A Perfect Day in Bruges: The Ultimate Itinerary

I had never even heard of Bruges until I saw the movie In Bruges more than 15 years ago. This clever, darkly comedic film served as an unofficial tourism advertisement for one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. We immediately knew we had to add the “fooking fairytale” town of Bruges to our travel bucket list!

We decided to stay in Ghent and visit Bruges as a day trip, mainly for the convenience. Bruges is only a 25-minute direct train ride from Ghent, so we were able to arrive early and spend the entire day exploring the city. This itinerary follows a logical route from the train station with minimal backtracking, allowing you to take only one day in Bruges to see the highlights.

For more about Belgium, see:

• Five Reasons we Chose to Stay in Ghent over Bruges and Brussels

Getting There

Whether you’re coming from Ghent or Brussels, you’ll most likely arrive by train. You can either purchase a ticket for a specific departure or pay a little more for an “Anytime” ticket. To save money, download the SNCB app (Belgium’s National Railway Company) before your trip. You can buy your tickets on the way to the station, and there’s no need to purchase a round-trip ticket -two one-way tickets cost the same.

Driving to Bruges is also an option, but it takes a little longer than the train, and you’ll need to pay attention to the city’s car-free zones. Parking is typically around €5.50 per hour, so once you’ve parked your rental car, plan to explore the city on foot for the rest of the day..

Arrival and Breakfast

The train station sits a little southwest of the Old Town area, which gives you an opportunity to walk through the peaceful Minnewater (also known as ‘The Lake of Love”) area on the way. There are beautiful views of the lake, bridges, and even a castle. The buildings and homes in the area are circa 17th century.

As you walk north toward the center, you will have some options for a waffle breakfast. There ae two main types of waffles – the Brussels waffle and the Liege waffle. The Brussels waffle is what we typically associate with Belgian waffles – rectangular, thick, and fluffy. I am a Liege waffle convert – they are dense, chewy, and are topped with caramelized pearl sugar. Both can come with toppings ranging from fruit to chocolate to nuts, but they are equally delicious on their own. Pause Bruges Waffles and Otto Waffle Atelier are two great options.

Canal Boat Ride

Once you have polished off your coffee and waffle, you will be near the ticket office and departure point for a canal boat tour of the city. You can’t reserve these ahead, and boats depart every 30 minutes. We were able to hop right on a boat (a Monday in April), but in peak tourist season you may need to purchase for a later tour. The cost was 15 euros per person as of 2026, and these tours are operated by the city so no need to overthink choosing a vendor.

The tour takes around 30-40 minutes and the captain gives you historical context as you ride (in German, French, and English). Tips are appreciated when you disembark, so have your euros ready!

Church of Our Lady and Boniface Bridge

After you disembark from your canal tour, it’s only a short walk to the Church of Our Lady. This Gothic Catholic church features a small museum that’s easy to explore and culminates with Madonna and Child, a sculpture by none other than Michelangelo. Tickets are €10 as of 2026 and can be purchased on-site. We don’t visit as many churches as we did earlier in our travels, but when there’s a major work of art or an important relic (see the Basilica of the Holy Blood below), we always make a quick stop!

The picturesque Boniface Bridge is just around the corner and is the perfect place to snap a photo of one of Bruges’ most iconic views. It’s also a convenient spot for a bathroom break, with public restrooms located just across the street (don’t forget to bring a €1 coin for the entrance fee).

Basilica of the Holy Blood and De Burg Square

As you enter Burg Square, it’s hard not to gasp at the beauty and grandeur of the medieval architecture. This historic cobblestone square is home to Bruges’ City Hall, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and is surrounded by fantastic restaurants.

Basilica of the Holy Blood houses a relic believed by many Christians to contain the blood of Jesus There was no charge to enter as of 2026, and this medieval church is worth a visit even if you don’t plan to wait in line for a glimpse of the relic. The dark lower chapel feels as though it hasn’t changed since the 1100s, while the upper chapel – where the relic is displayed – was redesigned in the ornate Gothic style during the 16th century. It’s a fascinating stop and a refreshing change of pace, even when Europe’s churches begin to feel a bit repetitive!

Lunch, Market Square, and the Belfry of Bruges

The variety of traditional restaurants in the area make this a natural spot to stop for lunch. Bruges is known for moules frites (mussels cooked in beer and fries). And of course you need to try a beer (or four). Cambrinus Brasserie is a good spot for some traditional food – just be sure to reserve here ahead of time. De Gastro is another highly rated location for authentic Belgian cuisine.

While the classic preparation cooks the mussels in beer, many restaurants also offer them in white wine or even a curry broth. We actually preferred those versions to the traditional beer preparation!

After you’ve refueled at the lunch spot of your choice, head to Market Square just around the corner. If Burg Square is the historic heart of Bruges, Market Square is its bustling tourist hub. The famous Bruges Belfry dominates the square, and because it plays such a prominent role in In Bruges, Todd had to climb all 366 steps to the observation deck! I was more than happy to leave him to it while I explored a few nearby shops. As of 2026, admission was €12, and tickets could be purchased at the on-site kiosk.

Chocolate, Waffles, and Beer

After your trek up the Belfry stairs, it’s time for another Belgian indulgence: a deep dive into chocolate, waffles, or beer. I had the best waffle experience of my life at The Old Chocolate House. As the name suggests, it’s also an excellent spot for chocolate.

This cozy café has an upstairs seating area serving a variety of waffles, teas, hot chocolate, and coffee. If you order the hot chocolate, you’re served a mug of hot milk alongside a milk chocolate cup filled with your chosen flavor (I went with salted caramel). Simply drop the chocolate into the milk and whisk until smooth. The result is incredibly rich and decadent, especially when paired with a waffle that’s perfectly chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. I highly recommend ordering the dulce de leche as a waffle topping!

Our tour guide in Ghent recommended The Chocolate Line for artisanal Belgian chocolate. He said in Belgium, chocolatiers are like rock stars! We loved choosing from the unique flavors, such as yuzu, sake, or caramel apple.

You can learn more about the beer traditions of Belgium at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, a family run brewery with tours. Or you can simply start your happy hour early at one of the numerous pubs with a wide selectrion of Belgian beers on tap. Check out the house tripel at De Garre, or the lively scene at ‘t Brugs Beertje.

Wrapping up your day in Bruges

By this point, you’ve experienced the best of Bruges: winding canals, medieval squares, world-class art, incredible food, and enough chocolate and beer to keep you very happy. While Bruges is no longer as much of a hidden gem, it’s easy to see why travelers continue to fall in love with this beautifully preserved fairytale city. Take your time, slow down, and simply enjoy the magic before heading back to your next adventure!