Things to do in Bruges

Best Things to do in Bruges

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Bruges? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 248 activities in Bruges, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 310, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Bruges in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Best Things to Do in Bruges for a Fairytale Belgian Escape

About Bruges

Bruges feels like a city pulled out of a painting. Cobblestone streets, canals reflecting old brick houses, and bell towers that mark time slowly, it’s a place that makes you slow down without even trying.

Some of the most loved Bruges tourist attractions include the Markt square, the Belfry Tower, and the canals that wind quietly through the city. You’ll also find plenty of chocolate shops and beer halls tucked into alleys.

So whether you’re here for a day trip, a weekend, or longer, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Bruges. It’s the kind of city that makes even a simple walk feel special.

Unique Experiences

Chocolate & Beer Tour: Sweet Meets Local Brew

You can begin your day at a chocolatier learning how to shape hand-made pralines, then stroll back into Bruges history before finishing with a beer at a local brewery. It’s one of those cool things to do in Bruges that pulls culture, taste, and fun into one short walk.

• Where: Pieter de Coninck en Jan Breydel Markt, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,800 per person
• Timing: About 3 hours 30 minutes total; tour starts at 10:00 AM
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn, great weather and just enough light to last the tour

Secrets of Bruges An Insider’s Walking Tour

You can wander around, while hearing scandalous tales, secret alleys, and stories that make brick walls feel alive. It’s one of the more unusual things to do in Bruges where history is narrated by someone who knows the cobbles like a friend.

• Where: Market Square Markt, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
• Pricing: It starts from INR 300 per person
• Timing: A focused 2 hours walking with a storyteller; starts at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• When to Visit: Anytime, but early evenings feel perfect for storytime due to soft light and fewer crowds

Private Bruges’ Iconic Sites and Chocolate Tasting Tour

You can walk through the town’s main squares and alleyways with a guide who knows which corners feel real and unfiltered. You’ll end at a chocolatier and get to taste while your city stories sink in. It’s one of the best things to do in Bruges if you like history served with flavor.

• Where: Market Square Markt, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
• Pricing: It starts from INR 57,000 per person
• Timing: Around 1 hour 45 minutes; slots available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• When to Visit: Year-round because chocolate is perfect any time of year, and walking stays feel easy when it’s crisp or gentle weather

Top Attractions

Belfry of Bruges

You can climb the 366 steps to the top for a sweeping view of the Markt square and rooftops. The climb is narrow, but the reward is worth it, and it remains one of the must-see Bruges tourist attractions.

• Where: Markt Square, Bruges
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,200 per person
• Timing: Daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• When to Visit: Early mornings to avoid long queues and enjoy calmer views

Markt Square

You can stand in the heart of Bruges and watch the city move around you with horse-drawn carriages, historic guild houses, and cafes lining the edges. It’s one of the 10 best things to do in Bruges, and even just sitting here makes you feel part of its story.

• Where: Central Bruges
• Pricing: Free entry
• Timing: Open all day, but shops and cafés around usually run 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• When to Visit: Evenings are great for golden light and a more relaxed crowd

Basilica of the Holy Blood

You can step inside this small but powerful chapel, said to house a relic of Christ’s blood. It’s intimate, historic, and one of the most moving things to do in Bruges if you want a quieter pause in the city.

• Where: Burg Square, Bruges
• Pricing: Free entry, though donations are welcome
• Timing: Monday–Sunday, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
• When to Visit: Mid-morning or late afternoon for fewer visitors

Sightseeing Tours

Bruges Historical Private Walking Tour and Canal Cruise

You can walk through the medieval heart of Bruges with a guide, learn about the old squares and stories, then hop into a boat to see the city drift past from the water. It’s one of the best things to do in Bruges when you’re short on time but want to feel the full vibe.

• Where: Markt 5, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
• Pricing: It starts from INR 17,000 per person
• Timing: Totaling about 3 hours; starts at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• When to Visit: Spring to autumn when weather is friendlier and the light softens the brick tones for canalside views

Bicycle Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

You can see the picture-perfect side of Bruges’ graceful squares, hidden courtyards, and the peaceful Minnewater by bike, while your guide points out stories only locals know. It’s one of the activities that changes the game if you want pace with perspective.

