One Day in Bruges: The Perfect Bruges Itinerary

Bruges is one of those cities that feels like it was pulled straight from a fairytale. Think cobbled streets, canals, and charming medieval architecture everywhere you look! It’s compact, walkable, and packed with history, making it the perfect place to explore even if you only have a short time.

If you’re planning to spend one day in Bruges, this guide will help you make the most of it. From must-see landmarks to local treats, I’ve put together a Bruges itinerary that covers all the highlights without feeling rushed.

*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 of Your One Day in Bruges

Breakdown of your Bruges itinerary

• Morning: Breakfast, Grote Markt, Belfort, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges City Hall
• Afternoon: The Old Chocolate House, Beerwall at 2be bar, Rosary Quay, Canal cruise, Boniface Bridge, Church of Our Lady, Beguinage, Minnewater Park
• Evening: De Halve Maan Brewery, Dinner

Map for seeing the best of Bruges in one day

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.

Morning

Breakfast

The first stop on this Bruges one-day itinerary is a visit to That’s Toast, a breakfast spot I couldn’t get enough of. 

Every dish at That’s Toast looks almost too good to eat! Their menu here caters to all dietary requirements and serves up breakfast and brunch classics like French toast, their own take on a full English, and homemade granola.

That’s Toast has become an institution amongst locals and tourists, so you might struggle to snatch a seat. Head over at 8:30 am when they open up for your best chance at avoiding queues.

If it’s full when you arrive, Juliette is a great alternative. It’s located on the same street and also opens at 8:30 am.

Grote Markt

After breakfast, you’ll head to Grote Markt, the epicenter of Bruges and a great place to orient yourself during your stay. You’re sure to recognize this place, as it tends to be the focus of every other photo you’ll see of Bruges!

The Grote Markt is the city’s central square and is home to some of the other must-see spots I’ve included in this Bruges one-day itinerary. From the quirky, colorful buildings, buzzing cafes, and the sound of the horse-drawn carriages passing by, this is a must visit in Bruges!

Also, this is where you’ll find the biggest Christmas market in the city if you happen to be visiting Bruges at Christmas.

Belfort

From the square, it’s impossible to miss the Belfort (Belfry of Bruges) towering over everything. This 83-meter-high medieval bell tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and yes, you can climb it!

There are 366 steps to the top, and while it’s a bit of a workout, the views over Bruges are totally worth it. Along the way, you’ll pass old bells and get a glimpse into the tower’s history.

If you want to go up, I recommend reserving your tickets in advance (it’s a timed entry). You might get lucky and find tickets on site, but chances are they’ll be for hours later (or completely sold out), so it’s best to book ahead!

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Next up on your one day in Bruges itinerary is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, tucked into the corner of Burg Square. The exterior is quite beautiful, with intricate stonework, golden statues, and a gothic-meets-romanesque style that stands out against the surrounding buildings.

Inside, you’ll find a stunning chapel filled with colorful stained glass and detailed wall paintings. Entry to the basilica is free, and it’s definitely worth stepping inside to see the interior, even if you’re short on time.

There’s also a small museum inside the building that requires a ticket. It houses several objects and artifacts related to the basilica’s history and the relic itself, which is the church’s most famous feature.

The main reason this church is so famous is because it holds a vial said to contain a cloth stained with Jesus’s blood. The relic is presented to visitors every day between 2 pm and 4 pm and on Fridays from 10:15 am to 11 am.

If you want to catch it, you might need to shuffle some things around on this Bruges itinerary, depending on the day of your visit.

Bruges City Hall

Just steps away from the basilica, you’ll find Bruges City Hall (Stadhuis), one of the oldest in Belgium. Built in the late 14th century, this Gothic building is hard to miss with its dramatic spires, ornate façade, and pointed windows.

You can go inside to explore the impressive Gothic Hall, which is decorated with a stunning vaulted ceiling and historic murals. It’s not a huge place, so you won’t need long – 20 minutes or so is enough for a quick look around. Entry is included in the Musea Brugge Card.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth lingering in Burg Square for a moment. The surrounding architecture is beautiful, and it’s one of those spots where you’ll find yourself pulling out your camera over and over!

Afternoon

The Old Chocolate House

If you’re a chocolate lover, The Old Chocolate House is a must. It’s tucked inside a historic building near the center and is known for having some of the best hot chocolate in Bruges – maybe even in all of Belgium!

Downstairs is a charming little chocolate shop where you can browse all kinds of pralines and handmade treats. But the real highlight is upstairs, where you’ll find their cozy tearoom.

You get a cup of steaming milk and a chocolate ball that slowly melts as you stir. You can choose from a bunch of flavors, and they also serve waffles if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

If you can’t get a spot or just want something different, House of Waffles is another great option nearby. They offer both sweet and savory waffle creations, so there’s something for everyone.

The Beerwall at 2be Bar

Now that you’ve indulged in Belgian chocolate and waffles, it’s about time you have a taste of Belgium’s other famous fare, namely their tasty (and often strong) beer! 

A few minute walk from The Old Chocolate House is the 2be Bar. As you head into this bar, you’ll walk through a laneway of beer walls with countless bottles of every and any variety of Belgian beer.

It’s pretty impressive to see just how many different types of beer Belgium produces, and it makes a great photo stop too! It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Bruges so don’t miss it.

