I will be in Bruges very soon, March 20 through 23. It looks like when I purchase a 72 hour Museum Pass, its asking me to book entry times for all the museums I want to visit. I can understand booking a time slot for the Bell Tower, but is that really necessary for the other museums, so early in the travel season?
Thank you
Posted by
Belgium
324 posts
You must show your Musea Brugge Card (digital or physical) at the ticket office of each participating museum to receive free entry once.
Prior time slot reservation is not mandatory, but advisable for popular attractions like the Belfry.
Also inform yourself about opening hours and possible closure days to optimally plan your 72 hours.
I will not attempt to estimate the queues at each museum between 20 and 23 March. However, it is not yet the school holidays in Belgium and there are no cruise ships arriving in Zeebrugge, so normally there should not be any particular problems with crowds.
For your information, the top five according to visitor numbers (figures for 2025)
Belfort - 215.000
Museum of the Church of Our Lady - 205.000
Groeningemuseum - 114.000
Museum St. John's Hospital - 82.000
Gruuthusemuseum - 52.000
Posted by
Belgium
27 posts
March 20–23 is technically the "shoulder season." It’s not the summer madness yet! The only thing that might crowd the museums is a rainy day (which is common in Belgium in March), but even then, pass-holders usually get right in.
My advice Lock in your Belfry time for the morning of the 21st or 22nd, and for the rest, just follow your nose and the weather!
Posted by
Washington DC
30410 posts
I don't do towers, but I think I covered all the other pass sights. My visit was in July 2025. I don't remember crowding at any of those places. I was a lot more aware of other visitors as I walked around outdoors. Everyone was interested in what I was doing--enjoying the beautiful architecture and the canals.
My biggest issue was getting dinner without a reservation. That may not be at all an issue in March, unless a lot of the local restaurants are taking a pre-peak-season break.