If, like us, you immediately think of a famous chocolate brand when you hear "Bruges", this city has many other treasures to reveal. In fact, we've got a little secret for you about this chocolate factory: stay tuned! Your weekend in Bruges will take you back in time to a charming Flemish town. Religious buildings, a variety of museums, gourmet workshops: the visits to make in Bruges in 3 days are as fun as they are varied!
Day 1: What to do in Bruges in 3 days? The most beautiful squares and religious buildings
On this first morning of your 3-day visit to Bruges, you'll find plenty ofmust-sees! Meet us in the heart of the city to begin your tour.
Morning: Grand-Place, Town Hall and Basilica of the Holy Blood
Your first morning starts with the Grand-Placebruges' lively heart and former center of commerce. Many buildings can be admired here, including the majestic 83-metre-high belfry . A symbol of communal independence, it holds no fewer than 47 bells (yes, yes!). If you're brave enough to climb its 366 steps, you'll enjoy a superb panoramic view of the city. Other treasures of the past to be discovered on the Grand-Place include :
- the old guild houses,
- the neo-Gothic provincial palace,
- the Historium, where you can discover Bruges' golden age in virtual reality!
Your steps will then take you to the smaller but equally impressive Place du Bourg. Here you'll find the Gothic town hall, dating from the 16th century, which is open to the public. Its richly painted interior is a splendid sight!
Of course, it's impossible to explore Bruges' city center without visiting the famous Basilica of the Holy Blood, adjacent to the Town Hall. A true 12th-century gem, it houses a precious relic of Christ's blood, hence its strange name.
What to book : Explore Bruges, one of Europe's most visited medieval cities, discover its charm and see its main historical attractions on a low-cost guided tour bookable right here.
Afternoon: Canals, Parc de l'Amour and Bruges Beguinage
After a hearty Belgian meal, your afternoon begins with a digestive stroll along the canals, Bruges' most charming asset. The Groenrei canal, near the Place du Bourg, is the perfect place to photograph the magnificent panoramas. Further north, the less-frequented Langerei canal has a romantic atmosphere, ideal for romantic weekends.
During your stroll, you're bound to come across the famous quai du Rosairesurrounded by old houses that give it an incomparable charm, with the belfry as a backdrop. Not far from there, you'll find the Place des Tanneurs, with its emblematic column and inviting terraces, perfect for a gourmet break.
Of course, don't miss a visit to the Béguinage, located in the south of the historic center. This haven of peace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to some 30 white houses and a Gothic church. The house museum plunges you into the life of the beguines in the 17th century.
Continue on foot for another 350 meters to the lovers' dream: Minnewaterpark, or Lake of Love. Here's the perfect place to make a romantic wish on its famous bridge... and why not a marriage proposal!
What to book: Explore the beautifully preserved medieval city of Bruges on this guided walking tour bookable right here. End the tour with a boat trip along the city's canals.
Finally, your day ends with a visit to St. Saviour's Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. As well as beautiful architecture, they boast historical treasures, including a Madonna and Child by Michelangelo.
What to book: Explore the Museum of the Church of Our Lady of Burges and discover the artistic treasures it holds by booking your admission ticket here .
Day 2: What to do in Bruges in 3 days? Spend the day at the museum!
Bruges is home to many superb museums. Good news: they're free for children under 13!
Petit Futé tip: buy the Musea Brugge Card as soon as you arrive right here. Valid for 72 hours, it allows you to visit most of the city's museums for less. If you have time to visit some of them on your first day, all the better! If not, you'll still have time to enjoy them.
Morning: Groeninge Museum and Gruuthuse Museum
No sleeping in, as you'll need around three to four hours to visit the Groeninge Museum and Gruuthuse Museum combo. The good news is that they're right next door to each other!
Let's start with the Groeninge Museum, a must for art lovers. Here you'll find a superb collection of 15th-century Flemish primitives, 16th-century Mannerist works and a famous painting by Jérôme Bosch. A modern section completes the picture, with works by Belgian surrealists such as Magritte and Delvaux.
To book: click here to book your ticket for the Groeninge Museum.
Stick around for a while, because just a few steps away, the Gruuthuse Museum plunges you into the refined world of a wealthy merchant family. Here, you can step back in time to discover rooms furnished as they once were, tapestries, lace and collections of objets d'art.
It's time for a quick lunch break in the neighborhood, to enjoy a real moules-frites, a Hochepot or a Waterzooi.
