Do you have 1 day in Bruges, Belgium? There are so many incredible things you can do in its historic center!
The enchanting city is filled with cobblestone streets, beautiful canals, traditional Belgian culture, museums, and even windmills.
During my weekend trip from Amsterdam in 2024, I made the most out of my time in Bruges by exploring in the early evening and morning to avoid peak crowds.
Bruges is a very popular weekend destination making its top attractions like Markt Square and Rosarsy Quay overflow with crowds quickly.
You can still plan a very enjoyable day and avoid crowds
1 Day in Bruges Itinerary
Morning
1. Breakfast
Any good day starts with breakfast!
Our host at Beike at Guesthouse de Loft recommended the following breakfast options:
- Sanseveria Bagelsalon (reservation recommended to avoid a wait)
- Benedict Cafe
I did not go out to eat for breakfast during my visit to Bruges. We arrived one day early and enjoyed a Belgian waffle-making class, where we had plenty of leftover waffles!
This was ideal to store in the refrigerator at our guesthouse. Beike also had coffee and toast on site, making it an ideal accommodation for a relaxing morning and quick breakfast.
2. Markt Square
Make your way right to Markt Square. This is the center of Old Town Bruges.
There are tons of restaurants and shopping in this area, but they are going to be on the pricier side because you are in a prime tourist hub.
After exploring the spacious square, you can head up to Belfry Tower for iconic views of the city, or continue on your way. If you choose to skip the tower, continue to Burg Square.
3. Belfry Tower
Belfry Tower is one of the best things to do in Bruges, according to just about every guidebook! The historic tower was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
Most visitors today make the ascent to the top for incredible panoramic views of the city. I highly recommend it!
But if you have been traveling through Europe for some time and got your fill of panorama views from historic cities like Utrecht in Holland, you might skip the tower this time around.
Tip: Purchase your tickets in advance through their website or at the ticket machine on site. Timed entry tickets are recommended because tickets sell out quickly throughout the day over peak times like the weekend.
4. Burg Square
Burg Square is located directly next to Markt Square. During my summer visit, there was an adorable green waffle truck serving Belgian Waffles and Bubble Waffles in a cone with your choice of toppings.
The target audience was tourists so I’m not totally sure how traditional this was, but it was absolutely delicious and I would totally go again. Plus, Belgian waffles with the backdrop views of iconic European buildings? Sign me up.
Famous buildings to explore in Burg Square include:
- Liberty Palace
- Town Hall
- Basilica of the Holy Blood
5. Rosary Quay
Rosary Quay is one of the most photographed spots in Bruges.
The spacious pathway around the canals makes for tons of photo angles and is just a beautiful place to explore. However, everyone else thinks so too, and it gets very crowded!
The views aren’t too different from any other canal crossing around the city. So it’s no problem if you don’t make it here specifically!
My personal favorite canal view was at the bridge crossing near Predikherenrei and Groenerei streets.
6. Lunch
Get a grab-and-go lunch at a local grocery market, like Carrefour Express, if you are looking to explore and walk. Or choose from one of the many restaurants surrounding Rosary Quay.
However, these will be on the pricier side.
7. Minewater Park
Minnewater Park is a 15-minute walk from Rosary Quay. You can alternatively take an Uber or taxi to get here.
I didn’t have time to visit Minewater Park during my visit but the tranquil gardens and canals were at the top of my list.
8. Groeningmuseum
The gorgeous art of Groeingmuseum matches the quintessential architecture of the city. It is extremely crowded in the afternoon, so you just may want to zip on by if the crowds are not for you. Or perhaps return before sunset in the early evening.
Alternate museums include the Chocolate Museum or Frit Museum, but they are known to be quite touristy.
9. Canal Tour OR Windmills
After lunch, hop on a canal tour to explore beautiful Bruges by water. If this is not in your budget or you’re not interested, consider renting a bike, getting an Uber or taxi, or walking to the nearby Windmills to explore a different architectural wonder of the city!
10. Dinner
Enjoy a delicious Belgian dinner after a long day. If you drink, there are plenty of local breweries where you can taste traditional Belgian beer. One of the most famous breweries in town is De Halve Maan. They offer brewery tours that end with a rooftop view.
This was a little pricey, so we spent time in its quaint beer garden. You can order dinner food here too.
A unique option is Le Trappiste located in an underground cave, conveniently 5 minutes from Markt Square.
11. Chocolate
It’s essential that you taste Belgian chocolate while in Belgium. Grab some chocolate for dessert!
There are tons of local shops lining the streets of the city.
Two local chocolatier recommendations I received were: Jan De Clerck and Choclatier Dumon. Chocolatier Dumon is a chain, local business so you will find several shops throughout the city.
Other highly rated places to eat in Bruges:
- That’s Toast
- De Gastro
- Poules Moules
Conclusion
1 day in Bruges is enough time to scratch the surface of this charming, medieval European town. You can visit the top guidebook spots like Markt Square, and Belfry Tower, and stroll the charming cobblestone roads over the canals.
My weekend trip from Amsterdam was only the beginning of my desire to explore more Flemish towns and culture, and I cannot wait for a return visit!
