Bruges, or Brugge, is a small city in the Flemish Region of Belgium with a huge soul. The central area is formed by a web of medieval plazas and the iconic bell tower while picturesque canals curl around the downtown core. The Baudouin flows all the way to Bruges’s cruise port, Zeebrugge. Whether you arrive by sea or rail, you can see all the sights on foot with one of these brilliant Bruges Airbnbs close to chocolatiers and beer halls.
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We hope you love these Airbnb Bruges vacation rentals! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Secret palace with a private pool
Sixteen guests, ten bedrooms
Price: $10,735 per night
Atmospheric attic close to Grote Markt and canals
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $195 per night
Tower Airbnb for couples in Bruges
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $183 per night
Luxurious townhouse in Ezelstraat Quarter
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $347 per night
Whimsical medieval Airbnb in Magdalena Quarter
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $226 per night
Traditional Flemish Airbnb in Bruges
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $199 per night
Romantic bed and breakfast in Bruges
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $217 per night
Botanical Airbnb in Sint-Anna Quarter
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $139 per night
Cottage on the canal side
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $307 per night
Contemporary apartment Airbnb in Gothic Bruges
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $146 per night
Family townhouse near Bruges Chocolate Museum
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $318 per night
What is there to do in Bruges?
Bruges has a huge line-up of activities that mainly revolve around sampling Belgian food and marveling at the city’s Gothic landmarks. Here’s how to start your time in Bruges.
- Explore Burg Square and Market Square. These two plazas sit by side and are flanked by grand buildings including Bruges City Hall and the Belfry where a 366-step climb rewards you with panoramic views.
- Visit the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde housing estate where lay women lived since the 13th century. The compound is still the home of several nuns and women of Bruges but tourists are welcome to visit the
- Walk or cycle through Kruisvest Park where the only remaining windmills oscillate on the canalside.
Pop your head into the medieval churches. The Basilica of the Holy Blood lays claim to a strip of cloth stained with the blood of Christ whereas the Church of Our Lady contains a Madonna sculpted by Michelangelo. - Rent a bicycle and explore the canalways and country trails on the outskirts of Brugge. Guided bike tours run to Damme but it’s straightforward to cycle there and back independently.
- Hop on a boat and survey the architecture from the water. Most of the jetties are located along the Dijver Canal near the Magdalena Quarter and departures are increased between April and October.
- Visit Bruges in November and December to experience the festive markets and pick up artisanal holiday decorations.
- Pick up lace souvenirs. Once the epicenter of the European textile trade, Bruges’s legacy for lace-making stands firm with its lace handicrafts.
- Take a day trip to the North Sea resort towns of Zeebrugge, Blankenberge, or Ostend.
- View the 300-strong collection of sculptures and paintings by the master of Surreal art at the Salvador Dalí Exhibition.
- Eat all the pralines, bonbons, and truffles you can get your hands on. Any chocolatier in Bruges is worthy of your euros but Dumon, Neuhaus, and Olivier’s are fine starting points. Head to the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth while sharpening your education.
In addition to the chocolate museum, you can dive into the real history of the “French” fry at the Frietmuseum or go Belgian beer tasting at the Bruges Beer Experience.
Where to stay in Bruges?
Despite being the capital of West Flanders, Bruges is a small city that is relatively compact. It makes sense to stay close to the downtown area of Bruges your first time visiting. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where you’ll find the buzzing Market Square, the Belfry, and the main attractions of Bruges.
Bruges City Center is encircled by the Ezelstraat, Sint-Gillis, Sint-Anna, and Magdalena quarters. Each of these is within walking distance of the main plaza although these neighborhoods are calmer in the evening. The Ezelstraat Quarter is slightly more convenient for Bruges Train Station and yields budget-friendly cafes.
Northerly Sint-Gillis works out as the quietest neighborhood to stay in Bruges. This quarter is popular with families and handy for hitting the cycling trails to Zeebrugge. Sint-Anna is the setting for the high-class restaurants of Langestraat as well as the four remaining windmills of Bruges. Close to the prettiest canalside parks, the romantic Magdalena Quarter is where to stay in Bruges for couples.