2 Days in Bruges, Belgium: Best Things to Do, See & Eat
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If you're planning to spend two days in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium, then you'd better prepare yourself for a wonderful whirlwind experience!
This medieval city in the Flemish region of Belgium may be small, but it's packed with everything you'd want from a city break inย Belgium. Think old brick buildings along cobblestone streets, quaint canals, renowned Flemish art, moules frites, frothy pints of local beer, waffles, and, of course, Belgian chocolate!
When we first visited Brussels, Belgium's capital city, we had no intention of visiting Bruges.
But when strikes in Paris caused a five-day delay on our flight back to Madrid, Spain, we made the most of it by spending 2 days in Bruges, along with spontaneously exploring Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Luxembourg.
Wondering if two days is enough time to see Bruges? The answer is yes. 48 hours in Bruges is theย perfect amount of time to explore Bruges, street by street, canal by canal.
Here's how you should spend two days in Bruges (Brugge), Belgium – the capital of West Flanders!
Where to Stay in Bruges
We stayed in the lovely, old, waterfront Hotel Bourgoensch Hof. Our room was giant, featured a fireplace, and windows that opened up to the canals!
Hotel Bourgoensch Hof is a very old hotel, but that didn't bother us; in fact, it enhanced the whole medieval thing Bruges has going on already.
We enjoyed the most picturesque view you could imagine right from our waterfront windows. And I honestly think I could've sat on that windowsill all day long and just watched the boats and swans float along the canals.
How to Spend Two Days in Bruges
1. Wander the quiet, enchanting cobblestone streets
Let's get one thing straight, right away. Bruges is one of those cities that you don't want to plan out too much.
Instead, you simply want to slowly wander the streets and discover the city on your own time. That's because the city of Bruges itself is its greatest attraction.
So leave your map behind. Chat with locals, take a few photos, sit along the canals, and admire the 14th-century buildings.
This is the best way to experience Bruges and all of its medieval splendor!
2. Cruise the Canals
Make no mistake, cruising the canals of Bruges is a touristy thing to do. But sometimes, touristy activities are worth the cost and the experience. This, my friends, is one of those times!
After aimlessly exploring, cruising the canals is the second-best way to get acquainted with Bruges. This cruise takes you through the iconic waterways, taking in the medieval views, atmosphere, and history!
3. Visit the Grote Markt
Colorful, traditional Flemish buildings, cafรฉs, chocolate shops, waffle stands, and souvenir vendors all line Bruges's central square, the Grote Markt. The square is also home to some of the city's main highlights, such as the Belfry, the Provinciaal Hof, and a monument of two Flemish heroes.
Visit the Grote Markt to admire the stunningย architecture and centuries of history. Roam around and stay a while.
You might also enjoy sitting down for a cold beer at one of the square's cafรฉs, however, we don't recommend eating a meal at any of the restaurants in the square. (Save your appetite for less touristy, less expensive, and more delicious Bruges restaurants later on!)
Oh, and before I forget…ย Market Square (Markt) features various stalls, each with a different selection depending on the day of the week. The stands offer a wide range of traditional Flemish ingredients, fresh produce, flowers, gifts, and more.
4. Eat Belgian Waffles
As you walk along the bustling cobblestone streets of Bruges, aromas of fresh waffles and chocolate will entice you.
So promise me one thing. Promise me that you won't fight the temptation – even if you're on a strict diet!
While in Bruges, you should indulge in at least one hot-off-the-press Belgian waffle, smothered in luscious chocolate sauce and topped with fresh strawberries and bananas. Seriously, it doesn't get any better! (Which means, unfortunately, that no waffles you eat ever again will compare.)
In case you're wondering where to go for waffles, two of the best waffle shops in Bruges are Chez Albert and Oyya.
5. Drink Belgian Beer
I'm not sure what Belgium's most famous for — its beer, its chocolate, or its waffles. But I am 100% certain that Belgian beer is popular for a reason. Luckily, Bruges has a couple of excellent breweries for you to visit.
During your 2 days in Bruges, you're due for at least one beer per day. Don't you think so?
On your quest for the perfect pint, make your way to De Halve Maan Brewery. You can tour the brewery, learn about their beer-making process, and finish off the experience with a Brugse Zot Blond. After your tour, you can stay a while at the brewery's tavern to enjoy a few more beers and a delicious lunch.
Oh, and if you have time to visit a second brewery, Bourgogne des Flandres is the place to go! There, you can take another brewery tour or opt for a tasting at the bar.
