Love Lake at Minnewaterpark with Lover’s Bridge; local legend tells that you’ll enjoy eternal love if you cross the Minnewater Bridge with your beloved

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you buy something following a link from this page, we’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. We only promote products and services we 100% believe in.

I’d read quite a few blog posts about how to spend “one day in Bruges,” and you certainly could tick off the highlights in a single day if that’s all the time you have to spend there. But the magic of Bruges isn't just in seeing its famous sights; it's in the unhurried detours down cobblestone alleyways, and exploring the postcard-worthy architecture with the scent of chocolate and waffles in the air. I'm glad that we carved out several nights for this medieval gem, but I really wish we had stayed a day or two longer.

1. Meestraat Bridge | 2. Begijnenhuis | 3. Beautiful window detail | 4. The Boniface Bridge on the Dijver Canal

Bruges traces its roots to the 9th century, when merchants first recognized the strategic value of this marshy crossroads. By the 12th century, traders had carved an intricate network of canals through the city - waterways that would transform Bruges into medieval Europe's most prosperous trading hub and earn it the romantic moniker "Venice of the North." Today, as the elegant capital of West Flanders province, those same ancient canals now carry visitors through one of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval landscapes.

Entrance door to the Church of Our Lady in Bruges Belgium

1. Entrance door to the Church of our Lady | 2. Guesthouse Bonifacius on the Dijver Canal near the Boniface Bridge | 3. Meebrug Bridge | 4. Swan at Lake of Love

Visiting Bruges truly feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. It is a tourist destination, and yes, it’s undeniably touristy. You'll share those cobblestone streets with fellow travelers. But there are plenty of alleys to wander, and outside the main central square and shopping areas, it never really felt crowded as compared to Brussels.

Traveling with my sister, her husband, and daughter, we made the elegant Hotel Heritage, a Relais & Châteaux property housed in a 19th-century building, our base. This classic hotel is just a few side streets from the Markt, the city's grand central square. This is one of my favorite stays ever. I’ve come to love the coziness of a boutique-style property with a common area for unwinding at the end of the day. And the Hotel Heritage did not disappoint with their intimate lounge bar, Le Magnum. All but one evening, we had this tiny area to ourselves.

Historic building on the Groenerei in Bruges Belgium

Meestraat Bridge on the Groenerei Canal in Bruges

Small statue in Burg Square, Bruges Belgium

1. Historic building on the Groenerei near Blind Donkey Bridge | 2. Views of Meestraat Bridge, and Peerdenbrug Bridge in the foreground, from a boat ride along the Groenerei Canal | 3. Sashuis, also known as the Lock Keeper's House, at the Minnewater | 4. Small statue on the side of a restaurant in Burg Square

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce in Bruges Belgium

1. Hotel Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce | 2. Facade of the Belfrey | 3. Gate on the Dijver Canal | 4. Dijver Canal and Dijver Park

Only 50 meters away from our hotel is the Markt square. This expansive plaza, lined on three sides with ornate 19th-century gabled houses, with the belfry dominating the fourth. Horse-drawn carriages queue along the square’s perimeter alongside restaurant terraces. Fair warning: the dining options directly on the Markt lean heavily toward tourist fare - you'll pay premium prices for mediocre meals that prioritize location over culinary quality. Just off the Markt, you’ll find lots of shopping. The streets of Steenstraat and Zuidzandstraat host high-end chains, while the parallel Geldmuntstraat and Noordzandstraat offer more individual boutiques.

But venture further and the real charm of Bruges will unfold: swan-filled canals, gabled rooftops, arched bridges, gilded church spires, ornate doorways, and half-timbered houses. Bruges is a visual treasure of medieval architecture and quiet canals. My best advice? Simply let yourself get lost in its winding streets and discover the magic around every corner. And don’t bother putting your camera away.

Madonna of Bruges marble sculpture at Church of Our Lady in Bruges, Belgium

1. The Begijnenhuis | 2. Facade of Church of Our Lady | 3. Madonna of Bruges marble sculpture at Church of Our Lady | 4. Window detail

1. The Beginhof | 2. The Meestraat Bridge | 3. Boniface Bridge in Bruges Belgium | 4. The Beginhof

Carriage rides on Wijngaardplein next to Minnewater Park

SOME OF BRUGES’ MAIN SITES NOT TO BE MISSED

MARKT SQUARE
The main square in Bruges, surrounded by cafés, the Bell tower and the Provincial Court. Weekly markets are hosted on Wednesday mornings.

BURG SQUARE
Another central square and home to the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the City Hall.

BELFRY
Climb this medieval watchtower for panoramic city views.

BASILICA OF THE HOLY BLOOD
Famous for housing a vial believed to contain the blood of Christ, the basilica is located in Burg Square.

ROZENHOEDKAAI (ROSARY QUAY)
Rosaries were sold here, hence the name. Bruges' most iconic spot, offering views of historic buildings and the canals. Explore the intricate network of canals with boat tours that depart from the docks here.

