Bruge 4 Day Itinerary
4-Day Itinerary for Bruges, Belgium
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Morning: Arrive in Bruges and check-in to your accommodation. We recommend staying at Hotel de Tuilerieën or B&B De Corenbloem.
- 10:00 AM: Start your day at the Market Square (Grote Markt), where you’ll find the iconic Belfry Tower and stunning Gothic architecture.
- 12:00 PM: Visit the nearby Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) to admire Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child” sculpture.
- 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at De Karmeliet, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Flemish cuisine. Try their famous waterzooi (a creamy stew).
- 2:30 PM: Take a romantic boat tour along Bruges’ canals with Brugse Rederij. This will give you a unique perspective on the city’s architecture.
- 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Den Amand, known for its seasonal menu and extensive wine list.
Day 2: History and Culture
- 9:30 AM: Visit the Groeningemuseum, which showcases an impressive collection of Flemish and Belgian art.
- 12:00 PM: Stop by the Historic Centre ( Historisch Centrum) to learn about Bruges’ rich history and cultural heritage.
- 1:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at De Stoepa, offering delicious sandwiches and salads.
- 2:30 PM: Explore the Brewery Halve Maan, where you can sample local beers and learn about the brewing process.
- 7:00 PM: Dine at De Vlaamsche Pot, serving traditional Flemish dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Day 3: Castles and Chocolates
- 9:30 AM: Visit the majestic Begijnhof (Ten Wijngaerde), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 11:30 AM: Indulge in a chocolate-making workshop at Chocoladehuisje. You’ll learn about the art of Belgian chocolate-making and get to taste some delicious creations!
- 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Café Vlissinghe, one of Bruges’ oldest cafes, offering a range of sandwiches and soups.
- 2:30 PM: Visit the impressive Kasteel van Tilburg (Tilburg Castle), featuring stunning gardens and a beautiful lake.
- 7:00 PM: Savor dinner at Bistro den Amand, offering a range of international dishes.
Day 4: Day Trip to Damme
- 9:30 AM: Take the bus (line 43 or 44) from Bruges’ main station to Damme, a picturesque town just outside Bruges. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the stunning St. John’s Church (Sint-Janskerk) and explore Damme’s charming streets and canals.
- 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at De Lachende Os, offering delicious Flemish cuisine.
- 2:00 PM: Return to Bruges and spend the afternoon exploring the city or visiting any attractions you may have missed earlier.
- 7:00 PM: Farewell dinner at Bocca, serving modern Belgian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Transportation
- Bruges is easily accessible by train from Brussels Airport (Zaventem) or other major Belgian cities. From the station, take bus number 4 or 14 to reach the city center.
- Within Bruges, walking or cycling are the best ways to get around. You can rent bicycles at Brugse Fietsen.
Tips and Essentials
- Language: Dutch is the official language, but many locals speak English, French, and German.
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Weather: Bruges can be rainy, so pack accordingly. Average temperatures range from 3°C (37°F) in winter to 18°C (64°F) in summer.
- Power adapter: Type E/F (230V, 50Hz)
- Safety: Bruges is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Other Things of Interest
- Horse-drawn carriage rides: Explore Bruges’ romantic streets with a horse-drawn carriage ride.
- Folklore Museum: Visit the Folklore Museum (Volkskundemuseum) to learn about Flemish culture and traditions.
- Lace-making demonstrations: Watch artisans create intricate lace at various workshops throughout the city.
Enjoy your trip to Bruges!