges an unforgettable destination. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time. Even if you only have one day, this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city delivers an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
Now, read about how to enjoy a gorgeous day trip in Ghent here.
Thanks to Historium Bruges, who hosted my visit to their attraction. As always, my opinions are my own.
Never been to Bruges. Historium Bruges and the canals look like fun.
Hi Sue, it’s a wonderful place to wander around. The architecture and canals are like a living medieval museum and it’s so pretty. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in this part of Europe.