2 Days in Bruges: Detailed Itinerary with Map & Tips

Planning to spend 2 days in Bruges? You’re in for a treat. With its cobbled streets, dreamy canals, and fairytale architecture, Bruges is one of those places that feels like it belongs in another time.

Two days is the perfect amount of time to explore the city at a relaxed pace – enough to see the main highlights, enjoy a few local treats, and still leave room for wandering aimlessly (which is kind of the best way to experience Bruges anyway).

In this Bruges itinerary, I’ll walk you through exactly how to spend two days in the city, with a detailed breakdown of what to do, when to go, and plenty of helpful tips—including a map to make getting around easier.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Overview Your 2 Days in Bruges

Breakdown of your 2 day Bruges itinerary

• Day 1: That’s Toast, Rosary Quay, Canal boat trip, The Old Chocolate House, Groeninge Museum, Boniface Bridge, Church of Our Lady, De Halve Maan brewery tour, Beguinage, Minnewaterpark
• Day 2: Jan van Eyckplein, Choco-Story, Grote Markt, Bruges City Hall, Blinde-Ezelstraat, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Belgian chocolate or waffle-making workshop, Belfry of Bruges, 2be Beerwall

Map for your 2 days in Bruges

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1

Breakfast at That’s Toast

We’re starting off this 2 days in Bruges itinerary with a visit to one of my best-loved breakfast spots, That’s Toast.

You’ll often see a queue forming outside, but at 9 am you should be able to get a table pretty quickly.

What I love about That’s Toast is their variety of dishes, as they provide options for anyone who’s veggie, vegan, or intolerant to dairy or gluten. Sweet French toast, creamy mushroom open sandwiches, and homemade granola are just some of their tasty offerings.

If you’re visiting during the summer months, you can enjoy your breakfast from the outdoor patio area, which is really lovely!

Rosary Quay

Just over a 10-minute walk away is Rosary Quay, Bruges’ most popular photo spot. Much like That’s Toast, the earlier you get here, the better.

This is the perfect vantage point to take in the charm of Bruges, as the images of the medieval houses perched along the canals are what have put this city on the map.

Although a scenic corner of Bruges today, Rosary Quay used to be where salt traders moored their ships for hundreds of years during the Middle Ages.

Allow yourself some time here just to sit back, take in the views, and snap some incredible pictures.

Canal Boat Trip

Next up is a canal cruise, one of the most classic things to do in Bruges. It’s a fun and easy way to see the city from a different perspective, passing under charming bridges and gliding past centuries-old buildings that line the water.

Most boats leave from around the Rosary Quay area and you don’t need to book in advance, just show up and wait for the next departure. That said, the lines can get super long, especially in the afternoon, so it’s something to keep in mind.

If you’d rather skip the crowds, there’s also the option to book a small-group boat tour that includes a guided walking tour of the city. It’s a great alternative if you want something a bit more in-depth and relaxed.

The Old Chocolate House or House of Waffles

After your boat ride, it’s time for something sweet – and what better excuse to try Belgian waffles?

The Old Chocolate House is about a 7-minute walk from Rosary Quay and an absolute dream if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

It’s part chocolate shop, part cozy tearoom, and they’re known for their hot chocolate served with a melt-in mug chocolate ball. Their waffles are great too, and you can always grab a box of truffles to take home (or snack on later).

If you don’t feel like walking that far, House of Waffles is even closer and just as good. They’ve got a big menu of fresh waffles with all kinds of toppings – think melted chocolate, ice cream, and berry compote. You really can’t go wrong with either one.

Groeninge Museum

Once you’ve had your waffle fix, head over to the Groeninge Museum. It’s only about a five-minute walk from either cafe so you don’t have to venture far off!

This gallery is home to a seriously impressive collection of Belgian art, with works spanning from the 15th century to the modern day. You’ll find pieces by early Flemish painters like Jan van Eyck and Rogier van der Weyden, along with more contemporary artists like Roger Raveel.

The museum is small and easy to explore, with ten rooms in total. There’s a free audio guide available too, which is super helpful if you want a bit more context while you’re walking through.

Boniface Bridge

Just outside the museum, you’ll stumble upon Boniface Bridge, one of the prettiest and most romantic corners of Bruges.

It’s a small pedestrian bridge tucked between old stone buildings, quiet canals, and ivy-covered walls. Even though it’s not one of the city’s oldest bridges, it fits right in with Bruges’ fairytale vibe and is easily one of the most photographed spots in town.

It’s a great place to pause for a minute, snap a few photos, and soak it all in before continuing on.

Church of Our Lady

Just a few minutes from Boniface Bridge, you’ll find the Church of Our Lady, easily recognizable thanks to its towering spire, the tallest structure in Bruges!

This Gothic church was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and is best known for housing Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, which is the only one of his sculptures located outside of Italy.

There are plenty of other artworks and historical pieces inside too. So much that it honestly feels more like a museum than a church! While general entry is free, you’ll need a ticket to access the section with the most significant works.

De Halve Maan Brewery tour

Belgium is known for its beer, and if you’re going to do a brewery tour in Bruges, De Halve Maan is the place to go.

Just a 5-minute walk from the Church of Our Lady, this family-run brewery has been operating for six generations and offers one of the best brewery experiences in the city. You can choose from a few different tours depending on how in-depth you want to go.

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, learn a bit about the brewery’s long history, and, of course, finish things off with a freshly poured beer!