6. Eat Flemish Food
Foodies, make sure to bring your appetites, because Flemish food is fantastic.
People typically associate the cuisine of Flanders with waffles, beer, chocolate, and frites, and they're not wrong. But if they assume that that's all the region has to offer, then they couldn't be more incorrect!
Some of the traditional Flemish dishes you can't miss at Bruges restaurants are:
- Mussels and fries (moules-frites)
- Beer-braised beef stew (carbonade flamande)
- Chicken stew (Waterzooi) with leeks, carrots, celeriac, potatoes, and onions
- Creamy chicken and mushroom (vol-au-vent)
- Flemish white asparagus with melted butter and hard-boiled eggs
Look for authentic, local restaurants outside of the main tourist zone! Our two recommendations for restaurants in Bruges would be Restaurant ‘t Gezelleke and Restaurant Couvert.
Beware and steer clear of the many tourist-trap restaurants in Bruges that serve sub-par food at high, unjustified prices.
7. Savor Belgian Chocolate
Another quintessential Bruges experience is eating Belgian chocolate – and lots of it!
Belgium produces some of the best chocolate in the entire world, so it's only fitting that you spoil yourself with at least a dozen bonbons!
World-famous Belgian chocolatiers such as Godiva, Mary, and Pierre Marcolini all have shops in Bruges, but you can find their chocolate throughout Belgium, as well as in other countries around the world.
If you want to try some local chocolate instead, visit Chocolaterie Spegelaere, Pol Depla Chocolatier, or Chocolatier Dumon. These three shops are smaller, family-owned, and originated in Bruges. If you were to visit only a few chocolate shops in Bruges, these would be the ones to choose!
8. Relax at Minnewater Lake
Another quintessential Bruges experience would be relaxing at Minnewater Lake. It's also one of the most romantic things to do in Bruges.
After all, there's a reason Minnewater Lake translates to “Lake of Love!”
At Minnewater Lake, you can leave the bustling streets of Bruges behind and get back to nature. While there, sit on a bench, under a shady tree, near the water's edge, take a stroll through Minnewaterpark's lush greenery, admire the old castle's remnants, and walk over the old Lovers Bridge.
9. Check Out Groeningemuseum
Calling all art lovers!
During your 2 days in Bruges, the Groeningemuseum is an absolute must, as its stunning collection of Flemish and Belgian paintings spans six centuries.
The Flemish Primitives are the museum's true gems; however, 19th-century neoclassical works, post-war modern art, and masterpieces of Flemish Expressionism are highlights as well.
10. Climb the Belfry of Bruges
And last but not least, don't miss climbing to the top of the Belfry of Bruges!
This imposing medieval bell tower, located in the Grote Markt, is one of Bruges's most iconic landmarks. As you explore Bruges, you can see the tower from almost anywhere, and it truly is an architectural stunner.
The tower stands 272 feet (83 meters) over Bruges, lending visitors some of the city's greatest views. After climbing 366 steps, you'll reach the top, and the view will blow your mind!
Trust me, the steep climb and the discomfort are worth it for this view!
Two Days in Bruges, Belgium
If you book a room at the Hotel Bourgoensch Hof and experience these 10 quintessential things to do in Bruges, you will be in for an awesome two days.
From the city's romantic canals, cobbled streets, and chocolate shops galore, to its bright-colored, centuries-old architecture and scrumptious food, Bruges is a city unlike any other.
After you spend two days wandering the city, cruising the canals, eating, drinking, and exploring Bruges's highlights, you'll have fallen head over heels in love with beautiful Bruges, Belgium– and that's pretty much a guarantee!
Have you ever spent two days in Bruges, Belgium? What's your favorite part about the city? In your opinion, what sights, activities, foods, etc., are not to be missed?
The photos are really gorgeous, i think i should visit any of them after reading your post
The blogs are a wonderful source for ideas. Thanks for sharing
wonderful post, thank you for sharing
First of all those photos are excellent. Bruges, Belgium already added to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing.
Superb post with stunning pictures! These are actually most beautiful places to visit in Bruges.
Great post with beautiful photos. You have inspired m to visit Bruges.
Next time you’re in Brugges, I highly recommend trying Da Vinci Ice Cream! It’s arguably the best ice cream I’ve ever had (which is really saying something!). I can’t remember exactly where it is, but it’s near the city center :)
-Claire
tallgirlbigworld.com
Great post!
I’ve been to Brugges a few times, and it’s such a pretty quaint town.
‘Love it!
p.s. ‘Such a pity that visitors are getting scared off by terrorist activity. :(