Capture some pictures of the walls, grab your own bottle, and sit on the outdoor terrace overlooking the canal. They offer a tasting flight if you’re up for trying a few different beers, or you can go for one of the classics.

There’s also a 2be shop if you fancy bringing some bottles home with you.

Rosary Quay

Rosary Quay, or Rozenhoedkaai, is hands down the most photographed spot in Bruges – and for good reason. The view from here is classic Bruges: charming old buildings lining the canal, willow trees hanging over the water, and the Belfry rising in the background.

It gets busy during the day, but it’s still worth squeezing in for a quick photo. If you’re an early riser, this spot is magical at sunrise when the light hits just right and there are barely any people around. We didn’t make it for sunrise this time, but I’ve seen photos, and it looks incredible.

There’s also a little dock here where some of the canal tours depart, which makes it a great transition point to your next stop: a canal cruise.

Canal Cruise

If I can only suggest one thing to do in Bruges, it has to be a canal cruise. After all, the winding waterways are what have made the city such a famous travel destination.

Sails along the canals typically run for around 30 minutes and take you under tiny bridges, alongside homes that date back hundreds of years, and past some of Bruges’ most recognizable attractions.

Simply show up on the day and join a boat tour from Rosary Quay, or you can book ahead of time. If you’re traveling during the busy summer season, you might want to organize your cruise in advance to beat the lines. They can get crazy long during the day!

This tour is a fantastic option that covers some of the highlights on this itinerary if you’re on a time crunch and want to see the best of Bruges in just a few hours.

Boniface Bridge

Tucked away behind the Church of Our Lady, Boniface Bridge feels like a little secret corner of Bruges. It’s a small stone bridge surrounded by ivy-covered buildings, cobbled paths, and peaceful canals – basically, Bruges at its most romantic.

Though it fits seamlessly into its surroundings, this pedestrian bridge is actually much newer than its counterparts and was completed in the 20th century.

We stopped here for a while just to soak in the view and snap a few photos, and it ended up being one of my favorite spots in the city!

Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bruges, and you’ll probably spot its tall brick tower from multiple points around the city. It’s actually one of the tallest brick towers in the world, which is pretty impressive on its own, but the real reason to stop by is what’s inside!

The church has a collection of intricate paintings and centuries-old tombs, though most visitors will come here to see Michaelangelo’s sculpture of the Madonna and Child.

It’s one of the few Michelangelo sculptures found outside of Italy, and it has been stolen twice from Belgium – once during the French Revolution and again in World War II.

The interior of the church is beautiful, and there’s a small fee to access the section with the artwork and tombs. Even if you just peek inside the free area, it’s a peaceful and historic place to take a quick break before continuing your one day in Bruges itinerary.

Beguinage

Just a short walk from the Church of Our Lady, the Beguinage (or Begijnhof) offers a completely different vibe from the bustling center of Bruges.

This peaceful, whitewashed complex was once home to the beguines – religious women who lived in a semi-monastic community without taking formal vows. Today, it’s inhabited by Benedictine nuns, and while it’s still a functioning religious space, visitors are welcome to walk through quietly.

The atmosphere is incredibly calm, with tall trees, simple homes, and a central lawn that turns into a field of daffodils in spring. It’s one of the most tranquil spots in town, and you’ll feel as if you’ve gone back in time as you explore.

Minnewater Park

If you’re not quite ready to dive back into the bustling center of Bruges, you’ll love stopping at the serene Minnewater Park after you finish up at the Beguinage.

Head south, and you’ll reach Minnewater Park in minutes, an area that gets its name from Minna and Stromberg’s tragic Belgian love story. Nicknamed the lake of love, legend has it that if you cross the lake bridge with your other half, you’ll be blessed with love for eternity. 

Grab a coffee and make your way around the impossibly gorgeous park, which is even more majestic during the fall when the leaves are all shades of yellow, red, and orange. It’s a great place to take a breather during your one day in Bruges, especially if you want to escape the crowds for a bit.

Evening

De Halve Maan Brewery

Before you head to dinner, there’s one final stop that I think completes any day trip to Bruges: a visit to an iconic Belgian brewery. De Halve Maan is a personal favorite!

In operation since the second half of the 1800s, this spot has mastered the craft of brewing the perfect beer. 

It’s particularly unique in that it combines old-school methods with modern technology, having constructed an underground pipeline connecting the original brewery to its nearby bottling factory.

You can join a guided tour, where you can learn the ropes of the brewing process and get a sense of the history of this brew house before topping off your experience with an unfiltered beer from the panoramic rooftop bar.

You can also upgrade to the XL package and take part in an extended tasting session. 

Dinner 

Start walking back toward the city center, and you’ll find ONE Restaurant, a cozy eatery tucked amongst the busy streets of Bruges, serving traditional Belgian cuisine. 

Their small but mighty menu consists of classic bites and nourishing dishes, including hearty Flemish stew, mouthwatering croquettes, and rich meatballs. Whatever you pick, be sure to add a portion of their homemade fries on the side!

If the weather is on your side, the outdoor patio is the place to be to do some people-watching.

ONE is a well-loved but small establishment, so if you can’t find a table, head to ‘T walpoortje and try their renowned mussels. Also, focusing on local eats, I find it impossible to choose between these two spots!