Walk through Bruges and you'll see rows of old brick houses with stepped gables, tall narrow windows and steep roofs, giving the historic centre its unmistakable medieval character. The picturesque canals, with houses reflected in the water and adorned with blooming flowers, add to the charm of this medieval gem. Welcome to Bruges, a city that will capture your heart with its unique blend of romance, history, and culture.
A City of Secrets and Stories
How many days is enough? To see the main highlights I would say a weekend. But if you're close by or just visiting around, one full day will cover the main attractions. However, it's a charming city and you can stay as long as you like.
My favourite season to visit Bruges is autumn. The colours of the old walls and the first autumn leaves match so well together, especially when you're taking it all in from a boat tour. The medieval architecture is beautifully preserved, and the whole historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting lost in the city is one of my favourite things to do here, especially early morning before the city awakes. Explore it on foot and let the narrow streets take you wherever they want, or use public transportation if you'd rather not walk everywhere.
Bruges has also had its moment on screen. A few movies were filmed here, starting with the famous In Bruges (2008), or The Nun's Story (1959), a classic drama starring Audrey Hepburn. The actress liked the city so much she decided to live here for three years after filming.
Parking
Parking in the historic centre is paid everywhere, but there are several lots within walking distance of the main sights. I paid around 16 euros for almost a full day.
Breakfast and Brunch
There are many places to have breakfast or brunch in Bruges, but we tried That's Toast. A cozy brunch spot for loaded toasts, eggs, avocado, smoked salmon and sweet French toast. They also have bowls, coffee and fresh juices.
Take a Boat Tour
There is no better way to explore the city than by boat. It's my favourite. While you enjoy the wind and freshness of an autumn day, you'll pass some real historic sites, including:
The Bonifacius Bridge (Bonifaciusbrug) is probably the most photogenic and romantic bridge in Bruges, next to the Gruuthuse area. Passing under the historic Peerdenbrug by boat is especially beautiful, opening onto one of the most picturesque stretches of the Groenerei, lined with centuries-old buildings.
Bruges also has the Lovers' Bridge, officially the Minnewaterbrug, at the Minnewater (Lake of Love). According to local legend, couples who cross it together will have eternal love.
The main highlights of a Bruges boat tour are the Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay), the Dijver, the Gruuthuse Palace and Church of Our Lady, which is home to a stunning Michelangelo sculpture, and long stretches of medieval canal houses, hidden gardens and old façades.
If you want to book one, Rederij De Meulemeester runs 30-minute tours for 15 euros per adult.
Take a coffee break at Nuba Cafe Brugge. A modern brunch and specialty coffee spot near the Belfry, known for homemade pastries and a creative brunch menu. They also serve specialty coffee, matcha and ube drinks.
Lunch
If you'd like to try a traditional dish, go for mussels and fries, fresh steamed mussels served with fries. There are only a few restaurants that do them well, and Belgian fries are just delicious and world known.
Another dish to try is Carbonnade Flamande (Flemish Beef Stew).
Museums
BRUSK (entrance 20 euros) is currently showing 'Refik Anadol. Latent City,' the first museum exhibition of his decade-long project training machine learning models on more than five million images of cities worldwide to reimagine the metropolis as a living, breathing being. Exhibition details.
If you have more time, a few other museums are worth knowing about. The Groeningemuseum holds one of the best collections of Flemish Primitives and Belgian fine art in the country. The Historium, right on the Markt, is a quick, theatrical walk through the city's medieval history if you'd rather get the story before wandering the streets yourself. And Choco-Story covers the full history of Belgian chocolate, useful background before you start buying it by the box.
Other Things to See
A few of Bruges' original windmills still stand along the Kruisvest, the old city ramparts on the eastern edge of the centre. The city once had around thirty of them. Sint-Janshuismolen, built in 1770, is the most well-known and still functions as a working mill, open to visitors seasonally.
Minnewater Park, around the Minnewater (Lake of Love) already mentioned above, is a quiet spot to walk off a big lunch, with swans on the water and benches along the path. The Beguinage (Begijnhof) is right next door if you want to see the convent grounds too.
What to Buy in Bruges
If you'd like to bring something home, then why not Belgian chocolates. There are many chocolate stores in Bruges, from more affordable to high-end brands. Supermarkets also have good quality chocolates.
If you like and can bring alcohol back, bring Belgian beer. I like sweeter beers, so I picked one with cherry and one with framboise. I liked both, but my favourite was the framboise. Wish I'd taken more! If you want to try a wider variety before picking a bottle to bring home, the Bruges Beer Experience is worth a stop.
