Nearly everyone can agree that one of Belgium’s most popular travel destinations is the city of Bruges. Everyone who has been there will describe it as if emerging from a medieval storybook. With its rich history, artistry, and romantic interludes, deciding not to visit when the opportunity arises is an honest mistake.

However, if this is your first time, it can be overwhelming, and your senses may feel overloaded. We want to help you with this quick day guide that showcases some of the city highlights—no fuss, no muss.

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How to Get to Bruges

Traveling here couldn’t be easier. You can’t get directly to Bruges by plane, and the most popular choice for people is to take the train from Brussels, since that is the closest airport. Purchase your ticket at the train station or online to take direct lines from stations Brussels Central, Brussels Midi (Zuid), or Brussels Nord that take you to Bruges Station between 60-75 minutes. The capital cities in other European countries, such as Amsterdam and Paris, also have direct trains to Bruges.

If you choose to go by bus or to drive a rental car, the commute is 90 minutes at minimum, maybe longer depending on traffic conditions. Either of the options you decide to pick is fairly easy to figure out, and the views will still be very scenic. They have car parks outside the city center that are easily accessible for day visitors. It’s all about your personal preference, budget, and schedule.

Historic Centre of Brugge

The cultural and commercial center of the city, but it feels like you are walking into a live museum. Here is where you will spend nearly all of your time in Bruges. The popularity it has attained throughout the world and its well-regarded preservation as a medieval European settlement led to the entire area being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

From here, you can view part of the network of canals winding their way through the city. Tours will take you through these reflective waters and open you up to new perspectives and views of the city’s beauty. Stay for the evening when the restaurants and bars are lit up in the most enchanting dazzle of lights.

Each attraction you will be walking through and experiencing on this list is part of the heritage site.

The Markt

This big open market square is the heart of Bruges, its epicenter. Almost every single cobblestone road leads through here. It’s the beautiful architecture of colorful medieval buildings that now contain restaurants, cafes, and museums—a great place to take lots of memorable photographs and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

The only downside is that, due to its enormous popularity, there will always be crowds. Any Brussels walking tour will pass through here, not to mention small independent vendors set up and horse-drawn carriages. It will be a bit overpriced since it’s a tourist hotspot, but if you don’t mind the cost, you can sit in one of the open terraces, relaxing and enjoying people-watching all day.

Belfry of Bruges

This medieval bell tower is another iconic landmark at the edge of the Markt. If you have the time and energy to climb the 300-plus steps to the top, it will give you panoramic city views. Purchase tickets early to jump the queue if you are on a tight schedule or already have other plans, though, as this is a very popular attraction and will be busy. They only let in a number at a time due to the winding spiral staircase and narrow steps. I stayed on the ground due to my fear of heights, but I still enjoyed walking through the ground floor and seeing the building.

Minnewater Lake

If you want to spend some time away from the crowds in a serene outdoor setting that showcases the picturesque charm of Bruges, this is where you need to be. A great place in any season for the urban nature lover, this beautiful park and lake are covered in weeping willow trees and abundant greenery. It even has a small castle with a restaurant and outdoor seating right next to the water.

Chocolate Museum

When you think Belgian, you think chocolate. So, it is no surprise that a museum would be dedicated to this ambrosia of the gods. Tucked away in an old 14th-century building, it’s not to be missed. You will extensively learn the history of its origins with Mayans and Aztecs, from the cocoa bean to the techniques used to produce some of our favorite products and flavors.

Reviews here are mixed. Some may feel it’s a longer explanation than necessary, so ensure you are a dedicated chocoholic before entering, but everyone will leave with top-notch chocolate knowledge. Also, be aware that you must climb several stairs to see the museum completely. You must do the chocolate demonstration workshop and tasting option in the museum! Short and sweet, it is an excellent finish to the museum.

Burg Square

This smaller but no less beautiful square should be another stop in Bruges. During the day, it has less foot traffic than the Markt, so you have a little breathing room. The square’s highlight of historical buildings is the Stadhuis, otherwise known as Bruges City Hall. It still functions today as it has for centuries as the city’s political power center.

The first floor is free to enter and observe. The two halls above, which you can pay to enter, contain historic murals and other works of art, such as portraits of important city leaders. There is also an interactive exhibit that gives you the history of the city.

Feel like a local by taking an easy guided bike tour. Your guide will give you the history of the city and daily life here. You will feel like you accomplished more on a cycling adventure than just walking in a large group, as it feels just a bit more intimate.

Rozenhoedkaai

Where the two canals meet in this busy and charming intersection, rain or shine, it is considered the most iconic and photographable spot in the entire city. It has that painting or postcard impression with the bell tower in the background, hanging tree branches, and old buildings. Many people flock here for romantic pictures and sightseeing so that it will be crowded. Come in the early mornings or late evenings to find a spot to linger and watch the boats floating by on the canal.

Church of Our Lady and Gruuthusemuseum

Now, most visitors tend to go to the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges (a chapel that supposedly holds a small blood vial of Christ brought back from the Crusades). But I think the Church of Our Lady is a better choice as the entire exterior and courtyard are impressive.

Inside, it’s less crowded and has more historical treasures than the Basilica. It has the great Michelangelo’s world-famous “Madonna and Child” statue, beautifully stained glass windows and sculptures, and the tombs of Burgundy nobles who presided over the city.

It also has the additional benefit of being attached to what is now the Gruuthuse Museum, a restored medieval palace. Aside from explaining the history and development of Bruges as a city, the artifacts collected here span five centuries, including Flemish tapestries, ceramics, furniture, sculptures, and portraits.

2be Beer Wall

Belgians take their love for beer very seriously. This is a fun little bonus you can find down a cavern entryway next to the 2be beer garden. It’s a massive museum exhibit of Belgian beer bottles and brands leading up to the entrance. This is an excellent location for beer enthusiasts looking to have their taste buds partake in a wide variety of Belgian hops, with a beautiful terrace to view the canal in the background.

Conclusion

Bruges will leave a lasting impression on you and will probably be one of the highlights of your time in Belgium. I know I won’t forget my own experiences here.