The Best Things to Do in Bruges, Belgium (One Day Itinerary)

If you're traveling to Belgium, the city of Bruges should be on your itinerary!

Bruges is a medieval town in Belgium known for its charming cobblestone streets, the canals that run through the city, and a city center that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When I found cheap flights to Brussels, Belgium, I decided to book flights for my toddler and me without knowing anything about Belgium. With a little research, I quickly realized that Bruges was one of the best places to visit in Belgium.

We arrived in Brussels in the evening and spent our first night there. Then we planned to get up early and take the train to Bruges first thing in the morning. We planned to spend the entire first day in Bruges, and our 2nd day in Ghent, another historic Belgian city. We booked a hotel for 2 nights in Bruges which served as our home base.

After seeing Bruges for myself, I know I could have easily spent multiple days wandering along the canals, eating friets (fries), waffles, and chocolate, but we had many other incredible sights to see on our trip, so we kept our time in Bruges to one day.

You can check out my entire itinerary here!

I'm sharing the ultimate guide for visiting Bruges, whether you're taking a day trip there, or spending the night. Here are the best things to do in Bruges, Belgium if you only have a day to visit.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Getting to Bruges

We flew into Brussels and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Brussels Grand Palace which was close to the Brussels Central train station. We took an early train from Brussels to Bruges that took around an hour and arrived around 10:00 a.m.

We waited until around 9 a.m. to take the train to avoid the morning rush to work. I had booked our tickets ahead of time on the Belgian Train website, and the trains to Bruges ran quite frequently. The intercity trains are very efficient and easy to figure out.

We met up with another content creator (The Backpacking Mom) who was coming from Paris. She said the train ride from Paris to Bruges was pretty easy and took less than 2 hours.

The Bruges train station was just a short walk from our hotel, Dukes Academie Bruges. I chose this hotel because it had a quad room for our group. It's an adorable boutique hotel near Minnewater Lake on a quiet street away from the hustle and bustle of city center.

Bruges One Day Itinerary (with kids or without)

I was with my 3-year-old, and my friend was with her 11-year-old daughter, so everything we did on our Bruges Itinerary was kid-friendly. However, because the main thing to do in Bruges is to simply enjoy the fairy tale ambiance of the city itself, you could enjoy these activities on a girl's trip, a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo trip.

Take a Tour

I'll start by saying that if your time is limited, but you still want to see everything there is to see of Beautiful Bruges, there are several guided tour options to choose from.

Take a tour in one of the horse-drawn carriages that depart from Market Square while the coachman shares tidbits about the city.

You could also take a walking tour that hits the highlights as well as some hidden gems, while also giving you the chance to try some Belgian chocolate and visit some lace shops.

See Market Square (Grote Markt)

The first thing to do in Bruges is to stop by Market Square, otherwise known as Grote Markt, to see the colorful gabled buildings and the Belfry of Bruges.

Morning is the best time to visit for a chance to get some great photos of the picturesque square, then slow down and grab a coffee at one of the many cafes or restaurants lining the market.

In addition to the Belfry, you'll find the Historium Brugge here at Market Square where you can travel back in time to the Golden Age of Bruges the Middle Ages using virtual reality.

Market Square is where you'll find the Christmas Markets in November and December, and a farmers market during the warm weather months.

Climb the Belfry Tower

The Belfry of Bruges is a 13th-century bell tower located in Market Square that reaches 83 meters high. We climbed the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry, and though it was a cloudy and rainy day, we still enjoyed incredible views of the rooftops of Bruges.

My 3-year-old even made it to the top without me having to carry her! There are places to stop on the way to the top to rest your legs. For example, you can see the carillon with 47 bells!

It costs €15 to climb the Belfry Tower, but children ages 7 and under are free. It's the best way to see panoramic views of the city!

Eat some Belgian Waffles

You've probably worked up an appetite from climbing up and down 366 stairs at the Belfry, so reward yourself with one of Belgium's most famous foods - waffles!

We stopped at Waffle Bar Brugge which is not too far from Market Square. This small shop has a window you can order from, or you can go inside to eat.

They make the waffles right in front of you, and there are so many toppings to choose from. The waffles are warm and delicious, and if you're visiting on a cold or rainy day, grab some hot chocolate, too!

In Belgium, you can get Liege or Brussels waffles. I had no idea what the difference was at first, so I ordered the Brussels waffles which looked more familiar to me. They are delicious, but once I tried the Liege waffle I couldn't go back.

Liege waffles are made with a thicker batter with Pearl sugar mixed in. The sugar carmelizes when the waffle is cooked, giving a sweet crunch on the edges of the waffle. I have a huge sweet tooth, so I fell in love with the Liege waffles.

