Where Stay in Bruges, Belgium 🇧🇪: 5 Best Area and Place to stay

Updated on August 19, 2024
by Alex Miller

Bruges, the medieval gem of Belgium, is a city that enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and rich history. When planning a trip to Bruges, one of the most important decisions is where to stay. With numerous neighborhoods and hotels to choose from, selecting the right area and accommodation can make all the difference in your travel experience.

Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Bruges

For those visiting Bruges for the first time, the City Centre is an ideal quarter to stay in. This historic area is home to the famous Market Square, City Hall, and the iconic Belfry Tower. Staying in the City Centre ensures that you are within walking distance to many of Bruges’ main attractions, making it easy to explore the city on foot. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Ezelstraat Quarter offers affordable accommodations without sacrificing proximity to the city’s main sights. For families, the Magdalena Quarter is a great choice, with its quiet atmosphere and numerous parks.

The Best Places to Stay in Bruges: Quick guide

  • 🏛️ For First-Time Visitors: City Centre
  • 💰 For Budget Travelers: Ezelstraat Quarter
  • 🎨 For Local Heritage and Culture Lovers: Sint-Anna Quarter
  • 🌳 For Tranquility Seekers: Sint-Gillis Quarter
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Magdalena Quarter

1. City Centre: Heart of the City 🏛️

🏛️ Historic Charm: The City Centre is the beating heart of Bruges, filled with winding streets, medieval buildings, and historic landmarks. It’s home to the famous Markt Square and the Belfry Tower, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history.

🎨 Cultural Hub: This area is packed with museums, galleries, and cultural sites, making it a paradise for culture enthusiasts. From the Groeninge Museum to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, there’s plenty to explore.

🍽️ Culinary Delights: The City Centre boasts a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering everything from traditional Belgian cuisine to international dishes. It’s the perfect place to indulge in local delicacies and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

🏰 The Best Sights

  • Markt Square: The central square of Bruges, known for its historic buildings, lively atmosphere, and weekly markets.
  • Belfry Tower: An iconic medieval bell tower offering panoramic views of the city from the top.
  • Basilica of the Holy Blood: A beautiful church that houses a relic believed to contain the blood of Jesus Christ.
Basilica, Bruges
Basilica, Bruges
Basilica, Bruges
Basilica, Bruges
Basilica, Bruges
Basilica, Bruges

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat

  • De Halve Maan Brewery: Known for its traditional Belgian beers and hearty meals.
  • The Olive Tree: A popular spot for Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy setting.
  • Bistro De Pompe: Offers a mix of Belgian and international dishes in a charming atmosphere.

🚎 Logistics: The City Centre is highly walkable, with most attractions within easy reach. Public transportation, including buses and taxis, is readily available, making it convenient to explore other parts of the city.

🏨 Where to Stay in City Centre

⭐ Best Hotels in City Centre

  • Dukes' Palace Brugge: A luxurious five-star hotel, formerly a residence of the Burgundian aristocracy, featuring 135 unique rooms and suites, a 3000 m² garden, a spa, and a restaurant. Located in the heart of Bruges, it combines contemporary comfort with 15th-century elegance.
  • Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage: A leading five-star boutique hotel in Bruges, offering a fine dining restaurant, a boutique spa, and 22 rooms blending comfort and classic elegance. Perfect for romantic getaways and special occasions.

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • House Loppem 9-11: Modern apartments with private terraces, offering views of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Church. Located just 886 feet from the Markt, it includes free WiFi and open-plan living areas, ideal for couples.
  • Hotel Acacia: A centrally located hotel offering comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Ideal for travelers seeking a balance between cost and comfort.
  • B&B l'histoire de l'éclair: A charming B&B in a 13th-century house, offering intimate and luxuriously furnished rooms. Guests enjoy a terrace with views of the Belfry of Bruges and a cozy breakfast room.
  • Aragon House: A boutique hotel with stylish rooms, modern British cuisine, and a welcoming bar. Located in the heart of Bruges, it offers an elegant retreat for travelers.

🛏️ Best Budget Hotels

  • B&B Verdi: Located in historic central Bruges, this B&B offers rooms with cable TV and private bathrooms. The on-site restaurant serves classic French and Belgian cuisine, and guests can enjoy a cozy lounge with a fireplace.
  • Holiday Home t' Keerske: Situated a short walk from the Belfry of Bruges, these apartments offer free WiFi, fully equipped kitchens, and private terraces. Ideal for families and couples looking for a home-like stay.
  • Hotel Marcel: A budget-friendly hotel offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Located in the heart of Bruges, it provides easy access to local attractions and dining options.

