Bruges 5 Day Itinerary

July 8, 2024

5-Day Itinerary for Bruges, Belgium

Accommodation: Choose a hotel in the city center like Hotel Julien or Relais Bourgondisch Patershof.
Activities: Start your day with a visit to the Belfry of Bruges, climb the 366 steps for a panoramic view of the city. Then, take a stroll around the historic city center which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the Market Square (Markt) and the Church of Our Lady.
Food: Lunch at ’t’Huis van Tijl for traditional Flemish dishes. Dinner at Den Gulden Vleeswael for mussels and fries, a Belgian classic.
Things to Know: Bruges is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” due to its canals. It’s best explored on foot or by boat.
Transportation: Walking is the best way to explore Bruges. If you prefer, hop-on-hop-off bus tours are also available.
Tips: Buy a Bruges Card for free entry to many attractions and unlimited use of public transportation.

Activities: Take a canal cruise in the morning to see the city from a different perspective. Visit the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum or the Groeningemuseum, home to works by Flemish Primitive Masters.
Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Café ’t Brugs Beertje, known for its extensive beer selection.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring more museums such as the Memling Museum or the Lace Centre Brugge.
Dinner: Dine at ’t Pissekeer or De Garre, both offering excellent food and a wide variety of Belgian beers.

Activities: Take a day trip to the charming villages of Damme and Sluis. They are easily accessible by train from Bruges. Explore these picturesque villages, their historic churches, and quaint houses.
Lunch: Have lunch in one of the cafes in either Damme or Sluis.
Return to Bruges: Return to Bruges in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Activities: Visit the Minnewater Park, a beautiful park with a lake, and the Boudewijn Seapark, an aquarium and sea life center. Alternatively, rent a bike and explore the countryside.
Lunch: Picnic lunch in one of the parks or grab a quick bite at a local café.
Afternoon: Relax in one of Bruges’ thermal baths like Spa Brugge Thermae or Thermes de Maredsous.
Dinner: Dine at ’t Varken van Stalle, known for its delicious meat dishes.

Activities: Spend your last day shopping for Belgian lace, chocolates, and souvenirs. The Grote Markt is a great place to start.
Lunch: Lunch at ’t Brugs Beertje or De Garre before departure.
Departure: Depending on your departure time, you might have some more time for sightseeing or relaxation.

Enjoy your trip to Bruges!