Truly you can't go wrong with whatever kind of waffle or topping you choose!

Take a Canal Tour

If you're visiting in spring, summer, or fall, you should consider taking a canal boat tour through Bruges.

We visited in February, and according to Visit Bruges, the canal tours only run from March through November. Not to mention it was raining during our visit, so we didn't see any canal tours operating.

You don't have to reserve a boat ride. You can just walk up and buy your ticket in person with the tour operators. The boat tours will point out the highlights of Bruges and share some information about the history of Bruges.

Bruges is called the Venice of the North for a reason! Seeing this beautiful city from the picturesque canals is a unique experience and a great way to see Bruges from a different perspective.

Quay of the Rosary

Rosary Quay is a bend in the canal where rosaries were once sold but is now one of the most popular photo spots in Bruges! It's the perfect place to enjoy the scenery, take an Instagram photo, or catch a canal tour in the warmer months.

In the background, you'll see the cathedral with more beautiful buildings in the foreground, and it's just the perfect snapshot of the historic center of Bruges.

Visit Burg Square

Burg Square is another great place to sightsee and take in the medieval architecture of Bruges. It's very close to both Markt Square and Rosary Quay, and you can see the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Town Hall in this historic square.

Stop by Minnewater Park

If you want to escape some of the hustle and bustle of the touristy city centre, make your way over to Minnewater Lake and spend a little time relaxing in the park. This was just a few steps away from our hotel, Dukes Academie Bruges, and we loved how idyllic and peaceful this area was.

Minnewater is known as the Lake of Love thanks to the local legend of Minna and her forbidden love Stromberg. Legend has it that if you walk over the bridge with your sweetheart, you will have eternal love!

You could buy some bread, fruit, and cheese at a supermarket and have a picnic by the lake, or just sit on a bench and people-watch.

Get some Friets (Belgian Fries)

We finished our day in Bruges by stopping at FritBar for some famous Belgian fries! There are several different kinds of fries to choose from, like Parmesan fries and sweet potato fries. You can try a variety of sauces on top like Andalouse, garlic mayo, or truffle mayo to name a few.

I didn't even think I liked mayonnaise, but I tried some of the truffle mayo sauce on my parmesan fries, and let's just say I'm a believer!

Visit the Chocolate Museum

If the weather is cold or rainy, consider stopping at the Chocolate Museum for an interactive tour where you can learn how Belgian chocolate is made. Choco-Story Bruges tells the story and history of chocolate from its origins in the Mayan and Aztec cultures and how it evolved to its present form.

After the tour, you have the option to make your own chocolate.

Visit De Halve Maan Brewery

De Halve Maan Brewery is a great place to sample some Belgian Beer and see 360º views of the city from the brewery's rooftop when you take the tour.

We didn't include this on our itinerary, since we didn't have any beer drinkers in our group, but this would still be a family-friendly option if someone in your party has an appreciation for beer. Kids are welcome on the tour, but be aware that you will be climbing lots of steps!

Where to Stay in Bruges

Luxury

The Pand Hotel - Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Collection, the Pand Hotel is a charming boutique hotel located near Market Square. This former 18th-century carriage house is known for its excellent service, great location, and elegant decor.

Moderate

Dukes Academie Bruges - We booked this hotel for its quad room and ended up having an incredible experience there. The located near Minnewater Lake was quiet, which was perfect for our visit with kids. There was an elevator for our stroller, and we prepaid for the breakfast which was one of the best breakfast buffets I've had at a hotel. The decor was stylish, the rooms were clean and elegant, and we loved the location. I would happily stay here again with or without kids.

Need more options? Check out all of the Bruges Hotel options here.

Travel Tips for Visiting Bruges

Best Time to Visit Bruges

The summer months are considered the best time to visit Bruges, especially July and August when the weather warms up. While the weather is much nicer this time of year, it's also high season for tourism so accommodations may be more expensive and you'll face more crowds. Bruges is a popular destination for tourists in Belgium! I would imagine it's still worth visiting in the summer despite the crowds.
The winter months are gloomy and chilly, but not frigid. We visited in February and the weather was pleasant enough. It was around 50º F and rainy. We purchased umbrellas from a shop in town and made sure to bring a waterproof stroller cover. Wool coats were enough to keep us warm, although you may prefer a waterproof winter jacket. Another reason to visit in winter is to see the Bruges Christmas Market.
Spring and fall are considered shoulder seasons, so you may have fewer crowds than summer, but there will likely still be a chill in the air.

