Day Trip Bruges: city of sheer beauty

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Bruges is one of those cities in Belgium that each year tickles millions of people‘s imagination. It’s a relatively small but very nice, versatile and naturally picturesque city. You’ve always wanted to make a day trip to Bruges? Or perhaps spend some more time, why not a full romantic weekend in Bruges? Stay here to find out more about this enchanting city, so you can make that day trip to Bruges and be fully prepared!

Day Trip Bruges: Some basic facts

Before going on a day trip to Bruges, you may want to consult these basic facts about the best preserved medieval city in the world.

- Things to do in Bruges
- Things to see in Bruges

Day Trip Bruges: Best travel time

The peak season runs from April to September. Bruges can sometimes be very busy in these periods, especially during the Procession of the Holy Blood (held annually in May), one of the oldest religious and cultural events in the world. But however many people there are in Bruges, it remains a real must for a city trip or a weekend. For the ultimate day trip to Bruges, we recommend you come in late spring, right before the busiest time but when the weather is already pleasant. In wintertime it can be cold, although a winter’s day trip to Bruges in November or December can add to the charm of the city, it’s very romantic to see the city covered in snow. In December there are the famous Christmas markets and ice skate parks throughout the city. The Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival is also held during this period. • Day trip to Bruges tip: On Monday, a number of museums and attractions in Bruges are closed, so best to plan your day trip to Bruges at another time, you don’t want to miss out on some of these things!

Day Trip Bruges: How to reach Bruges?

Brussels Airport is the closest international airport to Bruges. There is direct trains to Bruges, a journey that takes about 50 minutes. You can very easily reach the city centre by bus or even afoot: the train station lies just outside the city centre and it’s a lovely walk through the Albertpark to get there.

Day Trip Bruges: Accomodation in Bruges

If you go on a day trip to Bruges you might not need a place to stay, but it might be handy to know something about the accomodation in Bruges, you never know. The best hotels in Bruges are located in the picturesque historical center, with or without view on the wonderful canals, the perfect setting for a romantic weekend in Bruges. Choosing a hotel in the heart of the city is very practical, since most of the historical sights and shopping areas are located here. Day trip to Bruges tip: If you are visiting Bruges on weekends or during holidays, book your hotel in Bruges well in advance!

Day Trip Bruges: In and around Bruges

Walking through town is of course the best way to fully enjoy the beauty of this perfectly preserved medieval town. If you prefer things a little faster, you can always go cycling in Bruges, it’s a very bike friendly city and bike rentals are not expensive. A boat ride on the Bruges canals is also a lot of fun, as well as seeiing Bruges by carriage.

Day Trip Bruges: Eating and drinking

The culinary aspect is of course an inextricable part of a successful day trip to Bruges. Bruges is home to some of the best restaurants in Belgium. Sometimes you get the impression that this “eating out in Bruges” could turn out quite expensive but this need not necessarily be the case. Anyway, whatever your budget is, the great Flemish and French cuisine is simply a must. Nice tip for your day trip to Bruges: try one of the open-air restaurants and cafes overlooking the canals. Most of the restaurants in Bruges keep their kitchen open until around 21.30-22h00, on busy days sometimes until midnight. Do not forget, especially with the more famous restaurants, to book early enough. Day trip to Bruges tip: The Carmelite Restaurant, Cafedraal, Jan Van Eyck, ‘t Begijntje and Opus Latino.

Day Trip Bruges: Some history

Bruges was founded around the 9th century and quickly became known as one of the richest cities in Europe during the Middle Ages (15th century). The 12th century is on record as the golden age of Bruges: the trade and industry flourished as never before, and most important buildings, walls and canals are also from that time. By the 16th century, Bruges was surpassed by Antwerp, and the city fell into decline for centuries (“Bruges la Morte”). Only in late 19th – early 20th century the interest in this beautifully preserved medieval city came back to life, tourists from all over the world came to Bruges to marvel at the unique beauty of this (then) sleepy town. Today Bruges is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe. Not without reason, of course, the historical, cultural, architectural and gastronomic assets are among the best in the world. In 2000, almost the entire historic center was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In 2002, Bruges was “Cultural Capital of Europe“.