Snapshot Ratings:
Walkability: 9/10–Flat, cobblestone streets, no hills, compact city
Cleanliness: 9.5/10–Spotless, barely any litter
Friendliness: 7/10–Not as warm as the Scots or Irish, but polite and kind
Safety: 8.5/10–Felt very safe; no issues during the day
Food: 7/10–Chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer (but I’ve lived in Rome, so I’m picky)
Ease of Travel: 10/10 (by train) / 2/10 (flying into Brussels–more on that later)
Ideal Trip Length: 1–2 days
Weather (March): 50s–60s °F, mild with unexpected smog
Bruges has been on my travel bucket list for years. I first found out about it through the movie In Bruges, and something about those gloomy canals and medieval buildings (notice a theme) stuck with me. Over time, I fell in love with the idea of the city even more thanks to travel vlogs and blog posts.
I was so excited to make this stop and finally see this picturesque little city for myself. And honestly? It did not disappoint. And just for fun, I rewatched the movie before my trip, just to set the mood.
Getting There
Let’s start with the good: getting to Bruges by train is super easy—10/10 recommend. I came in from Brussels on the National Railway of Belgium and had no issues with the train ride itself. I love the way the train tickets work here. I just downloaded the app, booked tickets for each of my needed days, and was good to go. The tickets are open-ended by day, so you aren't tied to a specific time table.
Now the not-so-good: flying into Brussels was not great. There were/are labor issues, continual strikes, and passport control took over two hours (and apparently that’s normal). If I could do it again, I’d train in from literally anywhere else. I also learned to always research passport control at airports first. Had I done this, I would have learned this is a norm for Brussels.
First Impressions
Bruges surprised me in the best way as it reminded me so much of Amsterdam. The Dutch and French cultural mix is strong, and the flat cobblestone streets, quiet canals, and gabled buildings gave off major Amsterdam energy (just with way fewer crowds).
It’s small, walkable (9/10), and just a lovely place to wander. I didn’t need public transportation at all. I also couldn’t believe how clean it was. There was no trash anywhere.
The Vibe
It felt peaceful and safe. I didn’t go out at night, but walking around during the day and early evening, I felt completely at ease. There were people sleeping in the train station around 6am, but nothing that made me feel uncomfortable and far less than most train stations.
Overall, the people were nice, polite, and helpful, but not especially warm. After spending time in Scotland and Ireland, where people go out of their way to chat and check in on you, Bruges felt a bit more reserved. But still, no complaints.
Languages spoken: Dutch, French, and English. I got by fine, until I had a minor panic moment on the train when I didn’t understand the delay announcements and suddenly wasn’t sure I’d make it back to Brussels in time for my next train. Fun times.
Weather & Air
I visited in March and the weather was mild: 50s to low 60s (Fahrenheit). A fleece-lined raincoat and jeans were perfect. One thing that was weird that I didn’t expect: my phone forecast kept showing air quality alerts. Once I arrived, it made sense as it was noticeably smoggy. Not enough to ruin the trip, just... unexpected for a smaller city.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at Hotel Ter Brughe, and honestly, it had me feeling like absolute royalty. It’s tucked into a quiet spot right along the canal, and the whole place has this elegant, old-world charm that fits Bruges perfectly. It’s a boutique hotel, which made it feel extra special. It was cozy, peaceful, and full of character. I’d absolutely stay there again.
Food & Must-Dos
Listen, if you’re going for fine dining, Bruges probably won’t wow you, but if you’re there for snacks, you’re in luck. The chocolate is so good. The waffles? A delight. The fries? Crispy perfection. I kept asking myself how fries could be so good. Fries are fries, right? Belgian beer? Obviously yes, if you’re a beer drinker. I give the food a 7/10, but again, I lived in Rome for two years, so I fully admit I’m spoiled.
I wish I’d had more time to (had I not lost 2 hours in the airport):
Take a canal tour
Climb the Belfry tower
Visit some of Bruges’ museums: Groeningemuseum (Flemish art), Historium Bruges (interactive medieval Bruges experience), or Choco-Story (the chocolate museum, obviously)
Try more local snacks (even though I don’t drink, the beer did look amazing everywhere)
But if you’re tight on time, here’s what you have to do:
Buy real Belgian chocolate
Walk the whole city…just let yourself wander
Eat fries (bonus points if you dip them in mayo)
Grab a waffle
Have a beer (or two)
Final Word
Bruges was everything I hoped it would be: quaint, quiet, and beautiful. It’s not a place you need to spend a full week, but it makes for the perfect 1–2 day stop. If you're already in Belgium, it's an easy and worthwhile detour. Just... maybe skip the Brussels airport.
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