2. Ezelstraat Quarter: Lively Nightlife District 🏡

💰 Budget-Friendly: Ezelstraat Quarter is known for its affordable accommodation and dining options, making it a popular choice for budget travelers. The area offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of fun shops and cafes.

🎉 Social Scene: This neighborhood is a popular haunt for backpackers and young travelers, offering a vibrant social scene. It’s a great place to meet fellow travelers and enjoy the local nightlife.

🚶‍♂️ Proximity to Attractions: Ezelstraat Quarter is just outside the City Centre, within walking distance of all major attractions. It’s a convenient base for exploring Bruges without being in the midst of the tourist crowds.

🏰 The Best Sights

  • Ezelpoort: One of the original city gates, offering a glimpse into Bruges’ medieval past.
  • St. James’ Church: A beautiful Gothic church with stunning stained glass windows and intricate architecture.
  • Jan van Eyck Square: A picturesque square named after the famous Flemish painter, featuring a statue and charming surroundings.

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat

  • Ribs ‘n Beer: Known for its delicious ribs and wide selection of beers.
  • Pieter Pourbus: A cozy restaurant offering traditional Belgian cuisine.
  • Tom’s Diner: A popular spot for comfort food and casual dining.

🚖 Well-connected: Ezelstraat Quarter is well-connected by public transportation, with several bus routes providing easy access to other parts of Bruges. The area is also very walkable, making it easy to explore on foot.

🏨 Where to Stay in Ezelstraat Quarter

⭐ Best Hotels in Ezelstraat Quarter

  • Текст кнопки: A luxurious B&B offering air-conditioned accommodations with free WiFi, an outdoor swimming pool, and a sauna. Each unit features a well-fitted kitchenette, a seating area, and a private bathroom with bathrobes. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast and a sun terrace.
  • Текст кнопки: A luxury lodge with individually decorated suites, each exuding a distinct ambiance. Amenities include a well-stocked minibar, Nespresso coffee, and a natural swimming pond. The property combines historical charm with modern comforts.
  • Текст кнопки: An adults-only boutique B&B offering designer rooms with free WiFi. Located just 492 feet from the Market Square, it features soundproof rooms, a good breakfast, and bicycle rental services.

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • The White Queen B&B: A charming B&B with spacious rooms, private bathrooms, and a lovely garden. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast and the proximity to Bruges’ main attractions.
  • B&B Asinello: Located in a historic building, this B&B offers elegantly decorated rooms with modern amenities. Guests can relax in the sauna or enjoy the garden terrace.
  • Guesthouse Maison de la Rose: A cozy guesthouse offering rooms with private ensuite bathrooms and a continental breakfast. It serves as an ideal base for exploring Bruges.

🛏️ Best Budget Hotels

  • at Home in Bruges: A budget-friendly guesthouse offering comfortable rooms with free WiFi. Located in a quiet residential area, it provides easy access to the city center.
  • Guesthouse Gieterij: A simple yet comfortable guesthouse with basic amenities. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers looking for a convenient location.
  • Monsieur Maurice: A budget hotel offering clean and spacious rooms with modern amenities. Located near the Markt, it features a bar, free WiFi, and a buffet breakfast.

3. Sint-Anna Quarter: Historic Art District 🏡

🏛️ Local Heritage: Sint-Anna Quarter is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The area is home to several museums and historic sites, offering a glimpse into Bruges’ past.

🌳 Tranquil Atmosphere: This neighborhood offers a more suburban feel, with quiet streets and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the City Centre.

🏡 Residential Charm: Sint-Anna is a residential area with charming cobblestone streets and traditional Flemish houses. It’s a great place to experience local life and enjoy a peaceful stay.

🏰 The Best Sights

  • Jerusalem Church: A beautiful Gothic church with stunning stained glass windows and intricate architecture.
  • Lace Centre: A museum dedicated to Bruges’ lace-making tradition, offering exhibits and demonstrations.
  • St. Anne’s Church: A historic church with a beautiful interior and a peaceful atmosphere.

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat

  • De Pepermolen: A cozy restaurant offering traditional Belgian cuisine.
  • Tom’s Diner: A popular spot for comfort food and casual dining.
  • Bistro De Schaar: Known for its delicious seafood dishes and charming ambiance.

🚶🏻‍♂️ Walkable: Sint-Anna Quarter is within walking distance of the City Centre, making it easy to explore the main attractions. Public transportation, including buses, is readily available, providing convenient access to other parts of Bruges.

