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 recognized 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 markets, heritage architecture and street scenes

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
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Dudzele

Dudzele is well liked for its museums. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Bruges area, you might plan a trip to Hoeke Windmill or Uitkerkse Polder.

Dudzele
West Flanders featuring 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
Martin's Relais
Martin's Relais
4 out of 5
Genthof 4, Bruges
The price is €127 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
€127
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Great location!"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Martin's Relais
Martin's Brugge
Martin's Brugge
3.5 out of 5
Oude Burg 5, Bruges
The price is €131 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
€131
17 Jul - 18 Jul
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,277 reviews)
"Very convenient and clean"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Martin's Brugge
ibis budget Brugge Centrum Station
ibis budget Brugge Centrum Station
1 out of 5
Marie Popelinplantsoen 4, Bruges
The price is €79 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
€79
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bruges. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"No more"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

ibis budget Brugge Centrum 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.
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (179 reviews)
"Was amazing"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"Excellent location and a really nice flat. Will go again"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (128 reviews)
Lovely location and accomodations
"Very comfortable place with lovely outdoor space. Helpful host and a short walk to the city center. Thanks!"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

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