where is the best area to stay in bruges, belgium?

Where is the best place to stay In Bruges?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

Bruges is often described as a fairy-tale destination, thanks to its beautiful quaint architecture and walkable cobbled streets. Here you’ll find a wonderful array of historic churches, canals, towers and 17th century houses to feast your eyes upon. In the historic centre of Bruges, head to the charming Markt square, an ideal starting point for attractions like the interactive Historium museum and Burg Square. You’ll also find the historic Belfort tower here which stands 83 metres tall. When you’ve finished gazing at the 12th century Basilica of the Holy Blood and the gothic Stadhuis, don’t forget to grab a Belgian beer and relax by one of the many tranquil waterways.

To be close to all of the major attractions, the best area to stay in Bruges is in the historic city centre. Here, you’ll be able to easily walk to all of the sights including the Belfort Tower, The Markt and Burg Square. This beautiful area also boasts some excellent upscale restaurants and quaint cafes, all housed in pretty restored buildings. You’ll find plenty of souvenir shops, along with a traditional market held on Wednesdays. Sample some Belgian beer in one of the charming pubs around the main squares. Getting around is easy, whether you hire a bike or take one of the many buses.If you are interested in where to stay in Bruges, you may also be interested in where to stay in Brussels and where to stay in Copenhagen.

City centre, the best area to stay in Bruges

The historic city centre is a recognised UNESCO world heritage site with many magical places of interest in the vicinity. Right at the centre of Bruges is Grote Markt, which is a huge large square and is surrounded by many touristic restaurants and gift shops and the best place to start your adventure from. However, what really dominates the square is the Belfry, which is unmissable as it is an 83 metre high tower and can be accessed by climbing the stairs and at the top you receive the best views of Bruges.

Though, another unique way of seeing the city is by hot air balloon, which sets off from the same square but is a lot more expensive. Some of the most popular and striking churches are found close by on the popular Burg Square with the Basilica of the Holy Blood being built in a gothic style and has a gorgeous Romanesque style chapel attached to it. The Onze Lieve Vrouwkerk is another outstanding church that also resembles the gothic and Romanesque periods, which also houses one of the few Michelangelo sculptures that is found outside Italy.

The Groeninge Museum, which is also known as the ‘The city museum of Fine Arts’, houses a large collection from local artists that have lived and worked in the city. The ‘De Halve Maan Brewery’ is one of the oldest active breweries in Europe and offers tourists a tour of how they make the beer, which can be sampled at the end of it and there is a museum that tells you about the history of the place. Another unique museum, which is only likely in one other country being Switzerland, is the Choco-Story Museum and this place details the process of cocoa into chocolate. The museum is a good size and you can even have a go at making chocolate as well as tasting different types.

A trip along the canals on a boat is a must and various touring companies give you guide speakers that talk about the history of Bruges. A great way of getting around the city and is a fun activity to do anyway is by cycling around it and most streets are safe to ride on with many bike rental shops by the train station and Grote Markt.

The best streets for shopping are those that are close to the Grote Markt, which have a decent selection of fashion, jewellery, supermarkets, gift shops and of course chocolate stores. The majority of the squares in the city centre have cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels dotted around them and there are more of the same on the streets close by. The hotels that you find here are some of the best in the country with most of them offering superb views and huge and spacious rooms.

The Belgians love their seafood and fish but if you are not a fan then there isn’t much to worry as they do like their meat and vegetarian options as well as Italian, French and Asian dishes. There are hundreds of pubs to pick from and many like to stock as many Belgian beer varieties as humanly possible but the places are the ones that host live music.

Hotels in the Historic Centre of Bruges

Other neighborhoods to stay in Bruges

Sint-Michiels

Sint-Michiels, offers a delightful mix of convenience and tranquility for travelers looking to explore this historic city. As an ideal place to stay, Sint-Michiels boasts a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Belgian charm. Its picturesque streets are lined with beautifully preserved architecture, and the serene canals nearby add to the area’s allure.

Staying in Sint-Michiels provides easy access to several of Bruges’ iconic attractions, such as the Boudewijn Seapark and Tillegem Castle. Additionally, visitors will find an array of cozy cafes, authentic restaurants, and boutique shops, allowing them to experience the city like a local. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Beisbroek Observatory and Minnewater Park offer peaceful escapes from the bustling city center. With excellent public transportation connections, exploring the wider Bruges area is effortless.

Whether you seek historical wonders or a peaceful retreat, Sint-Michiels presents an inviting and delightful base for a memorable stay in Bruges.

Hotels in the Sint-Michiels