1 Day in Bruges: Is Belgium’s Fairytale City Worth the Hype?
A Day At Belgium’s Overhyped City
As part of our road trip to the Netherlands in July 2026, we spent a day exploring Bruges, marking Belgium as country number 26 on our travel list. Here is how our time in the city unfolded and whether we think it deserves a spot on your itinerary.
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Arriving in Bruges
- Via Train or Bus: Bruges has direct rail and coach links via Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, and London, dropping you right at Bruges Station. To check schedules and book your ticket, use the Busbud platform here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Ostend-Bruges Airport or nearby Brussels Airport to explore the medieval city of Bruges. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Belgium
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
Arrival and Parking
We woke up early in Antwerp and drove straight to Bruges. Having heard glowing reviews about its scenic charm and fairytale reputation, we were eager to see if the real experience lived up to the hype. Upon arrival, we parked at the Centrum-‘t Zand car park, which served as an easy starting point for our self-guided walking tour.
St. Salvator’s Cathedral
We began our walking tour by heading directly toward St. Salvator’s Cathedral. Long before reaching it, we could see its tower rising above the rooftops. It looked magnificent from a distance. The surrounding streets reminded me of Diagon Alley from Harry Potter, with quaint shops lining the path. Up close, the cathedral was even more impressive, featuring striking architecture and an intricate interior. The kids played in the courtyard while Mehran and I took turns stepping inside to appreciate the details.
Church of Our Lady
Next, we walked over to the Church of Our Lady. This was another remarkable landmark, and we enjoyed comparing its design with St. Salvator’s. While St. Salvator’s stood out more from the outside, the interior of the Church of Our Lady was even more captivating.
Rosary Quay (Rozenhoedkaai)
Our walk then brought us to Rosary Quay. Approaching the area, we passed a picturesque canal lined with flowers along the bridge. While the view was lovely, the afternoon heat and massive weekday crowds were overwhelming. Tour boats filled with visitors moved continuously down the canal. Although it was pretty, it did not feel like the serene fairytale setting so often showcased on social media. Due to the high foot traffic, we did not stay long.
Burg Square and the Basilica of the Holy Blood
From there, we moved to Burg Square, home to several historic structures, including Bruges City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The basilica is historically significant, as it is said to hold a relic containing the blood of Jesus. We went inside specifically to appreciate its historical importance.
Belfry of Bruges
We navigated through a narrow alleyway to reach the famous Belfry of Bruges. The bell tower is a grand, tall structure that stands prominently over the city center, offering another impressive example of the area’s architecture.
Markt and Dining Lessons
Next was the Markt. Having seen photos and read about its central role in the city, we anticipated a lively atmosphere. Instead, we found a busy square filled with standard restaurants and heavy crowds, lacking any street food stalls or market setups during our visit.
Feeling hungry, we chose a nearby restaurant for lunch, but the food ended up being overpriced and underwhelming. Shortly after leaving the square, we stumbled upon two Halal food options: Moana Pokebowl and Palma Burger. If you visit Bruges and are looking for Halal options, skip the tourist-trap cafes on the main square and head to one of these spots instead.
Jan van Eyckplein
Escaping the main tourist corridors, we headed toward Jan van Eyckplein. This was precisely the type of spot we were hoping to find. It was peaceful, beautiful, and virtually empty. If you prefer quiet spaces away from dense crowds, Jan van Eyckplein is a must-visit location in Bruges.
Minneboplein
Continuing our walk, we visited Minneboplein. Located near Jan van Eyckplein, this is another quiet area where you can sit by the canal in peace. It is ideal for taking a short break and taking in the atmosphere without the rush of large tour groups.
Kruispoort Gate
We then walked toward Kruispoort Gate, one of the original medieval city gates still standing today. While simple compared to modern structures, it served as an important historical fortress gate for the city centuries ago and remains remarkably well-preserved.
De Windmolen (The Windmills of Bruges)
If you know our family, you know we always make time to view windmills whenever we get the opportunity. Upon learning that Bruges has windmills along its eastern canal belt, we went to explore them. As we approached, a Dutch ship was navigating through the waterway. The surrounding park offered green spaces, walking paths, and plenty of room for the kids to run around while we enjoyed the views. It was a peaceful setting and the best way to end our day in the city.
Final Remarks
What is our verdict on Bruges? It was beautiful, but it was not the breathtaking, medieval fairytale destination that had been marketed to us. For us, the hyped version online felt exaggerated. While we still recommend visiting if you are curious about the city, we advise setting realistic expectations so you are not disappointed by the heavy crowds and commercialized spots.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is one day enough to see Bruges?
Yes, one day is plenty of time to explore the historic center on foot, see the primary churches, visit Burg Square, and stroll to quieter spots like Jan van Eyckplein and the windmills.
Are there quiet spots in Bruges to avoid crowds?
Yes. Moving away from Rosary Quay and the Markt toward northern areas like Jan van Eyckplein, Minneboplein, and the Kruispoort windmill parks offers a much calmer experience.
Are there Halal food options in Bruges?
Yes, options like Moana Pokebowl and Palma Burger provide convenient halal dining choices within walking distance of the central areas.
