We had just wrapped up a chocolate-fueled stay in Brussels, and with my 29th birthday fast approaching, I wanted to celebrate somewhere that felt a little less bureaucratic-European-capital and a little more storybook-romance-meets-middle-of-a-postcard. Enter Brugge (or Bruges, if you’re feeling French about it): Belgium’s most whimsical city, where every cobblestone seems personally committed to your main character moment.
I told my husband I wanted charm, canals, and at least one building that looked like it could house a Disney witch or a chocolatier with secrets, and Brugge delivered.
“Every cobblestone in Brugge feels like it’s personally auditioning for your main character moment.”
If you’re planning a romantic getaway, a couples trip without kids, or just a weekend escape that feels straight out of a fairytale, here’s everything we did—and everything you should add to your Brugge itinerary too.
Where We Stayed in Brugge: The Notary
In a city that looks like it was pulled straight from a medieval pop-up book, we figured our hotel should feel equally enchanted. So for my birthday weekend, we checked into The Notary, a luxury boutique hotel tucked just enough off the beaten path to feel secret—but still close enough to the Belfry to hear the bells chime like a built-in soundtrack. From the moment we stepped inside, it felt less like a hotel and more like a very stylish Belgian count had decided to Airbnb his private estate. Every corner was curated—velvet, leather, candlelight, even the scent of the place felt like it had a literary backstory.
And honestly, it kind of did. The building itself was once home to Brugge’s official notary, and you can still feel that old-world gravitas in the architecture—the carved wooden doors, the stately facade, the hushed reverence of a space that once held contracts, secrets, and signatures with wax seals. They’ve since transformed it into a moody, modern jewel box, but the soul of the place is still very much intact. It’s the kind of history you can feel in the floorboards and the creak of a staircase that’s held centuries of footsteps.
Our first night was spent in the Bohemian Room, all warm tones, textured walls, and the kind of romantic lighting that makes you feel like you should be writing poetry or eloping on impulse. The room came with a SuitePad tablet that let us control everything from the fireplace to the temperature to the music—so naturally, I set the mood with a cozy jazz playlist and let the fire flicker while I did absolutely nothing productive. The next night, we switched to The Belfry Suite, which offered a view of the actual Belfry tower from our window, like Brugge itself was personally wishing me happy birthday. It felt like waking up inside a snow globe.
“If fairytales had a luxury suite, this would be it.”
And while the rooms were gorgeous, the real magic happened just beyond them. Out back, there’s a perfectly manicured garden courtyard, the kind that makes you consider growing ivy on your own home just for the aesthetic. We sipped morning coffee beside a natural freshwater pool, watched the light shift through the leaves, and briefly debated never leaving.
There’s also a cozy library lounge, complete with deep chairs, vintage books, and the soft kind of silence that makes you want to read something with a plot twist. And yes—there’s even a resident house dog, who roams around like he owns the place (which, spiritually, he does). He was the cherry on top of a stay that already felt like a dream sequence.
“We came for the Belfry views but stayed for the garden that felt like it had its own heartbeat.”
The hotel is definitely at a higher price point, so if you’re traveling on a tight budget, this might fall into “treat yourself” territory. But if you’re celebrating something special—or just need a place that makes you feel like the main character in a slow European romance—The Notary is the kind of place that stays with you. Long after you check out, you’ll be mentally redecorating your entire home in its aesthetic.
Other Places to Stay in Brugge (If You’re Not Ready to Drop a Birthday-Level Budget)
If The Notary is a little too “European inheritance energy” for your current travel budget, don’t worry—Brugge has no shortage of charming places to stay at every price point, and plenty of them still feel like they belong in a Wes Anderson mood board.
Hotel de Orangerie
If you want boutique-luxury with a slightly softer price tag, try Hotel de Orangerie. It’s perched right on the Dijver Canal in what used to be a 15th-century convent, but now it’s filled with plush velvet chairs, antique portraits, and the kind of afternoon tea setup that makes you believe in aristocracy. Bonus: it’s walking distance from basically everything and regularly ranks high on “best romantic stays in Bruges” lists. It’s not exactly a steal, but it’s a splurge that feels like you’re treating your past self for surviving 2020.
