Belgium · Trip plan

2 days in Bruges

Medieval canals, chocolate shops and a Christmas market on the Markt.

Best time: Nov – Jan, Apr – Sep
Ideal length: 2 days
A day, mid-range: $230 per person
Trip for two: about $920

Planning a 2-day trip to Bruges? Here's a day-by-day Bruges itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Bruges' Winter Glow light trail, Christmas markets and ice rink make it a perfect short winter break, just two hours from London by Eurostar.

Bruges is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, a UNESCO site of canals, cobbles and gabled houses.

Jan: a good time to go
Feb
Mar
Apr: a good time to go
May: a good time to go
Jun: a good time to go
Jul: a good time to go
Aug: a good time to go
Sep: a good time to go
Oct
Nov: a good time to go
Dec: a good time to go

December: 1–7°C, damp.

Create my Bruges trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Bruges

01
The Markt
The main square, the Belfry tower and the Christmas market.
02
Canal boat tour
A half-hour ride through the medieval heart.
03
Chocolate shops
Over 50 chocolatiers in the old town.
04
Begijnhof
A peaceful courtyard of white houses.

Day by day

Bruges itinerary for 2 days

D1
Day 1: Markt and canals
Morning
Climb the Belfry for views over the rooftops.
Afternoon
Canal boat tour through the centre.
Evening
Christmas market and ice rink on the Markt.
Boats run until about 5 PM.
D2
Day 2: Chocolate and home
Morning
Begijnhof and the Lake of Love.
Afternoon
Chocolate tasting and De Halve Maan brewery tour.
Evening
Train home.
Book the brewery tour ahead.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Bruges in 1, 2 or 4 days

1 day in Bruges

Follow days 1 to 1 above and leave out “Chocolate and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

4 days in Bruges

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.

What it costs

Bruges trip budget

Style	Per person, a day	2 days for two
Budget	$110	$440
Mid-range	$230	$920
Luxury	$500+	$2,000

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Bruges is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Bruges for every budget

Budget
St Christopher's Inn Bauhaus
Langestraat
A lively hostel.
from $50 /night
Prices
Mid-range
Hotels by the canals
Old town
Gabled buildings.
from $200 /night
Prices
Luxury
Hotel Dukes' Palace
Old town
A 15th-century palace.
from $400 /night
Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Bruges

Belgian waffles
Crisp Brussels or soft Liège.
Moules-frites
Mussels and fries.
Belgian beer
Including the local Brugse Zot.

Getting there

How to reach Bruges

Travel: Trains from Brussels (1 hour); Eurostar from London to Brussels.
Getting around: Walk; everything is close.

Climb the Belfry early; it has 366 steps.
Try chocolate at small chocolatiers, not chain shops.

Before you go

What to pack for Bruges

Power bank and charging cables
Passport and visa printouts
Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
A forex card or some local cash
Travel insurance

Good questions

Bruges trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Bruges?

2 days are enough to see the highlights: The Markt, Canal boat tour, Chocolate shops. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 2-day Bruges trip cost?

Roughly $110 a day per person on a budget, $230 mid-range and $500+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $920 for 2 days.

What is the best time to visit Bruges?

Nov – Jan, Apr – Sep. Bruges' Winter Glow light trail, Christmas markets and ice rink make it a perfect short winter break, just two hours from London by Eurostar.

Where should I stay in Bruges?

Budget: St Christopher's Inn Bauhaus (Langestraat), from about $50 a night. Mid-range: Hotels by the canals (Old town), from about $200 a night. Luxury: Hotel Dukes' Palace (Old town), from about $400 a night.

How do I reach Bruges?

Trains from Brussels (1 hour); Eurostar from London to Brussels.

Is 1 day enough for Bruges?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 1 of the itinerary above and skip "Chocolate and home". 2 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Bruges?

December: 1–7°C, damp.

What food should I try in Bruges?

Belgian waffles: Crisp Brussels or soft Liège. Moules-frites: Mussels and fries. Belgian beer: Including the local Brugse Zot.

How do I get around Bruges?

Walk; everything is close.

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Best things to do in Bruges

The Markt

Canal boat tour

Chocolate shops

Begijnhof