Hi all:
We are heading to Brussels in late July - we have to stay there because we have free lodging through Home Exchange. We want to day trip to Bruges - any opinions on which day Sunday-Wednesday would be better? I am struggling to figure how easily when restaurants and museums may be closed... we may stay overnight if the kids (old kids) stay in Brussels and don't go because I don;t want to get 2 hotel rooms... but for now thinking day trip only.
Thoughts? Thanks!!!
Kim
Bruges works well as a day trip IMO, the trains run late anyway.
Sunday is probably a but better because there will be a bit more going on in Bruges than in Brussels. But all in all it does not make a huge difference, and weather also plays a factor: I'd pick a sunny or cloudy Wednesday over a rainy Sunday.
Bruges' official tourism website:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en
Mondays are when the Groeninge, Sint-Janshospitaal (both highly recommended) and some others are closed.
A museum list here:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/musea-brugge/museum-locations
Churches here:
https://www.visitbruges.be/religiousheritage
Just click on any of them for their hours.
In March 2018 we were there on a Sunday-Tuesday. I can’t say I noticed a difference in crowds between the days, so I doubt it will matter which day you go. During the day there are the crowds of day trippers that you can’t escape. After the crowds leave, during the evening, is a great time to walk around the town.
I'd advise not a Sunday if you want to get into the church on top of a church (or the one below - I prefer it, they are both very worthwhile) or see the Michelangelo statue (also worthwhile) because it too is in a church. I find it easier to go in the off hours for easy access and time to admire - if you are there at the time of a service or when they are preparing you may find the church closed for tourism.
