This sleepy little Belgium town is straight out of a fairytale with its cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and beautiful winding canals. Sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the north”, Bruges is a very historic merchant town that has seen a large influx of tourists lately traveling to experience this charming spot. How do you get here? Taking the train in from one of the larger nearby airports like Brussels, Amsterdam, or Paris is the easiest way to travel here!

Best Times to Visit: The best time to visit Bruges is from June to August, when the weather is mild, and the trees are green.

Things to do:

Take a boat tour down the canals. With so many adorable canals, an afternoon spent sipping your way through the winding city canals is an afternoon well spent in this charming city!

Indulge in some hearty Belgium food. It’s hard to come to the country of Belgium and not instantly think chocolate, beer, waffles, and fries. Make sure to come hungry because there are so many places to get the very best of all four of Belgium’s national delicacies! Our favorite? Taking a private Belgium food tour where you can sample the spots locals love!

Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood. This one may seem a bit odd… but hear us out! The main attraction inside of the Basilica of the Holy Blood is… Holy Blood. Inside the church you’ll find a vial filled with blood believed to be from Jesus Christ that was brought to the city after the 12th century Second Crusade.

Stroll along the colorful Markt. Bruges’ Markt, or Market Square, is filled to the brim with a whole lot of charm! It is surrounded by cute, colorful buildings. Bring your camera and spend the afternoon strolling around. There are also plenty of little cafes and restaurants to people watch.

Take a brewery tour. You already know the Belgium love their beer so it’s only fitting to learn a little more about a spot the locals love! Half Moon Brewery is an old and established name in Bruges. They offer daily tours and tastings lasting about 45 minutes.