Beguinage

For a quieter side of Bruges, head to the Beguinage, a peaceful cluster of whitewashed houses surrounding a serene courtyard. This used to be home to beguines, unmarried women who lived a religious life without taking formal vows.

Today, it’s still occupied by Benedictine nuns and a few laywomen, and it’s one of the calmest places in the city. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and it’s a lovely spot to slow down and take a break from the busy center.

There’s also a small 13th-century church on the grounds, which you can visit for free.

Minnewaterpark

Wrap up the first of your 2 days in Bruges with a stroll through Minnewaterpark, just a short walk from the Beguinage.

This peaceful green space is home to the Lake of Love, a calm, scenic spot surrounded by weeping willows and medieval buildings. There are walking paths, benches, and plenty of places to stop and take in the views.

The park is tied to old legends of love and loss, which only adds to the charm. It’s the perfect place to wind down after a full day of exploring.

Day 2

Jan van Eyckplein

Start the second day of your Bruges itinerary at Jan van Eyckplein, a quiet little square named after the famous Flemish painter.

There’s a statue of Jan van Eyck right in the center, surrounded by some beautiful Gothic buildings and just steps from the canal. It’s a peaceful area that feels a bit less touristy than the main squares, so it’s a great place to grab a coffee and ease into the day.

Choco-Story

Just a couple of minutes from Jan van Eyckplein, you’ll find Choco-Story, Bruges’ dedicated chocolate museum.

Belgium is famous for its chocolate, and if you’re spending 2 days in Bruges, this is a fun way to dive a bit deeper into that part of the culture. You’ll learn all about the history of chocolate, see some wild chocolate sculptures, and of course, enjoy a few tastings along the way.

You can either book a regular museum visit with tastings or combine it with a hands-on chocolate-making workshop. I included another chocolate-making workshop later in this itinerary, but if you’d rather do it here, feel free to swap things around and go for the combo experience at Choco-Story instead!

Grote Markt

After your chocolate stop, it’s just a short 5-minute walk to the Grote Markt, the lively main square in the heart of Bruges.

This is where you’ll find colorful buildings, buzzing cafes, horse-drawn carriages, and a good mix of locals and tourists passing through. It’s always busy, but in a good way! It’s one of those places that feels full of energy no matter what time of day you visit.

If you happen to be here on a Wednesday, you’ll catch the weekly market, with stalls selling everything from local produce to flowers and handmade goods.

Grab a seat at one of the cafes around the square and enjoy a little break while you soak up the atmosphere.

Bruges City Hall

Just a couple of minutes from the square, you’ll reach Bruges City Hall, a stunning Gothic building that’s been in use since the 14th century.

The interior is just as grand as the outside, with ornate halls, meeting rooms, and a small museum that gives you a look into the city’s political history. It’s still used for official functions today, which makes it even more interesting to visit.

There’s an online audio guide available, so it’s worth downloading it in advance to get the most out of your visit.

Blinde-Ezelstraat

One of the most photogenic little corners in Bruges is Blinde-Ezelstraat, which translates to “Blind Donkey Street.”

This narrow lane is lined with red brick buildings and features a beautiful archway that connects the two sides. It’s one of those places that just begs for a photo!

You’ll walk right through it on your way from City Hall to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, as everything in this part of the city is just a few steps apart.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Once you reach the Basilica of the Holy Blood, you’ll immediately notice its unique Romanesque facade, decorated with detailed carvings and gold statues.

This small, two-level basilica is most famous for housing a relic believed to contain a few drops of Christ’s blood, preserved on a piece of cloth. The relic is displayed to visitors every afternoon between 2 pm and 4 pm, and also on Friday mornings from 10:15 am to 11 am, so you may need to adjust your timing a bit if you want to see it.

Entry to the basilica is free, but there’s also a small museum inside that offers more context about the relic and the church’s history. It costs €5 to enter, and while the relic itself isn’t kept in the museum, it’s still worth a quick look if you’re curious about the background.

Belgian Chocolate or Waffle-Making Workshop

For a fun afternoon activity, sign up for either a chocolate-making or waffle-making workshop, two of Belgium’s most iconic treats.

If chocolate is your thing, the Belgian Chocolate Workshop is about a 15-minute walk from the Basilica and teaches you how to make pralines and mendiants from scratch. It’s hands-on and super satisfying, especially when you get to take home your own creations.

Prefer waffles? There’s a great waffle-making class just steps from the church where you’ll whip up your own batch, top them however you like, and enjoy a little beer tasting while you’re at it.

Belfort

One of the final stops on this 2 days in Bruges itinerary is the Belfort, the iconic bell tower that dominates the city skyline. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bruges and a must-visit, especially if you’re up for a bit of a climb!

Originally built as a medieval watchtower, the Belfort is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers incredible views from the top. But to get there, you’ll need to tackle the 366 steps up the narrow staircase. The views are more than worth it though, especially around sunset.

If you want to visit, you’ll need to book your ticket in advance on the Musea Brugge website. You might be able to get lucky and score tickets on site, but chances are they’ll be for much later in the day or sold out entirely. Entry is also included with the Musea Brugge Card if you’re using that during your trip.

2be Bar

Wrap up your time in Bruges with a drink at 2be, one of the city’s most popular beer spots—just a few minutes from the Belfort.

This place is part bar, part shop, so you can sample a few local brews on the terrace and then grab a couple of bottles to take home. It’s laid-back and fun, with a massive wall display showcasing hundreds of different beer bottles and glasses.

It’s also one of the most photographed places in Bruges and definitely worth a quick stop before calling it a night.