48 hours in Bruges – A 2 day Itinerary
There are few places in the world as charming, romantic and picturesque as Bruges. This Belgian city is rich in history and architecture, and it is easy to see why so many tourists flock to the city each year.
It is located in the west of the country and has a population of about 118,000 people. The city has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1998.
Bruges is known for its medieval heritage. It has an amazing old town centre where you can find lots of historic buildings from different times during its history.
There are also many things to do in Bruges such as a canal cruise, exploring one of the many museums or churches such as Basilica of the Holy Blood, or taking a walk through Minnewater Park nearby. Adding to this, if you want to taste something typical then try some Belgian chocolate!
If you are wondering how many days should you spend in Bruges, you should dedicate at least 1 day or 2 days in Bruges. Try a weekend in Bruges and follow this 48 hours in Bruges itinerary.
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Where to stay for your 48 hours in Bruges itinerary
You can find many hotels in Bruges with different prices and styles. One of the most important things in a city break is to find accommodation that fits your budget but also has all the facilities you need. There are many hotels in Bruges which have great locations and good prices.
The best area to stay in is definitely the old town as it is full of beautiful buildings, restaurants, cafes and shops.
You will be able to walk everywhere from here and explore all the sights! The best way to get around Bruges is by foot or bike. You can rent a bicycle at one of the many bike rental shops.
Some hotel recommendations include the Crowne Plaza Bruges or Martin’s Brugge. The Crowne Plaza Bruges is a stylish hotel that offers city views. It has many facilities such as a modern restaurant, gym, pool and a terrace.
If you are after something more affordable then the 3 star rated Martin’s Brugge is a great option. It is still centrally located and offers a cosy feel and views of the Belfry tower.
Day 1 in Bruges
Your first day on your weekend in Bruges includes lots of sightseeing, eating and drinking. You can start off by walking around the city centre. The best way to explore Bruges is on foot, as you will get to see many of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in this beautiful city.
If you are feeling a bit tired after walking through the streets then there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that serve traditional Belgian cuisine. Try some local Belgain beers for a refreshing drink during your visit.
Burg Square & Basilica of the Holy Blood
To start your day head over to Burg square. Grab breakfast at one of the many quaint cafes that surround the square and enjoy delicious Belgian pastries and coffee. Burg Square is one of the most popular tourist spots in Bruges.
It is a beautiful cobblestone square with plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops to choose from. Take a stroll around and admire the historic architecture of the buildings around you, including the Bruges City Hall.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is located in Burg Square and it is one of the most visited attractions in Bruges. Many people come here every year on a pilgrimage to see the relic that is located inside. It is believed that this church was built on top of an earlier church where Jesus Christ’s blood was kept following his crucifixion.
The current structure was built in the 12th century, but some parts are older than others. The building has very interesting architecture and it is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is definitely one of the most popular attractions in Bruges and you can not miss visiting it while you are there. Go inside the building and marvel at the history that runs through its walls.
There is no fee to enter the Basilica of the Holy Blood. If you wish to enter the museum that is on site, there is a small fee of 5 euros. The museum has beautiful exhibits and you will be able to learn more about the history of this iconic church.
Canal boat tour
Take a fun boat ride around the canal network that Bruges has to offer. There are many canal boat tours available and you can choose one that is suited to your style and budget.
You will be able to see many of the famous sites from a different perspective. Plus, you will also be able to see many of the beautiful homes that are located along the canals.
Make sure that you bring your camera and take plenty of pictures. The canal boats usually have a guide on board who can tell you all about the history of Bruges as well as answer any questions that you may have about the beautiful city.
Minnewaterpark
For lunch, head over to Minnewater Lake. There are a number of restaurants in the area that serve high quality food and are a picturesque spot to enjoy something to eat before heading back out for the afternoon.
Some recommendations include In The Mood – dinner in the park and Kasteel Minnewater. Both serve traditional Belgian fare and have a great view of Minnewater Lake.
After your lunch break, take a stroll around Minnewaterpark and enjoy the beauty it has to offer. The park has many walking paths that circle around the lake as well as provide views of Bruges’ skyline. There are also many benches throughout the park if you would like to sit down and take in everything around you.
You may also be able to spot, Castillo de La Faille, which is a castle located on the other side of Minnewater Lake. This park is a great park for couples, especially on a romantic day out. The lake situated here has been called the ‘Lake of Love’.
Halve Maan Brewery Museum & Tour
To start your afternoon, take part in a brewery tour at the Halve Maan Brewery Museum. The tour will take you through the entire process of beer making, from start to finish.
You will get to see the brewing process as well as learn about the different types of beer and how they are made. The brewery also hosts a museum that displays many artefacts from Bruges’ long history.
The brewery was built back in 1856 and has been in operation ever since. The same family has owned and operated the brewery since its inception. The brewery is still in use today and produces some of the best beers in Belgium.
The tour is 15 euros and last approx 45 minutes. Within the tour, you will also receive one beer tasting sample from a selection of the Belgian beers on offer.
One of which is the Brugse Zot Blond, which is a refreshing blonde with a crisp taste and light body. If you are a fan of Belgian beer then the Halve Maan Brewery is the place to go.
