A Great Day Trip To Bruges From Ghent
We headed off on a day trip to Bruges from Ghent. It was an easy and short train trip from our stay in Ghent to reach this charming small city on our travels around Belgium. We had no specific itinerary planned so we just wandered along the cobblestone streets and canals. So many great sights to keep us wandering.
Planning Our Visit To Bruges
When we planned our Fall travels, we debated staying in Bruges (“Brugges”) or Ghent in Belgium. In the end, Ghent worked out better for our plans. But we knew we did not want to miss out on a visit to Bruges.
We found Bruges to be a very busy scenic spot. But we were sure that if we stayed in Bruges, the city would settle down once the day tourists left. We found this on our stay in the small town of Obidos in Portugal and when we spent a few days on the island of Capri in Italy.
When we checked the Belgium train schedule, we found that trains in Belgium ran between Ghent and Bruges regularly. We knew that we just needed to purchase a ticket for these stops and could take any train. This gave us the flexibility to travel when we were ready. After we took a canal tour in Ghent, we packed for a day trip to Bruges and headed for the train station.
The train station in Bruges was just outside of the old town of Bruges. We walked a circle route that started along the Ghent-Ostende Canal and then came back along the maze-like streets and alleys of the old town. Along our route, we saw most of the main sights on our day trip to Bruges.
By Foot Or Boat Around Bruges
We wandered along the cobblestone streets in Bruges and found sights in every direction we looked. The architecture was varied and colourful.
We crossed small bridges over the canals that wound their way through the old town. Much as we found on our stay in Ghent, a canal tour was a great way to get an overview of key sights in Bruges. We found several spots in the heart of the old town to start the canal tours.
But on this visit, we decided to just walk and discover the gems on our day trip to Bruges.
Moules And Frites On Our Day Trip To Bruges From Ghent
We stopped at the tourist information centre for a map and some input on the best spot in town for “moules et frites” (mussels and fries). David had such great memories of all the mussels he ate on previous visits to Belgium. With a recommendation in hand, we headed for lunch.
As we often found, Apple Maps got us where we wanted to go. But the restaurant had changed names. Our waiter assured us it really was the same spot and that mussels were their specialty. We considered the daily menu that included an appetizer, mussels and the dessert of the day. But we learned that the daily special portion of mussels was quite small. We decided we wanted a meal of mussels so we each placed a full order with two different sauces.
When our mussels order arrived, we were delighted. The serving was massive, the mussels were cooked to perfection and the sauce was tasty. The fries were just “ok”. David was happy to finish my mussels when I only made it through half a pot!
A stop for “moules et frites” was a great idea on our day trip to Bruges. We were re-energized and ready to head off to explore more.
Wandering Around Burg Square
From lunch, we crossed the canal and entered the large Burg Square. Beside the Bruge Town Hall (Stadhuis van Brugge) we saw the Palace of the Liberty of Bruges. The city administration for Bruges was still done from this 14th century Gothic Town Hall. It was a stunning building from the outside.
Inside a huge staircase led to the gothic hall on the first floor. We were sorry we did not go up to see the a colourful vaulted ceiling and murals from the early 20th century that presented the history of Bruges. The theme “citizens and government” shed light on the power struggle between the city government, the sovereigns and the people of Bruges.
We were glad we found the Burg Square on our wanders in Bruges.
A Look Inside The Basilica of the Holy Blood
In the corner of the Burg Square we discovered the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The lower level of this small and dark church maintained its Romanesque character. We walked around and saw the different wooden statues.
In the neo-Gothic upper chapel the relic of the Holy Blood was preserved. It is said this contained cloth with the blood of Christ. We unfortunately missed the stairs to the upper level museum and the beautiful interior in this newer part of the church.
In 2009, UNESCO recognized the Holy Blood Procession for its unique intangible cultural heritage. On Ascension Day every year, the relic passed through the streets of Bruges. Well-known scenes from the Bible were played out.
On a return visit, we would book a tour in advance to make sure we did not miss this interesting site.
Wandering To The Market Square
From the Burg Square we moved to the vast colourful Market Square (Grote Markt). This square was dominated by the Belfry. At 83 metres high, a climb to the top provided a breath-taking panorama of the city.
