Bruges is a must-visit place in Belgium, and fortunately the accommodations are just as impressive as the attractions. There’s plenty of great places to stay in Bruges. You don’t have to make Bruges just a day trip. You can book a night, or three in this iconic city. In this post we will review the best areas to stay in Bruges.
Bruges is a lovely Belgian city that also happens to be the capital of West Flanders. It’s known affectionately as the Venice of Belgium because of its intricate canal system. Bruges itself has a pastoral, medieval charm, and it’s a welcome detour from nearby Brussels.
Bruges is a charming city full of canals and cobblestone streets. It’s also home to some of the best breweries in the world, and all of the delicious Belgian chocolate that you can eat.
Visit the famous De Halve Maan Brewery for a true taste of Belgian beer, or grab a hot coffee and decadent chocolate at any of Bruges whimsical cafes.
If you love churches, you will fall head over heels in love with Bruges. The Church of Our Lady is home to the Bruges Madonna, the only Michaelangelo sculpture that exists outside of Rome. You can also check out the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which contains a vial of Jesus’ blood.
In addition to sampling the chocolate and beer, you should make a point to pick up some special Bruges lace. This city is famous for its lacework, and you won’t find such delicate pieces anywhere else in the world.
If history is not your thing, kick back and relax on one of Bruges’ many canals. You can take an informative boat tour of the city and see it from a whole new perspective!
Where to stay in Bruges: Best Areas
If you’re wondering where to stay in Bruges, the answer is that it all depends on your personal preference. There are upsides and downsides to each area.
1. City Centre, best area to stay in Bruges
If you want to be right in the middle of the action, you should consider staying in the City Centre. This area is well known for its rich heritage with winding streets and alleys, squares, churches and historical landmarks.
There’s easy access to the main canal and medieval market square (Grote Markt). You will also be close to the famous belfry tower, which gives you a fabulous bird’s eye view of the main square and the beautiful Basilica of the Holy Blood Chapel.
Visit the Burg, climb the Belfort Tower, explore the canals on a guided boat tour, take a selfie at Rosary Quay, and discover the craft of beer at the Bruges Beer Museum.
There are plenty of budget and higher-end accommodations there, so whether you’re a backpacker or luxury traveler you will find something.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE CITY CENTRE
- ($$$) Dukes’ Palace Brugge
- ($$) Hotel Acacia
- ($) Hotel karel de stoute
2. Ezelstraat Quarter, budget accommodation
This ancient street is 800 years old, and located right outside of the City Center in northwestern Bruges. If you love socializing and having a good time, this is where you should stay in Bruges.
Visit Ezelpoort, a 13th-century part of the city’s defense fortifications, and don’t miss the Saint Constantine & Helena Orthodox Church and Karmelietenklooster.
Ezelstreet it’s a popular backpacker haunt with excellent budget accommodation and dining options and plenty of fun shops to check out. It’s also well within walking distance of all of Bruges’ major attractions.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BRUGES IN EZELSTRAAT
3. Sint-Anna Quarter, close to the city centre
Sint-Anna is a more suburban part of Bruges but still very close to the city centre, and it’s actually where a lot of the towns’ permanent residents live. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path and away from tourists, this is the place for you.
Located in the northeast corner of the Ring is a web of cobblestone lanes and alleys. It’s also steeped in culture and history. Sint-Anna is home to several museums, including one on Bruges’ laceworking culture, and plenty of pretty windmills.
Don´t miss the St. Anne’s church and the 15th-century Jerusalem Chapel.
Here you will find a wide range of accommodations, generally at a lower price compared to Markt and Burg areas.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SINT-ANNA
4. Sint-Gillis Quarter, quiet neighborhood
This popular neighborhood is oozing with culture and lined with beautiful cobblestone streets. You’ll find plenty of churches in this neighborhood, as well as eateries and some lush green space.
By staying in this neighborhood, you will be very close to Bruges City Center, just a 15-minute walk from it, and at the same time, you will be in a quiet area away from tourist crowds.
Relax at the beautiful Hof de Jonge, visit the Sint-Gilliskerk Catholic Church, and take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canal on Langerei Street.
Sint-Gillis is a little pricier than some of the other options, and very family-friendly.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BRUGES IN SINT-GILLIS
- ($$$) Mansion9Bruges
- ($$) Hotel Augustyn Brugge
- ($) Hotel Asiris
5. Magdalena Quarter, great area to stay in Bruges for families
This area of Bruges was made for family travel. It’s close enough to everything while still being out of the way of many backpacker attractions and budget hostels. As such, you can expect the Magdalena Quarter to be quiet and serene.
It’s also full of parks and shops, so you can go for a relaxing walk with your hot chocolate in the morning. Don´t miss the Begijnhof, the Minnewater Park, the Queen Astridpark or the King I Albert Park.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MAGDALENA QUARTER
6. Railway Station – Sint-Michiels, 10 minutes stroll to Grote Markt
This area is not as popular as many others, and some people just see it as a stopping point before they get into the heart of Bruges. Technically, it’s a suburb of Bruges. From the Railway Station you will get to Grote Markt in a stroll of 10 minutes.
Even though it is separate from the city, Sint-Michiels still has a fair amount of charm. There’s a famous amusement park there, and an aquarium as well.
Bruges is one of the most magical cities in the world, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t spend several days getting to know it. With so many great accommodation options in Bruges, you have nothing to lose.
Many people prefer to stay in Bruges during the summer months when the weather is quite temperate and temperatures are in the 70s. Of course, if you want to see any of the famous Christmas markets, you can always visit during the winter months as well. Bruges is lovely any time of year.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SINT MICHIELS
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