Top reasons to visit Bruges
- Enchanting Canals: Explore Bruges' picturesque canals, offering a unique perspective of the city's stunning medieval architecture.
- Rich Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Bruges’ vibrant culture through walking tours, art galleries, and local museums.
- Charming Market Squares: Visit the bustling market squares, perfect for sampling local delicacies and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
- Historical Monuments: Admire the impressive monuments that showcase Bruges' rich history and architectural beauty.
- Delightful Accommodations: Stay in charming hotels and bed and breakfasts, ensuring a comfortable base for your explorations.
Find great hotels in Bruges
Discover the charm of Bruges with a stay at one of its delightful hotels, offering a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Whether you're travelling with family, on business, or seeking a pet-friendly getaway, Bruges has a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. From cosy bed and breakfasts to top hotels, you'll find the ideal base to explore this enchanting city.
- Martin's Brugge: This eco-certified 3.5-star hotel offers a charming stay in the heart of Bruges, with a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. Martin's Brugge is tailored for eco-conscious travellers, featuring sustainable practices and a commitment to environmental excellence. The hotel boasts comfortable accommodations with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a cosy bar, and a delightful terrace. Its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring Bruges' picturesque canals and historic architecture, ensuring a memorable and responsible travel experience.
- Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges: A luxurious 4-star destination, Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges enjoys an impressive guest rating of 9.8 out of 10. This hotel features a unique hot spring theme, providing a tranquil retreat for those seeking adventure and relaxation. Guests can partake in various recreational activities, including cycling, sailing, and waterskiing, all nearby. The hotel also offers well-appointed rooms, a sophisticated restaurant, and a spa, making it ideal for both business and leisure travellers looking to indulge in comfort and excitement.
- Dukes’ Palace – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection: This distinguished 5-star hotel, rated 9.6 out of 10, is set within a beautifully restored 15th-century palace, offering a luxurious boutique experience. Dukes’ Palace boasts uniquely designed decor and exquisite artworks, creating an elegant atmosphere throughout. With facilities such as a gourmet restaurant, a lavish spa, and expansive gardens, it caters to discerning guests seeking opulence and sophistication. Its prime location in Bruges allows easy access to the city's rich heritage and vibrant culture, perfect for a lavish getaway.
Where to stay in and around Bruges
Bruges, a beautiful Belgian city, offers a captivating blend of history and romance, making it perfect for a city break. Explore its charming canals, medieval architecture, and vibrant culture. Nearby, the Flanders region boasts family-friendly atmospheres and friendly locals, ensuring a relaxing experience. With attractions from picturesque neighbourhoods to local gems, your visit to Bruges and its surroundings promises unforgettable memories and enriching experiences.
- Historical Center Bruges: The Historical Center of Bruges is a captivating neighbourhood that embodies the essence of this medieval city. Nestled around the iconic Markt square, it showcases stunning architecture, charming canals, and cobblestone streets. Visitors flock here year-round, with peak seasons from July to September. The area offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, including local markets and theatres. Notable landmarks such as the Belfry of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood draw history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike, making it a perfect spot for both exploration and relaxation.
- Blankenberge: Located approximately 13km from Bruges, Blankenberge is a lively coastal city that attracts families and beach lovers. Known for its sandy beaches and bustling promenade, it is particularly popular from June to August. Visitors can indulge in a variety of outdoor activities, from beach sports to leisurely walks along the shore. The city also features a vibrant market scene and family-friendly attractions. Highlights include the beautiful beach and the nearby tourist precinct, making Blankenberge an ideal destination for those seeking sun, sea, and fun.
- Bruges Center: The Bruges Center neighbourhood is another gem within the city, offering a delightful blend of culture and history. Like the Historical Centre, it experiences peak tourist traffic from July to September. Here, visitors can explore quaint markets and historic theatres, all while being surrounded by stunning monuments and ancient buildings. The proximity to key attractions, such as the Markt and the Groeningemuseum, ensures that travellers can fully immerse themselves in Bruges' rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere, making it an essential stop for any itinerary.
Things to do in Bruges
Shopping
In Bruges, visit the charming local shops along the cobbled streets, where you can find handcrafted chocolates and lace souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to Designer Outlet Roosendaal, located about 48km away, offering a variety of designer brands at discounted prices.
Recreation
The Wellness Centre in Bruges offers a tranquil atmosphere with various treatments, including massages and facials. Enjoy the soothing sauna and steam rooms, complemented by a serene relaxation area, ideal for unwinding after exploring the picturesque city.
At the Bruges Spa, indulge in holistic therapies and rejuvenating body treatments. The calming surroundings and skilled therapists create an inviting space for relaxation, helping to restore balance and well-being amidst the city's charm.
Adventure
In Bruges, explore the picturesque canals by taking a thrilling boat tour, navigating through the charming waterways. For the adventurous spirit, consider cycling the scenic paths around the city, offering a unique perspective of its medieval architecture and lush surroundings.
Nightlife
Bruges offers a charming nightlife with cosy bars like the Beer Palace for craft brews and the lively 't Poatersgat for a more laid-back vibe. For a touch of elegance, the Bar des Amis serves delightful cocktails. Stroll along the illuminated canals for a picturesque evening atmosphere.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bruges
Bruges is a budget-friendly destination with numerous free attractions, such as the Market Square, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and Minnewater Park. To save on transport, consider walking, cycling, or enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride. For the best accommodation deals, visit between January and March, and book about a month in advance, ideally on a Tuesday for lower rates. Use Expedia’s tools to find tailored packages that combine flights and hotels for additional savings. Don't forget to check for last-minute deals for spontaneous trips.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Bruges are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May, August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Bruges about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Bruges is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Bruges is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel accommodation in Bruges with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Bruges
Bruges offers a delightful mix of city and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for various types of holidays. Visitors can explore the picturesque piazzaSquare, delve into the rich history at local museums, and admire stunning monuments. Whether you're seeking a cultural immersion or an outdoor adventure, Bruges has something for everyone, including numerous tourist attractions that showcase its enchanting charm.
- Burg: This charming piazza is the heart of Bruges, surrounded by stunning medieval architecture. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture, with the impressive City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood nearby. It's an ideal place to people-watch while enjoying a coffee at a local café.
- Minnewater Park: Known as the 'Lake of Love', this picturesque park features serene waters and beautiful greenery, perfect for a romantic stroll. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with scenic views and swans gliding across the lake, makes it a delightful escape from the bustling city.
- Steenstraat: A lively shopping street in Bruges, Steenstraat is lined with boutiques and shops offering local goods. Its vibrant city vibes make it an enjoyable place to explore and experience the local culture while picking up unique souvenirs.
Best time to go to Bruges
The best time to visit Bruges is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.