How to Spend One Day in Bruges, Belgium: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Adventures of Matt & Nat
Nov 30, 2025
10 min read

Updated: Jan 18

Collage of Bruges: a couple walking, a chocolate shop, canals, historic buildings, with text "How to Spend One Day in Bruges, Belgium."

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium and debating whether Bruges is worth a day, let us save you the suspense… it absolutely is! Bruges feels like stepping straight into a medieval storybook, with winding canals, stepped-gable buildings, cobblestone streets, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts romantic and historic. This was our first time visiting Bruges, and while it’s often labeled as “touristy” (and honestly, rightfully so), we quickly realized why it’s so loved. Because here’s the thing… “touristy” isn’t always a bad thing. Yes, it’s popular, but for good reason! It’s incredibly beautiful, easily walkable, rich in history, and packed with uniquely Belgian experiences. In this guide, we’re walking you through our exact One Day in Bruges itinerary, from early morning canal views to waffles, chocolate, beer, and a glowing historic square at night. We’ll also share helpful context, fun history, and tips to make the most of your time.

⬇️ Want to see this itinerary in action? ⬇️

Watch our “One Day in Bruges, Belgium” video on

YouTube for a closer look at our full experience!

⬇️ Planning a Bigger Belgium Trip? ⬇️

If Brussels is part of a longer Belgium itinerary, we’ve also put together detailed guides for the other cities we visited, all designed to work together and help you see as much as possible in a limited amount of time.

One Day in Ghent – A vibrant university city filled with medieval architecture, canals, and incredible food

One Day in Brussels – Belgium’s capital, offering a mix of culture, history, street art, and world-famous food

3 Days in Belgium (Ghent, Bruges & Brussels) – A complete, well-rounded itinerary that combines all three cities into one seamless trip

Each guide is built with the same approach: clear structure, intentional routing, and a mix of major sights and local experiences that make the most of each day. Whether you’re visiting just one city or tackling Belgium over several days, these guides are designed to work together seamlessly.

⬇️ Looking for more ways to explore Bruges? ⬇️

Check out these GetYourGuide experiences in Bruges, from canal cruises and food experiences to guided walking tours — all bookable in advance with flexible cancellation options.

⬇️ Where to Stay in Bruges ⬇️

Whether you’re visiting Bruges for just one day or using it as a base to explore more of Belgium, the city offers a great range of accommodations for every budget. From historic boutique hotels to modern, centrally located stays, here are three excellent options to consider when planning your trip.

Luxury: Dukes’ Palace

📍Prinsenhof 8, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

👉🏻 Book your stay at Dukes’ Palace

Housed inside a former ducal palace, Hotel Dukes’ Palace is one of the most luxurious and historic hotels in Bruges. The property blends old-world elegance with modern comfort, featuring spacious rooms, a peaceful garden courtyard, and refined décor throughout. Its location is ideal — tucked just outside the busiest streets but still within easy walking distance of Bruges’ main sights. If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy stay that truly fits the grandeur of Bruges, this is a standout option.

Mid-Range: Hotel Aragon

📍Naaldenstraat 22, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

👉🏻 Book your stay at Hotel Aragon

Hotel Aragon is a fantastic mid-range choice that balances comfort, location, and value. Rooms are modern and well-appointed, the staff is known for being welcoming and helpful, and the hotel sits just a few minutes’ walk from Market Square. It’s a great option if you want to stay central without paying luxury prices, while still enjoying a polished, comfortable experience.

Budget: Hotel Marcel

📍Niklaas Desparsstraat 9, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

👉🏻 Book your stay at Hotel Marcel

Hotel Marcel is a great budget-friendly option right in the historic center of Bruges. The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable, and the location is hard to beat — just steps from Market Square and within easy walking distance of nearly everything on this itinerary. If you’re looking for an affordable stay that prioritizes location and convenience over luxury amenities, Hotel Marcel is a solid choice.

Or Find Your Perfect Stay Using the Map Below

If you prefer to explore more options, use the interactive map below to search for hotels by location, price, and amenities. It’s an easy way to compare different stays across Bruges and find the one that best fits your travel style.

⬇️ Quick Tips for Visiting Bruges ⬇️

If it’s your first time visiting Bruges, here are a few helpful tips to make your day smoother and more enjoyable:

Language:

Dutch (Flemish) is the primary language spoken in Bruges, but English is widely spoken throughout the city. We never had an issue communicating in cafés, restaurants, or attractions.

Currency:

Belgium uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, especially in Bruges, but it’s still a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for public restrooms, small shops, or quick snacks.

Tipping Culture:

Tipping isn’t expected in Belgium. Service is typically included, but if you receive great service, rounding up or leaving a few extra euros is always appreciated.

Getting Around:

Bruges is incredibly compact and easy to explore on foot. Everything on this itinerary is within comfortable walking distance, and wandering the side streets and canals is part of the experience. Cars aren’t practical in the historic center, and you definitely won’t need one for a day visit.

