2 Days in Bruges: Culture, Beer, and Adventures
Whether you’re tagging this onto a longer Eurotrip or looking for a weekend getaway, this 2-day Bruges itinerary will help you get to know this small city. I based it on my own personal experiences, listing out my favorite things to do and eat. It was a great way to explore the town without having to take too much PTO to see it all! Here’s my recommendation on how to spend 2 days in Brugge.
TLDR: 2-Day Bruges Itinerary
Day 1: Getting to Know the City
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- Brunch at Balthasar for photogenic and flavorful bites
- Sample Belgian chocolates at Chocolatier Dumon
- Grab gelato from Oyya
- Wander through Markt Square and admire the Belfry of Bruges
- Climb the Historium tower and grab beers there
- Dinner at Gran Kaffee de Passage for a traditional Belgian meal
Day 2: New Adventures
- Take the €12 canal tour with live commentary
- Brunch at Noah’s Broodhuys for fresh, hearty options
- Visit Choco-Story, Bruges’ chocolate museum and watch a live demo
- Brewery tour and meal at De Halve Maan
Optional dinner at In-Dish for an unexpectedly good Indian meal
Day 1: History, Brunch, and Belgian Flavor in Bruges
Morning
Start your weekend in Bruges by grabbing brunch at Balthasar, an Instagram-worthy spot serving fresh, colorful plates. We had waffles, avo toast, and lattes that were almost too pretty to drink.
We stayed at Dukes’ Palace Bruges, which was gorgeous and close to everything, including this brunch place! It was conveniently just around the corner.
Pro Tip: Go early if you don’t want to wait—this place fills up fast, especially on weekends.
Afternoon
After brunch, we wandered around the narrow streets and eventually into Chocolatier Dumon. It is a cozy chocolate shop known for its artisanal Belgian treats. I picked up a few boxes to bring home (and a few for myself).
Pro Tip: If you’re buying chocolate, do it early in the day and drop it at your hotel. The summer sun melts everything fast.
To walk off all of the sugar, head over to the stunning Markt Square, with its classic Flemish façades and lively energy. Even though it’s a hub for tourists, it’s one of those places that actually lives up to the hype. While most visitors climb the Belfry of Bruges, I went for the less crowded—but equally scenic—Historium Tower.
We skipped the Historium museum and climbed the narrow staircase straight to the top. There’s a small rooftop terrace with drinks and a beautiful view of the square—it felt like a hidden gem and was a more unique way to kick off our Bruges trip.
After you climb the tower, you can go to the beer bar within the Historium itself. They have flights of beers that you can sip while looking at the square… a true Belgian experience!
Pro Tip: The Historium tower is cheaper and faster than the Belfry, and gives you a similar view.
On the way home, grab gelato at Oyya. The gelato was a great pick me up for the afternoon, and their mango flavor was perfect for the summer heat.
Evening
We had dinner at Gran Kaffee De Passage, a traditional Belgian restaurant tucked under a small hotel. It’s cozy and authentic, with heavier comfort food and strong wine game. It was a great way to get to know Flemish cuisine. I recommend going to see what the traditional food was like!
Pro Tip: Definitely make a reservation if you’re visiting during a weekend. It’s small and fills up fast.
Nightlife in Bruges: Where to Go After Dinner
Bruges isn’t wild like Berlin or Barcelona, but it does have a small but super cozy nightlife scene perfect for a weekend vibe. Since your time is limited (and if you’re anything like me, you’re trying to make the most of those two nights without staying out until sunrise), here are a few solid nightlife recs that fit well into a 2 days in Bruges itinerary:
- ‘t Brugs Beertje – A Cozy Classic for Beer Lovers
- Comptoir des Arts – Live Jazz, Wine, and Vibes
- Bauhaus Bar – Backpacker Energy, Pub Vibes
- Groot Vlaenderen – Fancy Cocktails in a Boutique Setting
- De Republiek – Mixed Crowd, Outdoor Courtyard
Bonus: What to Know About Nightlife in Bruges
Last call is early. Most places close by midnight or 1am, so start your night earlier than you would in other European cities.
Bruges is safe but sleepy. Don’t expect wild clubs or all-nighters—it’s more about long conversations over strong beers or wine in cozy corners.
Walking is your best friend. Everything is within 15 minutes on foot, and the cobblestone streets at night feel like something out of a movie.
Day 2: Scenic Canals and Sweet Surprises in Bruges
Morning
The best way to start the second day of your 2 days in Bruges is with a canal tour. It’s only €15 and gives you a new view of the city, from narrow waterways lined with ivy-covered buildings to charming arched bridges. The tour guides give you an overview of the city and all of its history.
It’s relaxing, beautiful, and always nice to be on the water. I thought it was the perfect way to set the tone of the day.
Pro Tip: Sit on the right side of the boat (facing forward) for the best angles for photos.
Afterward, we went to Noah’s Broodhuys, another solid brunch spot with a calmer vibe. Even though it’s on the smaller side, the restaurant is super homey and welcoming. Their toast and tomato soup combo was delish!
Afternoon
Next, we visited the Choco-Story Museum. It dives into the history of chocolate with an audio guide that actually makes you appreciate how global and complex chocolate production really is. The best part? A live demo and free samples at the end.
Pro Tip: Try to time your visit to catch the hourly chocolate-making demo—it’s short but really fun. It was delicious and so fun! (Even as an adult.)
After enjoying the chocolate, we walked over to De Halve Maan Brewery. It’s one of Bruges’ oldest and most iconic breweries. I loved it; we got to see all of the elements of the process, the barrels, and more. Their tour covers everything from beer science to history and ends with a rooftop view of the city.
The ticket comes with a beer included that you can get after the tour. My siblings and I enjoyed the beer with some food too—because beer and lunch just go hand in hand.
Pro Tip: Book the afternoon tour so you can hang out afterward for dinner or snacks without feeling rushed.
Evening
We ended our trip with dinner at In-Dish, a sleek Indian spot that stood out among all the Belgian fare. It was cozy, flavorful, and honestly better than I expected in a small Euro town. Their paneer curry and yogurt sides totally hit the spot.
Pro Tip: If you’re over bread and cheese, this is a refreshing and delicious change-up.
Final Thoughts on Spending 2 Days in Bruges
For anyone trying to travel while working full-time, 2 days in Bruges is the perfect sweet spot. You get charming squares, scenic canals, good food, and cultural gems—all in a compact, walkable package. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a solo getaway, or a short stop between bigger cities, this little town delivers big. If you’re looking for more tips and tricks around Bruges, check out my Bruges page here.
