Hit the Highlights: Best Things to Do
Take a Horse and Cart Ride
One of the most charming ways to experience Bruges is by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through its cobbled streets. Departing from the Markt square, these traditional carriages offer a relaxed and romantic way to soak in the city’s medieval beauty. As the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves echoes through the historic center, you’ll pass by stunning landmarks like the Belfry, serene canals, and hidden courtyards. Midway through the journey, the driver typically stops for a short break, giving you a chance to snap photos or simply take in the atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering Bruges, a horse and cart ride adds a touch of old-world magic to your trip.
The ride has a fixed fee of €70 for a 30-minute tour and can accommodate up to 5 people. I highly recommend it — the driver’s commentary provides fascinating insights into the history and famous landmarks of Bruges.
Take a Canal Boat Tour
A canal boat tour in Bruges is one of the best ways to experience the city’s charm from a unique perspective. As you glide along the tranquil canals, you’ll pass by picturesque buildings, historic bridges, and lush greenery that create an enchanting atmosphere. The boat captain often shares fascinating insights into the city’s history and landmarks, adding depth to the experience. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve visited before, the scenic beauty of Bruges from the water offers a fresh and unforgettable view of this medieval gem.
You can embark on a boat tour from various locations in central Bruges. The tour lasts 30 minutes, with tickets priced at €15 for adults and €9 for children.
Brewery Tour
A visit to the Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery in Bruges offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Belgium’s most famous breweries. Nestled along the canal, this brewery is known for its rich history and dedication to crafting traditional Belgian beers, particularly its signature Bourgogne des Flandres, a blend of aged beer and freshly brewed beer that creates a deliciously complex flavor profile. The brewery tour takes you through the brewing process, showcasing the techniques used to create their distinctive beers. You’ll also have the chance to taste a variety of their offerings, paired with insights into the history of the brewery and its connection to Bruges. It’s a must-visit for any beer lover, offering both a fascinating experience and the chance to enjoy a true taste of Belgium.
Tickets for the tour begin at €16 and include one drink. Children’s tickets are available for €8, though they do not include a drink. The tour is self-paced, with a recommended duration of 40 minutes, and you’ll receive your drink at the end of the tour.
During my visit to Bourgogne des Flandres, we didn’t have enough time for the full brewery tour but still wanted to try a variety of beers. So, we decided to purchase a beer flight, which gave us the chance to sample six different beers in smaller glasses. It was a great deal, costing only €17.50 for the entire selection.
Indulge in Local Delicacies
Belgium is world-renowned for its delicious waffles and exquisite chocolates, making them a must-try during any visit. Belgian waffles are typically served warm and topped with a variety of toppings, from fresh fruit and whipped cream to rich chocolate or syrup. As for Belgian chocolate, it’s simply unparalleled. Crafted with the finest ingredients, Belgian chocolate comes in countless varieties, from creamy pralines to decadent truffles, offering a taste that’s as rich as the country’s history in chocolate-making. Whether you’re indulging in a waffle on the go or savoring a piece of artisan chocolate, these sweet treats are a delicious highlight of Belgian culture.
From experience, not many shops offer samples, but if you ask politely, you might be lucky enough to get a small taster. The staff in Chocoholic were especially friendly and offered us a few samples to try.
Getting Around
How to Travel Around Bruges: Tips for Easy Navigation
Getting around Bruges is easy and enjoyable, as the city is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance, making it a delight to explore on foot. Biking is another popular option, as Bruges offers plenty of cycling paths and bike rental shops. For longer distances, taxis are readily available, but walking or cycling will allow you to truly soak in the city’s medieval charm.
Travelling here from Zeebrugge? Here’s everything you need to know!
Coach Transfer from the Cruise Terminal
A coach transfer is a hassle-free and comfortable way to travel from the Zeebrugge Cruise Terminal to Bruges. The journey takes around 30 minutes, dropping you off near the city center, close to major attractions like Markt Square. A return ticket costs €30 for adults and €5 for children, making it an affordable and convenient option for those who want a direct route without the need for public transport. As spaces can fill up quickly, especially on busy cruise days, it’s best to book in advance to secure your spot.
Direct Taxi from the Cruise Terminal
Booking a taxi from Zeebrugge to Bruges is a fast and convenient option for those who prefer a direct, private transfer. The journey takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately €60 one way. While taxis are available at the cruise terminal, it’s best to pre-book with a local taxi company for a smoother experience. Before my cruise, I arranged a taxi with Street Taxi Knokke, setting a pick-up time in advance. We arrived at Markt Square by 10 am and scheduled a return trip for later in the day. Although taxis may seem pricier than other transport options, they are ideal for groups of four or more, offering flexibility, comfort, and a stress-free journey straight to the heart of Bruges.
