Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Bruges?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Bruges?
Many travelers spend one to three days in Bruges during their visit. After all, the beautiful 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 one or two weeks 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 one week enough time in Bruges?
With one week 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 a week 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:
- Storytelling Tour Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips ($3)
- Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges ($3)
- Walking Tour Bruges: Exciting Stories, Mysteries, People ($3)
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:
- Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges ($3)
- Guided boat trip and walk ($48)
- Walking Tour Bruges: Exciting Stories, Mysteries, People ($3)
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:
- Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges ($3)
- Walking Tour Bruges: Exciting Stories, Mysteries, People ($3)
- Bruges Walking Tour ($16)
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 ($3)
- Food tasting & Historical walk ($88)
- The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour ($142)
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.
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 ($15)
- Frietmuseum Entrance Ticket ($12)
- Bruges Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour ($7)
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.
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.
After you've explored most of Bruges, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
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.
Even more time is needed here to explore the old town with its many shops, restaurants, landmarks, and charming atmosphere. Find those local spots that are perfect for the local charm and cuisine.
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 2 weeks enough time in Bruges?
Two weeks 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 2 weeks in Bruges
With 2 weeks in Bruges, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time exploring the historic town. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Guided boat trip and walk ($48)
- Experience the best of Bruges on a Private Tour with Boat Ride with a local ($154)
- Guided tour of Bruges and Boat Trip ($37)
- Photo Tour "Philip the Good" + Boat trip ($49)
- Charms and Gems of Bruges for the First Timer Cruise Visitors ($74)
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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