In the centre we saw the Monument to Flemish patriots. This statue is of Jan Breydel and Pieter De Coninck, two folk heroes from Bruges. They played an important role in the Flemish resistance against the French occupation in 1302, during the Battle of the Golden Spurs. On one side of the square we found the Provincial Palace and on the other Cranenburg House (where emperor Maximilian of Austria was incarcerated in 1488).
Restaurants and shops were all around the square. This was also the spot to pick up a horse and carriage ride.
The lively Market Square was something not to be missed on our day trip to Bruges.
Day Trip To Bruges From Ghent For A Little Shopping Therapy
If we wanted to shop, there were lots of options as we wandered in Bruges. We found shops with more than 500 types of beer. And a Beer Museum if we wanted to learn more.
Of course, the shops were dominated by chocolate shops. There was chocolate for every kind of chocoholic. And a variety of other sweet treats too.
We found Belgium waffles along the streets. And even found interesting waffles on a stick!
The shops were not limited to food products. But we were not in a shopping mood on our day trip to Bruges.
Passing By The Churches
As we went through Bruges, we saw many of the main churches from the outside. We found the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) quite beautiful as we walked around the building. At 115.5 metre-high the belfry was the second tallest of the world. It dominated the skyline of Bruges. But sadly we missed an inside visit and did not see the church full of artistic treasures including Michelangelo’s world-famous Madonna and Child.
As we headed back to the train station we went past the Romanesque Saint Saviour’s Cathedral (Sint-Salvatorskathedraal). This was Bruges’ oldest parish church (12th–15th century). Had we visited inside we would have seen a rood screen, medieval tombs, Brussels tapestries and a rich collection of Flemish paintings. But we had a train to catch!
There were many other churches around Bruges to discover. But that would have to wait for a return visit.
Lots To See And Do On A Day Trip To Bruges From Ghent
We were glad we planned a day trip to Bruges from our stay in Ghent in Belgium. Bruges was much smaller and a little more charming than Ghent. But it was also a busy tourist spot.
The train trip was quick and it was an easy walk into the historic centre from the train station. We found so much to see as we wandered the cobblestone streets. We watched others touring the city on the canals. Bruges was a great spot to visit on our stay in Belgium. Our first visit gave us enough of a tease to want to return again.
Did you do a day trip to Bruges? Did you travel from Ghent or stay in this charming small town?
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Bruges looks absolutely charming, and your descriptions really bring it to life. I love that you included so many options for things to see and do in one day—like exploring the canals, seeing the Markt square, and visiting the chocolate shops (a must!). And mussles! I love mussles 🙂 Your tips on transportation from Ghent to Bruges make it so easy to plan. Thanks for sharing such an inspiring itinerary—Bruges has definitely moved up on my travel list!
I hope you do get to visit Bruges on day. We were so glad we planned a visit and that it was so easy by train!
Gorgeous architecture and so much great food, it’s amazing. I would love to try all the chocolate shops and also “moules et frites”- that must taste so delicious.
We loved all the chocolate and moules we found on our visit to Ghent. A lovely small town to wander.
What a charming town! Great information and photos. I have to say, though, that pot of mussels is huge! I can see why you only ate half.
Good thing David had no problem finishing my share of mussels. Tasty for sure!
Bruges looks absolutely magical! I love how you explored the city at your own pace, discovering all the charming canals and stunning architecture. definitely adding it to my Belgium itinerary!
We were so glad we managed to visit Bruges on this trip to Belgium. A charming small scenic spot.
I have not been to either Ghent or Brugges. Loved your pictures of the architecture. Enjoyed the fact that you didn’t ‘plan’ too much and just planned to wander the town. Sometimes that’s the best way to travel, you never know what the day will bring your way. And wow, the food…what a big pot of mussels!
We were glad we visited Bruges and just wandered. And those mussels sure were amazing! A good first visit to Belgium.
Mussels are my favourite, that would be an absolute must do for me. The architecture looks amazing, and I love a chance to stroll through European churches.
We loved all we found in Bruges. So glad we got to visit.
