Visiting Brussels and trying to decide between Bruges or Ghent for a day trip? If you only have time for one, here are my thoughts to help you choose! And if you’re still torn…why not do both? (More on that below.)
Years ago, I took a Medieval art history course and, one night, rented In Bruges. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a dark comedy set against the stunning backdrop of Bruges. Between the class and the movie, I completely fell in love with the city and promised myself I’d visit someday. It took longer than I expected, but I finally made it there! Since this was a milestone trip, I celebrated my birthday with a full-day tour to Bruges (link here) which included a 2+ hour guided walking tour followed by plenty of free time to explore on my own.
While researching the trip, though, I kept finding myself drawn to Ghent’s incredible history and art. Luckily, I had an extra day in my itinerary, so I didn’t have to choose between the two. Both tours departed from just outside Brussels Central Station, only a short walk from our hotel, making for an easy start each morning. Read on for my thoughts on both tours and which one might be the better fit for your trip. Read on for my review of both.
Bruges Tour: After about a 90-minute bus ride, we began with a walk past the Lake of Love before arriving at the Begijnhof, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 13th century. From there, our guide led us through Bruges’ historic center, sharing stories about the city’s medieval history and healthcare system as we passed Saint John’s Hospital, the Church of Our Lady, City Hall, the Old Civil Registry, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. While the tour doesn’t go inside any of these landmarks, both the Church of Our Lady—home to Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child (the Madonna of Bruges)—and the Basilica of the Holy Blood are absolutely worth visiting during your free time.
The guided tour ends in Market Square, where your guide will offer plenty of lunch recommendations. While waffles are always at the top of my list in Belgium, you really can’t go wrong with the local dining options. After lunch and a little more sightseeing, be sure to stop by Brugse Zot and grab a beer before heading back to the bus. You’ll walk right past the brewery on your return, making it the perfect way to wrap up your day in Bruges.
Ghent Tour: The bus ride from Brussels to Ghent takes about an hour, dropping you within easy walking distance of Town Hall. From there, the guided tour winds through the city’s historic center, passing the Belfry and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to Jan van Eyck’s The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (better known as the Ghent Altarpiece). The tour doesn’t go inside, but it’s absolutely worth seeing during your free time. Since lines can get long and tickets are purchased separately, I’d recommend buying your ticket first, then heading over to Bier Central for a beer flight while you wait.
The tour continues through St. Veerleplein, where you’ll hear about the square’s dark history as an execution site and its much happier modern tradition—the lights flash when a child is born at the nearby maternity ward. Just across the cobblestones is Gravensteen Castle, a 12th-century fortress that has served as everything from the home of the Counts of Flanders to a prison, courthouse, and even a cotton mill. It’s well worth spending an hour exploring after the tour, especially for the views from the rooftop. If you still have time, head back to the Korenlei and Graslei waterfront for a boat ride or simply grab a bite to eat, order a cherry kriek lambic, and enjoy some of the best people-watching in the city.
Bruges or Ghent—which would you choose if you only had one day? It’s a tough call! If you can swing it, why not do both? Check out this combined Bruges and Ghent combined day trip! While you won’t have quite as much free time to explore each city on your own, you’ll still experience the highlights of both and get a great taste of two of Belgium’s most beautiful medieval cities—all in a single day.
Time Travel & Spirits: Travel Advice from a History Buff who likes to Imbibe while Discovering the Past…
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