Bruges 7 Day Itinerary

7 Day Bruges Itinerary: A Romantic Escape

This itinerary focuses on exploring Bruges at a relaxed pace, enjoying its history, culture, and charm. It can be adapted for shorter trips by focusing on specific areas.

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in Bruges, check into your charming canal-side hotel in the historic center. Consider:

    • Hotel:

      • Hotel Dukes’ Palace: A luxurious stay within a beautifully restored medieval palace.
      • Hotel Relais & Châteaux Hotel de Orangerie: Enjoy a tranquil experience in this historic mansion with its serene gardens and canal views.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Markt (Market Square), the heart of Bruges. Admire the Belfry, indulge in some Belgian chocolate at the many chocolatiers around the square, and take a stroll through the picturesque streets.

Activity: Enjoy a waffle from one of the delightful stalls near the Markt. Food:

  • Lunch: Grab a classic Flemish lunch at ’t Zwart Huis, featuring local delicacies like mussels and fries or stoemp (a hearty potato dish).
  • Dinner: For a traditional Belgian dining experience, try De Stove or De Bottelare.

Day 2:

  • Morning: Discover the medieval history of Bruges with a visit to the Belfry Tower. Climb to the top for breathtaking views and learn about the city’s past as a powerful trading center.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic canals on a scenic boat tour. It’s a wonderful way to see the city from a different perspective and appreciate the beauty of its waterways.

Food:

  • Lunch: Enjoy a hearty bowl of carbonade flamande, a traditional beef stew, at ’t Zwevende Eiland.
  • Dinner: Have dinner at De Bottelare, known for its delicious Belgian cuisine and cozy atmosphere.

Day 3:

  • Morning: Explore the historic center on foot. Visit the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk), home to Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child” sculpture.
  • Food: Try a traditional Belgian breakfast at De Gruuthuse, a charming cafe in a historic setting.

Day 3:

  • Afternoon: Wander through the cobblestone streets of Brugge and discover the hidden gems like the Belfry:

Day 4:

  • Morning: Visit the Groeninge Museum to explore the works of Flemish masters, then stroll through the charming medieval art in the city center.
  • Food: Enjoy a traditional Belgian lunch at De Vlaming, a local favorite for its delicious frites (fries) and moules-frites.

Day 5:

  • Day trip to Ghent: Explore the medieval architecture and charming canals of Ghent, including the Gravensteen castle and the Ghent Altarpiece.
  • Dinner: Take a canal cruise in Ghent to see the city from a different perspective.

Day 6:

  • Morning: Visit the Bruges Market Square, enjoy a delicious breakfast at ’t Oud Brugse Huis, and experience the charm of this historic place.

  • Afternoon: Discover Bruges’ hidden courtyards and alleys.

  • Day 7:

  • Explore the history of Bruges:

    • Morning: Visit the Belfry again to see it in daylight and learn about its role in the city’s past.

    • Enjoy a traditional Belgian brunch:

Try Chez Leon for an authentic Belgian meal experience.

Things to do:

  • Take a stroll through the historic Markt (Market Square):

    • Enjoy the charming atmosphere of the canals and cobblestone streets.

  • Visit the Groeninge Museum: Explore Flemish art from the 15th to 20th centuries.

  • Climb the Belfry for breathtaking views:

Discover Bruges’ iconic bell tower and the stunning panorama of the city it offers.

  • Climb the old walls for a panoramic view:

Explore the remnants of Bruges’ medieval defenses, and enjoy a unique perspective on the city’s history.

  • Take a cooking class at “t” Zwart Huis": Learn to make delicious traditional Belgian dishes like moules-frites or waffles.
  • Explore the canals by boat:

Experience the beauty of Bruges from the water and see the city’s historic buildings and charming bridges in a new light.

  • Enjoy the chocolate and beer experiences:

    • “Chocolate Line” tour: Discover the history of Belgian chocolate making with a tasting experience (chocolate shops: Chocolate Line, Choco-Story, The Chocolate Factory)
    • Beer tasting at a local brewery: Explore the process and flavors behind this Belgian tradition.

  • Visit Bruges’ historic churches and museums:

  • Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: See the stunning “Mausoleum of the Holy Blood”

  • Church of Saint Salvator: Discover the Bruges museum, a hidden gem.

  • Groeninge Museum:

Enjoy the art collection and the beautiful medieval architecture. Things to do:

  • Visit the Groeninge Museum (this is a great opportunity to learn about the history of Bruges, which is rich in medieval art and architecture.
  • Take a boat tour on the canals:

Enjoy the beauty of Bruges’ canals, exploring its charming bridges and picturesque buildings from a unique perspective.

  • “The Church of Our Lady” Beer Tasting Tour:

Discover the city’s history and heritage through its delicious beer and medieval breweries.

Things to know:

  • Bruges is a pedestrian-friendly city, so leave your car behind and explore on foot or by bicycle.
  • Belgium is known for its delicious food and drink, so be sure to sample some of the local specialties like chocolate shops: Belgian waffles, chocolate truffles, and frites (fries) are just a few of the things you can enjoy in Bruges.