I had planned a trip to Belgium just before the Covid-19 hit. This post came like a reminder to plan a trip again. Loved your photos.
Glad to provide a good reminder of why Bruges should be on your travel planning board.
Bruges has it all – great architecture, great medieval streets, great food. I want visit. I love mussels and frites!
I hope you do get to visit Bruges. A great stop in Belgium.
Such a great point about staying right in the small historic cities. I had the same experience in Óbidos that you mention, and have found the same in other day trip destinations for many.
If we return to Belgium, we would definitely want to stay in Bruges and enjoy it when the day tourists leave.
Bruges is my favorite city in Belgium! I visited when COVID hit so I am really looking forward to going back and experiencing it again at its fullest
It was great that we were able to visit Bruges on our stay in Ghent. I can see why it is your favourite city in Belgium.
My husband and I have been to both Ghent and Bruges and loved them both. We tried beignets for the first time in Bruges. Delish.
We did not see a lot of beignets in Bruges. But we sure saw chocolate and waffles! Great to taste your way around this city.
Bruges is a stunning place, just a bit touristy. I was there a long time ago and learned that cherry beer exists. I loved the colour and sweet taste. I was also in Gent but I loved Bruges more. Thanks for the detailed information and gorgeous pictures!
We were a bit surprised at how touristic we found Bruges. But also know it probably settled down after the day tourists depart. Glad we got to see it and Ghent too. Sorry we missed the cherry beer!
I loved Bruge but have yet to visit Ghent. Belgium is such a sweet little country and I’m sure we will get back there. Your photos are great as usual and it looks like y ou had great weather as well.
We had mixed weather for our visit. But when it was nice we headed out and explored. It was a perfect day to visit Bruges for sure.
Hello! Bruges looks like a fairy tale. Would recommend visiting Bruges over other towns located around Brussels?
I did like Bruges a lot. But there is probably less to do here than in some of the other larger cities like Ghent and Brussels. It was more touristy than some might want to stay there.
Sadly, I never got to Bruges for some reason but did at least enjoy Ghent and Louvain. I would have loved to have seen the canals! Those small Belgian towns are so picturesque in exactly the way you expect the Middle Ages to be. My delicious moules experience was in St. Malo in France. That was decades ago and so glad they are still making them as good in Europe. Nothing in the U.S. has ever compared, at least in my experience. The Pieta was very interesting, another step in the evolution of this subject matter culminating in the work of Michelangelo. It is so fun to read and see your experiences of places I had visited so long ago.
We were glad it was easy to hop on the train to visit Bruges for the day. Although we left knowing there was much more to see! It was a lovely spot but quite busy with tourists. Glad we finally made it to Belgium on this trip.
Bruges is such a lovely place! I also visited on a day trip by train, but I was so unlucky with the weather—it was raining heavily non-stop, so I couldn’t enjoy a relaxed stroll or fully take in the beautiful architecture. I’m dreaming of visiting again soon! I’ve never seen waffles on a stick before – those look so cool!
We had variable weather on our stay in Belgium. But we were in Ghent for 4 nights and planned our Bruges trip for the nicest weather forecast. Luckily the weatherman was correct that day. We did love just wandering around this charming city.
I loved how you described the freedom of wandering along the cobblestone streets and discovering the canals, Market Square, and even the delicious “moules et frites” stop! Your flexible approach to the train travel from Ghent sounds convenient and stress-free, and I appreciated the detailed insights into Bruges’ historical and cultural gems. Thanks for sharing your adventure—it’s a perfect inspiration for a future Belgium trip!
We were sure glad we got to visit Bruges for the first time on this visit to Belgium. We were happy with how easy it was to move around Belgium by train.
Bruges is stunning and your photography skills are amazing! I’m now looking forward to visiting soon.
I hope you do get to visit Bruges on your travels. It was definitely a place we are glad not to have missed.
That canal tour looks amazing and wow, the mussels look delicious!! Looks like a fantastic place to explore and eat!
We were delighted with the variety we found as we wandered around Bruges in Belgium.
What a beautiful place to wander around! The canal tour looks so awesome!
