My. husband, my 18 year old daughter and I will be in Bruges for two days in April. None of us have been before and I am wondering if we should spend one of the days going to the In Flanders Field Museum (it would be an all day excursion) or if there is plenty to do in Bruges? We love experiencing local culture, local cuisine, and history. Ideally we would have three days, but it just won;t work in the schedule. Interested to hear from some who have been. Thanks!
Posted by
Irving
3328 posts
Does two days mean three nights?
Posted by
OP
Connecticut
2 posts
Good question. No, only two nights, so two half days and one full day. Just trying to figure out what we should prioritize.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16777 posts
Gaby, there is PLENTY to see in Bruges to fill the time you have. That's if you're interested in what the town has to offer, which we were! Some of what I'd recommend from firsthand experience:
Museum of the Church of Our Lady:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/olv-kerk-museum-museum-church-our-lady
Groeninge Museum:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/groeningemuseum-groeninge-museum
Sint-Janshospitaal:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/museum-sint-janshospitaal-museum-st-johns-hospital
A walk along the city's ramparts; see some windmills:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/de-vesten-city-ramparts
Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/begijnhof-beguinage
Jeruzalemkapel and Adornesdomein:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/jeruzalemkapel-jerusalem-chapel
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/adornesdomein-adornes-estate
Sint-Jakobskerk:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/sint-jakobskerk-st-jamess-church
Sint-Salvatorskathedraal:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/sint-salvatorskathedraal-saint-saviours-cathedral
Jan van Eyckplein (a great place for pictures early in the morning):
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/jan-van-eyckplein-jan-van-eyck-square
Sint-Annakerk:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/sint-annakerk-st-annes-church
And, of course, the Markt, Burg and so much more. Just walkabouts of the historic center can keep you occupied for hours.
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/markt-market-square
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/burg-burg-square
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2143 posts
Bruges is beautifully illuminated after sunset, so you can do a lot of walking after diner. The crowds are gone, so makes Bruges a more enjoyable place to explore. The gates of the beguinage closes at 6:30 PM, so better visiting it just before diner or early in the morning, the time there will be hardly any visitor.
If you want to join a tour to Ypres, so seeing more than just the Flanders Field Museum, meaning visiting the battle fields, the cemeteries and attending the Last Post at 8 PM you wil be back late in the evening. Some tour operators can pick you up in Bruges, checkout if the Last Post is included in the tour or not.
If you want to do also the things Kathy talks about and visiting Ypres too, I think that will make a very busy time in bruges. In case you decide dropping Ypres, a bike ride to Damme is fun to do and an opportunity to escape the crowds.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16777 posts
Bruges is beautifully illuminated after sunset, so you can do a lot of
walking after diner....
I Absolutely agree, Wil. Early risers will find even the busiest corners and canals blissfully quiet too.