While we aren’t major city slickers, there are definitely times to visit larger cities. When our European road trip route took us right through Bruges, Belgium, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit the city.
Jay had been to Bruges a number of years ago, so he had a few places pinned on our trusty map app of where he wanted to visit. We found a spot just outside the city to park the van, hopped on our bikes, and were off exploring in no time. Here are our top 10 things to do in Bruges which we found best paint a picture of the city!
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10 Things To Do In Bruges, Belgium
1. Relax Under The Windmills
Along the canal on the eastern side of Bruges there’s a line of windmills all along a lovely walking path. While some of the windmills have fences surrounding them, there are a couple you can actually climb up! The steps are SO steep and scary, but it’s a fun experience. Even if you don’t fancy walking up the windmills, it’s really cool to see them up close and personal!
2. Check Out The Book Of Beer
If you’re on a budget, don’t actually buy a beer at a bar, that junk’s SO overpriced. Instead, just look at all the beers they offer! But, if you can afford it, or want to splurge a bit definitely grab a beer from Cambrinus. If not, just go in and look at their beer book! It’s unreal how many beers the bars in Belgium have to offer… and really good beers at that!
3. Visit The Iconic Chocolate Boobs
Jay just had to show me this chocolate shop… it was one of the most memorable bits of Bruges for him ;)! While the chocolate boobs are a bit different now, the display is the same.. boobies and more right in the window, all made of delicious Belgian chocolate.
4. Rent A Bike And Explore The Countryside
Like most cities in Europe, if you look at a map of Bruges, you’ll see a very distinct ring around the main part of the city. Take a bike and go explore any place outside that ring. It’s all extremely bike-friendly, and you can find some really pretty houses in the area!
Don’t want to explore on your own? Book a bike tour instead!
5. Walk Along The Canals
When there’s any kind of water feature in a city, you’ve got to visit it! And the canals in Bruges are no exception! The canals of Bruges make you feel like you’re not in the city at all.
It’s a peaceful escape from the tourist gimmicks found in the center, and is the perfect place to get a feel for the local life in Bruges!
6. Take Some Blue Hour Photography
Even if you’re not into photography, we strongly suggest going out during the blue hour to try see how gorgeous the city of Bruges really is. The blue hour is the hour just past sunset where the sky is still lit up from the sun, but the harsh light and shadows don’t blow out the beauty of the buildings.
Walk around the city and the outskirts to enjoy a more peaceful and beautiful take on Bruges.
7. Eat A Bicky Burger
Okay for real, these things are basically a heart attack in a bite, but man, they’re good! Stop at any of the fr shops or take away places throughout the city and grab a Bicky Burger. Take it how they make it with the special Belgian mayonnaise, ketchup, and extra sauce! You won’t regret it!!
8. Visit The Main Square
While Belgium doesn’t have the most beautiful architecture that we’ve seen, it’s still something to observe! While you’re in the main square check out the “gold” everywhere along the tops of the buildings! You’ll find funky tops to buildings, statues, and lovely railing around the windows!
Traveler’s Tip… Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings and watch out for pickpocketers in the main square. Enjoy the shows and charm of the center, just be aware of your surroundings!
9. Drool Over The Beer Wall
If the book of beer and all the pubs around town don’t make you understand the beer culture in Belgium, the beer wall certainly will. This wall is dedicated to different beer brewed in Belgium and is on display for all to drool over as they walk by! Find the Beer Wall here.
10. Buy Beer And Enjoy It Outdoors
One thing we absolutely love about Europe is the ability to drink in public. And no, we’re not talking about getting drunk in a park, but simply enjoying a drink with friends wherever whenever you want.
Grab a beer from a convenience shop and sit along the canal or under a windmill and think of how blessed you are to be traveling in this place!
Getting Around Bruges
Although we had our van, and could have driven into the center of Bruges, we recommend parking on the outskirts of the city (outside the ring road) and then cycling or walking into the center. With the windmills being along the canal on the outskirts of the city, having a bike is the best way to get around! You can rent bikes from all over town, or simply walk and enjoy the beauty of Bruges.
Traveler’s Tip…We always recommend parking on the outskirts of the city and cycling or taking public transportation in. It gives you a whole new perspective on the city itself, and is a heck of a lot less stressful than driving tiny European streets!
Where To Wild Camp In Bruges, Belgium
While we had our first accident in Scotland three days prior to getting to Bruges, Bruges was the first time our van got hit and the driver just up and drove off! While we were sleeping in the back of the van, someone ran right into the back right corner!
When we woke up and saw the damage, we both remember feeling it in the middle of the night, but didn’t think anything of it at the time! Lucky for us, our vans an old beater, and a little extra dent doesn’t hurt her! 😉
That being said, we still recommend overnighting here! It’s not the best place in the world, but also not the worst, and is the perfect location for getting into Bruges! On the eastern side of Bruges, there’s a campground named Camping Memling. On the road between the city and the campground, there are loads of parking under trees and right near a park! There is a school on the same road, so during the week, it can be busy, but not too shabby a space being so close to town!
The name of the road is Veltemweg. You can find the exact location here. Obviously, if you don’t want to wild camp, that campsite seems pretty great too!
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