• Where: Retro Biketours Bruges Grauwwerkersstraat 29, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
• Pricing: It starts from INR 4,100 per person
• Timing: About 2 hours 30 minutes on bike; slots available from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn mornings—cool air, light crowds, and easier streets

Day Trips

Belgium's Gems: Bruges & Ghent Full Day Shore Trip from Zeebrugge

You can meet the town at the cruise terminal, then explore the town, stroll its perfect squares, peek inside hidden lanes, and maybe add a canal cruise along the way. It’s one of the things to do in Bruges that’s easy, charming, and perfect if you’re short on time.

• Where: Cruise Terminal Zeebrugge Zweedse Kaai, 8380 Brugge, Belgium
• Pricing: It starts from INR 16,000 per person
• Timing: Starts at 8:00 AM; About 7 to 8 hours total, with time to wander off the beaten track
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn when days are long, light is gentle, and everything feels more alive

Private Guided Tour: Visit of Brussels from Zeebruges

This private trip takes you from Zeebruges straight into Brussels, where you’ll explore the Grand Place, Atomium, and other city highlights at your own pace. With a guide leading the way, you’ll get both the main sights and the smaller corners that make Brussels memorable.

• Where: Departure from Zeebruges cruise port to Brussels
• Pricing: It starts from INR 77,000 per person
• Timing: Departs at 9:00 AM, last slot is around 11:00 AM
• When to Visit: March to October for warmer days and lively city squares; winter if you want to see Brussels’ festive markets

Boat Tours

Bruges Tour with Canal Cruise from Zeebrugge Cruise Port

You can step off your cruise ship and head straight into Bruges with a guide, roam the Old Town, and finish with a canal cruise that adds a cool, playful perspective. It’s one of the best things to do in Bruges when you want mood, pace, and memories—all in one outing.

• Where: Cruise Terminal Zeebrugge Zweedse Kaai, 8380 Brugge, Belgium
• Pricing: It starts from INR 7,100 per person
• Timing: Slots available from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM; Around 5 to 6 hours total, walking, cruising, and a rhythm that fits a shore day
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn because of longer light, friendlier weather, and canal views at their best

Cruise-friendly Tour Including Canal Boat Ride

You can glide through Bruges’ famous lanes by foot, then hop on a canal boat for one of the gentlest, most relaxing views of the medieval heart. One of those top 10 things to see and do in Bruges that blends history with calm, reflective beauty.

• Where: Cruise Terminal Zeebrugge Zweedse Kaai, 8380 Brugge, Belgium
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,700 per person
• Timing: Slots available from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM; around 5 hours 30 minutes total, all built around canal charm
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn, when gentle light drapes the buildings best

Getting Around

• Walking: The city is small enough to explore on foot. Many of the Bruges tourist attractions like Markt Square, Belfry, and canals are within easy reach.
• Cycling: Renting a bike lets you slip into side streets and see hidden corners. It is one of the more relaxed activities if you enjoy moving at your own pace.
• Public transport: Local buses run across town and connect you to the station. They are handy when you want to rest your legs but still tick off different things to do in Bruges.
• Horse-drawn carriages: A popular way to see the city centre. It is a slower option but makes for one of the romantic things to do in Bruges in the evening.
• Taxis: If you’ve been out late, a taxi is the easiest way back. It’s handy after you’ve ticked off a few things to do in Bruges at night and don’t feel like walking.
• Day trip trains: The station links you to nearby Belgian cities if you feel like adding an extra stop to your trip.

Traveller Tips

• Dress smart for cobblestones: Comfortable shoes make all the difference when you’re walking between canals, squares, and other things to do in Bruges. Heels or thin soles can get tricky on the uneven streets.
• Make the most of quiet hours: Early mornings and late afternoons feel calmer. It’s the best time to enjoy places like Markt or Minnewater if you want to cover more things to do in Bruges in one day without the rush.
• Nights are worth it: The city looks different once the lights reflect on the canals. Simply walking across a bridge can turn into one of the nicest things to do in Bruges at night.
• Look out for local touches: Small street fairs, pop-up concerts, or seasonal activities often appear without notice. They’re not in guidebooks, but they add colour to your trip.