De Tuilerieën or The Pand Hotel
For that sweet middle ground, De Tuilerieën is another elegant boutique hotel that gives old-world charm with modern touches—think 15th-century architecture, an indoor pool, and canal views that scream “romantic getaway.” Or try The Pand Hotel, which leans a little cozier and quirkier with embroidered fabrics, four-poster beds, and a breakfast room that makes you want to write postcards by candlelight.
Budget-Friendly Brugge
On the budget-friendly-but-still-magical end, we heard great things about Amato Brugge, a darling little B&B housed in a historic building that manages to feel both intimate and Insta-worthy. There’s also Absolute Bruges, a no-fuss, well-located guesthouse with high ratings, friendly hosts, and the kind of breakfast that makes you briefly consider settling down and starting a B&B of your own.
Where to Eat in Brugge
One thing you should know about Brugge: this city does not play around when it comes to food. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly bite, a canal-view dinner that feels straight out of a fairytale, or the best Belgian waffle of your life, Brugge delivers. Here’s where to eat in Brugge—organized by vibe, curated by hunger, and all taste-tested by yours truly.
Best Budget-Friendly Meal: Bocca
If you’re craving comfort food that doesn’t break the bank, head straight to Bocca, a made-to-order pasta bar that’s equal parts casual and genius. You choose your pasta shape, sauce, and toppings, then watch it all come together in front of you like a savory little magic trick. It’s fast, delicious, and under €10—which makes it the perfect option for grabbing lunch to go and picnicking along the canal like the effortlessly chic traveler you are. (Extra points if you pack a bottle of wine and pretend you live here.)
Best Belgian Food + Drinks with a View: Opus Latino
For a relaxed dinner with solid local flavors and an even better drink menu, we loved Opus Latino. It’s a bit tucked away from the main tourist drag but still close to everything—and the terrace view of the canal feels like you’ve unlocked a secret level. The vibe is cozy and romantic, the prices are mid-range, and the beer list is a beautiful thing to behold. Try the Flemish stew or go for one of their seasonal specials with a side of Belgian fries, obviously.
Best Rooftop Bar for Sunset Views: Oda
If you’re chasing the perfect golden hour in Brugge, Oda is the move. This rooftop bar is perched right in the city center with a stunning view of the Belfry tower, which looks even more dramatic when backlit by a cotton-candy sunset. The drinks are creative and fresh (mocktails included), the atmosphere is stylish but unfussy, and it’s basically made for that “accidental glam” Instagram post. A must for happy hour or a post-walk wind-down.
Best Romantic Canal-Side Dinner: Brasserie Cambrinus
We saved Brasserie Cambrinus for a slower evening, and it did not disappoint. It’s a bit more polished, with white tablecloths and candlelight, but still feels warm and unpretentious. The menu leans classic Belgian—moules-frites, beef stew, rich sauces—and the view of the canal at night? Literal magic. Whether you’re celebrating something or just hungry with standards, this is a beautiful spot to linger over dinner and dessert (and then maybe another drink, because… Brugge).
Best Waffle in Brugge: Laurence Take Away
There are waffle stands on every corner in Brugge, but Laurence Take Away is the real deal. It’s tiny, unassuming, and easy to miss—but they make their Liege waffle batter from scratch, which is rarer than it should be.
The result is a waffle that’s caramelized on the outside, fluffy inside, and genuinely worth crossing a cobblestone bridge for. Grab one (or two) and stroll the streets like the main character you are.
“Brugge may be known for canals, but its waffles deserve their own passport stamp.”
What to do in Brugge
Take a Free Walking Tour with Ambassadors
Brugge is the kind of city that rewards wandering — but if you want to know why the buildings lean or who dug the first canal, take a tour with Ambassadors. Their guides spin the city’s history in a way that makes it feel alive (not like homework). You’ll leave knowing which bridges to linger on, which alleys to follow, and where to circle back for more chocolate later. It’s the perfect first-day orientation: grounding and magical in equal measure.
Cruise the Canals
The canals are Brugge’s veins, and seeing the city from the water is a must. We went with DM BOOT Boat Tours and lucked out with Sarah as our captain — part guide, part stand-up comedian, and fully unforgettable. From the boat, you’ll catch hidden gardens and crooked rooftops you’d never notice from the street. Even in the rain, it’s the best seat in the house.