Groeningemuseum
Finish your afternoon with a walk around the Groeningemuseum. It is a modern art museum located in the heart of Bruges.
The museum is free to enter and has some fantastic modern art from a variety of artists. The museum has a great atmosphere and is very relaxing to walk around.
The museum has a variety of different exhibits which means there is always something new to see. The museum also has a small café which sells snacks and drinks.
If you are looking for somewhere to relax then the Groeningemuseum is perfect as there are plenty of seats available for you to sit down and enjoy your drink.
Bruges Nightlife
If you are looking for a fun night out then there is plenty of choice in Bruges. There are lots of bars and clubs which stay open late into the night and are always packed with people.
If you want somewhere more chilled then there are also many pubs which have live music playing every night.
The best place to start your night out is the Markt square which has plenty of bars and restaurants. The square is always busy with people walking around and sitting outside enjoying their drinks, so it is easy to meet up with friends there.
Day 2 in Bruges
For the second day of your 48 hours in Bruges, you will get to visit the wonderful Markt Square during the day and the Belfry Tower.
Markt Square is the main square in Bruges and it is always bustling with people. It is a great place to spend your day as there are many things to do and see. Enjoy the food and drink that the city has to offer with various food tours and tastings.
Markt Square & Belfry Tower
Markt Square is the centre of Bruges. It is a beautiful cobbled square surrounded by historical buildings, including the Belfry Tower.
The Belfry Tower is one of the most prominent attractions in Bruges, so it is no wonder that it is often referred to as “the heart of Bruges”! From this tower, you will get a stunning view of the city below.
It is also a great place to watch the daily life of Bruges unfold. You can see people walking around while they shop, eat, and drink.
There are also many street performers who perform in this square. Enjoy a morning coffee in the square before heading over to see Belfry Tower in more detail.
The Belfry Tower is a medieval bell tower in Bruges, Belgium. It was built back in the 13th century and it is considered one of the most important landmarks in Bruges.
The Belfry Tower has two levels: the first level contains a museum with information about its history and construction, while the second level has views of all of Bruges!
To enter the tower, the ticket price is 14 euros per person. Make sure you climb to the top where the views are spectacular and you can see the cityscape for miles. Beware though, there are 366 steps to climb!
The Belfry Tower is a great place to get a bird’s-eye view of Bruges. Make sure you bring your camera so that you can capture some great shots!
Bruges Waffle Workshop
To finish your morning in Bruges, you should book the Bruges Waffle Workshop. The workshop lasts approx 1.5 hours and is 35 euros. It is fantastic for foodies or if you are travelling with your family and want to experience a family-friendly activity.
The workshop includes a tour of the waffle factory and you get to make your own waffles! You even get to eat as many as you want (or can)!
Koningin Astridpark
Take a wander through this scenic park that is located near the centre of Bruges. Koningin Astridpark is a great place to walk and unwind after a hectic day of exploring Bruges (or eating too many waffles).
The park has many old trees, flower beds and benches if you want to stop for a rest! You will see many intricate details in the park including an old monastery gazebo and ornate fountain ponds.
Beer tasting in Bruges
Bruges is famous for its beer and there are many places that offer tastings. You can learn about different types of Belgian beer by visiting the breweries or even taking a tour. You can also attend a beer tasting at one of the many local pubs in Bruges.
This Beer Tasting Bruges Tour is 40 euros per person and has five stops included. You will get to visit the Bruges Beer Experience, Cafe De Kupp where there are over 100 types of beers and ‘T Zand a Belgian Taphouse. The tour lasts about 3 hours and you will get five beers included.
After your Belgian Beer experience, carry on the night with your newfound beer knowledge and hit up the bars and restaurants in Bruges for the final evening of your 48 hrs in Bruges. If you are looking for a more relaxed evening, check out the many cafes in Bruges that are open late into the night.
This Belgian city has a lot to offer during your visit, and there are so many different things to do and see. It is small enough that you can walk from one end of the town to another in about an hour but big enough to have plenty of shops, restaurants and museums to visit.
If you want to see some of Belgium’s history then there are many great sights around Bruges including the Belfry Tower and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
Hopefully, this weekend in Bruges itinerary has inspired you and provided many tips to take on your trip. If you are planning to visit Bruges then you should definitely check out all of the things that this article has suggested. It will make your trip much more enjoyable and help you to get the most out of it!
Recommended tours in Bruges
- Historical Group Tour of Bruges with Native English Speaker + Chocolate Tasting
- Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Bruges Private Tour
- Belgian Chocolate Workshop in Bruges
- PRIVATE City Kickstart Tour With Locals: Bruges Private Experience
- The Waffles ‘n Beer Workshop
- Discover the secrets of Bruges on foot
- Discover Bruges by bike!
- Boat trip and walking tour with guide!
- Discover Bruges top sights, hidden gems and enjoy a fresh Belgian waffle & beer!
- “Edges of Brugge” Photo Tour (2hr open tour/workshop, 4 photographers max.)
Read more:
- Where to stay in Bruges
- 1 Day Itinerary for Bruges
- 15 Things to do in Bruges
- The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bruges
- Budget guide for Bruges
- Luxury Travel Guide to Bruges
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