Bruges Day Trip: Explore Belgium’s Fairytale City

Explore Bruges in a day with canals, the Markt Square, and timeless Belgian charm

Table of Contents

• Welcome to Bruges
• Travel from Antwerp to Bruges
• Walking Route from Bruges Station
• Market Square and Belfry
• Canals and Historic Architecture
• Travel Tips for Bruges

Welcome to Bruges

 Bruges is a city in Belgium, situated in Europe.

Bruges, known as Brugge in Dutch, is a historic city located in the northwestern part of Belgium within the Flemish Region. It is the capital of the province of West Flanders.

Bruges is one of Belgium’s most enchanting cities, often called the Venice of the North for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture. Visiting Bruges in a day or over a weekend allows travelers to experience its rich history, picturesque streets, and cultural landmarks. This guide highlights a walking route, major attractions, and tips to make the most of your Bruges day trip.

Travel from Antwerp to Bruges

I started my journey at Antwerpen Centraal.

I just used the kiosk at the station to buy my ticket and paid with my debit card. 

B for Belgium

 I paid €36.60 for my ticket. There are no turnstiles at Antwerpen-Centraal Station, but you should expect an inspector on the train.

going to Oostende

The sign says the train is going to Oostende and will stop at Brugge at 15:01.

For my trip to Bruges, I boarded a train from Antwerp Central. I bought my ticket at the kiosk and then hopped on the train toward Bruges. There are direct trains available, but I chose a route with a transfer at Oostende.

If you’re traveling from Brussels, getting to Bruges couldn’t be simpler. Direct trains run frequently from Brussels Central, Brussels Midi, and Brussels North, and the journey takes just about an hour. Once there, make the most of your visit by booking a tour with GetYourGuide. Choose the Guided Day Trip to Bruges and Ghent for a full-day adventure, or the Bruges: Guided Tour & Boat Ride with Optional Beer Tasting to explore the city’s canals and savor local flavors. Either way, you’ll experience the magic of Bruges without any of the stress.

Coming from Brussels Airport (Zaventem)? You can take an airport train to any of the Brussels city stations (Central, Midi, or North), then connect to a direct train to Bruges. The total travel time is usually around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Walking Route from Bruges Station

Bruges Station

Oostmeers Street

Zonnekemeers street

the tower of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

I began my exploration at Bruges Station. From the station, I walked along Oostmeers Street, a quiet street lined with charming buildings and local shops. Turning right at Zonnekemeers, I spotted the towering spire of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk in the distance. Its Gothic architecture and historical significance make it one of the most impressive landmarks in Bruges.

view from the bridge at Zonnekemeers

looking at Walplein street

at Walstraat

at Walplein street

view from Mary's Bridge (Mariabrug)

At this point, I'm beside the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

at Gruuthusestraat/Cross Artwork

Looking at the tower of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

up close with the tower of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

Viewpoint De Dijver

Tourists love this and you can ride this from the town square.

looking at Gruuthusebrug

Huis Perez de Malvenda (Casa Pérez de Malvenda) at the left

Continuing along Walstraat, I turned left onto Katelijnestraat and then arrived closer to the church along Mariastreet. The scale and beauty of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk are breathtaking, and inside, visitors can admire the famous Michelangelo sculpture of Madonna and Child. Next, I headed toward De Dijver Park, which sits along the canals and provides a peaceful place to enjoy the surroundings. Crossing Gruuthusebrug led me to the scenic Viewpoint De Dijver, where reflections of medieval buildings in the water create perfect photo opportunities.

at Rosary Quay

Next, I visited Huis Perez de Malvenda, or Casa Pérez de Malvenda, an elegant building along the canal. Watching boats glide past the house, I enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere of this part of Bruges. Crossing Blinde-Ezelbrug offered a fresh perspective of the canals, and nearby Aussichtspunkt Venetië van het Noorden provided panoramic views of the city, showcasing why Bruges is known as the Venice of the North.

Blinde-Ezelbrug

Aussichtspunkt Venetië van het Noorden

walking at Blinde-Ezelstraat

Bruges City Hall/Stadhuis Brugge

Market Square and Belfry

Provincial Palace/Provinciaal Hof

center: The statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck

Market Square/Grote Markt

Belfort

left: The statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck

My walk eventually led to the bustling Market Square, or Grote Markt, the vibrant heart of Bruges. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings and is home to the iconic Belfry. I took a memorable photo with the Belfort, capturing one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. The square also features statues of local heroes Pieter de Coninck and Jan Breydel, who played significant roles in Bruges’ history. The Provincial Palace, or Provinciaal Hof, adds to the grandeur of the square with its ornate architecture.

Canals and Historic Architecture

looking at Nepomucenus Bridge

Huis Perez de Malvenda (Casa Pérez de Malvenda)

Bruges is best explored on foot, where every street and canal reveals another layer of history. The canals wind through the city, lined with medieval houses and charming bridges. Gruuthusebrug, Blinde-Ezelbrug, and the canalside viewpoints provide opportunities to photograph the city and soak in its fairytale atmosphere. Walking along Mariastreet and the streets near De Dijver Park, I discovered small cafes, local shops, and hidden corners that are often overlooked by tourists. Each area combines historical architecture with the serene beauty of the canals.

Food and drink are also an important part of visiting Bruges. The city is famous for Belgian chocolate, waffles, and local beer. Stopping at cafes along the canals or near Market Square offers the perfect chance to enjoy local flavors while taking in the views. Even a simple coffee break feels magical when paired with the reflections in the water and the medieval streets surrounding you.

Travel Tips for Bruges

Bruges is accessible by train from Brussels, Antwerp, and other Belgian cities. Direct trains from Brussels take about one hour, while travelers coming from Brussels Airport can take an airport train to one of the city stations and then connect to Bruges. Walking is the best way to explore, as many of the major attractions are within easy reach and the streets themselves are part of the experience.

Belfort

For photographers, viewpoints like Viewpoint De Dijver and Aussichtspunkt Venetië van het Noorden offer stunning perspectives of the canals. The Market Square provides excellent opportunities to capture the Belfry, the Provincial Palace, and the historic statues. Exploring side streets like Katelijnestraat and Mariastreet reveals less crowded areas and adds depth to your Bruges experience. Planning ahead ensures you can enjoy the highlights while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries.

In conclusion, Bruges offers history, culture, and beauty in every corner. From the first steps at Bruges Station to walking along Oostmeers and Zonnekemeers, exploring Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, De Dijver Park, Gruuthusebrug, Huis Perez de Malvenda, Blinde-Ezelbrug, and finally reaching the lively Market Square, a day in Bruges is unforgettable. Take the time to wander the streets, admire the canals, and enjoy local food and drinks. Bruges is a city that captivates every visitor, making it the perfect destination for a day trip or a longer stay in Belgium.