Bruges in 5 days

A medieval fairytale of canals, cobbles, and chocolate, perfectly preserved and impossibly photogenic. Best time to visit: April-June and September-October. Average daily budget: $90 to $150 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Markt & Burg, The twin central squares: the Belfry, guild houses, and the city hall.

Morning: Canal boat tour. The classic way to see the bridges and gabled houses from the water.

Afternoon: Explore Markt & Burg, The twin central squares: the Belfry, guild houses, and the city hall.

Evening: Climb the Belfry. 366 steps up the medieval tower for the rooftop panorama. Go at opening.

Eat: Moules-frites (mussels and chips)

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Sint-Anna, Quiet, residential, the prettiest canals with hardly a tourist.

Morning: De Halve Maan brewery. Tour the family brewery and taste Brugse Zot at the source.

Afternoon: Explore Sint-Anna, Quiet, residential, the prettiest canals with hardly a tourist.

Evening: Markt & Burg squares. Soak up the guild houses and the Gothic city hall in the heart of town.

Eat: Belgian chocolate from a small chocolatier, not a chain

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Langestraat, Local cafés and the De Halve Maan brewery, east of the centre.

Morning: Sunrise over the Rozenhoedkaai before the crowds, the most-photographed corner.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Langestraat, Local cafés and the De Halve Maan brewery, east of the centre.

Evening: The Beguinage courtyard, silent and full of daffodils in spring.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Trappist and local beers (Brugse Zot, Westvleteren)

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: 't Zand, Modern square with the concert hall and a big weekend market.

Morning: A real Belgian waffle from a side-street stand, not the Markt.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore 't Zand, Modern square with the concert hall and a big weekend market.

Evening: Windmills along the eastern ramparts for a green, local walk.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: A warm waffle or speculoos biscuit

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Minnewater, The 'Lake of Love' and Beguinage, postcard-calm at the southern edge.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Minnewater, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Minnewater, The 'Lake of Love' and Beguinage, postcard-calm at the southern edge.

Evening: Dinner at Moules-frites (mussels and chips), then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Minnewater.

Eat: Moules-frites (mussels and chips)

Hidden gems

Sunrise over the Rozenhoedkaai before the crowds, the most-photographed corner.
The Beguinage courtyard, silent and full of daffodils in spring.
A real Belgian waffle from a side-street stand, not the Markt.
Windmills along the eastern ramparts for a green, local walk.

Getting around

The centre is tiny and entirely walkable, that's the whole point. Cars are restricted, so leave any vehicle at a park-and-ride. The train station is a 15-minute walk from the Markt, and bikes are a lovely way to reach the windmills and outer canals.

Safety

Bruges is extremely safe and easy, with petty theft the only minor risk in the busiest squares. The cobbles are uneven, so wear sensible shoes. It's a year-round destination, but winters are cold and damp, pack layers and a waterproof.

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