Cross the Lovers’ Bridge
Don’t let the name fool you — this bridge’s stones are actually old gravestones. Romantic? Maybe not. But standing there, you can see swans gliding below and lovers carving initials into railings they probably shouldn’t. It’s beautiful in that slightly haunting Brugge way, where history never quite stays in the past.
The stones came from a cemetery that once bordered Minnewaterpark. When the graves were cleared, the slabs were repurposed to build the bridge — practical, yes, but also deeply Brugge: a city where beauty and mortality have always coexisted. Knowing the truth doesn’t make it less lovely; it just makes it layered.
“Brugge never hides its past — it repurposes it into something hauntingly beautiful.”
Shop Along Steenstraat
Skip the souvenir traps and head to Steenstraat, Brugge’s main shopping avenue. It’s lined with local boutiques and chocolate shops where the owners might actually hand you samples.
You’ll find unique pieces (lace, art, small-batch chocolates) that feel more like treasures than trinkets. Perfect for gifts — or for stashing in your suitcase and calling them “gifts” later.
Ride in a Horse-Drawn Carriage
Touristy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. There’s something about clip-clopping through cobblestones under a blanket while church bells ring in the distance that makes you forgive the clichés. Rides start in Market Square and loop past canals and storybook corners you’d never find on foot.
Climb the Belfry Tower
The Belfry isn’t shy about making you work for the view — 366 steps to the top. But from there, Brugge unfolds: red rooftops, winding canals, and (on a clear day) the North Sea in the distance. The carillon bells might play while you’re up there, vibrating through your bones in the best way. Go early to skip the line, or lean into the climb and call it your leg workout for the trip.
“366 steps and a view that makes you forget you can’t breathe.”
Picnic in Minnewaterpark
Pack bread, cheese, and something sweet (waffles travel well) and sprawl in Minnewaterpark or along the canals. It’s where locals linger with books, swans glide by unbothered, and time feels suspended. Bring a blanket if you can — the grass is soft, but cobblestones aren’t. This is Brugge at its slowest, most beautiful pace.
See Michelangelo’s Madonna
Inside the Church of Our Lady, Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sits quietly — one of the few sculptures he allowed to leave Italy. It’s humbling, almost shocking, to find it here instead of Florence or Rome. The church itself is beautiful, but the Madonna feels like its heartbeat. Visit early or late in the day when the light softens and crowds thin.
Find the Swans
Brugge’s swans aren’t just pretty; they’re part of the city’s identity — elegant, moody, and everywhere you turn. You’ll spot them in Minnewaterpark and gliding along the canals, impossibly graceful even when they’re hissing at tourists. Good luck leaving without about 200 swan photos on your camera roll.
According to legend, Brugge’s swans are here because of a 15th-century rebellion against Maximilian of Austria. When the city executed one of his allies — a man whose family crest featured a swan — Maximilian cursed Brugge to keep swans on its canals forever. Locals call them both a penance and a blessing; either way, the birds have been here ever since, silently patrolling the water like they own it (because, honestly, they do).
Pro Tip: The best swan-spotting is early morning; by midday, the crowds scare them into quieter corners of the park.
Stand Beneath the Willow Trees at Rozenhoedkaai
Rozenhoedkaai is Brugge’s most photographed corner — willows trailing the canal, spires reflected in the water, and boats sliding quietly beneath bridges. Go at sunrise or after dark when the tour groups are gone; it feels like a secret again. It’s the spot that convinces you Brugge really is as magical as it looks on Pinterest. Just… don’t expect to be the only one who thinks so.
Closing Thoughts on Brugge
Brugge isn’t loud about its magic — it whispers it. In the curve of a canal, the creak of a centuries-old door, the quiet hum of a bell tower at midnight. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, not because you’re told to, but because your heart insists on it.
Two days here feels like slipping into a fairytale and realizing fairytales are stitched together with waffles, swans, and cobblestones that have seen more love stories than you could count. Brugge doesn’t demand you see it all — it dares you to wander, to linger, to fall a little bit in love and promise yourself you’ll come back (because you will).
Pro Tip: Save Brugge for when you need to remember why you travel in the first place — not just to see the world, but to feel it.