How Much Time Do You Need in Bruges?

I fell in love with Bruges and would love to go back to spend 2 or 3 days to just wander and relax. However, I know there is not that much to do once you're in Bruges beyond enjoying the architecture and Belgian beer, chocolate, waffles, and fries, so kids or young people might get bored.

One full day is plenty of time to see the highlights, but if you like to slow down and enjoy small European cities like this one, you may want to extend your stay!

Getting Around Bruges

Once you arrive at Brugge Station, you can pretty much walk anywhere you need to go in Brugges. It's a small town and very walkable.

Biking is another option for getting around town, and there are plenty of bicycle rental shops around Bruges where you can rent bikes, including tandem bikes, children's bikes, and e-bikes.

Safety

Bruges is a safe city, and I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe walking around as a solo female traveler with a toddler, even walking back to our hotel at dusk. Whenever you travel, you should always take reasonable safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in large crowds.

Language

The local language is Dutch, but most people who work in the service and tourism industries will speak some amount of English. We had no trouble getting by without knowing Dutch.

French is spoken in some parts of Belgium, but mostly in the East of Belgium.

Currency

The Euro is used in Belgium, but every single place we visited accepts credit cards. I only used cash for tipping on a boat tour is Ghent and I kept some on hand in case I needed to use a public restroom.

Day Trips

If you're based in Brussels, you could easily take a Bruges day trip and return to your hotel in Brussels at a reasonable hour. As I mentioned above, the intracity trains in Belgium are excellent, affordable, and fast.
Ghent is a wonderful day trip from Bruges. It took around 30 minutes by train to get to Ghent, and we were able to spend a day exploring the historic city center, take a canal cruise, and see a castle. Ghent is a larger city than Bruges, and well worth a visit. This is a great option for a day trip from Bruges.

Where Else to Go on Your Trip to Europe

It's so easy to get around Europe by train, so since you've already paid for your plane ticket across the ocean, you may as well add another country or two!

There are several great options if you're spending some time in Belgium.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is about a 4-hour train ride from Bruges, but it is so worth it! I was immediately charmed by the crooked gingerbread-style houses along the canals of Amsterdam. Amsterdam was far more crowded than any of the cities we visited in Belgium, although we did visit on a weekend, so that could account for some of the extra tourism.

It was February when we visited, and we noticed that many of the tourists seemed to be from other European countries rather than from the United States. I would imagine you'll find more American tourists in the summertime in Amsterdam.

In Amsterdam, you can visit the Anne Frank House (be sure to book well in advance), take a canal boat tour, take a bike tour, visit the flower market, and eat as much Stroopwafel as you can.

Luxembourg

We took a group tour bus day trip from Brussels to Luxembourg. It was a chance to check another country off our list, and as a bonus, we got to see the small Belgian town of Dinant, which is set against dramatic cliffs.

Luxembourg was nothing like I expected. It was a small fairytale city, and the old town was especially charming. We visited on a Monday, and it felt like a ghost town! Everything was closed, including most restaurants in the old town. Still, it was one of the most beautiful cities I've seen and has its own unique charm.

You can book the tour we took right here through Get Your Guide. Thanks to Get Your Guide for hosting our group on this tour!

Paris

Paris is around a 2-hour train ride from Bruges, and if you haven't been to the city of lights, this would pair perfectly with a trip to Belgium!

There's so much to do and see in Paris, whether you're traveling with adults only or with kids. I've visited twice. The first time was just with my husband, and the second time was with my oldest when she was just a 14-month-old toddler.

You must see the Eiffel Tower at twilight when it sparkles, but be sure to grab a picnic to enjoy on the lawn while you wait!

See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, climb the Arc de Triomphe for skyline views with the Eiffel Tower in the background, walk the Champs Elysee, visit the Luxembourg Gardens, stroll the Montmartre neighborhood, and climb the stairs to the Sacre Coeur.

Eat all the crepes and macarons you can handle. And sit at a sidewalk cafe sipping your cafe au lait and eating your croissant and people watch. It's one of my favorite things to do in Paris.

Even a short visit to Bruges is worth it!

At this point, I've been to my fair share of European cities, both big and small, and there is something special about Bruges.

Maybe it's because I visited in winter when the crowds were minimal, but I fell in love with the slow pace, the medieval buildings, and the cobblestone streets.

There truly are plenty of things to do in Bruges, but I think strolling through the city or sitting at a sidewalk cafe and watching the world go by are the best ways to enjoy it. If you're able to spend just a day, do it! But if you can book an extra night or two you certainly won't regret it. It might be my new favorite city!