WHAT TO DO IN BRUGES
A few tips to help you get started
Anyone visiting Bruges for the first time immediately understands why so many people fall in love with the city. Its charm lies not only in the well-known highlights, but above all in its atmosphere: the quiet of the canals in the morning, the sound of the carillon above the Markt and the little streets where something beautiful awaits around every corner. From Istoire, you can walk straight to the city’s most beautiful places. These are our favourite tips for anyone who truly wants to experience Bruges — at a leisurely pace and with an eye for the details that make a city break special.
Start at the Markt and the Belfry
A visit to Bruges almost naturally begins at the Markt. This lively square has been the heart of the city for centuries and is dominated by the Belfry, Bruges’ iconic symbol. The Belfry and the Markt rightly rank among the city’s absolute classics.
Those who climb the 366 steps are rewarded with a wonderful view over Bruges’ red rooftops, towers and canals. Especially early in the morning, this is one of the best times to see the city from above.
Our tip: come early in the day, when the square is still quiet and the soft light falls across the façades.
Walk along the Rozenhoedkaai
If there is one place that captures the soul of Bruges, it is the Rozenhoedkaai. Without a doubt, this is the city’s most photogenic view, with the canals, historic façades and the Belfry in the background. The romance of this spot works its magic at any time of day.
Yet it is not just a place for photos. Take a moment here simply to pause and watch how the water sets the rhythm of the city.
Our personal recommendation: come back here at sunset, when the façades glow warmly.
Discover Bruges from the water
Seeing Bruges from the water remains one of the loveliest experiences during your stay. The boat trips take you past places you can hardly see on foot: hidden courtyards, old bridges and beautiful façades reflected in the water.
Beautiful routes through the historic centre depart especially from the jetties around the Rozenhoedkaai.
For couples, this is without a doubt one of the most romantic things to do in the city.
Visit the Minnewater and the Beguinage
When you want to escape the crowds for a while, walk towards the Minnewater and the Beguinage. This part of Bruges feels almost serene: old trees, swans on the water and a sense of calm that is harder to find in the city centre.
The Minnewater — also known as the “Lake of Love” — is one of the most romantic places in Bruges. Together with the Beguinage, it forms a beautiful contrast to the lively Markt.
For us, this is a place where many guests spontaneously linger much longer than planned.
Wander through the little streets with no particular plan
The best Bruges experiences are often unplanned.
Walk from the Dijver towards the quiet streets around Sint-Anna, the Godshuizen or the less-visited canals. Here you will discover the Bruges many day-trippers miss: quiet, authentic and almost cinematic.
It is precisely these unexpected moments that make the city so special.
Turn your day into a complete Bruges stay
After a day full of impressions, it is wonderful to return to peace and quiet. From our B&B in Bruges, you can easily walk to the Markt, the Rozenhoedkaai and the Minnewater, while staying in a stylish historic building away from the crowds.
Make the most of your city break without wasting time.
Our personal tip
If we had to give you just one tip?
Get up early and go for a morning walk.
Bruges between 7 and 9 a.m. feels almost magical: empty streets, morning light on the façades and the city’s silence before the day really begins. It is only then that you truly see how extraordinary Bruges is.
