Carved by canals near the coast of the North Sea, Bruges has been a commercial and cultural hub for centuries. Narrow stone streets weave around the waterways flowing throughout the city; boat, bicycle, and foot travel are the best transport modes here.

Bruges is one of the best historically-preserved cities in Europe. Many centuries-old religious and cultural sites still stand today, and the city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking and horse-drawn carriage tours are popular ways to explore these fantastic spots.

The well-traveled Bruges is easily accessed by rail. Bruges Station offers service to nearby cities like Ghent and the country’s capital, Brussels. Bruges’ bus network runs routes throughout the city. Bicycle travel is encouraged here, too. Rental stalls and parking spots can be found around the city.  

Bruges lodging options range from historic houses and swanky suites to canal-front boutique hotels and budget-friendly basics. Bruges travelers seeking an especially unique experience can opt to stay on a barge.

Fun Fact: Bruges jewelers use a unique method to polish precious stones, making Bruges jewelry a popular purchase among travelers.

Bruges is brimming with cultural and historical attractions, and its dining scene does not disappoint. Annual festivals are abundant here, and the city’s numerous museums highlight a variety of eras and topics.

Parks and botanical gardens dot the cityscape, and short walks separate ancient stone structures, prominent churches, and modern boutiques. There’s no limit to the ground you can cover in this pedestrian-friendly city.

Fuel up for your Bruges explorations with Belgian waffles at Bruges Waffles and Frites.

Kick up the family-friendly fun with a trip to the space-themed De Toverplaneet indoor playground. It’s the perfect rainy-day destination when visiting Bruges with kids.

Dive into some of Bruges’ best water attractions. Top spots include the Seafront, complete with a Russian submarine, and the Boudewijn Seapark, packed with marine life exhibits and awesome animal performances.

Stop for a Belgian chocolate break at The Chocolate Line.

See the architectural feats of Bruges’ churches. Stop by the Church of Our Lady Bruges for old-world glitz and glam, and visit the Basilica of Holy Blood to view its ornate carvings.

Enjoy a sunny afternoon at the Lake of Love. Also known as Minnewater, this dreamy park features a tranquil body of water surrounded by lush greenery and historical buildings. 

Wind down at the artsy Retsin's Lucifernum bar. Don your darkest garb, and settle in for an evening of live music, gothic-art-gazing, and signature-drink-sipping.


Visit Bruges, and you’ll be in position to explore the best of Belgium. Watch the sunset from the North Sea’s rugged coastline, take a day trip to Brussels, or explore the riverside city of Ghent.

Don’t let your bags bog you down while touring this attraction-packed region. Find Bounce luggage storage in Bruges, and you can drop your extra gear. Your bags will be secure, and you’ll be free to experience Belgium’s beauty.  

Belfry of Bruges: This 13th-century structural masterpiece is nearly 275 feet tall and has served several purposes since its construction. Municipal documents were housed here, and at times, the tower was used as an elevated vantage point. Bells of various sizes are still housed with the ancient tower, some weighing in at 10,000 lbs. For maximum access to this Bruges giant, visitors can explore the grounds below and then join a tower tour. The interior highlights include a slightly-strenuous hike up to the top of the tower, and exhibits displaying Middle Age documents and musical instruments. 

Groeninge Museum: One of Bruges’ top cultural attractions, this museum houses some of the region’s best artwork. The collection is displayed at the site of the Eekhout Abbey and features 15th-century Flemish Primitives and pieces by Edmond van Hove and famous Flemish painter Jan van Eyck. Groeninge Museum tickets also permit access to the neighboring Arentshuis mansion. Here visitors can view temporary exhibitions and an extensive collection of artist Frank Brangwyn’s creations.  

Koningin Astridpark: This peaceful park sprawls within easy walking distance of the city center. It’s the perfect place to take a break while exploring Bruges’ attractions. Developed on the site of a monastery garden, Koningin Astridpark features mature forests, a pond, and lots of open green space. Visitors can stop by the park’s delicately-decorated gazebo or relax near the pond’s fountain. There’s a children’s playground on-site, and well-manicured lawns throughout. Pack a picnic, swing in for a quick snooze, or let the kids burn off some energy; this park’s convenient location makes it the perfect place to rest and regroup during a tour of Bruges.

Choco-Story: It’s all about the chocolate at the Choco-Story museum. Come for the exhibits, stay for the smells; here, you’ll learn about the chocolate-making process and different styles and flavor profiles. During a tour, you can view artifacts, watch chocolate production in action, and taste some authentic Belgian varieties. The museum is housed in the historic House de Croon, which, prior to its cocoa-fueled days, has served as a wine tavern, a police academy, and a bakery. To fully immerse yourself in the Bruges chocolate experience, embark on the Chocolate Walk. During this well-rounded walk, you’ll explore the museum and stop by other chocolate-related sites in the area (sweet samples included).

Travel Bruges like a local

Things to do in Bruges

Bruges Train Station Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

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Bruges Train Station Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Plan your luggage storage in Bruges

Love discounts and traveling?

Get the Bounce app

Get the
Bounce app