Bruges, called «Venice of the North,» is Belgium‘s most visited city. It is a Belgian architectural gem known for its unique character. On a human scale, a day’s visit is enough to explore the city’s highlights and feel the atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Bruges: the Belgian city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
If you are wondering what to do in Bruges and want to explore the best of the city in a single day, this is the article for you. You will find all the information you need, as well as my top picks for must-see sights.
A self-guided Bruges Walking Tour
Burg Square
Walking is an excellent way to explore Bruges. The city is pedestrianized, making it quite easy to get around. Burg Square is a good place to start because it is in the heart of the historic city. The place, which is surrounded by several historical sites, was operating as the Count of Flanders’ headquarters, and it was around this area that the city fortification was erected. The square boasts a multitude of unique structures that have been meticulously built throughout the ages.
You can see the Gothic architecture of the Stadhuis (City Hall), which dates from the 14th century, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, as well as the Old Civil Registry, one of the oldest Renaissance buildings in Flanders.
Grote Markt
Then I would advise you to visit another well-known location in Bruges, the Grote Markt. It used to be the market plaza where local residents gathered for special occasions. It is very easy to go to the square as Markt is the intersection of all the alleyways in the city center. There, you will discover some colorful facades that contribute to Bruges’ attractiveness. Let’s have a look at the east side of the square to the Provincial Palace of Bruges, built in the nineteenth century in Gothic architecture: «Maison Bouchoute» and «Maison Craenenburg». They are other Gothic-style houses that can be found all around the Grote Markt.
Another highlight of the central square of the city is the towering Belfry of Bruges. It holds great historical significance as it was originally constructed in the 13th century and has served multiple purposes throughout its existence. Initially built as a defensive tower, it later became a symbol of civic power and wealth for the city. It stands tall at approximately 83 meters and offers panoramic views of the city’s picturesque landscape. One of the notable features of the Belfry is its carillon, a musical instrument composed of a series of bells. The carillon of the Belfry comprises a total of 47 bells, which produce enchanting melodies and can be heard throughout the city during regular bell concerts. My recommendation is really to book your ticket in advance online for a visit (we have not been lucky: no slot was available!).
Finally, I really recommend having a look at the Bruges Beer Experience. If you want to find out more about the rich Belgian beer heritage, it is a must-visit. But the best of it, it is the bar: you can enjoy no fewer than 16 draught beers. Pale, blonde, dark beer… Let’s experience it by yourself! The tasting room is freely accessible, even if you do not visit the museum. With an amazing view above the Grote Markt!
The Rosary Quay
Rozenhoedkaai is one of the most iconic and picturesque spots in the city of Bruges. It is a quay located along the Dijver Canal and is renowned for its stunning views and charming atmosphere. The name «Rozenhoedkaai» translates to «the Rosary Quay» in English, derived from the fact that there used to be a rosary shop nearby in the past. The quay itself is lined with charming historic buildings, including old houses and medieval warehouses, which add to the picturesque ambiance of the area. What makes Rozenhoedkaai particularly enchanting is its view of the canal and the surrounding scenery. From this spot, you can admire the gentle flow of the canal, the elegant arched bridges, and the reflections of the buildings in the water.
A historic religious place
Bruges has a large number of religious buildings located in the heart of the historic city center. The three most spectacular buildings are close to the main square of Bruges: the Basilica of the Holy Blood, located on the Place du Burg, the Church of Our Lady and its 115-meter bell tower, and finally, the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral. There are also many churches in the city center such as the Sainte-Anne Church.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood
It is a holy site with significant cultural and historical value. A priceless relic, a vial holding a little amount of Jesus Christ’s blood, is kept in the basilica. Since long ago, the veneration of the Holy Blood has attracted pilgrims. The basilica itself is a magnificent work of architecture: the upper chapel features outstanding Gothic craftsmanship, while the lower chapel displays a Romanesque style. Both spiritual lovers of art and history find the Basilica of the Holy Blood to be a captivating destination.
Saint Saviour’s Cathedral – Sint-Salvatorskathedraal
The Sint-Salvatorskathedraal is the oldest parish church in Bruges, dating back to the 12th century, although the current structure mainly represents the 13th to 15th centuries. The cathedral’s exterior displays impressive Gothic architecture, with soaring spires, pointed arches, and intricate details adorning its facade. Upon entering the cathedral, you will be greeted by a spacious interior filled with awe-inspiring features. The cathedral houses various notable artworks, including religious paintings, sculptures, and intricately carved choir stalls. One of the highlights of the Sint-Salvatorskathedraal is its majestic organ, which dates back to the 17th century and underwent subsequent renovations. The organ’s powerful sound adds to the overall ambiance during religious services and musical performances.
Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady, built as well in the elegant Gothic style, is notable for its tower that reaches a height of approximately 122 meters, making it one of the tallest brickwork structures in the world. The interior of the church is equally impressive. One of the most renowned treasures housed within the Church of Our Lady is the sculpture of the Madonna and Child created by Michelangelo. This masterpiece, carved from white marble, is a testament to Michelangelo’s artistic genius and attracts people from around the globe. The Church of Our Lady stands as a captivating symbol of faith, architectural brilliance, and artistic legacy, drawing in both pilgrims and admirers of art and history.
My tips: with the Musea Brugge Card, you can visit this site and all other open sites of Musea Brugge for 72 hours at a reduced price.
Taking a boat ride along the canals
A visit to Bruges is incomplete without a boat trip on the canals, the city’s arteries. Accompanied by swans gliding alongside you on the water, you will discover the city from a surprising perspective. Indeed, some things can only be discovered from the water!
You board the boat from one of the five docks in the heart of Bruges. For half an hour, the captain will show you the most beautiful places from the water. During your journey, you can admire several wonders of Bruges from a completely different angle. The language of the explanations depends on the nationalities on board during your visit. All the maritime companies follow the same route and have four open boats with a capacity of about 35 people per boat. Be careful on sunny days to protect yourself from the sun. For your information, the boats will gradually be replaced in the coming years by electric boats that are more environmentally friendly and quieter.
Boat excursions are offered from the beginning of March until mid-November. Outside this period, the maritime companies may decide whether or not to open. Reservations for individual visits are not possible. You buy your ticket on-site from one of the maritime companies for 12 euros per person.
For those interested, depending on the period when you visit Bruges, you may have to wait up to an hour. But it is really worth it! We were first really hesitant when we saw the queue, but we finally decided to go for it. Jaime stood in line while I went to get a cone of fries to make the wait more enjoyable. We had a unique perspective of the city, allowing us to appreciate the beauty and historic charm of the city. The boat ride provides an opportunity to leisurely explore Bruges, passing by iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Walking to Spiegelrei and Spinolarei
If Burg Square is the place to be when visiting Bruges, and you will find it in all the guides to Flanders, we decided to get out of the crowd and head to the two streets Spiegelrei and Spinolarei, which border the canal north part of the historic center of Bruges. Why these two streets in particular? Simply because they are just steps away from Burg Square and are lined with lovely typical houses. The architecture of the neighborhood is worth a visit, and it’s a very pleasant area.
These two streets will lead you to Jan van Eyck Square. In the Middle Ages, this square was a bustling port where passionate merchants from all over Europe gathered, and you could hear every imaginable language. Today, this square is majestically dominated by the statue of the world-renowned master Jan van Eyck and provides access to peaceful and tranquil working-class neighborhoods.
A detour to the Beguinage of Bruges
Founded in 1245, the beguinage (officially known as the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde) is worth spending a few minutes or even a bit more. Its small white houses arranged around a tranquil garden make it a unique place that exudes serenity. Today, the beguinage is inhabited by nuns, but originally, it housed women who lived independently without being officially affiliated with the Church. This practice was quite progressive in a society that was still predominantly patriarchal at the time. Not far from the beguinage, the Lake of Love, a haven of romance in Bruges, will provide a welcome countryside interlude during your day.
How to go to Bruges?
The capital of West Flanders, Bruges is located less than an hour by train from Brussels, the Belgian capital. Therefore, it is not very interesting to travel there by car as the old town is mainly pedestrianized, and parking prices are high. Nevertheless, if you still choose to arrive by car, it is best to park at the entrance of the city and continue on foot.
By train, the Thalys journey from Paris will take less than 3 hours with a transfer at Brussels-Midi station. From Lille, it takes about 2 hours with a transfer to Kortrijk station. Finally, in our case, we arrived from Lille by Flixbus, which took us a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes at a cost of 7 euros.
Extra Tips
To complete your visit, nothing beats a free walking tour through the streets of Bruges. The starting point for this free tour in Bruges is the market square, Grote Markt. The guide will take you through the charming medieval streets of the city. You will discover numerous Gothic-style monuments and the romantic canals that run through the center. This kind of tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the history and beauty of Bruges, guided by a professional who will share with you their knowledge and anecdotes with passion.
Finally, Bruges, with its picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and romantic atmosphere, is a city that captivates visitors with its timeless charm. Visiting it in just one day is indeed short, as you have noticed. The city is full of charming places to visit, and it is very enjoyable to explore it as a couple, with its canals, horse-drawn carriages, and leisurely walks. That’s why I recommend spending the night in Bruges, as it becomes much quieter compared to the daytime hustle and bustle.