If you're looking for value, one of the best places to stay when visiting Bruges is in the Ezelstraat Quarter. This quarter is not only lively but historic, with picturesque houses. It's also near the 13th-century ramparts alongside Bruges's old defensive walls and canals.
What to do in Bruges?
There is so much to see and do in Bruges. For example, you can visit the torture museum, the Basilica of Holy Blood, the Chocolatier Dumon, Burg Square, the Hanseatic Quarter, and the Markt.
What is Bruges famous for?
Bruges is famous for its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, delicious local cuisine, and chocolate. It has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Old Town and the medieval belfry.
How do you get from Brussels Airport to Bruges?
You can take a midi bus, a normal bus, a shuttle bus, a taxi, or a private car from Brussels Airport to Bruges. We recommend a private car since it is usually the most time-effective and cost-efficient option. Not to mention, if you choose a private car service like Daytrip, you'll also get to stop and sightsee.
As the largest city in Belgium, Brussels has much to offer travelers, including modern architecture, medieval castles, delicious local cuisine, a world-renowned fashion scene, and more than 1,000 beer brands. But did you know that Bruges is only a short distance away? We're talking only 61 miles away, people! With just an hour-long car trip, you'll be transported to fairytale Bruges, one of the most beautiful towns in Europe.
Take a private car with Daytrip and you'll travel door-to-door from Brussels to Bruges without taking a taxi, bus, or train. Stop for sightseeing or chat with your English-speaking driver for a truly unforgettable journey. After booking, get ready to explore Brugesâ cobblestone pathways lined with medieval buildings, see swans swimming in canals, and willow trees weeping over lakes. And don't forget about bar hopping and enjoying a few Belgian pints while listening to carillon chimes.
About Bruges
Some cities leave their mark on you, and Bruges is one of them. Located in northern Belgium, where two landscapes meet, this idyllic town is quaint and charming. As with many other European cities, it began as part of the Roman Empire and was a small settlement for centuries.
Unfortunately, not much is known about what happened to Bruges during the 5th to 8th centuries, with historical records sparse, but by the 9th century, the city flourished under the Frankish dynasty. Unsurprisingly, this is likely why Bruges resembles many of the towns along the Belgian and Dutch coasts, with its picturesque canals and medieval architecture.
Nowadays, you can expect a taste of medieval Europe in the 21st-century, while enjoying a small-town atmosphere and world-class attractions. The city is also famed for its beer, chocolate, and fries, so check out its restaurants, cafes, and street food culinary delights when you visit! Ultimately, Bruges, in all its glory, is a city not to be missed, especially considering its compelling history, lively culture, and friendly people.
So book a concert ticket, plan a day trip around a new exhibition, check out the festival timetable, or visit the theater for a dance performance. There's so much to see and do!
From Brussels to Bruges: Travel tips
Traveling by car from Brussels to Bruges opens up a world of possibilities, considering everything you can see and do during your drive. But to ensure you have an enjoyable travel experience, consider keeping a few tips in mind.
Pack a raincoat
Since Bruges is in Belgium and is influenced by the tumultuous Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea weather systems, the weather is often overcast, with frequent rain and heavy cloud cover. That's why, no matter when you visit, keep a raincoat handy. You don't want to be caught unprepared if (when) the heavens open and a downpour occurs.
### Travel around and sightsee
Belgium might be among the smallest European countries, but it is filled with activities, spectacular attractions, and landmarks. So, if you're planning a trip from Brussels to Bruges, you'll want to travel around and sightsee, and you can do that with Daytrip.
By booking with Daytrip, you'll have access to a personal English-speaking driver who can take you wherever you need to visit. Because of how easy it is to travel from one place to the next in Belgium, you'll be surprised by how much you can get up to.
For example, our drivers can help you split your time between several destinations, like a quick stop at Waterloo to see the past battlefield or a leisurely stroll in Leuven, where you'll find not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
### Don't rent a car
No matter how tempting, it's best to avoid renting a car when traveling from Brussels to Bruges. Although Belgium is incredibly drivable, with new cities and towns located within a hundred miles or less of each other, navigating Belgium roads can be a nightmare.
The signage between Brussels and Bruges is mostly monolingual, with the names of places changing depending on the languages spoken. So, it's common to see road signs in Flemish and Dutch while driving.
Of course, this can be confusing, so it is best to hire a professional private door-to-door car service like Daytrip. The local drivers know the roads and how to read the signs, so there is no chance of you getting lost.
And then once you get to Bruges, you'll find you don't need a car to get around. It's an incredibly walkable city, and if you do need some wheels, bikes are the preferred mode of transport.
How to get from Brussels to Bruges
Many people are unaware that all cities in BelgiumâBrussels and Bruges includedâare within an hour to three of each other. So, driving from one destination to the next is quite easy.
