A WEEK-END TRIP TO BRUGES (BELGIUM)
One of the top places we visited on our European trip was Bruges, Belgium. Just a short train ride from Brussels, this medieval town with cobblestone roads, canals and windmills will soon have a place at the top of your travel list. We originally set out to do just a day trip to Bruges from Brussels, but after some research we decided to spend the week-end here. I’m so glad we did. After visiting London for three days, we took the Eurostar from London to Brussels, then connected to a local train to Bruges.
Getting Here
We took the InterCity (IC) train from the Brussels Midi Station to Bruges. Tickets are very economical at just €14.40 each way or €15.80 for a week-end return. I researched tickets and the transiting process on Seat61.com and we still got a little lost at the Brussels train station.
We bought our tickets when we arrived from London on the Eurostar from the blue kiosks in the station. There was no platform listed on the ticket we printed so we ended up walking around until we found someone that could help us. I highly recommend checking www.belgiantrain.be for times and platforms, we did this on the return trip and it worked great. Download the app before your trip so you’re ready to go.
Once you arrive at the train station in Bruges, you have several options on how to get into the city center:
Walk: The walk into city center is about 20 minutes
Bus: There is a bus stop directly in front of the train station. It’s €3 each way
Taxi: There is a taxi stand right in front of the train station. We chose this option. After a long travel day, it was nice to be dropped off right in front of our hotel
Pro Tip: Make sure you get euros out of the ATM at the train station. You will need them to use the bathroom, tip and some restaurants and shops are cash only.
WHAT TO DO IN BRUGES, BELGIUM
Bruges is a fairytale town full of history dating back to the 12th Century and the entire city center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bruges is such a small town that you won’t need a car while you’re here. I absolutely loved just walking out of the hotel and being steps from every major site. Here’s how we spent our time in Bruges:
Explore We grabbed a walking tour map from our hotel and just explored every street. The self-guided tour starts at the canal behind Burg Square and takes you along the canals past all the major historical sights. I think if I had it to do over, I would have joined a guided tour just to hear more of the history of the town. The beauty of staying the night is that you have the entire city to yourself once the crowds and tours return to Brussels. Use this time to explore the city. Don’t forget your camera and portable phone charger. We explored the city center on the first day and ventured out to the outer ring and the windmills on day two.
Take a cruise Considered the Venice of the North, Bruges is filled with gorgeous canals that wind through the city. You can purchase tickets for a canal boat tour at various spots along the canal, just look for the Red ticket booth. It is only €12 for adults and €7 for kids. Advance reservations are not possible, just show up and get in line. The cruise is about 35 minutes long. Our boat captain gave the tour in three languages which was super cool. Don’t forget to carry a few euros to tip the captain after the cruise.
There are several departure points for the boat tour along the canal. Hop on anywhere you see the boats parked
Visit Markt Square If you’ve ever seen a photo of Bruges, chances are it was taken in Markt Square. Dating back to 958, this square is home to the historic Belfry Tower, gilded houses and the Historium Museum. There has been a weekly market here continuously since 958. If you’re here on a Wednesday make sure to head to the historic market. The square is the perfect place to hop on a horse carriage tour of the town or grab a Belgian beer at one of the many outdoor restaurants and watch the sunset.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting in December, Markt Square is where the Christmas Markets are.
Markt Square is the perfect place to grab a Belgian Beer
Climb the Belfry Tower The Belfry Tower or Belfort, is a medieval bell tower in the center of Markt Square. If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry Tower for sweeping views of Bruges. There is fencing at the top so your view will be somewhat obstructed. If you want to skip the climb but still want to see the views, head to the Historium Museum panoramic terrace on the second floor for great views of Markt Square without the killer leg workout.
The Belfry Tower has stood watch over the square since the 13th Century
Visit the Church of Our Lady Dating to the 13th-15th centuries and home to Michelangelo’s famous Madonna and Child sculpture built in 1504, it’s also the world’s second highest brick building. Admission is nominal at just €7 per adult.
Gorgeous City Hall in Burg Square dates to the 1300’s
Visit Burg Square Once surrounded by walls and a fortress, the square is home to the Gothic Town Hall which was built in 1376, the former Civil Registry (1537) and the Basilica of the Holy Blood (built in the early 1100’s) which holds a piece of cloth with the blood of Jesus Christ on it. After marveling at the centuries old architecture ranging from Gothic to Neo-Classical, walk through the arch down Blind Donkey’s Alley to the historic fish market and canals.
If you’re looking for something a little different, we visited the Museum of Torture after stumbling inside during a rainstorm. My teen really wanted to go in and it was just €9 so we bought tickets. The museum is actually very well done highlighting the numerous methods of torture over the centuries by using wax models in various states of torture. We were educated and entertained. Put this one on your list!
During your stay make sure you grab a famous Belgian waffle from one of the many stands as you’re exploring (Chez Albert had a long line every time we walked by) or pop inside one of the chocolate shops for a quick bite of Belgian Chocolate.
WHERE TO STAY IN BRUGES (BELGIUM)
Bruges is so small that you probably can’t go wrong with lodging here as far as location goes. The only hotel I could find that is bookable with points is the Crowne Plaza Bruges. Cash rates are as low as $143 a night and award nights are 27K IHG points a night. We booked two nights at the cash rate and paid extra ($29 for two) for breakfast. The location of this hotel cannot be beat. Literally just steps from Burg Square and the canals. And bonus points for having an indoor pool for the kids!
Final Thoughts
Bruges was our favorite town we visited during our ten-day trip (I loved it so much we returned in October 2023). Just being able to walk out of our hotel and be right in the middle of everything was so nice. No stressing about riding a train or metro or huge crowds. It was just easy. While Bruges is a wonderful city to visit in the summer, they are also famous for their Christmas Markets in the winter months. I’m keeping this one on my places to visit more than once.
Happy Travels!