Crowds:

Bruges is one of Belgium’s most popular destinations, so crowds are part of the experience. Starting your day early and saving quieter moments for the early morning and evening makes a noticeable difference, especially around Market Square and the canals.

Staying Connected:

If you’re traveling internationally and want reliable data as soon as you land, an eSIM is one of the easiest options. You can install it before your trip and turn it on when you arrive, giving you instant access to maps, reservations, and transit info. Holafly is our go-to solution for international data, and also what we used on this particular trip.

Public Restrooms:

Public restrooms are available throughout Bruges, but many require a small fee. Most cafés and restaurants reserve restrooms for customers, so it’s helpful to plan bathroom breaks around coffee or meal stops.

Best Time to Visit:

Late spring and early fall are ideal for visiting Bruges, offering mild weather and fewer crowds. That said, Bruges is beautiful year-round, and even busier seasons are manageable with an early start and a good plan.

⬇️ One Day in Bruges Itinerary ⬇️

9:00 AM – Take in Rosary Quay Views

📍Rozenhoedkaai 3, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Start your day at Rosary Quay (Rozenhoedkaai), one of the most iconic and photographed viewpoints in all of Bruges. In the early morning, before the city fully wakes up, this corner of the canals feels especially peaceful. The water is calm, the light is soft, and the medieval buildings lining the canal reflect beautifully, creating that postcard-perfect Bruges scene. Rosary Quay sits at the intersection of two canals and offers views of several historic façades at once, which is why it’s often considered the most scenic spot in the city. Arriving early not only helps you beat the crowds but also lets you experience Bruges at its quietest and most atmospheric. Take your time here, snap a few photos, and just soak it in. It’s the perfect way to ease into the day before heading for coffee.

Historic buildings with red roofs line a canal under a clear blue sky. A weeping willow tree and a tall tower are visible in the background.

9:30 AM – Coffee & Pastries at The Novel

📍Eekhoutstraat 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

After soaking in the canal views, make the short walk to The Novel, a specialty coffee shop that offers a refreshing contrast to Bruges’ medieval streets. With its clean, minimalist interiors and thoughtfully crafted drinks, it represents a newer wave of café culture in the city… modern, creative, and quality-driven. This is a great place to slow down, enjoy a well-made coffee, tasty pastry, and ease into the day before the crowds really build.

Cafe exterior with brick facade and outdoor seating. Inside, pastries and sponge cake on plates with coffee. Cozy, inviting atmosphere.

10:30 AM – Explore Market Square (Grote Markt)

📍Markt 4, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

From The Novel, make your way to Markt Square, the historic heart of Bruges. This expansive square has been the city’s main gathering place since medieval times and is surrounded by colorful guild houses, the Provinciaal Hof, and the iconic Belfry towering overhead (we’ll get to that later). Historically, Markt was the site of weekly markets, major public events, and even executions, playing a central role in Bruges’ political and economic life. Today, it’s one of the liveliest areas in the city, often filled with visitors, street performers, and the occasional horse-drawn carriage passing through. Take some time to wander the square, admire the architecture, maybe do a little souvenir shopping, and get your bearings before continuing on to your next stop.

Marching band in red uniforms parades by historic red-brick buildings and a Gothic structure under a clear blue sky. Tower in background.

11:15 AM – Chocolate Sampling at The Old Chocolate House

📍Mariastraat 1c, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Next, make your way to The Old Chocolate House, one of Bruges’ most popular spots for an indulgent chocolate break. This cozy, multi-level chocolate café is especially known for its rich hot chocolate, and let me tell you… It lives up to the hype! Belgium produces more than 220,000 tons of chocolate each year, and chocolate-making has been deeply woven into the country’s identity for generations. In addition to hot chocolate, The Old Chocolate House has excellent Belgian pralines, which were first invented in Belgium in 1912, and remain a point of national pride. This stop is the perfect way to experience that tradition firsthand before continuing on with your day!

12:15 PM – Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood

📍Burg 13, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

From your chocolate stop, walk a few minutes to De Burg Square and step inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood, one of Bruges’ most important religious and historic sites. This small chapel is best known for housing a revered relic believed to contain a crystal vial containing a small cloth with the blood of Jesus Christ on it, which was brought back to Bruges during the Crusades in the 12th century. The basilica itself is split into two levels, with a simple Romanesque lower chapel and a more ornate upper chapel decorated with stained glass and gilded details. Whether or not you’re religious, it’s a fascinating stop that adds depth and context to Bruges’ medieval past and its long-standing spiritual traditions. Plan for a short visit here before heading to your next experience.

Pro Tip: If you're tight on time, get in line for the upper chapel and Holy Blood viewing before walking through the lower chapel. If you have to miss one, the lower chapel is it.

Inside a stone church, a statue of Christ sits by a window. A priest behind a relic on an ornate altar. Stained glass adds color. Sign reads "Holy Blood Santa Sangre 12:00-16:00, No Photos No Videos".

