Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Bruges?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Bruges?
Many travelers spend one to three days in Bruges during their visit. After all, the historic city has plenty to explore such as the historic old town, the quaint atmosphere, and the gorgeous scenery.
For many people, Bruges is a highlight of their trip to Belgium. The medieval city has beautiful architecture, amazing food, and world famous breweries. The main square, Bruges' Markt, is at the heart of the city. Popular activities include canal boat rides and horse drawn carriage tours. The city is also one of the most touristy in the country, so you'll find plenty of tour groups and other visitors around town.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Bruges? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Bruges?
With three days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Bruges has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Bruges as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can admire the historic sights, appreciate the quaint setting, take in the beautiful scenery, and wander through the museums at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 3 days in Bruges
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Bruges with Praline Included ($4)
- Storytelling Tour Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips ($4)
- Bruges at Night Small Group Walk - History, Mystery & Quiet Parts ($41)
Bruges is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. This charming city is lined with stunning architecture and quaint storefronts. Many people consider this to be one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Bruges with Praline Included ($4)
- Guided boat trip and walk ($52)
- Experience the best of Bruges on a Private Tour with Boat Ride ($140)
Bruges is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.
Bruges offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. The cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and bridges which cross over the canals all make for a truly unique experience.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Bruges with Praline Included ($4)
- Christmas Magic in Bruges - Walking Tour ($222)
- Walking Tour with Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Tasting ($59)
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 2-Hour Medieval Walk and Chocolate Tasting in Bruges ($4)
- Food tasting & Historical walk ($106)
- Beertasting Brugge ($34)
The public transit in Bruges is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.
Don't miss Bruges' Markt (The Main Square) during your trip to Bruges, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.
Is 4 days enough time in Bruges?
Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Bruges, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Admire the historic sights, appreciate the quaint setting, take in the beautiful scenery, and wander through the museums on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Bruges as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Bruges, Belgium
How to spend 4 days in Bruges
With 4 days in Bruges, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Bruges, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Choco-Story: The Chocolate Museum in Bruges ($16)
- Bruges Walking Tour: History, Hidden Gems & Michelangelo's Statue ($192)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Bruges.
Is 5 days enough time in Bruges?
Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Bruges has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend one to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the historic old town, the quaint atmosphere, the gorgeous scenery, and the famous sights and museums at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend 5 days in Bruges
If you have more than 5 days in Bruges, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Shopping in Bruges is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Bruges.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Bruges, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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