🏨 Where to Stay in Sint-Anna Quarter

⭐ Best Hotels in Sint-Anna Quarter

  • Hotel Van Cleef: A luxurious boutique hotel housed in a neoclassical mansion, offering air-conditioned suites with spa baths and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy a tea room with a canal-side terrace, a library, and massage treatments. Located just a 5-minute walk from the Market Square, it combines elegance with modern comfort.
  • Maison Amodio: This charming B&B offers beautifully decorated rooms with modern amenities, including free WiFi and a delicious breakfast. Located in a historic building, it provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing stay in Bruges.
  • B&B La Suite: A stylish B&B offering luxurious rooms with contemporary design and high-end amenities. Guests can enjoy a gourmet breakfast and personalized service. Situated close to the city center, it provides an ideal base for exploring Bruges.

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • Csar Private Guesthouse: A private guesthouse offering comfortable rooms with free WiFi and modern amenities. Located near the Bruges Beer Museum, it provides a convenient and affordable option for travelers.
  • Guesthouse De Roode: A cozy guesthouse with well-appointed rooms, featuring a patio and garden furniture. Guests can enjoy a peaceful stay with easy access to local attractions.
  • Guestsuite Lady Anna Bruges: A charming guesthouse offering spacious suites with modern amenities. Located in a quiet area, it provides a comfortable and affordable stay for visitors to Bruges.

🛏️ Best Budget Hotels

  • B&B Marie-J of Bruges: A budget-friendly B&B offering clean and comfortable rooms with free WiFi. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast and the proximity to the city center.
  • La Clé Brugge: A simple yet cozy guesthouse providing basic amenities and a convenient location. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers looking for a comfortable stay.
  • Guesthouse de Loft: A budget guesthouse offering clean rooms with modern amenities. Located near the city center, it provides an affordable option for visitors to Bruges.

4. Sint-Gillis Quarter: Peaceful Residential Area 🏡

🌳 Tranquil Atmosphere: Sint-Gillis Quarter is known for its quiet streets and peaceful ambiance. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the City Centre and enjoy a relaxing stay.

🏛️ Cultural Richness: This neighborhood is home to several churches, museums, and cultural sites, offering a rich cultural experience. It’s a great place for history enthusiasts and culture lovers.

🏡 Family-Friendly: Sint-Gillis is a family-friendly neighborhood with plenty of green spaces and parks. It’s a great place for families to stay and enjoy a peaceful environment.

🏰 The Best Sights

  • St. Gilles Church: A beautiful Gothic church with stunning stained glass windows and intricate architecture.
  • Guido Gezelle Museum: A museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous Flemish poet Guido Gezelle.
  • St. Janshuismolen Windmill: An 18th-century windmill offering beautiful views of the surrounding area.
St. Gilles Church
St. Gilles Church
St. Gilles Church
St. Gilles Church
St. Gilles Church

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat

  • Ribs ‘n Beer: Known for its delicious ribs and wide selection of beers.
  • Pieter Pourbus: A cozy restaurant offering traditional Belgian cuisine.
  • Tom’s Diner: A popular spot for comfort food and casual dining.

🚍 Transportation: Sint-Gillis Quarter is well-connected by public transportation, with several bus routes providing easy access to other parts of Bruges. The area is also very walkable, making it easy to explore on foot.

🏨 Where to Stay in Sint-Gillis Quarter

⭐ Best Hotels in Sint-Gillis Quarter

  • Bariseele B&B: An adults-only B&B offering spacious suites with a seating area, flat-screen TV, and a kitchenette. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast and free WiFi. Located in a quiet area, it provides easy access to Bruges’ main attractions.

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • Brugse charme huis met tuin aan het water 8p: A charming holiday home featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests can enjoy a garden, a terrace, and views of the canal. Perfect for families or groups looking for a comfortable stay.
  • Holidayhouse Balie: A cozy holiday home located in the center of Bruges, offering modern amenities, free WiFi, and a garden. Ideal for families or groups, it provides a peaceful retreat with easy access to local attractions.
  • Hotel Ter Duinen: A delightful small hotel with 20 rooms, overlooking the canal. It offers comfortable accommodations, a charming garden, and a breakfast room. Perfect for travelers seeking a quiet and scenic stay.

