In Bruges
Recently, we cruised on the Celebrity Apex out of Southampton, with stops in Amsterdam and Bruges.
The walking tours, meticulously planned by yours truly, with tickets and timed entry courtesy of GetYourGuide. When it came time to walk the walk, we did, and the ride could not have gone smoother.
One bit of advice, and this goes for your entire time in Bruges…we used to say this on our bike rides, “head on a swivel.” In Bruges, like to Amsterdam, traffic moves quickly with lots of cyclists and here you can also add horse and carriages to the mix.
Now, pay attention to this first part, especially if you want your day to get off on the right foot. Since Bruges, although close, is not within walking distance of the port of Zeebrugge, you can either take a taxi or a shuttle.
GetYourGuide offers a round trip voucher for approx. USD $25pp. Important pay attention to the shuttle schedule do not try to catch the last one back to the ship. Everyone has the same idea, so imagine the lineup.
This is how we did it
8:30am Shuttle bus from Port to Centrum
9:00am - 9:30am Castillo de La Faille
9:30am - 10:00am Beguinage
10:00am - 10:50am Saint John’s Hospital
11:00am - 12:00pm Belfry of Bruges
12:00pm - 12:15pm Market Square
12:30pm - 1:00pm Arlecchino by John Opdurp
1:00pm - 1:30pm De Burg
1:30pm - 2:00pm Basilica of the Holy Blood
2:15pm - 2:30pm Rosary Quay
3:15pm Shuttle bus from Centrum to Port
Castillo de La Faille
9:00am - 9:30am
Once you get the first part sorted, your journey through time and beauty begins at the intriguing Castillo de La Faille, a historical gem that sets the stage for an exploration into the heart of Bruges, a city frozen in medieval splendor.
Important distance from shuttle bus pick-up/drop-off to Castillo de La Faille = 1.7 km | 1 mi (25min walk)
Beguinage
9:30am - 9:45am
After leaving from the castle, your first stop will be the serene Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde," a tranquil haven that once housed a community of lay religious women. Admission is free, but you’ll have to pay 2€ to visit the small museum onsite (1,50€ for visitors over 65, 1€ for children under 12 and students).
Saint John’s Hospital
10:00am - 10:50am
Included in the Musea Brugge Card (all museums in 72 hours).
As you continue, you'll encounter the historic Saint John’s Hospital, one of Europe’s oldest surviving hospital buildings, which now serves as a fascinating museum showcasing works by Hans Memling.
Don’t forget to leave time for a quick visit to the old pharmacy.
10 minutes should do.
Church of our Lady
11:00am-12:00pm
Next, marvel at the stunning architecture of the Church of Our Lady, famous for its towering spire and the Michelangelo sculpture housed within.
Included in the Musea Brugge Card (all museums in 72 hours).
Belfry of Bruges
12:00pm - 1:00pm
As you make your way to the heart of the city, the iconic Belfry of Bruges awaits. Climb the 366 steps for the views but consider your physical health, beforehand.
Admission fee is only payable by debit or credit and it is recommended you have a time booked in advance as only 49 guests are allowed in the tower at once.
Included in the Musea Brugge Card (all museums in 72 hours).
Be sure to secure a time on the website and plan to arrive early, since they’re very strict bout entries.
Did you know?
Due to the tower being 800 years old, only 50 people are allowed in the tower at a time. This includes 49 visitors plus 1 staff member.
Market Square
1:00pm - 1:30pm
Nearby, surrounded by historic guild houses, Market Square bustles with activity, offering a vibrant glimpse into local life.
This is the perfect spot to take a few moments to soak it all in, while we get a glimpse of daily life.
Arlecchino Waffles
12:30pm - 1:00pm
This is also where we can find the famous waffle truck, Arlecchino by John Van Opdurp. Surely you can get good waffles just about anywhere in Bruges, but this is where you should.
Having been to Bruges three times, these are the best waffles hands down. Our favorite, the traditional Liege with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and strawberries.
De Burg
1:00pm - 1:15pm
Your path then leads you to De Burg, another picturesque square that is home to the former city hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a chapel containing a revered relic.
If you visit the Crown Plaza Hotel located in the square, you will find the ruins of the Church of Siint Donnas. Prior to the pandemic, the lovely hotel staff would just point you down the stairs and you could explore on your own. As we learned recently, this area can only be visited on an organized tour.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Located in De Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood is a stunning medieval church renowned for housing a revered relic said to contain the blood of Jesus Christ.
The basilica blends Romanesque and Gothic architecture, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike with its spiritual significance and ornate beauty. Though admission is free, lineups can be quite lengthy, so…we skipped it this time.
Rosary Quay
2:15pm - 2:30pm
Lastly, a stroll along the charming Rosary Quay provides a peaceful conclusion to your tour, capturing the essence of Bruges' romantic canals.
Important distance from Rosary Quay to shuttle bus pick-up/drop-off = 2.6 km | 1.6mi (35 min walk)
