Best Things to Do in Bruges: A First-Time Visitor's Guide

The easiest way to get to Bruges is by train, especially if you're traveling from Brussels. There are frequent connections throughout the day, and the journey usually takes around one hour.

If you're traveling by train, I'd recommend checking routes and booking your tickets through Omio, as it lets you compare different train options in one place. If you're traveling on a budget, it's also worth checking whether FlixBus operates on your route.

Once you arrive at Bruges train station, the historic center is about a 20-minute walk away. If you're traveling with luggage, you can also take a taxi or use a local bus to reach your accommodation.

It’s very difficult to miss Markt Square when you’re in Bruges. Surrounded by colorful historic buildings, cafés, and the iconic Belfry Tower, it’s the heart of the city — and you’ll probably find yourself coming back to this square more than once during your visit. I certainly did.

If you're planning to climb the Belfry, I'd recommend booking your ticket through the official Musea Brugge website before your visit. During busy periods, tickets can sell out quickly, and choosing an early morning time slot is one of the best ways to avoid the longest lines.

If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Bruges, there’s a good chance it was taken here. Rozenhoedkaai is one of those places that looks almost too perfect to be real, with the canal, historic buildings, and their reflections on the water creating one of the most beautiful views in the city. It’s also one of the first places I’d recommend visiting, especially if it’s your first time in Bruges.

I visited at sunrise on my first morning and came back again around sunset, and seeing the same view at two completely different times of the day made me appreciate it even more. Sunrise was easily my favorite — the streets were quiet, the light was beautiful, and for a few minutes, Bruges felt almost completely still. If you have the time, I’d definitely recommend seeing Rozenhoedkaai at both times of day.

Hands down, this was one of my favorite experiences in Bruges. I wasn’t expecting a cup of hot chocolate to become such a memorable part of my trip, but that’s exactly what happened. What makes The Old Chocolate House so special is that you don’t simply order a hot chocolate — you get to make it yourself. Depending on the flavor you choose, you’re served hot milk alongside a handmade chocolate cup filled with matching chocolates and toppings. You simply pour everything into the milk, stir, and watch it melt into your own Belgian hot chocolate.

I chose the praline version, while my husband went for the Baileys hot chocolate, and by the time we left, we were already talking about coming back to try another flavor.

Boniface Bridge is one of those places that instantly made me stop and take out my camera. Tucked just below the Church of Our Lady, this small stone bridge offers one of the most beautiful canal views in Bruges. Even though it’s a popular spot, it can feel surprisingly peaceful early in the morning.

I arrived just before sunrise and watched the first light hit the Church of Our Lady in the background. It was one of my favorite photography moments in Bruges, and while the photos turned out beautifully, seeing the light slowly change in person was even more special.

If you’re planning to visit, I’d definitely recommend coming around sunrise. You’ll not only avoid most of the crowds, but you’ll also get to experience the bridge at its most peaceful. I’ve also shared a short video on Instagram if you’d like to see what it looked like that morning.

Whenever I visit a new place, I always try to find restaurants serving traditional local dishes. When I found De Gastro and saw that the Flemish beef stew was one of the dishes everyone recommended, I knew I had to add it to my list and give it a try. It definitely lived up to my expectations. I ordered the Flemish beef stew, while my husband went for the steak tartare, and we both loved our meals. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the portions were generous, and the service was great. If you’re planning to have dinner here, I’d recommend making a reservation in advance, especially during the busier months.

One of the best things to do in Bruges is simply explore its beautiful canals. It’s also the best way to understand why the city is often called the Venice of the North.

I never followed a specific route and simply wandered wherever the canals led me. Along the way, I found quiet streets, beautiful old houses, and some of my favorite views in Bruges. My advice? Don’t worry too much about following a plan — just explore and see where you end up.

Canal-side streets

Stone bridges

Canal boat tours

If you’d like to see the city from the water as well, I’d also recommend taking a canal cruise. It gives you a completely different perspective of Bruges and is a great way to see parts of the historic center you might otherwise miss.

🎟️ Book your Bruges canal cruise here.

If you’re looking for a quieter side of Bruges, take a walk around Minnewater, also known as the Lake of Love. Just a short walk from the historic center, it’s a peaceful place to slow down, enjoy the views, and escape the busier streets for a while. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of Bruges’ famous swans along the way.

Just a short walk from the Markt, Burg Square is one of the most important historic squares in Bruges and home to some of the city’s most impressive buildings, including the City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Even if you don’t plan to visit the buildings inside, I’d still recommend stopping here for a few minutes to take in the architecture and get a feel for the history of the city.

If you’re only planning to try one waffle in Bruges, I’d make it this one. Otto Waffle Atelier is right beside the canal, making it a great place to stop for breakfast or a coffee while watching the boats go by. It was one of my favorite spots for a relaxed break during my visit.

Just keep in mind that Otto’s waffles are a little different from the classic Belgian waffles you might be expecting. They’re made with oat flour and have their own unique twist, which is exactly what makes them worth trying. If you’d like to try a few more waffles during your trip, I’ve also pinned some of my other favorites on the map.

Don't leave Bruges without stopping by The Chocolate Line. Unlike many traditional chocolate shops, this one is known for experimenting with unexpected flavors while staying true to Belgian chocolate craftsmanship. One of the things I loved most was that you can build your own box of pralines, making it easy to try a variety of flavors.

My favorite was the Defender praline, filled with hazelnut praline and popping candy. The crackling texture instantly reminded me of the sweets I used to eat as a child, and it ended up being one of the most memorable chocolates I tried in Bruges.

If you'd like to bring home more Belgian chocolates, you'll also find a few more of my favorite chocolate shops on the map. If you're curious about the different praline flavors, you can browse their full collection on the official Chocolate Line website before your visit.

If it's your first time in Bruges, I recommend staying near the historic centre, where you can easily explore the city's main sights on foot. Bruges is a very walkable city, and choosing a central hotel will make your visit much more enjoyable.

Luxury Stay

Grand Hotel Casselbergh – A beautifully decorated luxury hotel in the heart of Bruges, combining historic charm, excellent breakfast, and a relaxing spa experience.

Hotel Dukes' Palace – One of the most iconic luxury hotels in Bruges, housed in a former ducal palace just a short walk from the Markt.

Boutique Hotel

The Pand Hotel – An elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Bruges, known for its cozy atmosphere, personalized service, and beautifully designed rooms.

Romantic Canal Stay

Hotel De Orangerie by CW Hotel Collection – A charming canal-side boutique hotel that's perfect for couples looking for a romantic stay in one of Bruges' most picturesque locations.

De Gastro – A favourite of mine in Bruges, this restaurant is perfect for trying traditional Belgian cuisine with quality ingredients in a cosy and elegant setting.

One Restaurant – A great choice for a special dinner, offering a refined take on Belgian cuisine with seasonal ingredients and a modern touch.

Cambrinus – A classic Bruges spot for authentic Belgian dishes, famous for its traditional food and impressive selection of local beers.

The Republic – A relaxed local favourite with a cosy atmosphere, ideal for lunch, drinks or a casual meal away from the busiest tourist spots.

That's Toast – One of the best brunch places in Bruges, serving delicious breakfast plates, coffee and a welcoming atmosphere to start your day.

MARO – A stylish café perfect for coffee, brunch or a light lunch, combining fresh dishes with a cosy and modern vibe.