Bruges

Travel Guide

Bruges which includes a house, cbd and a city
Photo provided by Toerisme Brugge
Bruges showing a river or creek, heritage architecture and night scenes
Bruges which includes bird life and a lake or waterhole
Bruges
Medieval architecture, meandering canals and exquisite chocolate and beer: it's no wonder that more than 2 million tourists flock to this Belgian city each year.

Nunneries, belfries, guild houses, stone-paved squares and canals provide fascinating glimpses into Bruges’ past. Today, the old centre of Bruges is an internationally recognized World Heritage Site and the most popular destination in Belgium, but architecture and history are just part of the city’s appeal. Enjoy some of Belgium's famous beer and rich chocolate as you discover all that Bruges has to offer.

Walking is the simplest and perhaps the best way to see the compact town, but there are other options. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride from the park near the tranquil Minnewater or a boat tour of the stunning Canals of Bruges.

At the centre of Bruges is its Grote Markt, a pedestrian zone featuring exquisitely decorative architecture. Climb the Belfort for the finest views of the city. Other places of interest include the Heilige Bloed Basiliek (Basilica of the Holy Blood), St. Salvator's Cathedral, Old St. John's Hospital and numerous bridges over the canals. If you have a rainy day, visit the Groeningemuseum and admire the mastery of the region's artists through the ages. Get insight into the religious history of Bruges at Begijnhof, a nunnery that has been in operation since the 13th century.

It's not just the history you must sample, however. Belgium is renowned for its unique brews, so be sure to try several beers along with your moules frites (mussels and fries). For dessert, visit Choco-Story, The Chocolate Museum, where you can study the history of Belgian chocolate before sampling this famous export.

Bruges is a perennial tourist attraction. It’s busiest during the summer when music and dance festivals fill the weekends. Cactus Festival in July features rock and reggae in Minnewaterpark. August's MAfestival focuses on early music with organ, harpsichord, pianoforte and baroque choirs. 

Bruges is charming in the colder months too, especially with seasonal attractions such as the Bruges Christmas Market and the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival, both held November to December. Seeing Bruges with a frosting of snow on the ancient buildings is an experience you'll never forget.

Where to stay in Bruges

Bruges Market Square featuring a city, street scenes and heritage architecture

Historical Center Bruges

Travelers to Historical Center Bruges praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a 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 beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Choco-Story Museum and Burg.

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

Sint-Pieters is noteworthy for its coffeehouses, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,153 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,153
P8,119 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,000 reviews)
Great location and wonderful staff
"We loved this hotel. The location was central but yet quiet. Our room was large and with lovely character. The bed was super comfortable. The front desk staff was super nice and helpful."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 P6,294 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P6,294
P7,207 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,319 reviews)
Fantastic stay in a fabulous location
"Great location very close to central market square and Belfry. Good sized rooms. Great selection of food at breakfast. Friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Martin's Brugge
Dukes’ Palace – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection

Dukes’ Palace – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection

5 out of 5
Prinsenhof 8, Bruges
The price is P13,414 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P13,414
P14,756 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bruges. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"this is our third stay at this beautiful hotel staff are so helpful and friendly everything is as a hotel should be"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Dukes’ Palace – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection
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! (185 reviews)
Great base location to visit region.
"Family stay to visit the surrounding region. Hotel is clean and has everything you want. Location is busy but has great transport connections."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 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 Jun 30, 2025

Dukes’ Apartments Grand Place – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection
Bonobo Apartments

Bonobo Apartments

Goezeputstraat 5, Bruges
Stay at this apartment in Bruges. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Bruges Christmas Market and Bruges Market ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (186 reviews)
Great apartment
"Lots of space, wonderful location, helpful hosts"

Reviewed on May 20, 2025

Bonobo Apartments
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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