Transportation:

  • Walking: The best way to explore the charming streets and canals of Bruges is on foot.
  • Cycling: Rent a bike and cycle through the beautiful canals and cobblestone streets.
  • Public Transport: While Bruges is small enough to explore on foot, you can also utilize their efficient public transport system for exploring the outskirts or travelling between attractions located further apart.
  • Boat Tours:

Enjoy a relaxing way to see the city with a canal tour.

Things to know:

  • The canals are a great way to see the historic architecture of Bruges.
  • You can catch a boat tour from any of the canal bridges:

Look for signs indicating “boat tours” or “kanaaltochten”.

Things to do:

  • Cycling in Bruges is incredibly popular and efficient, so consider renting a bike to explore at your own pace.

  • Boat rentals are a great option for exploring the canals on your own.

Things to do:

  • Explore the canals: Rent a boat and enjoy a relaxing day on the water.

  • Consider public transportation: The “Bus” and “Tram” networks in Bruges can be used to reach destinations outside of the city center.

  • Visit Damme: Take a bike ride or drive to the charming town of Damme, which is easily accessible from Bruges.

  • Explore Ghent: Enjoy the medieval charm of Ghent with its historic buildings and cobblestone streets.

Things to know about boat rentals:

  • Boat Tours: You can rent boats for a leisurely trip along the canals.

  • Bike tours are available: Explore the city’s canals by bike, enjoying the scenery and fresh air.

  • Explore Bruges’ history: The “Markt” (market square) is the perfect place to start your journey into the past.

Tips:

  • Book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak season, as they can fill up quickly.

  • Pack comfortable shoes: Bruges has a lot of cobblestone streets and you’ll be doing a lot of walking!

  • Visit local restaurants for lunch or dinner: You’ll find delicious Belgian food here.

  • Rent bikes: It’s a great way to explore the surrounding countryside.

  • Bring cash: Many canalsides shops and restaurants are cash-only.

  • Learn a few basic Flemish phrases:

It will help you make the most of your experience.

Things to see in Bruges:

  • **"**t Markt" (Market Square)
  • Ghent’s “City Hall”: Explore the history of Bruges and its relationship with Ghent through art, architecture, and history exhibits.
  • Belfry Tower:

Admire the beautiful architecture and views from the top of this iconic tower.

  • Church of Our Lady:

Explore the charming canals and alleys on a boat tour or rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace.

  • Bruges’ “Market Hall”:

A great place to see local products being sold.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy a traditional Belgian waffle breakfast from one of the many “chocolate shops”:

“Chocolate Museum“s in Bruges, and then take a trip to the “**Gravensteen” (medieval castle) for a delicious “**Belgian waffle” tasting experience.

Remember:

  • Belgium is known for its stunning architecture and historic sites, so be sure to visit some of the following:
    • Markt (Market Square):

Explore the history of Bruges’ role as a trading center.

  • **The “**Church of Our Lady” (the church)

  • Enjoy the charming atmosphere:

Explore the city by bike and enjoy the scenic canals and cobblestone streets.

  • Rent bikes from a local shop: Explore the city at your own pace, discovering hidden gems along the way.
  • **Visit “t Markt” in Bruges: Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of this bustling market square.

Enjoy the “Bruges Beer Trail”:

A delightful experience for the adult crowd, who can indulge in the unique flavors of Belgian beer and the history of the local breweries.

  • Bring your camera: Capture the stunning architecture and picturesque canals.

  • Experience the charm: Bring a sense of adventure and explore the charming streets and canals of Bruges on a scenic tour.

  • Enjoy the beauty of the city’s architecture: Take advantage of “The Quays” for a relaxing evening stroll.

  • Enjoy the charm of the city:

Remember that even in the evenings, Bruges is a beautiful place to walk around. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.

  • **Consider taking a “Ghent beer tasting tour”:

  • Local markets are a great place:

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and discover local crafts and delicacies.

  • **Visit the historic “**beguinage” (a neighborhood with small cottages for women living in religious communities)

Remember to:

Try “Belgian waffles” at a traditional cafe and enjoy the history of these delicious treats.

  • Learn about the history of the city:
    The charming canals are a great place to start. Enjoy a boat tour, or explore the area on foot, and you’ll find a variety of shops, including those selling “Belgian waffles” (the local delicacy)

Enjoy a “Belgium Beer Tasting Tour”:

Enjoy the beautiful, historic setting of Bruges.

  • Bring cash for purchases:

Many cafes use cash-only systems for their smaller purchases.

Enjoy the experience!

Remember to pack:

  • Comfortable shoes: Bruges is a walking city and you’ll be doing a lot of it on cobblestone streets, so wear comfortable shoes. Enjoy the beauty of the “Groeninge Museum”

Enjoy the historic canals of Bruges.

Here are some ideas for your Bruges trip:

  • Explore the canals by boat or on foot, visiting the charming museums and markets that line their banks.
  • **Visit the “Market Square” (Markt) in Bruges, and enjoy a delightful Belgian waffle experience.

**Enjoy the “chocolate” (a popular activity in Bruges)

Enjoy the charm of a canal-side cafe!**

Enjoy the local flavors at a " Belgium’s” famous “chocolate” shops.

  • Explore the “historic Groeninge Museum:

Enjoy the charming atmosphere and delicious food.

This is a fun and quirky way to list the “activities” for tourists in Bruges, as it highlights the unique charm of the city while mentioning some specific attractions.

Enjoy the beauty of Bruges!