Bruge 4 Day Itinerary
Title: 4-Day Bruges Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival & Exploring the City Center
Morning:
- Arrive in Bruges and check into your accommodation (see suggestions below)
- Start your day with breakfast at Café ’t Brugs Beertje, a local institution dating back to 1824
- Visit the Belfry of Bruges for panoramic views over the city (Belfort, Markt 20, 8000 Brugge)
- Stroll through the picturesque Market Square (Markt) and admire the historic buildings
Afternoon:
- Explore the Begijnhof - a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, home to the Begijntjes or Béguines
- Visit the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) to see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture (Sint-Annarei 13, 8000 Brugge)
- Take a relaxing canal cruise to discover the city from a different perspective (multiple tour operators available)
Evening:
- Dine at De Garre, a cozy brewery with an extensive beer menu
- Enjoy a nightcap at In den Vismarkt, overlooking the fish market square
Day 2 - Historical Sites & Museums
Morning:
- Head to the Hospitals Museum (Sint-Janshospitaal, Sint-Jansstraat 19, 8000 Brugge) for a glimpse into medieval healthcare
- Visit the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum to learn about the history and production of Belgian chocolate (Wollestraat 26, 8000 Brugge)
Afternoon:
- Explore the Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig Bloedbasiliek) and see the relic of the blood Christ is said to have shed during his crucifixion (Langestraat 52, 8000 Brugge)
- Stroll through the serene Minnewater Park and admire the beautiful swan boats
Evening:
- Dine at De Karmelietenhoeve, a charming restaurant located in a 13th-century monastery
- Relax with a drink at De Halve Maan, Bruges’ last traditional brewery, offering tastings and tours
Day 3 - Countryside & Windmills
Morning:
- Take the train to the picturesque village of Damme (approximately 15 minutes from Bruges)
- Visit the Groeningemuseum in Bruges to see Flemish Primitive and 19th-century art (Dijver 12, 8000 Brugge)
Afternoon:
- Head to the Windmill Museum in Blokdamme (approximately 5 minutes from Damme) to learn about windmills and their role in the region’s history (Kruisstraat 38, 8200 Sint-Michielses-olie)
- Visit one or more of the well-preserved windmills scattered around the countryside, such as De Dudze Molen (Brugse Vaart 145, 8200 Sint-Michielses-olie)
Evening:
- Return to Bruges and dine at Het Kruiskeken, offering traditional Flemish cuisine in a cozy atmosphere
- End the day with a drink at De Garre, which has an ever-changing selection of over 300 beers
Day 4 - Relaxation & Departure
Morning:
- Spend your last hours in Bruges wandering the charming streets, visiting any sights you may have missed, or revisiting favorites
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Café ’t Brugs Beertje before heading to the train station for your departure
Where to Stay:
- Hotel de Orangerie - A luxury hotel with a spa and fine dining (Stationsstraat 6, 8000 Brugge)
- Hotel Ter Brughe - A boutique hotel in an historic building, featuring a cozy bar and library (Wollestraat 27, 8000 Brugge)
- B&B ’t Zwarte Varken - A budget-friendly option offering private rooms in a central location (Potterierei 13, 8000 Brugge)
Transportation:
- Bruges City Centre is easily explored on foot or by bike (rental shops available)
- Trains connect Bruges to other cities in Belgium, with Brussels being the closest major hub (approximately 1 hour away)
Tips & Additional Information:
- Buy a Bruges Card for free or reduced entry to many attractions and unlimited use of public transportation
- Avoid crowds by visiting popular sights early in the morning or late afternoon/evening
- Sample Belgian waffles, frites, and mussels during your stay for a taste of local cuisine
- Keep an eye out for street performers, musicians, and artisans adding to the city’s charm