Belgium usually isn’t everybody’s first choice when it comes to a European holiday. Similarly to Germany, it loses out to nearby countries such as France, Italy and Spain. However, Bruges could (and should) be the next place on your European bucket list. If you enjoy Medieval-looking towns, complete with gorgeous canals and all the chocolate you could imagine, this town is for you. 48 hours in Bruges is a perfect amount of time to explore this hidden gem; here is everything that you need to know.
48 Hours in Bruges | Your Quick Guide
Getting to Bruges
Bruges is really easy to get to, especially as Eurostar runs to Brussels. The train from London takes you into Brussels Midi and regular trains run here to Bruges. Once in Brussels, the journey to Bruges will usually take no more than an hour.
If you’re flying into Brussels though, there is also a direct train to Bruges too. This will take a bit longer (90 minutes or so), but is just as easy.
Once you enter the city, you’l find that the historic centre (where most things are) is really compact. If anything, you could probably get to your hotel with a 15 minute stroll or bus ride. Most of the sights are within these Old City walls and you likely won’t need much public transport during your stay.
Where to Stay in Bruges
The main parts of Bruges to explore are in the historic centre and this is where I’d recommend you stay.
As with all my ’48 hours in’ guides, here are my top accommodation choices for Bruges based on experience.
| Accommodation Type | Hotel |
| Budget | Hotel Patritius |
| Unique Option | Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce |
| Luxury | Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage |
Day One in Bruges
Morning: Markt Square & Belfry of Bruges
Start your first morning in Bruges with a stroll into the city’s main square. This is called the Markt and, like many squares in Europe, is surrounded by different cafés and shops. However, this is one is one of the beautiful in Belgium and has been the centre of city life for centuries.
In the square you’ll find the Belfry of Bruges, which is an 83-metre tall medieval bell tower. You can either experience its beauty from the outside, or climb the 366 steps up for a panoramic view of the city to get you ready for exploring.
To then get you ready for the rest of the morning, stop off at the nearby Provincial Court and grab a coffee. There are plenty of terrace cafés here for you to choose from. If you don’t fancy a coffee, I can’t think of a better place to enjoy a Belgian hot chocolate!
Late Morning: Burg Square & Basilica of the Holy Blood
Continue your exploration of the Old Town and walk along to Burg Square. This has, arguably, some of the most important buildings in the city. In particular is the City Hall, widely considered to be one of the best examples of Gothic architecture. There is also the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a small church that is said to house a relic of Christ’s blood.
Lunch: Belgian Waffles & Frites
Belgian food is quite underrated and for lunch I’d highly recommend trying two signatures; local frites and homemade waffles.
For a crispy Brussels waffle, I usually go for the classic combination of strawberries and cream on the top. However, the Liège waffle is a bit denser and chewier, but is excellent with a caramel topping.
If you don’t have a sweet tooth, you will be lucky if you find fries this good anywhere else in Europe. There are actually some famous frites stands in Bruges, with arguably the best being at Frituur ‘t Puntzakje, just outside of Markt. Of course go full-European and eat them with mayonnaise.
Afternoon: Canal Boat Tour & Rozenhoedkaai
Bruges is famous for the many canals in the city and the best way to enjoy all of the architecture is on a boat. There are a few canals to choose from, but I think that the Augustinenrei is one of my favourite options. It is small, but has some amazing views. Other alternatives are the Groenerei or the Gouden-Handrei. Have an explore and see which one is best. Each journey takes a different length of time, so you can pick the boat cruise which best suits you.
Once you have finished your cruise, I would head to Rozenhoedkaai. This is one of the most Insta-famous spots in Bruges and captures the city’s old spirit perfectly. If you time it right, you’ll get those incredible autumnal colours which marry perfectly with the colourful timbered buildings.
Evening: Belgian Beer & Dinner in the Old Town
A tradition that we have in Europe is enjoying a beer (or similar alcoholic beverage) each evening to toast to the day. Bruges is perfect for beer lovers and many breweries here have been brewing for centuries.
The Di Halve Maan Brewery is a must-try when in Bruges, as is the city’s oldest pub the Café Vlissinghe. Both are great options for food too and saves you a walk to a nearby restaurant.
Day Two in Bruges
Morning: Bruges Windmills
Windmills are often synonymous with Amsterdam and Holland, however Bruges has some great windmills that just need to be seen.
Start the second day of your 48 hours in Bruges along the Kruisvest. This is where there are several old windmills that line this canal. Some of these still actually functional and open to visitors, so you can spend the time seeing how milling works. If that isn’t your thing, then a coffee and a stroll along the canal is a perfect way to begin the day.
Late Morning: Museums & Chocolate Shops
After your walk along the canals, continue your cultural trip by seeing some of the cities museums. Here are a few that you can choose from:
- Groeningemuseum: This is an art museum and features Flemish greats such as Jan van Eyck and Hieronymus Bosch.
- Choco-Story: If you love chocolate this is the one for you. This museum is dedicated to chocolate making and teaching you the story of the chocolate heritage in Belgium.
- Frietmuseum: Perhaps the quirkiest of all museums in Bruges, this museum walks you through the story of Belgian Frites and their significance.
Afterwards – if you still have room in your belly – why not check out some of the chocolate shops on offer in Bruges. The most famous have to be the Chocolate Line and the Dumon Chocolatier.
Lunch: Canal-Side Dining
When in Bruges, you have to enjoy lunch at one point along the canal. Opus Latino is a good option for those wanting some slightly different food to Belgian classics, but Café Vlissinghe is a classic Flemish restaurant if you still want to indulge in that.
Afternoon: Begijnhof & Minnewaterpark
For your final afternoon during your 48 hours in Bruges, head to Begijnhof, which is a peaceful whitewashed convent dating all the way back to the 1200s! It has plenty of history to explore and it is offers something slightly different to the rest of your trip.
Alternatively, walk to the Minnewaterpark, which is known locally as the “Lake of Love”. The local legends even say that couples who cross the bridge will enjoy eternal love together and it is easily the most romantic spot in the city. If you are here as part of a romantic getaway, this is a perfect option.
Evening: Final Feast & Night Stroll
For your final evening, why not go all-out and enjoy a proper Belgian meal? The Old Town has plenty of restaurants to choose from and all serve classic Belgian staples. You have stoofvlees (a beef stew cooked in beer) or waterzooi (a creamy chicken / fish stew), but you can also find classic steaks, burgers and of course frites!
Final Thoughts | 48 Hours in Bruges
48 hours in Bruges is the perfect amount of time to see this small, but enchanting, city. Whilst there is not loads to see here, it is perfect for a more leisurely weekend for people who just want to unwind and explore. It also pairs perfectly with 48 Hours in Brussels if you wanted to extend your Belgian adventure. Alternatively, head into Germany and enjoy 48 Hours in Cologne.
