Where to stay in Bruges [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

BySamantha King Published: Updated:

This medieval city of West Flanders in Belgium has been drawing tourists on day trips from Brussels for years.

The quaint canals, cobblestone streets and Markt Square offer picturesque scenes everywhere you turn, plus waffle shops, chocolate stores and boutiques for shoppers.

Bruges, Belgium. The Rozenhoedkaai canal in Bruges with the Belfry in the background.

The best way to experience Bruges, though, is an overnight visit. By staying overnight in a Bruges hotel, you will get to experience Bruges after the day trippers have all gone home.

If you are looking for unusual places to stay in Bruges, there’s even a barge hotel you can sleep in! Use this guide to find the best places to stay in Bruges, including areas for tourists, and Bruges accommodation options for every budget.

Check out the below guide on where to stay in Bruges Belgium in 2024, accommodation in Brugge, best places in Bruges to visit, hotels near Bruges attractions, Bruges neighborhood guide and many more.

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Making last-minute plans for your Bruges itinerary. We’ve got you covered. Our recommended hotels and tours for a getaway to Bruges are listed below.

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Bruges City Centre – ideal for first timers

The most popular spot for tourists in Bruges is the City Centre, sometimes referred to as “in the Ring” because of the Ring Road circling the area.

The hub of all activities in Bruges is Market Square, easily located by the 83-metre-tall belfry.

Take a look at our recommended best hotels in Bruges city centre below…

2 days in Bruges

Why stay in Bruges City Centre:

The entire Bruges City Centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the best area for tourists to stay.

Some of the best hotels in Bruges can be found here, as it is where most tourist attractions are located. The area is fairly small, so any hotel will be within walking distance of what you want to see. 

Many hotels in the Bruges City Centre are family friendly, and kids will love all the green space along the river.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Bruges for the Christmas Market, the City Centre is definitely the right area to stay in.

Things to do in Bruges City Centre:

  • Choco-Story

Located in a historic building in the centre of the city is Choco-Story, a museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate.

The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays highlighting different aspects of chocolate, including its role in ancient cultures, the history of chocolate-making in Europe, and the modern chocolate industry.

Of course, one of the most popular exhibits is the demonstration of chocolate-making techniques.

  • Bruges City Hall

One of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of Gothic architecture in the city is the Bruges City Hall.

Located in Burg Square, the building was constructed in the 14th century and is notable for its ornate facade with intricate carvings and the 83-metre-high belfry tower. The interiors are just as impressive too, so make sure to pop in for a look around.

  • Basilica of the Holy Blood

Another architectural gem is the Basilica of the Holy Blood. This Roman Catholic church features a Romanesque lower chapel, built in the 12th century, and a Gothic-style upper chapel, constructed in the 16th century.

The name comes from the belief that the church houses a piece of cloth that was used to wipe the blood of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.

Guided tours are available if you want to learn more about this history, and admire the stunning stained glass windows.

Best places to stay in Bruges City Centre

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Bruges City Centre

Budget accommodation in Bruges City Centre

Mid range accommodation in Bruges City Centre

Family Friendly accommodation in Bruges City Centre

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Bruges City Centre

Bruges, Belgium - Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders. The historic city centre is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO.

Sint-Anna Quarter – Ideal for Family

In the northeast corner of the Ring is the Bruges neighbourhood of Sint-Anna Quarter, just across the canal from the City Centre. This residential area is right by central Bruges and the Grote Markt, but much different in terms of atmosphere. 

Why stay in Sint-Anna Quarter:

Sint-Anna is a great family-friendly place to stay in Bruges, especially for longer visits or travellers seeking a more local experience.

The picturesque streets are lined with cottages and townhouses, many of which date back to the mediaeval period. There’s also a stunning church for which the quarter is named after, and beautiful canals to wander by.

With a quiet atmosphere, historic charm and a superb culinary scene, Sint-Anna is an amazing place to stay.

Things to do in Sint-Anna Quarter:

  • Park Kruisvest

On a nice day, take a stroll through Park Kruisvest along the eastern side of the quarter. Located next to the Gent-Brugge canal, the open green space is also home to a few quaint windmills, including the 18th-century Sint-Janshuismolen.

  • Sint-Annakerk

Near the centre of the quarter is the stunning Sint-Annakerk, also known as St Anne’s Church. The Gothic, single-nave church dates back to the 17th century and contains an impressive wooden vaulted ceiling, adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting biblical scenes. The church also houses a number of important works of art.

  • Vlissinghe

Café Vlissinghe is a historic pub and cafe located in Sint-Anna. The venue has been serving patrons since the late 16th century, making it the oldest cafe in Bruges.

The cafe is located in a traditional Flemish building with a charming courtyard, and the inside is cosy and inviting, decorated with antique furnishings. It’s the perfect setting for trying some of the local cuisine or having a cold beer.

Best places to stay in Sint-Anna Quarter

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Sint-Anna Quarter

Budget accommodation in Sint-Anna Quarter

Mid range accommodation in Sint-Anna Quarter

Family Friendly accommodation in Sint-Anna Quarter

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Sint-Anna Quarter

BRUGES, BELGIUM : Interiors, paintings and details of sainte anne chrurch, in Bruges, Belgium

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Quarter – Ideal for tourists

Named after the Church of Our Lady, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Quarter is considered Bruges’ arts district.

Why stay in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Quarter:

This quarter is home to a ton of amazing attractions and museums, making it an ideal place to stay for tourists that only have a short amount of time in Bruges.

