A small Belgian city of canals and medieval buildings whose Historic Centre is UNESCO-listed; in winter Christmas markets fill the Markt below the Belfry and Simon Stevinplein.
The square fills with a Christmas market and the city glows with lights — the reason to come in winter (see the Christmas market section).
April–September
Canal boats and cycling to nearby villages.
Weather: Most visitors come in spring and summer; the 2026 Christmas markets run 20 November–3 January 2027. source
Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Bruges Christmas market
Bruges Winter Glow Markets on the Markt beneath the Belfry and on Simon Stevinplein, with the wider Winter Glow festival around town.
Where
Markt and Simon Stevinplein
Dates
Markets 20 November 2026–3 January 2027 (Winter Glow continues to 31 January)
Dates shift a little each year; check this year’s schedule at: www.visitbruges.be
Don't miss in Bruges
Markt and Belfry The main square under the medieval Belfry, which you can climb for views. source
Canal boat tour See the medieval city from a canal boat. source
Basilica of the Holy Blood A chapel on Burg Square associated with the relic of the Holy Blood. source
Where to stay in Bruges
Historic centre
Walk to the canals and sights.
What to eat in Bruges
Belgian chocolate — Bruges’ emblem — the city is packed with artisan chocolate shops
Belgian waffles — Belgium’s classic snack, freshly baked at street stalls
Belgian fries — Twice-fried Belgian fries; the stalls on the Markt are famous
Belgian beer — A beer city where you can taste brews made right in town
Bruges tips and things to watch out for
Bruges travel tips
Bruges is an easy train day trip from Brussels, but stay a night to see the quiet canals in the evening; check journey times on the SNCB timetable. source
Signs use both French and Dutch, so the same place can have two names. source
Service is included in restaurant bills, so tipping is optional. source
Watch out for in Belgium
Watch for pickpockets around Brussels Central and Midi stations and on the metro. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Bruges are still being collected, so food and transport use official prices from other cities in Belgium (prices within one country do not differ much).
Bruges attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.