Bruges was a great spot to visit from our stay in Ghent.
I’ve always wanted to visit Bruges! One of these days I have to go, especially because I’m living in Italy now and it wouldn’t be too long of a trip to get over there for a few days.
We too were very glad we took a day trip to visit Bruges. A charming small spot to visit or stay.
Bruges is such a charming town! Did you see the movie “In Bruges” with Colin Farrell? These stick waffles are everywhere now in Europe – sort of a food trend it seems! All the best for the new year to both of you!
We had not seen that movie before we visited. But saw it when we got home. And it was so fun to recognize all the sights we visited.
Looks like a magical place! I have not been to Belgium (except decades ago) and Bruges looks charming. Love the eclectic choices – architecture, history, churches, canals, awesome food and shopping too. That Belfry at 83 metres high must have nice views from the top. I agree that it’s better to enjoy a place without too much planning and do things that interest you. 🙂
We were definitely glad we got to visit Bruges on this trip to Belgium. A charming small town.
Bruges is indeed a beautiful city to be explored in Belgium and it’s great that you were able to pick a flexible train ride from Ghent and tour this amazing city. The city’s exquisite architecture is drool worthy and a canal tour would be such an unusual way to experience the city’s charming boulevards, market squares, the churches. Also the quaint sampling chocolates and authentic Belgian waffles from the local shops is such a one of a kind experience! The chocolates and waffles look yummy and it was good to know you were able to taste mussels and fries too!
We were glad we found so much to see … and eat … on our visit to Bruges. Definitely worth a day trip by train from Ghent.
Ah both Bruges and Ghent are so charming. Reading through your blog post made me nostalgic as I had similar experiences right down to the mussels and fries ! So glad that you decided to make your way to these two places , they are definitely worth visiting.
I am happy this post brought back some great memories of Ghent. We were sure happy we visited.
So happy to hear how easy it is to make a day trip to Bruges from Ghent. We enjoy using the train to travel between cities and it’s such a great way to get around in Europe. Your explorations of Bruges mirror the kind of wandering we like to do. Visiting the markets, churches and canal paths while admiring architecture and savoring a local meal sound wonderful. (Although I have never had mussels and I’m not sure if I would like them!) But the chocolate stores would be quite a treat. I’ve heard that Bruges chocolate is some of the best in the world!
We loved all the things we found wandering in Bruges. I too was not sure I would like mussels until I tried them in a great white wine sauce. Not my husband is not happy he has to share! But we definitely had to each buy our own chocolate! Bruges is definitely a great spot to wander.
Bruges is a beautiful city and you’ve seem to have done a lot on your day trip from Ghent. I actually went there on a day trip too, last year, from London, for the Christmas market. I visited most of the places you’ve been to as well, and I was really impressed by the Chapel of the Holy Blood. It was quite the site inside. I didn’t have mussels for lunch on my day trip, but I had a large potion of fried topped with several sauces. 🙂
Bruges is a great spot for a day trip. And probably quite lovely at night after the day tourists leave. Glad we got this on our trip.
Wow! Happy to know that there is so much to see and do in Ghent. My husband will surely enjoy the shop with lots of beer and a visit to the Beer Museum. Me, on the other hand, would love to try the mussels you had and the waffle on a stick. This charming little town is surely worth visiting. Will consider Ghent during our future trips.
Ghent truly was a lovely small town to visit. Great food, drink and sights too! Hope you get to visit.
Oh the joy it brings when I read a post about Belgium on your blog! 🙂
It was definitely a good idea to stay in Gent and visit Brugge on a daytrip. Most people do the otherway round and I always recommend what you did. As much as a canal tour is a must to experience it, the try sense of the city indeed comes when you’re on foot. Good decision. Also, happy to see the authentic Belgian beer in his hand; but did you try any Flemish beer when you were there? Walloons & Flemish are also specific about their own beers! Haha. Did you try to eat the Gent Nose (that candy) too? How many could you eat before it started to feel tooooo sweet?
We were so glad we finally got to visit Belgium. And did the day trip to Ghent. We enjoyed wandering around by foot in town but did not see it all. A good reason to go back!