The area also has plenty of breweries and chocolatiers to fuel your self-guided art tour of Bruges.

Things to do in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Quarter:

  • The Church of Our Lady

With architecture dating back to the 13th century and a tower standing over 115 metres tall, the church is an impressive piece of Gothic-style architecture.

In fact, the tower is the third tallest brickwork tower in the world, and contains a carillon with 47 bells that chime on the hour.

Inside is the world-famous Michelangelo sculpture Madonna and Child, along with many other valuable paintings and sculptures.

  • Groeningemuseum

The Groeningemuseum is one of the most famous museums in the country, containing an impressive collection of artworks from the Flemish Primitive and Renaissance periods, as well as modern art from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Here can admire some of the most iconic masterpieces of Flemish art, including Jan van Eyck’s “Madonna with Canon Joris van der Paele” and Hans Memling’s “Moreel Triptych”.

  • Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan

One of the best breweries in the city is Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, also known as the Half Moon Brewery.

This historic brewery located in the heart of Bruges has been running since 1856 and is one of the last remaining family-owned breweries in the city.

Go on a guided tour to learn about the brewing process, from the selection of ingredients to the bottling of the finished product, and then sample some of the beer at the cosy pub next door.

  • Lake of Love

Minnewaterpark, nicknamed the Lake of Love, is a gorgeous and tranquil spot to visit for a casual stroll or a picnic, or simply to watch the ducks and swans swimming by.

The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, as well as some historic 13th-century buildings and monuments. 

Best places to stay in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Quarter

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Quarter

Budget accommodation in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Quarter

Mid range accommodation in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Quarter

Family Friendly accommodation in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Quarter

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Quarter

Canals of Bruges (Brugge). Church of Our Lady, Onze Lieve Vrouw Brugge

’T Zand – Ideal on a budget

Towards the western corner of the City Centre is ‘t Zand, a large open square known for its lively atmosphere.

As one of the main gathering places in the city, there are numerous cultural events held here throughout the year.

Budget tips for Bruges

Why stay in ’T Zand:

There are several budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses and hostels located in and around ‘T Zand, making it a great area to stay if you’re looking to save money on accommodation.

Despite this, it’s still within walking distance to so many great Bruges attractions. Music lovers often stay in ‘t Zand for the proximity to the city’s main concert hall.

Things to do in ’T Zand:

  • Concertgebouw Brugge

Concertgebouw Brugge is a modern concert hall known for its exceptional acoustics and stunning architecture.

The venue hosts a diverse range of performances throughout the year, including classical and contemporary music concerts, dance performances and theatre productions.

It also features several other performance spaces, including a smaller chamber music hall and an outdoor terrace, which is used for summer concerts and other events.

  • Saturday Market

Stop by the square on a Saturday morning to experience the weekly market. You’ll find local vendors selling fresh produce, flowers and other homemade goods.

There’s also a food truck festival held here during the summer, and artisan markets with handmade jewellery, pottery and textiles pop up throughout the year.

  • Sint-Salvatorskathedraal

Another stunning cathedral you need to check out while in Bruges is Sint-Salvatorskathedraal. This mediaeval wonder was originally built in the 12th century, making it one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in the city.

However, it has undergone significant reconstruction since then. Both the exterior and interior are equally impressive, with a tall 101-metre-high brick tower, a 17th-century marble altar, detailed frescoes, and gorgeous stained glass windows.

Best places to stay in ’T Zand

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in ’T Zand

Budget accommodation in ’T Zand

Mid range accommodation in ’T Zand

Family Friendly accommodation in ’T Zand

Affordable Luxury accommodation in ’T Zand

T Zand Square Fountain in Bruges Belgium

Ezelstraat Quarter – Ideal for cheap accommodation

In the northwest corner of Bruges you’ll find the district of Ezelstraat, named after the main street running through the area.

Why stay in Ezelstraat Quarter:

This quarter is another great area to find budget-friendly accommodation, and the stroll towards the city centre is lined with interesting shops and cafes. The area is full of community gardens and small art galleries, 

Things to do in Ezelstraat Quarter:

  • Ezelpoort

Ezelpoort is one of the four remaining mediaeval city gates in Bruges, found by the Ring. This gate was built in the 14th century and was once an important entry point into the city, though now the archway and the octagonal towers are all that remain.

  • Ribs ‘n Beer

One of the most popular restaurants in Bruges is Ribs ‘n Beer, found along Ezelstraat. As its name suggests, it specialises in serving delicious ribs and a wide variety of beers.

The restaurant has a cosy and rustic interior with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Open until late, it’s a great place to pop into for a pint and a filling meal after a day of exploring the city.

  • Karmelietenklooster

Karmelietenklooster is a historic monastery that was founded in the 17th century by the Carmelite order. Its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings make it a great attraction to visit.

Since it’s no longer an active monastery, you can visit any time to admire the interiors, wander through the covered walkways and gardens, or attend any of the exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events that are held here regularly.

Best places to stay in Ezelstraat Quarter

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Ezelstraat Quarter

Budget accommodation in Ezelstraat Quarter

Mid range accommodation in Ezelstraat Quarter

Family Friendly accommodation in Ezelstraat Quarter

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Ezelstraat Quarter

Bridge crossing between buildings over narrow Blinde-Ezelstraat, aka Blind donkey street, near Burg square, Bruges, Belgium.

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Where to stay in Bruges
Where to stay in Bruges

Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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