10 Best Things to Do in Bruges in a Day Trip From Brussels

Ready to fall in love with one of the most beautiful cities in Europe? Even if you're short on time, one day will be enough to explore its key sights, if you know what they are, of course.

Here's a list of the essential things to see and do in Bruges to make the most of your trip to Bruges from Brussels.

It's Bruges' most classic sight, the star of thousands of postcards, and once you see it, you'll know why: its beauty is incomparable. It is also known as the Market Square, as it has been hosting a market since 958 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once you get there, the first thing that will catch your eye will be its north side, with several colourful medieval houses lined up to decorate the square with the typical architecture of the area. Also note the square's central monument, dedicated to two local heroes who fought against the French in the 14th century.

On its other sides, you will also see several palaces and classical buildings that are worth stopping to admire. Of course, you'll also see its Bell Tower, but I'll tell you more about that later, as it requires a separate paragraph.

This is a good place to stop for a bite to eat at the street food stalls when you're feeling peckish. Find a bench or a corner with a good view and enjoy a bite to eat.

You can't miss this square: it's connected to the previous one via the Breidelstraat, so make sure you visit it after you've enjoyed the Grote Markt.

Unlike the Market Square, which stands out for its colourfulness, in this square the façades are grey and contrast with the golden elements of its façades.

Right on this square are two of the city's main attractions, which I also recommend 100%: the Town Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

One of the most striking façades on the Burg Square is that of the magnificent City Hall. You can visit the interior for just €2 and it's a short visit that's well worth it.

Its Gothic hall and its historical hall are the main elements of the visit to this imposing Gothic building that presides over the centre of Bruges.

Visiting hours start at 09:30 and it closes at 17:00, so if you want to see the inside, don't leave the visit until late afternoon.

A boat trip will be an unforgettable experience during your stay in Bruges. There are tours in small classic wooden boats that will take you to enjoy the most beautiful and hidden corners of the city.

You will even have the chance to discover one of its bridges and pass underneath it. Without a doubt, a good way to take a break from strolling around the city while you relax and enjoy the city from a different perspective.

These cruises last about half an hour and cost less than €8 per person, so neither time nor budget will be an excuse for not taking to the water to explore Bruges.

Eating in Belgium is always a pleasure and Bruges is no exception: as you stroll through its beautiful streets, you'll recognise the sweet smell of chocolate wafting from some of the shops.

Along the way, you'll also see visitors and locals enjoying a plate of mussels and fries or the typical Belgian soups in the city's most charming little terraces.

Join them and make the most of your time in Bruges to discover the city's best dishes. If you're afraid of falling into a tourist trap, I've prepared this guide to the best places to eat in Bruges. Bon apetit!

St Boniface Bridge is one of the many bridges that span the city's canals. So why do we highlight this one? Because the corner on which it stands is literally picture-postcard.

The cobbled streets around it, the medieval houses around it, the tree branches sprouting from every corner and the tranquillity of this area make it a favourite for many.

If you haven't already, get out your camera and enjoy capturing every angle of this wonderful corner.

The Cathedral of Bruges was built in the 9th century and as if its years of history weren't enough, both the façade and the interior of the cathedral are quite impressive.

You'll find it right in the centre of the city, with incredible baroque stained glass windows on its façade and a height that stands out from the rest of the houses and buildings in Bruges.

Opening hours

• Weekdays: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm / 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm - Monday to Friday.
• Saturdays: 10:00 to 13:00 h / 14:00 to 15:30 h - Saturday
• Sundays: 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Whether you are visiting Bruges with children, friends or as a couple, a visit to a park is always a good idea. And even more so if the park in question is Minnewaterpark, the setting is magical.

In addition to a well-kept green area, the park has a beautiful lake where several white swans will be the focus of attention for all passers-by.

For a moment you'll feel like you're in a Disney film, and with good reason. The park is not far from the city centre, so you won't have to go too far out of your way to visit it.

Despite its modest size, Bruges is home to a number of museums that may be of interest during your visit. In addition to a popular beer museum and another dedicated to chocolate (the cultural essence of the country), there are also some history and art museums.

Of these, the ones I recommend are the Groeninge Museum, a historical tour of Belgian art, and the Historium Brugge, which stands out for its virtual reconstruction of the Golden Age of the city of Bruges.

In both cases, I recommend you book your tickets in advance to avoid queuing at the ticket office when entering the museums.

The impressive medieval bell tower that presides over the Grote Markt and virtually the entire city dates back to 1240 and although it has survived several fires and attacks, its 83-metre height is still standing.

It has 366 steps that separate the ground from the best view of the city, so my advice is to arm yourself with patience, take a deep breath and start the vertical path that will give you the best memories and the best picture of Bruges.