Bruges 7 Day Itinerary

July 10, 2024

7-Day Itinerary for Bruges: A Comprehensive Guide

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

Arrival: Reach Bruges by train or plane. The city’s main train station is Brugge (BRU). If you’re flying, Brussels Airport is the closest option.
Accommodation: Stay at Hotel de Tuilerieen (https://www.hotel-tuilerieen.be/), located in the heart of Bruges. Alternatively, consider B&B ’t Pauwke Huus (https://www.tpauwkehuis.com/) for a more intimate experience.
Lunch: Visit Café ’t Brugs Beertje (https://www.cafetbrugsbeertje.be/), one of the oldest pubs in town, known for its extensive beer menu.
Afternoon: Spend your first afternoon exploring the city on foot, taking in iconic sights like the Belfry, Market Square (Grote Markt), and Church of Our Lady.
Dinner: Dine at Den Gouden Harynck (https://www.goudenharynck.be/), offering a variety of Flemish dishes.

Morning: Take a canal cruise to admire Bruges’ beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and picturesque bridges. Several operators are available, such as Gruuthusee Boats (https://www.gruuthuseebooten.be/) and Segway Tours (https://www.segwaytourbruges.com/).
Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Frituur ’t Varken (https://www.frietkotentvarken.be/), a local favorite for Belgian fries.
Afternoon: Visit the Groeningemuseum, home to works by famous artists like Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling. Afterward, explore the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum for a sweet treat.
Dinner: Dine at ’t Varken (https://www.restauranttvarken.be/), offering modern Belgian cuisine in a cozy setting.

Morning: Take the bus or bike to Damme, a charming village near Bruges. Explore its quaint streets and St. Nicolaas Church.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at ’t Smaaktje (https://www.tsmaektje.be/), located in Damme.
Afternoon: Head to Sluis, a nearby Dutch town, for a unique cross-border experience. Visit the St. Philip’s Church and stroll through its charming streets.
Dinner: Return to Bruges for dinner at ’t Smisje (https://www.tsmisje.be/), serving traditional Flemish dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Morning: Visit the Begijnhof, a peaceful and historic community of houses for unmarried women.
Lunch: Dine at De Garre (https://www.degarre.be/), known for its unique and strong beers.
Afternoon: Explore the Gruuthuse Museum to learn about Bruges’ history and visit the Bourgoyen Brewery (https://www.bourgoin.be/) for a beer tasting experience.
Dinner: Have dinner at Den Orangiere (https://denorangiere.com/), offering a range of international dishes in a beautiful setting.

Morning: Take the train to Ghent, about 30 minutes from Bruges. Explore Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and the picturesque Graslei and Korenlei quays.
Lunch: In Ghent, dine at ’t Kuipke (https://www.tkuipe.be/), offering a variety of dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Afternoon: Return to Bruges for a bike tour with Bruges Bike Rental (https://www.brugsebikerental.com/). Explore less touristy areas like the Sint-Andrieskwartier.
Dinner: Dine at ’t Zwarte Varken (https://www.zwartevarken.be/), known for its innovative and delicious dishes.

Morning: Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a small but important church housing a relic believed to be Jesus’ blood.
Lunch: Dine at De Karmelieten (https://www.restaurantkarmelieten.be/), offering a mix of French and Flemish cuisine.
Afternoon: Spend your afternoon shopping for Belgian chocolates, lace, and souvenirs. Check out the Walplein shopping area or visit the Boudewijn Seapark for some family fun.
Dinner: Dine at De Jonge Vis (https://www.jongevisrestaurant.be/), known for its fresh fish dishes.

Morning: Spend your final morning relaxing in one of the city’s beautiful parks, such as Minnewaterpark or Rozenhoedkaai.
Lunch: Have a leisurely lunch at De Witte Lelie (https://www.dewittellelie.be/), serving traditional Belgian dishes.
Departure: Depending on your departure time, visit any remaining sights or browse the local shops before heading to the train station or airport for your journey home.