Bruges 7 Day Itinerary
7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Bruges, Belgium
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Arrival: Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU) or take the train to Bruges Station. Take a taxi or bus (line 16) to your accommodation.
- Accommodation: Stay at Hotel de Tuilerieën or B&B La Maison Bourgeoise
- Lunch: Try some traditional Belgian fries and waffles at Frituur ’t Apostelientje
- Afternoon: Explore the historic city centre, starting from the Market Square (Grote Markt) and visit the Belfry Tower.
- Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Belgian dinner at Den Amand
Day 2: Bruges’ Hidden Gems
- Morning: Visit the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) and admire Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child” sculpture.
- Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Pantry de Halve Maan, a brewery with a restaurant.
- Afternoon: Explore the picturesque canals by taking a boat tour or strolling along the water’s edge. Visit the Beguinage (Begijnhof) and the St. John’s Hospital Museum (Sint-Janshospitaal).
- Dinner: Dine at De Stoepa, serving local specialties.
Day 3: Castles and Countryside
- Morning: Visit the medieval Castle of Tilburg (Kasteel van Tilburg) in nearby Loppem.
- Lunch: Head to Hof van Watervliet, a restaurant in a 17th-century castle.
- Afternoon: Explore the scenic countryside and picturesque villages, such as Damme or Oostkamp.
- Dinner: Return to Bruges for dinner at De Karmeliet, known for its creative Belgian cuisine.
Day 4: Beer and Chocolate
- Morning: Visit the Halve Maan Brewery (Brouwerij Halve Maan) for a beer tasting and tour.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at The Beer Temple, with over 100 Belgian beers on tap.
- Afternoon: Indulge in chocolate at Chocoladehuisje or Pierre Marcolini.
- Dinner: Dine at De Vlaamsche Pot, serving traditional Flemish dishes.
Day 5: Cultural Experiences
- Morning: Visit the Groeningemuseum, featuring an impressive collection of Flemish and Belgian art.
- Lunch: Grab a snack at Café Vlissinghe, a cozy spot with a rich history.
- Afternoon: Attend a concert or performance at the Concert Hall (Koninklijk Concertgebouw).
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Den Gouden Harynck, offering refined Belgian cuisine.
Day 6: Day Trip to Ghent
- Morning: Take a day trip to Ghent, another beautiful medieval city in Flanders. Visit the St. Bavo Cathedral and Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen).
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Pakhuis, a trendy spot with local dishes.
- Afternoon: Explore Ghent’s picturesque canals and visit the Patershol neighborhood.
- Dinner: Return to Bruges for dinner at Bistro den Amand.
Day 7: Departure
- Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
- Departure: Head back to Brussels Airport (BRU) or the train station for your departure.
Transportation
- Bruges is easily explorable on foot, but you can also use public transportation or take a taxi.
- To get to Ghent, take the train from Bruges Station (approximately 30 minutes).
Tips and Essentials
- Language: While many locals speak English, it’s always helpful to know some basic Dutch phrases.
- Currency: The Euro is the official currency in Belgium.
- Weather: Bruges can be chilly and rainy, so pack accordingly.
- Safety: As with any popular tourist destination, be mindful of your belongings and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas at night.
Other Things to Know
- City Card: Consider purchasing a Bruges City Card, which grants access to many attractions and public transportation.
- Festivals and Events: Check the city’s event calendar for festivals, markets, or concerts during your visit.
Additional Resources
Enjoy your trip to Bruges!