BOURGONDISCH CRUCE PASSAGE
A little alley with views of Rozenhoedkaai and home to the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce hotel.

MINNEWATER (LAKE OF LOVE)
People once believed that water nymphs lived here (minnen in Dutch). Looking for swans? You’ll find them here in this picturesque park with a bridge leading to the Beginhof.

PRINCELY BEGUINAGE TEN WIJNGAERDE (THE BEGINHOF)
Historic area established for beguines in the 13th century, women who lived like nuns without taking formal vows. Today, these charming whitewashed almshouses and tranquil green space serve as a convent for Benedictine nuns and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s also a cute little shop within the convent walls.

GODSHUIZEN (ALMSHOUSES)
Housing courtyards, built from the 14th century onwards as acts of charity. These small homes were designed to offer shelter to impoverished residents. More than 40 of these historic housing courtyards still exist today, and the almshouses continue to offer affordable housing to residents with picturesque, hidden gardens and tranquil white-painted houses.

GRUUTHUSE COURTYARD
15th-century city palace, surrounded by the Church of Our Lady and one of Bruges' most beautiful canals, the Dijver Canal.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY
The church tower stands at 115 meters and is the second biggest brick tower in the world, and also the biggest building in the city of Brugge. The Church of Our Lady is home to Michelangelo’s beautiful Madonna and Child sculpture.

CITY HALL
Located in Burg Square on the grounds of a former castle, the city hall was built in 1376.

DE DIJVER PARK
Tree-lined park in the heart of Bruges, across from the Gruuthuse and Hotel De Orangerie on the Dijver Canal.

BONIFACE BRIDGE
Medieval stone bridge set among little canals and half-timbered houses. This is one of the most photographed spots in Bruges, located behind the Church of Our Lady and the Gruuthusemuseum.

MORE BRIDGES
There are numerous bridges in Bruges, but be sure to seek out MARIABRUG (Mary's Bridge) on Mariastraat, 14th century MEEBRUG and the 17th century PEERDENBRUG for amazing views.

Moon sign at the Gruuthuse Museum in Bruges Belgium

Blinde-Ezelstraat (Blind Donkey Street) vaulted passageway in Bruges

1. Moon sign at the Gruuthuse Museum | 2. Church of Our Lady and the Gruuthusebrug (Gruuthuse Bridge), photographed from De Dijver Park | 3. Facade of Hotel Bourgoensch Hof on the Dijver canal | 4. Blinde-Ezelstraat (Blind Donkey Street) vaulted passageway between the Town Hall and the Civil Registry

1. Peerdenbrug Bridge | 2. Hotel De Castillion on Heilige-Geeststraat | 3. Hotel Malleberg on Hoogstraat | 4. Gruuthuse Courtyard at the Gruuthusemuseum

Dijver Park with view of the Church of Our Lady in Bruges

1. Groenerei Canal | 2. Provinciaal Hof (Provincial Court) in Markt (Market Square) | 3. Dijver Park with the Church of Our Lady | 4. Nepomucenus Bridge

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

DINING
Bierproeverij-Café Cambrinus
Hearty, traditional Belgian cuisine and a wide selection of Belgian specialty beers. Reservations recommended.
Location: Philipstockstraat 19

Cookie’s Tapasbar
Located on the smallest street in Bruges, a lively, cozy pub serving tapas. Reservations recommended.
Location: De Garre 2

De Halve Maan Brewery
The last authentic family brewery in the city center of Bruges, with a lovely outdoor courtyard beer garden. Be sure to check out the beer pipeline at the archway entrance to the courtyard. It’s literally a pipeline for beer, transporting 1,000 gallons of beer per hour to its bottling plant two miles away. Brewery tours are available.
Location: Walplein 26

Le Magnum
Intimate bar inside the Hotel Heritage, serving cocktails, aperitifs, and afternoon tea.
Location: Niklaas Desparsstraat 11

Otto Waffle Atelier
Belgian Waffles!
Location: Katelijnestraat 1

Window at the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde in Bruges

Pol Standaert storefront window in Bruges

1. Swans at Minnewater (Lake of Love) | 2. Window of home in the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde | 3. Storefront window of Pol Standaert on Witteleertouwersstraat | 4. Homes on the Groenerei Canal

Blinde-Ezelstraat (Blind Donkey Street) in Bruges Belgium

1. Door on Blinde-Ezelstraat (Blind Donkey Street) just off of Burg Square | 2. Garden at Church Of Our Lady on O.-L.-Vrouwekerkhof-Zuid | 3. Home entry | 4. Gruuthusemuseum

SHOPPING
While there are a lot of shopping opportunities in Bruges, I’d like to call out a couple of shops that we found in our wanderings.

