Our guide on the most common Mistakes to Avoid in Bruges and how to avoid them for your next trip.
Bruges, often called the “Venice of the North,” is a picturesque medieval city in Belgium known for its cobblestone streets, canals, and rich history. However, like any popular tourist destination, visitors to Bruges can fall into some common traps.
Bruges is a stunning city with a rich history and culture, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance your experience and discover the best of what the city has to offer. Whether it’s taking the time to explore beyond the tourist hotspots, savoring local Belgian cuisine and beer, or staying overnight to experience Bruges’ charm in
To ensure you have the best experience, here’s a guide to the most frequent mistakes tourists make in Bruges and how to avoid them.
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Mistakes to Avoid in Bruges
1. Only Visiting for a Day
Mistake:
Many travelers treat Bruges as a day-trip destination, missing out on the peaceful charm of the city once the day-trippers have left.
How to Avoid It:
Stay Overnight: To truly experience Bruges, consider staying at least one night. The city is magical in the evening when the crowds have left and the canals and medieval streets are beautifully lit. You’ll have a more relaxed, intimate experience in the quiet evening hours.
Explore at Dawn or Dusk: If you do visit on a day trip, arrive early or stay late. The best times to explore Bruges are in the early morning or late evening when the city is less crowded, allowing you to enjoy its beauty without the midday rush.
Tip: The city’s charm shines after dark when the Belfry and other landmarks are illuminated, and the streets are quiet.
2. Not Venturing Beyond the Tourist Areas
Mistake:
Many visitors stick to the most popular tourist areas, such as the Market Square and Burg Square, missing out on the quieter and equally beautiful neighborhoods.
How to Avoid It:
Explore Beyond the Main Squares: Take a walk through less touristy areas like Sint-Anna Quarter or Begijnhof (the Beguinage). These areas offer a more peaceful and authentic feel of Bruges, with fewer crowds.
Discover Hidden Gems: Wander the backstreets and explore hidden corners, such as Jan van Eyck Square, the serene Minnewaterpark (Lake of Love), or the Kruispoort (one of the remaining medieval city gates).
Tip: Bruges is compact and walkable, so it’s easy to venture beyond the main sights and find less crowded, picturesque streets and canals.
3. Skipping the Belfry Tower Due to Crowds
Mistake:
The Belfry of Bruges (Belfort) is one of the city’s most famous attractions, but some visitors skip it due to long lines or crowds.
How to Avoid It:
Arrive Early: The Belfry is a must-see, offering stunning views of the city from the top. To avoid the long lines, visit early in the morning when it first opens.
Be Prepared for the Climb: The tower has 366 steps, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready for a steep climb. The effort is well worth it for the panoramic views at the top.
Tip: If you’re visiting during peak tourist season, book your Belfry ticket online in advance to secure your spot.
4. Sticking to Tourist Restaurants
Mistake:
Many visitors eat at the restaurants around the Market Square or Burg Square, where prices tend to be high and the food is often catered to tourists rather than being authentically Belgian.
How to Avoid It:
Seek Out Local Restaurants: Venture away from the main squares and look for traditional Belgian eateries that locals frequent. Areas like Langestraat and Ezelstraat have fantastic restaurants serving authentic Flemish dishes.
Try Belgian Specialties: Don’t miss out on traditional Belgian dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries), carbonnade flamande (Flemish beef stew), and stoofvlees (a rich beef stew made with beer).
Tip: For a unique experience, dine at a frietkot (a traditional Belgian fry shop) and try some delicious Belgian fries with mayonnaise.
Read here the best Belgian Food
5. Forgetting to Book Tickets in Advance for Popular Attractions
Mistake:
Bruges’ most popular attractions, such as the Groeningemuseum and Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady), can get crowded, and some visitors don’t realize that pre-booking tickets is often necessary.
How to Avoid It:
Book Tickets Online: To avoid disappointment, book tickets for popular attractions like the Groeningemuseum (home to masterpieces by Jan van Eyck) or the Historium Bruges in advance.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Try visiting museums or major attractions in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest times.
Tip: The Bruges City Card is a great way to save on admission fees and skip the lines at many major attractions.
6. Not Tasting Belgian Chocolate and Beer at Local Shops
Mistake:
Many visitors stick to the well-known tourist chocolate shops, missing out on some of the best artisanal chocolate and beer that Bruges has to offer.
How to Avoid It:
Visit Local Artisanal Chocolate Shops: Skip the touristy chocolate chains and seek out local chocolate makers like The Chocolate Line or Dumon Chocolatier, where you can taste high-quality Belgian chocolate made with care and creativity.
Join a Beer Tasting Tour: Bruges is home to some amazing local breweries. Try a beer tasting at the De Halve Maan Brewery, or head to a traditional pub like ’t Brugs Beertje to sample a range of Belgian beers.
Tip: Don’t miss trying a Brugse Zot, the famous local beer brewed at De Halve Maan Brewery.
7. Missing Out on Canal Boat Tours
Mistake:
Some visitors skip the boat tours on Bruges’ famous canals, thinking they are too touristy. However, a canal tour offers a unique and beautiful perspective of the city.
How to Avoid It:
Take a Canal Boat Tour: A canal boat tour is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Bruges. The city’s medieval buildings and bridges look stunning from the water, and you’ll learn more about Bruges’ history from the tour guides.
Go Early to Avoid Crowds: Canal boat tours can get crowded, especially during peak season. Try to go in the early morning or later in the day to avoid the rush.
Tip: Most boat tours are relatively short (around 30 minutes), making it an easy addition to your day without taking too much time.
8. Overlooking Smaller, Less Famous Museums
Mistake:
Many visitors focus only on the most famous attractions, like the Belfry and the Groeningemuseum, missing out on smaller, less-known museums that are equally fascinating.
How to Avoid It:
Visit the Friet Museum: Yes, there’s a museum dedicated to Belgian fries! The Friet Museum explores the history of fries and their importance in Belgian culture. It’s a fun and unique experience.
Explore the Museum of Folk Life (Volkskundemuseum): This museum offers a glimpse into traditional Flemish life with exhibits on crafts, trades, and everyday life in historic Bruges.
Tip: The Choco-Story Museum is also a must for chocolate lovers, offering insight into the history of chocolate-making and, of course, tastings!
9. Not Bringing Cash
Mistake:
While most places in Bruges accept credit and debit cards, some smaller shops, restaurants, and public restrooms may only take cash, leaving some visitors unprepared.
How to Avoid It:
Carry Some Cash: Bring a small amount of euros for smaller transactions, especially at markets, smaller cafés, or if you need to use a public restroom.
Check Payment Options in Advance: If you plan to visit smaller, independent shops or restaurants, check if they accept cards or only cash to avoid any surprises.
Tip: ATMs are available in the city, but it’s always better to avoid extra withdrawal fees by bringing cash with you.
10. Rushing Through the City
Mistake:
Bruges is often seen as a “checklist” destination, and many visitors rush through the main attractions without taking time to fully appreciate the city’s charm.
How to Avoid It:
Slow Down and Take It In: Bruges is a city best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Take time to sit by the canals, enjoy a meal at a local café, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Wander Aimlessly: Some of the best experiences in Bruges come from wandering through its lesser-known streets, discovering hidden corners, and admiring the beautiful architecture.
Tip: Sit by the Rozenhoedkaai, one of the most photographed spots in Bruges, and enjoy the view at a relaxed pace rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.