Bruges-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Historic Center

• Morning: Arrive in Bruges and check-in at Hotel Heritage, a charming hotel located in the heart of the city.
• 10:00 AM: Start your day at Markt Square, the main square of Bruges. Admire the beautiful Belfry Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• 11:30 AM: Visit the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkerk), a stunning Gothic church that houses Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, the “Madonna and Child”.
• 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at De Karmeliet, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Flemish cuisine.
• 2:30 PM: Take a stroll along the tranquil waterways of Bruges. Rent a boat and explore the city’s canals, including the Dok Noord canal.
• 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at De Reep, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Belgian cuisine.

Day 2: Medieval History and Art

• 9:00 AM: Visit the Princely Beguinage of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouweputtek), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases medieval monastic life.
• 11:00 AM: Explore the Gruuthuse Museum, which houses an impressive collection of medieval art and artifacts, including paintings by Memling and Dürer.
• 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Het Pandreitje, a quaint restaurant serving traditional Belgian cuisine in a historic setting.
• 2:30 PM: Visit the Church of Saint James (Sint-Jacobskerk), a beautiful Gothic church that dates back to the 14th century.

Day 3: Beer and History

• 10:00 AM: Start your day at Brouwerij Het Kapittel, a local brewery that offers guided tours and tastings of their beers.
• 12:30 PM: Visit the Historical Museum (Historisch Museum Brugge), which showcases the history of Bruges, from its medieval past to its modern-day significance.
• 2:00 PM: Have lunch at De Vrijdagmarkt, a bustling marketplace that offers a variety of food stalls and restaurants.
• 4:00 PM: Visit the Chapel of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedkapel), a fascinating chapel that houses a relic said to be the blood of Christ.

Day 4: Nature and Relaxation

• 9:00 AM: Visit the Duneberg, a beautiful nature reserve located just outside Bruges. Take a leisurely walk through the dunes and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
• 12:30 PM: Have lunch at De Tuin van het Groot Geer, a charming restaurant that serves delicious food in a tranquil garden setting.
• 2:00 PM: Visit the Bruges Botanical Garden (Alsemberg), a beautiful garden that features an impressive collection of plants and flowers.
• 5:00 PM: Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Boudewijn Canal and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

Day 5: More History and Art

• 9:30 AM: Visit the Memling Museum (Jan van Eyckplein), a museum that houses an impressive collection of paintings by Memling, including his famous “Last Judgment”.
• 11:30 AM: Explore the Wijnschool, a charming wine school that offers tastings and workshops on Belgian wines.
• 1:00 PM: Have lunch at De Zwarte Panter, a cozy restaurant that serves delicious food in a historic setting.
• 3:00 PM: Visit the Museum of Fine Arts (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten), which features an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

Day 6: Shopping and Nightlife

• 10:00 AM: Start your day at Waterhuis Square, a bustling marketplace that offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• 12:30 PM: Visit the Gruuthuse Shopping Center, which features a range of high-end boutiques and souvenir shops.
• 2:00 PM: Have lunch at De Vlaamsche Reep, a cozy restaurant that serves delicious food in a historic setting.
• 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Het Pandreitje, a charming restaurant that offers innovative Belgian cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

• 9:00 AM: Check-out of your hotel and head to the train station for your departure.
• 10:00 AM: Take a final stroll along the waterways of Bruges and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

Things to Know:

• Getting Around: Bruges is easily walkable, but there are also buses and taxis available. You can also rent bikes or boats to explore the city.
• Language: Dutch is the official language of Flanders, where Bruges is located, but many people in the tourism industry speak English.
• Weather: Bruges has a temperate climate, with mild winters and cool summers. Be sure to pack accordingly.

Tips:

• Book Accommodations Early: Bruges can get busy during peak season, so it’s essential to book your accommodations well in advance.
• Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or other historical sites.
• Try the Local Cuisine: Belgian cuisine is delicious, and you should definitely try some of the local specialties, such as waffles, fries, and beer.

Other Things to Do:

• Visit the nearby town of Damme: A charming medieval town located just outside Bruges.
• Take a day trip to Ghent: A beautiful city located about an hour’s drive from Bruges.
• Explore the Polders: A scenic region located near Bruges, known for its picturesque countryside and wildlife.