Boekhandel Raaklijn
Lovely bookstore with some nice books on Bruges.
Location: Kuipersstraat 1

De Witte Pelikaan
Little Christmas shop. I buy an ornament every trip, and the feathery white swan I found here was a perfect addition to my tree.
Location: Vlamingstraat 23

Bust-Saint-Amand-Kleine Sint-Amandsstraat-BRUGES.jpg

1. Half-timbered homes on the Dijver Canal | 2. Bust of Saint Amand (Amandus) in a Baroque niche above the entry to Kleine Sint-Amandsstraat | 3. Courtyard at the Hotel De Castillion | 4. Kleine Sint-Amandsstraat, a side alley off the main shopping street, Steenstraat

Gate to the Gruuthuse Museum in Bruges Belgium

1. Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) - once upon a time rosaries were sold here | 2. Gruuthuse Museum entry gate | 3. Bakkersrei Canal Viewed From Mariabrug (Mary's Bridge) on Mariastraat | 4. Gruuthuse Museum doorway

Door on the Gruuthusemuseum in Bruges Belgium

1. Historic homes in Bruges | 2. Boniface Bridge | 3. The Gruuthusemuseum | 4. Ornate door on the Gruuthusemuseum

ACCOMMODATIONS
Bruges offers a variety of nice hotels to choose from. We had a difficult time narrowing down our choice, and after extensive research on TripAdvisor, we eventually decided on Hotel Heritage. We were able to pop into and take a peek at a few others that are worth considering.

Bonifacius
This B&B is located along the canal in a romantic area of Bruges with views of the picturesque Bonifacius bridge.
Location: Groeninge 16

Hotel De Orangerie
This Located along the Dijver Canal, close to the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Location: Kartuizerinnenstraat 10

Hotel De Tuilereen
This B&B is located along the canal in a romantic area of Bruges with views of the picturesque Bonifacius bridge.
Location: Dijver 7

Hotel Dukes’ Place
Location: Prinsenhof 8

Hotel Heritage, A Relais & Chateaux Property
Beautifully elegant boutique property centrally located near the Markt. This is the property we stayed at, and we absolutely loved it.
Location: Niklaas Desparsstraat 11

Hotel Van Cleef
Location: Molenmeers 11

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce
A lovely waterfront half-timbered residence in the historic center of Bruges.
Location: Niklaas Wollestraat41-47

The Pand – Charming Boutique Hotel
Location: Pandreitje 16

1. Church of Our Lady | 2. Macarons for sale in a shop window - photo by Laura Woodard | 3. Art Nouveau home on O.-L.-Vrouwekerkhof-Zuid | 4. Stadhuis (City Hall) in Burg Square

Lock Keepers House and the Church of Our Lady in Bruges Belgium

Flowers for sale at the weekly market in Bruges

Pelican (Pelikaan) house in Bruges Belgium

1. Minnewaterpark, the Lock Keepers House, and the Catholic Church of Our Lady | 2. Flowers for sale at the weekly market in Markt Square, held on Wednesdays | 3. The entry to De Gouden Pelikaan (Pelican) almshouse on Predikherenstraat bears the emblem of the pelican | 4. Stadhuis (Bruges City Hall) in Burg Square

Yannick De Hondt Antiques on Sint-Salvatorskerkhof

1. Yannick De Hondt Antiques on Sint-Salvatorskerkhof | 2. Doorway adornment | 3. So many pretty doors | 4. Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery courtyard entrance on Kartuizerinnenstraat

HOW TO GET HERE
By Train: Approximately 1.5 hours. From Brussels Airport-Zaventem take the SNCB IC train (National Railway Company of Belgium, Inter City train) towards Gand-Saint-Pierre with a connection and change of train at Bruxelles-Midi. Continue on, taking the IC towards Blankenberge to Brugge Station. SNCB has a great app and tickets can easily be purchased through the app, or even in advance online.

Upon arrival into Bruge, there is a bus terminal outside the station. De Lijn buses run every five minutes from the train station to the city center. Bus lines 1 and 2 are recommended for going to the center, buses headed for "Centrum" will take you to stops near the main sights, such as the "Brugge Markt" stop. The buses accept contactless terminal payments once onboard, or you can purchase tickets at the ticket machines prior to boarding.

Taxis are also available, or you can opt for a 20-minute walk to the main square, the Markt.

TOURISM INFORMATION
Visit Bruges
Location: Tourist office Markt (Historium) at Markt 1, with a second location, Tourist office Stationsplein (Railway Station) at Stationsplein 5

Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay)

Gruuthusemuseum-courtyard-Bruges, Belgium.jpg

1. World War l memorial plaques along Kartuizerinnenstraat, commemorating the “Bruges Dead” soldiers from 1914 | 2. Sashuis (Lock Keeper’s House) | 3. The Gruuthusemuseum, a 15th-century city palace which has been a museum since 1875 | 4. Gruuthusemuseum courtyard