🛏️ Best Budget Hotels

  • Gillis Eight by Romy&Travis: A budget-friendly guesthouse offering clean and comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Located in a great area, it provides a convenient and affordable option for travelers.
  • Hotel Asiris: A budget hotel offering simple yet comfortable rooms with free WiFi. Located near the city center, it provides easy access to Bruges’ main attractions.
  • B&B Emma: A cozy B&B offering clean and comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast and the proximity to the city center. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

5. Magdalena Quarter: Scenic Park Surroundings 🏡

🌳 Green Spaces: Magdalena Quarter is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, offering a peaceful retreat from the city. Minnewater Park, also known as the “Lake of Love,” is a picturesque spot perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

🏛️ Historical Significance: This area is home to several historical sites, including the Begijnhof, a serene grouping of tiny residences centered around a church and field of flowers. The Begijnhof’s laid-back atmosphere is perfect for relaxing after a day scouting the city’s museums and churches.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly: Magdalena Quarter is a family-friendly neighborhood with plenty of parks and recreational areas. It’s a great place for families to stay and enjoy a peaceful environment.

🏰 The Best Sights

  • Minnewater Park: Also known as the “Lake of Love,” this park is a beautiful spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
  • Astrid Park: A large park offering space for recreation and relaxation, with plenty of green areas and walking paths.
  • Begijnhof: A serene grouping of tiny residences centered around a church and field of flowers, founded in 1245 and home to the Sisters of the St Benedict Order.

🍽️ The Best Places to Eat

  • De Stoepa: Known for its delicious Belgian and international cuisine.
  • One Restaurant: A cozy spot offering a mix of Belgian and French dishes.
  • Books & Brunch: A charming café offering a variety of breakfast and brunch options.

🚕 Easy acces: Minnewater & Astrid Park is within walking distance of the City Centre, making it easy to explore the main attractions. Public transportation, including buses, is readily available, providing convenient access to other parts of Bruges.

🏨 Where to Stay in Magdalena Quarter

⭐ Best Hotels in Magdalena Quarter

  • Текст кнопки: A charming B&B offering cozy rooms with modern amenities, including free WiFi and a delicious breakfast. Located in the heart of Bruges, it provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for a relaxing stay.
  • Текст кнопки: A recently renovated apartment offering two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a private entrance, and a central location near Minnewater Park and other attractions.

🏨 Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

  • b&b les invités: A charming B&B offering comfortable rooms with free WiFi and a delicious breakfast. Located in a quiet area, it provides a peaceful retreat with easy access to the city center.
  • Hotel Loreto: A centrally located hotel offering modern rooms with free WiFi and a buffet breakfast. Perfect for travelers seeking a balance between comfort and affordability.
  • Lake Suites: A cozy guesthouse offering well-appointed rooms with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a garden, a terrace, and proximity to Minnewater Park.

🛏️ Best Budget Hotels

  • Inn Bruges: A budget-friendly guesthouse offering clean and comfortable rooms with free WiFi. Located in a quiet residential area, it provides easy access to the city center.
  • B&B Koetshuis: A cozy B&B offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast and the proximity to Minnewater Park.
  • Modern art deco style studio in the heart of Bruges!: A stylish studio offering modern amenities and a central location. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers looking for a comfortable stay in Bruges.

❓ Popular Questions

What is the best time to visit Bruges?

The best time to visit Bruges is during the warmer months of spring, summer, and autumn. The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city comfortably. However, Bruges is also beautiful in winter, especially during the Christmas market season, which offers a festive atmosphere and unique charm.

How can I get around Bruges?

Bruges is a very walkable city, and walking is often the best way to explore its narrow streets and historic sites. Public transportation, including buses, is available for longer distances. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available. If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bike from various rental points in the city.

Where can I park my car in Bruges?

Parking is available across Bruges, with paid options in the City Centre and free options on the outskirts. Many hotels in the City Centre, like Duke’s Academie and Boterhuis, offer parking for a fee (from €20 to €25 per day). It’s advisable to check with your accommodation for parking availability and fees.

Is Bruges family-friendly?

Yes, Bruges is a family-friendly city with plenty of parks, playgrounds, and family-oriented attractions. Neighborhoods like Sint-Gillis Quarter and Minnewater & Astrid Park are particularly suitable for families, offering a peaceful environment and green spaces for children to play and explore.

What should I bring home from Bruges?

Bruges is famous for its Belgian chocolates, and there are numerous shops selling delectable confectionery. One excellent local brand is Dumon, located at Simon Stevinplein 11. Bruges also has two breweries, De Halve Maan and Bourgogne des Flandres, where you can find excellent local beers. Additionally, lace products are a popular souvenir, reflecting the city’s rich lace-making tradition.