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Afternoon: St. John's Hospital in Bruges (Memling Museum) and a bucolic stroll
Now that you've had your fill, it's time to stroll over to the Saint-Boniface Bridge, another symbol of Bruges' romanticism. 100% photogenic, this magical spot offers magnificent views of the canals, half-timbered houses and Notre-Dame church.
The afternoon continues at the memling Museumhoused in theformer St. John's Hospital, one of Europe's oldest hospital complexes. Here you'll discover
- the former ward,
- a museum on the daily life of patients and clergy,
- six major works by Hans Memling in the chapel.
For reservations: click here to book your ticket for the Memling Museum.
Even without a tour, there's nothing to stop you enjoying the beauty of the courtyard and garden!
On your way out, we invite you to head for Sint-Janskaai, a picturesque quay lined with cobblestones and typical Flemish buildings. The atmosphere is reminiscent of Bruges' merchant days: a real favorite!
Good to know: this is an excellent starting point for a boat trip. For 30 minutes, you'll explore the canals and learn fascinating anecdotes.
Your second day ends at the De Halve Maan brewery. Here, you'll learn about Bruges' brewing history, while enjoying (in moderation) a local beer in an authentic setting.
Day 3: What to do in Bruges in 3 days? Fun museums and gourmet workshops
Your long weekend in Bruges is coming to an end, but there's still plenty to discover. It's time for fun family museums and workshops!
Morning: chocolate museum and folklore museum
Start your morning in a 100% gourmet way... at the museum Choco-Storybruges' chocolate museum! Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of chocolate, from the Mayans to modern gourmets. On its four floors, you'll discover the chocolate-making process thanks to an interactive audio guide. You can also watch demonstrations and taste the chocolates: top-notch!
For reservations : click here to book your guided tour of the Choco-Story chocolate museum , including tastings.
After this sweet visit, walk just 10 minutes to the Musée du Folklore, which takes you on a discovery of the trades of yesteryear, thanks to its reconstructed workshops. Let yourself be transported into an old school classroom, a confectionery or even a pharmacy: a complete change of scene!
Got a little time left? You can also visit the Diamond Museum, which reveals the history of the diamond trade, complete with demonstrations.
Afternoon: What to do in Bruges in 3 days? Family fun workshops
Surprising as it may seem, there's no Jeff de Bruges chocolate factory... in Bruges! But rest assured, there are plenty of chocolate shops to choose from. Better still, you can take part in chocolate-making workshops. Accessible to parents and children alike, they allow you to learn the rudiments of the art of chocolate-making, while enjoying a treat at the end.
Good to know! several addresses offer this type of workshop, including the famous Choco-Story, Bruges' chocolate museum. Click here to book your chocolate-making workshop at the museum (including admission to the chocolate museum, of course!)
Other workshops include beer-making (visit the Flanders Brewery), truffle-making and Belgian waffle-making. As well as making these, we strongly recommend you try the succulent Liège waffles. A must-do in Bruges in 3 days!
To book : Click here to book your Belgian waffle-making workshop with beer tasting. You can also choose to book this Belgian chocolate truffle-making class ... Yummy!
The article to read: What to do and see in Liège? The 15 must-sees
Where to stay in Bruges for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
The area between the Grand Canal and the Grand Place is ideal for a 3-day weekend in Bruges. Set up around the Basilica of the Holy Blood, you'll be ideally situated for visiting the main points of interest on foot.
- Best value for money
Hotel Bourgoensch Hof offers 3-star quality at an affordable price. You'll enjoy a beautiful view of the canals, while reveling in the appreciable peace and quiet of this hotel located at the end of a cul-de-sac. Although the hotel has been refurbished, offering appreciable comfort, it has retained touches of old-fashioned charm. Book your room your room as soon as possible, as this establishment is very popular!
- The most welcoming
Hôtel Fevery is renowned for the quality of its welcome. The manager's unfailing friendliness is the key to a successful stay. Bright, warm and comfortable, this is a great hotel to discover in Bruges. Click here to book your room.
- The most authentic
TheHotel Jan Brito is one of the oldest in the city. Its old-fashioned charm immerses you in an authentic setting, with preserved old woodwork. A superb address to book here.
Bruges is an ideal destination for a long weekend, less than 2 hours from France. One thing's for sure: you're in for a real treat in this charming town. This is also true of many other places in the country, as these 17 places to visit in Belgium show us on a longer trip.
Below, you'll also find the trendiest things to do in Bruges:
