Belgium · West Flanders
Bruges travel guide
Canals, cobbles and a perfectly preserved medieval town
The canals of Bruges. Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bruges is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, with canals, cobbled lanes, gabled houses and a 13th-century belfry over the market square.
It's small enough to walk around in a day, but it's best seen in the evening and early morning when the day-trippers have gone.
What Bruges is known for
- The Belfry
366 steps to the top.
- Canal boats
See the town from the water.
- Chocolate
Dozens of chocolatiers.
- Flemish art
Van Eyck and Memling.
Top things to do in Bruges
Where to stay in Bruges
Best time to visit Bruges
Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. April to June and September; December for the Christmas market.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 0h 45m from London to BRU, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?
Walk or cycle. Trains run from Brussels in an hour.
Good to know
- Stay the night to see it without crowds.
- Rent a bike and ride to Damme along the canal.
- Book a Eurostar to "Any Belgian station" to include the train.
Bruges FAQ
Is Bruges worth a day trip?
Yes, but a night is better.
How far is Bruges from Brussels?
About an hour by train.
More places in Belgium
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