How to Spend 2 Days in Bruges, Belgium: Weekend Travel Guide
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Bruges, Belgium, is one of the most charming cities in Europe, with cobblestone streets, medieval canals and storybook architecture. Many travelers visit Bruges as a day trip from Brussels, but after visiting twice, I recommend staying at least one night.
We first spent two nights in Bruges during a 10-day European trip after visiting London. We returned the following October, when the crisp weather and fall foliage made the city feel even more magical. This guide covers how to get there, where to stay and how to spend two days in Bruges.
Bruges at a Glance
How long to stay: Two nights
Getting there: About one hour by train from Brussels
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for fewer crowds
Getting around: Bruges is compact and very walkable
Don’t miss: Markt Square, Burg Square and a canal cruise
Where we stayed: Crowne Plaza Bruges
How to Get to Bruges
Traveling From Brussels to Bruges
The easiest way to get from Brussels to Bruges is by train. Direct InterCity trains leave regularly from Brussels Midi, Brussels Central and Brussels Nord stations. The trip takes about one hour, and you do not need to reserve a seat.
You can purchase tickets from the blue kiosks at the station or check current schedules and fares at BelgianTrain.be.
Pro Tip: Check the departure board or Belgian Train app for your platform before boarding. The final destination listed on the board may not be Bruges, so check that Bruges is included as a stop.
Traveling From London to Bruges
We traveled to Bruges from London by taking the Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Brussels Midi. From there, we transferred to a direct local train to Bruges, which takes about one hour.
The Eurostar and Belgian train tickets are booked separately. Give yourself enough time in Brussels to find the correct platform, especially if you are traveling with luggage.
Getting From the Bruges Train Station to the Historic Center
Bruges is very walkable, and it takes approximately 20 minutes to walk from the train station to the historic center. Local buses and taxis are also available outside the station if you have luggage or don’t want to walk.
Cards are widely accepted in Bruges, but it’s still helpful to carry a few euros for public restrooms and small purchases.
How to Spend 2 Days in Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is compact and easy to explore on foot. You can see the main highlights in one day, but spending two nights gives you time to explore beyond the busiest streets and enjoy the city after the day-trippers return to Brussels.
We spent our first day exploring the historic center, Markt Square, Burg Square and the canals. On our second day, we ventured outside the center to see the windmills and quieter parts of the city.
Day One: Explore the Historic City Center
Start your first day exploring Bruges’ historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobblestone streets, medieval buildings and picturesque canals.
We explored the city on our own, but if I had it to do over again, I would book a guided walking tour to learn more about the history of Bruges. I found this highly rated walking tour, and it’s on our list for our next visit.
Spend the rest of the day exploring Markt Square, climbing the Belfry, walking through Burg Square and taking a canal cruise. One of the best reasons to stay overnight is that Bruges becomes much quieter after the tour groups return to Brussels. Take another walk through the historic center after dinner. You’ll feel like you have the city almost to yourself.
A canal cruise is one of the best ways to see Bruges
Take a Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is one of the best ways to see Bruges. The 30-minute tour takes you past some of the city’s prettiest canals, bridges and medieval buildings while your captain shares a little of the history along the way.
Canal cruises currently cost €15 for adults and €9 for children ages 4–11. All five boat companies follow the same route and charge the same price, so you can board at any of the departure points around the historic center.
Individual tickets cannot be reserved in advance. Simply purchase your tickets at the booth, but expect a wait during busy times. Tours operate daily from March through October, although schedules may change because of weather.
Pro Tip: The boats are uncovered, so check the weather before getting in line. We loved seeing Bruges from the water and think this is one experience you shouldn’t skip.
There are several departure points for the boat tour along the canal. Hop on anywhere you see the boats parked
Visit Markt Square
Markt Square is the heart of Bruges and one of the best places to begin exploring the city. The square is surrounded by colorful guild houses and is home to the famous Belfry Tower and Historium Museum.
If you visit on a Wednesday morning, you may also catch the weekly market held in the square. You can take a horse-drawn carriage tour from here or grab a Belgian beer at one of the outdoor restaurants and enjoy the view.
Markt Square is especially beautiful in the evening after many of the day-trippers have left. During the holiday season, it also becomes one of the main locations for the Bruges Christmas market.
Markt Square is the perfect place to grab a Belgian Beer
Climb the Belfry Tower
The 13th-century Belfry Tower, or Belfort, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bruges. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 366 steps to the top for sweeping views over the city.
The staircase becomes narrow and steep near the top, and fencing partially obstructs the view. Tickets are timed, and the Belfry is one of the most popular attractions in Bruges, so I recommend booking your ticket online in advance.
If you want a view without climbing all 366 steps, head to the Duvelorium beer bar inside the Historium. Its outdoor terrace overlooks Markt Square and the Belfry, and you can enjoy the view with a Belgian beer in hand.
The Belfry Tower has stood watch over the square since the 13th Century
See Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child
Visit the Church of Our Lady to see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, created in the early 1500s. It is one of the few Michelangelo sculptures found outside Italy and is absolutely worth seeing while you’re in Bruges.
The main church is free to enter, but you’ll need a ticket to visit the museum section where the sculpture is located. Check current hours and ticket prices before your visit.
Afterward, walk behind the church to nearby Boniface Bridge. This small stone bridge is one of the prettiest and most photographed spots in Bruges.
Visit Burg Square
Just a short walk from Markt Square, Burg Square is surrounded by some of the most beautiful historic buildings in Bruges. Here you’ll find the Gothic City Hall, the former Civil Registry and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses a relic believed to contain the blood of Jesus Christ.
After admiring the architecture, walk through the archway along Blinde-Ezelstraat, or Blind Donkey Alley, toward the historic fish market and canals.