1:30 PM – Belgian Waffle-Making Workshop with Beer Tasting

📍Hoogstraat 10, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

One of the highlights of our day in Bruges was this Belgian waffle-making workshop with beer tasting at Waffles 'n Beer. This 1.5-hour experience is equal parts fun, hands-on, and delicious — and a great way to take a break from walking while still doing something uniquely Belgian. During the workshop, you’ll learn how to make traditional Belgian waffles from scratch, cooking them yourself and enjoying them fresh off the iron. Along the way, you’ll sample a selection of Belgian beers and learn a bit about the country’s famous beer culture, which is just as important to Belgium’s identity as waffles and chocolate. It’s interactive without feeling gimmicky, social without being overwhelming, and is a great way to combine a meal with a unique experience. By the time you’re done, you’re well-fed and ready to head back out and explore more of the city. Book your spot HERE!

Brick building exterior with "waffles n' beer" sign, Belgian waffle recipe sign, kitchen setup with ingredients, and waffles topped with candy and syrup.

3:30 PM – Canal Boat Tour from Rosary Quay

📍Rozenhoedkaai 3, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

After the waffle workshop, make your way back toward Rosary Quay for a relaxing 30-minute canal boat tour. Bruges is often called the “Venice of the North,” and seeing the city from the water offers a completely different perspective. From the canals, you’ll glide past arched bridges, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old buildings that you can’t always appreciate from street level. Canal cruises depart roughly every 30 minutes, making this an easy stop to fit into your afternoon without feeling rushed. It’s a peaceful way to rest your feet while learning more about Bruges’ medieval layout and its history as a major trading city. By the time you step back on land, you’ll be refreshed and ready to keep exploring.

Pro Tip: Arrive 5-10 mins before departure so you can board first and have first pick at seats!

Tourists enjoy a canal boat ride in a historic city. A captain steers under an arched stone bridge, with lush greenery and old buildings.

4:30 PM – Climb the Belfry of Bruges

📍Markt 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

From Rosary Quay, make your way back to Market Square to climb the Belfry of Bruges, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 13th century, this historic bell tower once served as a lookout point and treasury, keeping watch over the city and safeguarding important documents. The climb to the top involves 366 narrow, winding steps, and while it’s definitely a workout, the views are absolutely worth it. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views over Bruges’ red rooftops, church spires, and canals, offering a true sense of just how compact and well-preserved the city is. Plan to spend about 45 to 60 minutes here, depending on crowds and how often you stop to catch your breath, and be sure to purchase your tickets in advance. Otherwise, you might end up like us and show up and be told that time slots are sold out until late afternoon, hence the 4:30 PM Belfry climb!

Pro Tip: Plan to spend enough time at the top to see the impressive 47-bell carillon in action!

Aerial view of a European city with red-roofed buildings, a canal, and a market square. Colorful umbrellas cover outdoor dining areas.

5:45 PM – Golden Hour Stroll Through Bruges

📍Markt 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

After climbing the Belfry, take about an hour to simply wander through Bruges at golden hour. This is when the city really starts to soften — the light turns warm, the canals glow, and the busiest crowds begin to thin out. Stroll through the historic center, follow the canals, and duck down quieter side streets without a strict plan. This is one of the best times of day for photos, slow exploration, and just soaking in the atmosphere. Bruges feels especially romantic in the early evening, and this unstructured time gives you space to enjoy it without rushing from one attraction to the next. Let the city guide you here. You’ll naturally find beautiful corners, peaceful canal views, and little moments that end up being some of the most memorable parts of the day.

A man and woman holding hands, walking on a cobblestone street in front of a historic brick building with red windows, under a blue sky.

7:00 PM – Dinner at Restaurant Diligence

📍Hoogstraat 5, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

After a full day of exploring, settle in for dinner at Restaurant Diligence (Hoogstraat 5), a classic Belgian restaurant just a short walk from the historic center. The atmosphere here is warm and traditional, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a comforting meal. This is a great place to try hearty regional dishes like stoofvlees (Belgian beef stew), waterzooi, or the ever-popular moules-frites (mussels and fries). Belgian cuisine often blends French technique with Flemish comfort, and dinner here feels like a satisfying, sit-down moment after a busy day on your feet. With a reservation in place, you can relax and enjoy the evening without feeling rushed.

Collage of mussels, fries, stew with sauce, and a sign reading "Diligence" against a backdrop of historic buildings under a blue sky.

And that’s how to spend one perfect day in Bruges!

From quiet canal views and specialty coffee to chocolate, waffles, beer, and wandering through beautifully lit historic squares, Bruges delivers a full, well-rounded experience in just one day. It may be one of Belgium’s most visited cities, but when you take the time to experience it at the right pace, it’s easy to see why it’s so loved.

We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable day in Bruges and makes it a highlight of your Belgium itinerary. If it did, be sure to follow us on Instagram for more travel inspiration and behind-the-scenes moments, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for in-depth travel guides and vlogs from around the world.

Happy travels, and we’ll see you on the next adventure!

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