Itineraries for Your Trip to Bruges
3 Days in Bruges for First Timers
Bruges’ charms are readily apparent. Though it’s only an hour by train from Brussels, the small city feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Belgium’s capital. Instead, visitors are rewarded with classic chocolate-box architecture, a walkable town square, and enough canals to earn Bruges its nickname: “the Venice of the North.”
My first visit to Bruges was in winter, when it was covered in a layer of fluffy snow. I fell hard for the city as I picked up chocolate souvenirs, enjoyed cones of frites and warm waffles, and made good use of its cozy beer bars. Whatever motivates your excursion, here’s how to spend three days in Bruges.
Bruges’ weather is temperate, and often overcast—bring rain gear just in case.
If you only have time for one thing, make it going for a canal tour.
Any 3-day Bruges itinerary for first-timers should begin with a guided walking tour to see the top attractions. It may be small, but Bruges is rich in historic landmarks—look out for must-sees including the Gothic architecture of the central Markt, the 13th-century Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the medieval Basilica of the Holy Blood. Pair your walk with a boat tour of the city’s picturesque waterways.
Don’t end your sightseeing after sunset. Bruges’ must-do attractions, including City Hall, arguably look more picturesque after dark—and a nighttime photography tour with expert tips is a great way to capture the scenery.
No trip to Bruges is complete without Belgian chocolate. Go beyond shopping for bars and truffles when you sign up for a hands-on chocolate workshop. Learn to make local delicacies such as mendiants and pralines—and savor additional tastings along the way.
After the decadence of the day, it’s time to discover Bruges’ dark side—and no, we don’t mean its cocoa content. Enjoy a deeper immersion into the city’s past and discover some of its spooky and less savory episodes on a dark history tour.
Spending three days in Bruges gives you time to visit the surrounding countryside. Dedicate your morning to a bike tour that takes you to some of the region's most popular scenic areas. Spot Minnewater Lake, more canals, and cheery windmills on your active day trip.
There’s no better way to toast your 3-day Bruges itinerary than with a Belgian beer tour—the city is a suds lover’s dream destination, after all. Once you’re back in town, enjoy a tasting hosted by a local beer expert, and try some of Belgium’s most iconic brews.