However, for information's sake, we've listed three ways to travel from Brussels to Bruges, including by car, to help you decide how to get from Brussels to Bruges. Let's dive in!
From Brussels to Bruges by bus
The bus is one of the cheapest ways to get from Brussels to Bruges, with the average ticket costing $7 per trip. However, although cheap, it's not the most convenient option, considering departures are limited to three a day.
There is also only one bus providerâFlixbusâoffering trips. If you want to try a bus trip, just remember to check the timetables to be sure one departs when you want to travel. You should also expect the trip to take about an hour and a half.
### From Brussels to Bruges by train
Train travel is immensely popular in Europe, with about 345 billion passenger kilometers traveled by European railways yearly, making it the region's third-largest market. With so many people taking trains, it's safe to presume that you'll be able to catch one and travel from Brussels to Bruges.
Only one train line offers trips from Brussels to Bruges: Belgian Railways. A train leaves for Bruges every twenty minutes, and the trip only costs between $11 and $16. Trips are fast, taking only about an hour and five minutes of travel time, but the biggest downside is you won't get to stop and explore or sightsee anything besides the passing scenery.
### From Brussels to Bruges by private car with Daytrip
If you're excited to sightsee and stop at the many cities and towns along the way from Brussels to Bruges, take a private car with Daytrip. Unlike when renting a vehicle, you won't need to drive and deal with navigating unfamiliar roads and road signs in complicated languages.
A Daytrip driver provides safe, reliable, and comfortable door-to-door services and will accommodate your exciting side trip requests. And although your driver is not a tour guide, they can share local travel tips to enrich your experience. What a steal of a deal for as low as 30 euros per person!
Things to do when you get to Bruges
Bruges has been known as a fairytale destination for decades, and its old town is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its perfect preservation of a medieval settlement. While just exploring the town is really the main thing to do, if you're driving from Brussels, we also have a few specific recommendations for when you get to Bruges.
Bruges Belfry and Markt Square
The Markt (Market Square) and towering Belfry of Bruges are the heart of the charming Old Town. Just take in the atmosphere of the Markt, which is lined by charming historic buildings and hosts festivals, markets, and events throughout the year. Towering above the square, the Belfry of Bruges is a symbol of the town's medieval wealth and its own UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb its 366 steps for panoramic views across the UNESCO-listed historic center.
### Basilica of the Holy Blood
Basilica of the Holy Blood is a Roman Catholic church in Bruges that is immensely popular and for good reason. Not only is this church beautiful and ornate but it's also rumored to possess a special vial. This vial is said to carry the DNA of Jesus Christ since it contains a cloth soaked in his blood. With a legend like that, it's a must-visit!
### Torture Museum
Yes, you read that right. Bruges is home to a torture museum that houses one of the largest collections of torture instruments from the past few centuries. So, if you're looking for a change of pace and want something different, you should visit.
Not only will you see torture instruments, but you'll learn about the origin and significance of torture in society. Although grim, it is interesting, and it's surreal to visit, considering the torture museum is housed within one of the oldest prisons in Europe underground.
### Chocolatier Dumon
There's no denying that chocolate is one of Belgium's most popular exports. In fact, the country is the second-largest exporter of chocolate globally. So it's unsurprising that Bruges is home to some of the best chocolate shops in the world, such as Chocolatier Dumon.
This quaint shop sells chocolates of the same name, and they are delectable! So pop inside this delightfully authentic building and buy your weight in chocolate â or as much as you can fit in your suitcase home.
Best time to visit Bruges
As with many European cities, the best time to visit Bruges is in the off-season. So, if you're planning to travel with Daytrip from Brussels to Bruges, you should consider booking a trip during the spring, from April to June, or September and October.
During these months, the cultural season is in full swing, and prices are significantly reduced for everything from restaurant fare and attraction tickets to accommodation.
However, Bruges has relatively cool weather, with temperatures peaking at 70° F (21° C) in August. So visiting in the spring or fall, you can expect temperatures in the 50s and 60s.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Leuven
This provincial capital is home to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the oldest still-operating Catholic university, and the Stella Artois Brewery. Beauty, Brains, and BeerÂ
Waterloo
In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte was finally defeated on this fateful battlefield. That Fateful FightÂ
Hospital Notre Dame de la Rose Museum
In use for over 700 years, the stately halls of one of Belgiumâs oldest hospitals is now a museum dedicated to its rich history. The History of HealingÂ
Ghent
The best way to enjoy this charming Flemish city is to do as the locals do, and pull up a seat at a riverside cafe. Riverfront CharmÂ
Oudenaarde
This medieval city's historic architecture, particularly its UNESCO-listed town hall, are giant works of art. City of ArtÂ
Kortrijk
This border town's car-free city center is one of the largest in Europe, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Car-Free BeautyÂ