Train Journey from Blankenberge
To take this route, you’ll first need to board the cruise shuttle to Blankenberge (a 10-minute journey). From there, it’s a short walk to the train station, where trains to Bruges run approximately every hour. The train ride takes around 15 minutes, with tickets costing about €5. However, keep in mind that once you arrive at Bruges train station, it’s a 20-minute walk to the central Markt Square. While this is the most budget-friendly way to reach Bruges, it’s not the most straightforward option.
Must-Have Travel Apps for Your Trip to Amsterdam
I highly recommend downloading and setting up apps with accounts on your phone before your holiday. It helps eliminate stress when you need to navigate unfamiliar places abroad.
UBER
The Uber app is a convenient way to get around, often cheaper than phoning a taxi company directly, and you don’t need to worry about payment as it’s all handled through the app.
Best Bites
Must-Try Restaurants in Bruges
Le Pain Quotidien in Bruges is a charming café I stumbled upon during a rainy visit to the city, and it has become a favorite ever since. The cozy atmosphere, with its warm lighting and rustic wooden tables, makes it the perfect place to escape. It’s somewhere we return to every time for a great coffee, a delicious pastry, and a much-needed sit-down in the heart of Bruges.
The Flower Café in Bruges is a hidden gem, bursting with charm and character. With its beautifully decorated interior filled with fresh flowers and cozy seating, it’s the perfect spot to relax and soak in the city’s charm. The warm and welcoming staff make you feel right at home, and the menu offers delicious coffees, homemade cakes, and light bites. Whether you’re stopping by for a peaceful morning coffee or a sweet afternoon treat, the Flower Café is a delightful escape in the heart of Bruges.
Chez Albert serves the best waffles I’ve ever tasted! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with just the right amount of sweetness, every bite is pure perfection. My favorite is covered in rich Belgian chocolate, melting perfectly into the warm waffle for an indulgent treat, their waffles are an absolute must-try. The aroma alone draws you in, and the first bite keeps you coming back for more!
Inclusive Eats
Best Places in Bruges for Dietary Needs and Restrictions
Maison BonBon
Maison Bonbon in Bruges is a must-visit for macaron lovers, especially those with dietary restrictions. They offer a wide selection of gluten- and dairy-free macarons, ensuring everyone can enjoy their delicate, flavorful treats. With a variety of delicious flavors and a beautifully presented shop, it’s the perfect place to indulge in a sweet, worry-free treat while exploring Bruges.
GoFre
GoFre in Bruges offers a delicious twist on traditional Belgian waffles with their gluten-free waffles on a stick. Perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these waffles are not only a treat for those with dietary restrictions but for anyone looking for a fun and indulgent snack. Topped with a variety of options like rich Belgian chocolate, fresh fruit, or crunchy nuts, each waffle is customisable and easy to enjoy while strolling through the city.
Le Belgique Gourmande
Le Belgique Gourmande in Bruges is a paradise for sweet lovers, offering a fantastic selection of Belgian chocolates, biscuits, and confections. For those with dietary restrictions, they also stock a variety of gluten-free treats, ensuring everyone can enjoy a taste of Belgian indulgence.
Taste the Tradition: Authentic Eats in Belgium
Must Try Local Dishes in Bruges
Belgian Fries & Frites Sauce
Belgian fries are golden, crispy, and perfectly fluffy inside, best enjoyed with a generous serving of rich, flavourful sauces like andalouse, samurai, or their classic frites sauce for an authentic taste of Belgium.
Belgian Waffle
Authentic Belgian waffles are perfectly crisp on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and best enjoyed warm with toppings like rich Belgian chocolate, fresh fruit, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Belgian Chocolate
Belgian chocolates are world-renowned for their rich, velvety texture and exquisite craftsmanship, offering a perfect balance of smooth ganache, crunchy praline, and indulgent flavours in every bite.
Belgian Beer
Belgian beer is renowned for its rich, diverse flavours, from crisp lagers to complex ales, often brewed using traditional methods that have been perfected over centuries, making it a true reflection of the country’s brewing heritage.
Lucy’s Top Tips for Bruges
- If a horse-drawn carriage ride is on your list, head straight to Markt Square upon arrival to enjoy a more peaceful experience before the streets get crowded.
- Take a direct taxi from the cruise terminal to Bruges—it’s a hassle-free option that saves time, giving you more opportunity to explore the city’s charm. Ideal for groups of four or more, it provides a convenient and comfortable ride straight to the heart of Bruges.
- Take your time exploring the charming artisan shops to discover the finest handmade chocolates, and don’t leave without indulging in a freshly made Belgian waffle drizzled with rich, melted Belgian chocolate!
