Bruges

Travel Guide

Bruges featuring a river or creek, a house and cbd
Photo provided by Toerisme Brugge
Bruges showing a river or creek, heritage architecture and street scenes
Bruges which includes a lake or waterhole and bird life
Bruges

Medieval architecture, meandering channels and topnotch chocolate and beer no wonder more than 2 million tourists visit thisBelgian city each year.

Monasteries, bell towers, guild houses, cobbledsquares and canals offer a fascinating glimpse into the Bruges’past. Today, the old town of Bruges is aninternationally recognised World Heritage Site and the most popular destinationin Belgium. In fact, its historical glint gives it an almost fairytale quality.But the architecture and history are only part of what makes this city soattractive. Of course, there’s the famous Belgian beer and luxury chocolate theworld knows and loves.

Walking is the easiest and perhaps best way toexplore this compact city, but there are other, unique, possibilities. Take aride in a horse-drawn carriage from the park near Minnewater or take a boattrip along the beautiful canals of Bruges.

In the centre of Brugesyou will find the Markt, a pedestrian area with beautiful ornate architecture.Climb the Belfry for the best views of the city. Other interesting sightsinclude the Basilica of the Holy Blood, St. Saviour's Cathedral, the Old St.John's Hospital and the many bridges over the canals. If it rains, then pay avisit to the Groeningemuseum and admire the masterpieces of local artists fromthroughout history. Learn all about the religious history of Brugesin the Beguine, a convent that has been around since the 13th century.

But there is more to taste than just the history.Belgium is known for its incredible beers, so be sure to get some brews withyour moules-frites (mussels and fries). For dessert, visit Choco-Story, TheChocolate Museum, where you can study the history of Belgian chocolate andtaste this most famous of exports.

You can visit Brugesall year round. In the summer is when the city is busiest, when the weekendsare filled with music and dance festivals. One such festival is the CactusFestival, held in July it’s a celebration of rock and reggae right in the heartMinnewaterpark. The MAfestival in August focuses on early music styles, playedwith organs, harpsichords, pianofortes and baroque choirs.

Bruges is alsoattractive in the cold months, especially with special seasonal attractionslike the Christmas Market and the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival, both held inNovember and December. And the all those fairytale-like buildings of Brugeslying under a layer of fresh snow, well, that is a sight to behold.

Where to stay in Bruges

Bruges Market Square showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a city

Historical Center Bruges

4.5/5(692 area reviews)

Travellers to Historical Center Bruges praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Choco-Story Museum and Burg.

Historical Center Bruges
Bruges showing boating and a river or creek as well as a large group of people

Bruges Center

Bruges Center is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Choco-Story Museum and Burg, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Bruges.

Bruges Center
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Zeebrugge

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Zeebrugge. You might want to make time for a stop at Zeebrugge Harbour or Knokke-Heist Beach.

Zeebrugge
Bruges showing boating and a river or creek as well as a large group of people

Steenstraat Quarter

If you're spending some time in Steenstraat Quarter, Bruges Christmas Market and Bruges Market Square are top sights worth seeing.

Steenstraat Quarter
West Flanders showing a cemetery and flowers

Burg Quarter

If you're spending some time in Burg Quarter, Choco-Story Museum and Burg are top sights worth seeing.

Burg Quarter
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Sint-Pieters

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

Sint-Pieters is noteworthy for its coffee shops, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Bruges City Theater and The English Convent.

Sint-Pieters
Martin's Relais

Martin's Relais

4 out of 5
Genthof 4, Bruges
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €122 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€122
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bruges. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Right in the heart of the city, but on a quiet street. A short walk from all the sites and great food options around the hotel."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Martin's Relais
Dukes’ Palace – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection

Dukes’ Palace – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection

5 out of 5
Prinsenhof 8, Bruges
The price is €286 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
€286
5 Sept - 6 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bruges. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Dukes’ Palace – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection
Martin's Brugge

Martin's Brugge

3.5 out of 5
Oude Burg 5, Bruges
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €107 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€107
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Bruges. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,355 reviews)
"Very convenient hotel for our 1 night visit to Bruges."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Martin's Brugge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Holiday Suites Zeebrugge

Holiday Suites Zeebrugge

Kustlaan 99, Zeebrugge, Bruges
Stay at this apartment in Bruges. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Holiday Suites Zeebrugge
Dukes’ Apartments Grand Place – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection

Dukes’ Apartments Grand Place – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection

9 Mallebergplaats, Bruges
Stay at this aparthotel in Bruges. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Bruges Market Square and Bruges Christmas ...
Dukes’ Apartments Grand Place – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection
Comfortable apartment, close to downtown and train station

Comfortable apartment, close to downtown and train station

Brugge
Stay at this apartment in Bruges. Enjoy a garden and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Bruges Christmas ...
Comfortable apartment, close to downtown and train station
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do