Bruge 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Bruges, Belgium 🇧🇪

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation 🌆

  • Arrive at Brussels Airport or Bruges Railway Station and check into your accommodation.
  • Accommodation: Consider staying at Hotel de Orangerie, B&B Hotel Bruges City Center, or Relais Bourgondisch Patershof.
  • Familiarize yourself with the city by taking a stroll around the historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2: Canals & Sights 🛶

  • Start your day with breakfast at The Fish Wife, known for its delicious seafood options.
  • Take a canal cruise to explore the city from a unique perspective and see famous sites like the Belfry, Market Square, and Church of Our Lady.
  • Visit the Church of Our Lady to admire Madonna and Child by Michelangelo.
  • Enjoy lunch at Cafe ’t Brugs Beertje, a local institution known for its Belgian beers.
  • Explore the Begijnhof, a peaceful residential area with beautiful houses dating back to the 15th century.

Day 3: Museums & Art 🎨

  • Have breakfast at Van Kempen en De Groot.
  • Visit The Groeninge Museum to see works by Flemish Masters like Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling.
  • Explore Huidevettersstraatje, a charming alleyway with traditional Bruges houses, cobblestones, and a hidden church.
  • Lunch at De Garre, a cozy pub specializing in Belgian beer and gourmet sandwiches.
  • Spend the afternoon at The Chocolate Museum or Louis van Beethoven Museum.

Day 4: Day Trip to Damme & Surrounding Villages 🏰

  • Have breakfast at your accommodation.
  • Take a day trip to the picturesque villages of Damme, Diksmuide, and Sluis (all accessible by train).
  • Return to Bruges for dinner at Den Gulden Vliesak, an award-winning restaurant specializing in Flemish cuisine.

Day 5: Relaxation & Nature 🌳

  • Spend a relaxing day at Minnewater Park or Rozenhoedkaai.
  • Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a Roman Catholic minor basilica that houses a venerated relic.
  • Have lunch at Het Waterhuis aan de Potterie, a popular spot for local specialties like mussels and fries.
  • In the evening, explore the nightlife in Bruges with a visit to In den Turck or De Garre.

Day 6: Beer Tasting & Shopping 🍻

  • Have breakfast at The Old Chocolate House.
  • Visit Brugse Zot Brewery, a historic brewery offering guided tours and beer tastings.
  • Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs, chocolate, or Belgian lace in the city center.
  • Dine at Restaurant Den Gulden Hond for a refined dining experience.

Day 7: Departure 🛫

  • Enjoy your final Bruges breakfast at your accommodation before checking out and heading to the airport or railway station for your journey home.

Transportation: Bruges is easily navigable by foot, but a city map or rental bike can help explore further areas. Public transportation, including buses and trains, are also available.

Tips & Other Information:

  • Be mindful of opening hours as many shops and restaurants close on Sundays or have shorter hours in the afternoon.
  • Purchase the Bruges Card for free admission to numerous museums and attractions, as well as discounted transportation.
  • Embrace the city’s slow pace and take time to enjoy the charm of its cobblestone streets and canals.