If you’re looking for something a little different, we stumbled into the Torture Museum Oude Steen during a rainstorm. My teen really wanted to visit, so we bought tickets—and it was actually very well done. The museum uses wax figures to explain different methods of torture throughout history. We were both educated and entertained, so put this one on your list, especially if you need a rainy-day activity.
Gorgeous City Hall in Burg Square dates to the 1300’s
Eat Belgian Waffles and Chocolate
No trip to Bruges is complete without trying a Belgian waffle, or several. We stopped at Chez Albert, located just off Markt Square, but you’ll find waffle stands and cafes throughout the historic center.
Bruges is also filled with chocolate shops selling handmade pralines and other Belgian treats. Pop into a few as you explore and pick up a box to bring home, assuming it makes it that far!
Day Two: Explore Beyond the Historic Center
On our second day, we ventured beyond the busiest part of Bruges to explore the quieter streets, green spaces and windmills along the outer edge of the city.
Start your morning at the Begijnhof, a peaceful courtyard surrounded by whitewashed homes. From there, walk through Minnewater Park, also known as the Lake of Love, where you’ll find canals, bridges and some of Bruges’ famous swans.
Later, make your way to the eastern side of the city to see the historic windmills along the old city ramparts. You can walk there from the center, but a bike is a fun way to cover more ground. This guided bike tour takes you through the city and out toward the windmills while sharing more about the history of Bruges.
More Fun Things to Do in Bruges
Take a Belgian Waffle-Making Class
I love taking a cooking class that is unique to the destination, and what could be more Belgian than learning to make waffles? This Belgian waffle-making class would be fun for families, couples or a group of friends, and adults can enjoy a Belgian beer too.
Take a Pedicab Tour
If your feet need a break, book a guided pedicab tour. You can sit back while your guide takes you through Bruges and shares more about the city’s history. This would also be a good option for anyone who has difficulty walking long distances on the cobblestone streets.
Where to Stay in Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is compact, so you really can’t go too wrong when choosing a hotel near the historic center. I recommend staying within walking distance of Markt Square or Burg Square so you can easily explore in the evening after the day-trippers leave.
Crowne Plaza Bruges
We stayed at theCrowne Plaza Bruges, located just steps from Burg Square and the canals. You really cannot beat the location, and the indoor pool was a bonus when traveling with kids.
We paid cash for our stay and added breakfast. The hotel can also be booked with IHG points, although cash and award rates vary by date. We found points especially helpful for fall weekends and the Christmas market season, when hotel prices can be much higher.
Other Hotels in Bruges
B&B Exclusive Guesthouse Bonifacius: This beautiful guesthouse sits directly on the canal and offers some of the prettiest views in Bruges. Breakfast is included.
Hotel Bourgoensch Hof: This hotel has a fantastic central location. Try to reserve a canal-view room if one is available.
Hotel De Tuilerieën: This Small Luxury Hotel sits along the canal within walking distance of the main attractions. The rooms are charming, and some have peekaboo views over Bruges.
Dukes’ Academie Brugge: I love the location of this hotel. It’s in a slightly quieter area but still within easy walking distance of the historic center.
Visiting Bruges in the Fall
We returned to Bruges in October, and I loved it even more in the fall. The crisp weather and changing leaves along the canals made the city feel especially magical, and it was much more comfortable for walking than during the warmer summer months.
Fall weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers, a rain jacket and comfortable shoes that can handle wet cobblestones. The days are also shorter, but that gives you more time to see the historic center lit up in the evening.
Bruges is generally less crowded in the fall than during peak summer, but weekends can still be busy. Book your hotel early, especially if you want to stay near Markt Square or Burg Square.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Bruges
Is Bruges Worth Visiting?
Yes! Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with medieval architecture, picturesque canals, cobblestone streets and plenty of Belgian chocolate and waffles. It is compact enough for a short trip but has plenty to fill two days.
Is Bruges a Good Day Trip From Brussels?
Bruges is an easy day trip from Brussels, with direct trains taking about one hour. However, I recommend staying at least one night. The historic center becomes much quieter in the evening after many of the day-trippers return to Brussels. I recommend adding a night in nearby Ghent which is just as magical if you have time.
How Many Days Do You Need in Bruges?
One full day is enough to see the main attractions, including Markt Square, Burg Square and the canals. Two days gives you time to visit the windmills, explore the quieter streets and enjoy Bruges at a slower pace.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Bruges?
Bruges is beautiful year-round. Spring and fall generally have milder weather and fewer crowds than summer. We especially loved visiting in October for the crisp weather and fall foliage. December is also magical when Bruges is decorated for Christmas.
Can You Visit Bruges From London?
Yes. Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi and transfer to a direct Belgian train to Bruges. The Eurostar and local train tickets are booked separately.
Can You Stay in Bruges Using Hotel Points?
Points-hotel options in the historic center are limited, but the Crowne Plaza Bruges can be booked with IHG points. Award rates vary by date, so compare the points rate with the cash price before booking.
alking distance of the main squares.
Is Bruges Worth Staying Overnight?
Bruges was one of the highlights of our European trip, and I’m so glad we stayed for two nights instead of visiting on a rushed day trip. Staying overnight gave us time to explore at a slower pace and enjoy the historic center after many of the day-trippers returned to Brussels.
We loved Bruges so much that we returned the following fall, when the colorful leaves, crisp weather and cobblestone streets made the city feel even more magical.
Whether you visit for the canals in summer, the fall foliage in October or the Christmas markets in December, Bruges is worth adding to your Europe itinerary.
My advice: Give yourself two days, stay near the historic center and make time for an evening walk when the city is quiet.
Happy Travels!
