Top 3 Itineraries in Bruges

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Bruges.

If you only have a few days, Bruges weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Bruges offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Bruges are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Bruges’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Bruges offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Belgium's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Bruges truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Bruges belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Bruges are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Bruges and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Bruges itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Bruges for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Bruges without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Bruges!

A scenic 5-day road trip through Laeken - Laken, Cambron-Casteau, Boom, Bruxelles - Brussel, and Brugge is one of the best ways to experience Belgium. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 5-day itinerary means that Bruges can easily be combined with other top destinations in Belgium without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Laeken - Laken, Cambron-Casteau, Boom, Bruxelles - Brussel, and Brugge by public transport, renting a car in Belgium opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 5 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Brussels

• Arrival city: Bruxelles - Brussel
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Mount of the Arts

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Brussels. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel

• Destinations: Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel
• Driving distance: 56.69 km, approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Grand Place, Atomium, Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, and Parc du Cinquantenaire
• Recommended tour: Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Grand Place, Atomium, Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, and Parc du Cinquantenaire. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Antwerp.

Day 3: Discover Brugge, Gent, and Antwerpen

• Destinations: Brugge, Gent, and Antwerpen
• Driving distance: 213.19 km, approx. 3 hours and 29 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Gravensteen, Minnewater Park, Belfry of Bruges, Belfry of Ghent, and Church of Our Lady
• Recommended tour: e-Scavenger hunt Antwerp: Explore the city at your own pace

Spend the day exploring Gravensteen, Minnewater Park, Belfry of Bruges, Belfry of Ghent, and Church of Our Lady. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Cambron-Casteau, Boom, and Antwerpen

• Destinations: Cambron-Casteau, Boom, and Antwerpen
• Driving distance: 169 km, approx. 3 hours and 11 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Pairi Daiza, Provinciaal Recreatiedomein De Schorre, Zoo Antwerpen, and MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
• Recommended tour: Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting

Continue your journey through Cambron-Casteau, Boom, and Antwerpen, where you can explore Pairi Daiza, Provinciaal Recreatiedomein De Schorre, Zoo Antwerpen, and MAS - Museum aan de Stroom. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Brussels.

Day 5: Bid Farewell to Brussels

• Departure city: Bruxelles - Brussel
• Driving distance: 2.32 km, approx. 31 minutes
• Sightseeing: Parc de Bruxelles

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Brussels. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 610 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Bruges.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Bruges for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Bruges with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Bruges without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Bruges

Arrive in Bruges and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Koningin Astridpark.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Vlaminck '14 is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Bruges's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Bruges by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic De Burg, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Historium Bruges, Belfry of Bruges, and Bruges City Hall.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Bruges. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Bruges in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Bruges

Use this day to discover more of Bruges’s top sights. We recommend visiting Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, Boniface Bridge (Bonifaciusbrug), Church of Our Lady, and Sint-Salvatorskathedraal.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Bruges in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Bruges's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Bruges’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Bruges

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Volkskundemuseum, Minnewater Park, Lake of Love, Adornes Domain, and Ezelpoort are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Bruges.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Bruges. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Belgium!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Bruges

Spend your last few hours in Bruges soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Bruges in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Bruges, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Bruges travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Bruges offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Bruges itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Bruges weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Bruges

Arrive in Bruges around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Koningin Astridpark, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Bruges’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Bruges with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit De Burg early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Historium Bruges, stopping by Basilica of the Holy Blood for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Bruges and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Bruges

No itinerary in Bruges is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan.
• Afternoon: Explore Boniface Bridge (Bonifaciusbrug) and Church of Our Lady, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Bruges and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Belgium.

Day 5 - Depart from Bruges

Make the most of your last few hours in Bruges before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Bruges. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Bruges itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Bruges, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Bruges for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Bruges in a way that feels truly unforgettable!