Bruges Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bruges showing a house, a city and cbd
Photo provided by Toerisme Brugge
Bruges which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a river or creek
Bruges featuring bird life and a lake or waterhole
Bruges
Visitors from all over the world come to this Belgian city to see its winding canals, admire its medieval architecture and taste its famous exports: beer and chocolate.

Bruges is full of history that’s evident just about everywhere you look. Sit in medieval squares, walk along canals, admire guild houses and climb bell towers. You’ll soon understand why this Belgian city is a World Heritage Site and the most popular destination in Belgium. Architecture and history are only a fraction of what the city has to offer. Indulge in culinary delights, famous beer and fine chocolates. While the best way to explore this compact city is on foot, you can also ride beside the Minnewater lake on a horse-drawn carriage or relax on a boat tour on the Canals of Bruges.

A walking tour of the city is best begun at the central Grote Markt, a pedestrianised square surrounded by historic architecture, located in the heart of Bruges. Explore the Heilige Bloed Basiliek (Basilica of the Holy Blood), Old St. John's Hospital, St. Salvator's Cathedral and the many charming bridges that cross the canals. Climb the Belfort for the most impressive views of the city. Admire Flemish art at the Groeningemuseum and learn about religious history at the Begijnhof, a 13th-century nunnery.

A visit to Bruges would not be complete without sampling some of the city's renowned beers. Try a glass of classic brown ale with moules frites (mussels and fries). If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to visit Choco-Story, The Chocolate Museum to learn about the history of Belgian chocolate and to sample this famed export.

Bruges is a year-round destination. Summer is the busiest time to visit when the city celebrates the warmer weather with weekend festivals. Dance to rock and reggae music during the Cactus Festival in July or listen to early music being played on classical instruments at the MAFestival in August.

In the cooler months, Bruges is a captivating sight, with a covering of snow on the centuries-old buildings. Seasonal attractions such as the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival and the Bruges Christmas Market, both held from November to December, conjure fairy-tale images of a past time.

Where to stay in Bruges

Bruges Market Square showing markets, heritage architecture and street scenes

Historical Center Bruges

5/5(67 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 a river or creek and boating 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 a river or creek and boating 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
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Sint-Pieters

5/5(1 area review)

Sint-Pieters is noteworthy for its coffee shops, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Bruges City Theater and The English Convent.

Sint-Pieters
Martin's Relais

Martin's Relais

4 out of 5
Genthof 4, Bruges
The price is NZ$246 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$246
27 July - 28 July
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Good hotel but don’t waste your money getting a canal view room. We did not have much of a view through our high porthole window."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Martin's Relais
Martin's Brugge

Martin's Brugge

3.5 out of 5
Oude Burg 5, Bruges
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$229 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$229
31 July - 1 Aug
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! (1,300 reviews)
"The location to the main area of Brugge couldn't be bettered. Lots going on around but the bar doesn't open on Sunday and Monday and there is no restaurant on site."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Martin's Brugge
Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges

Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges

4 out of 5
Hoogstraat 6, Bruges
The price is NZ$274 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$274
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bruges. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
Very nice hotel in a great location.
"Very nice hotel in a great location. Some of the desk staff were a bit clueless about basic questions so thats a point deducted."

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges
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! (181 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! (131 reviews)
"Excelente. Muy tranquilo. Zona residencial segura."

Reviewed on 19 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.

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