Last updated on 14 November 2023 | by Stefan Hotel Follower
Bruges is a very charming city in Belgium that has so much to offer to visitors. This area
has so many cobbled streets, canals that are lined with beautiful old warehouses, large churches, and chocolate shops.
There are so many places to stay in Bruges and most of them are located just around the historic centre,
which makes Bruges an accessible city.
In this city it is not so hard to take a tour that is worth it. In Bruges’ medieval centre there aren’t modern buildings or many cars that cause traffic. In fact, you might have a horse of buggy as a photo spoiler since this is one of Europe’s most-preserved pre-motorised cities.
What’s the best area to experience the city for the first time, tourists, what’s the best district to buy chocolate or lace, or where to stay on a budget? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Bruges Belgium.
What is the Best Area to Stay in Bruges?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): Historic City Centre
While in Bruges there is no better place to stay other than the city centre. This area is famous for its rich heritage. At the centre of Bruges you will find the Grote Markt, which is one of the largest squares in the area.
There are several sites where you can take walks and enjoy your trip. The main thing that dominates the square is the Belfry which is a tower and you can access it by climbing the stairs. The best way to view what Bruges has to offer.
Where to Stay in Bruges City Centre
- Best Luxury Hotels in Bruges
Hotel Dukes’ Palace Brugge • Hotel De Castillion – Small elegant hotel - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
Hotel Ter Duinen • Hotel Botaniek - Best Cheap Hotels in Bruges
Hotel Groeninghe • Hotel Maraboe - Best Bed & Breakfast in Bruges
B&B Ambrogio • B&B Le Foulage - Best Budget Hostels in Bruges
Hostel Lybeer Bruges • Hostel Europa
Best Areas to Stay in Bruges
What’s the best area to stay in Bruges for romantic trip? Bed and Breakfast Accommodation
Bruges is more of a fairy town and if you are visiting for the first time, you will be surprised to know that there are so many romantic activities that can be done in this area. You can go on a couples’ boat tour in the canals of Bruges, Belgium, or take nature along the beautiful gardens in the neighbourhood. There are several romantic hotels and charming b&b’s you can book for accommodation and enjoy a romantic stay.
Best neighborhood in Bruges for chocolate lovers? City Centre
As mentioned earlier, Bruges city centre is a perfect place to visit or stay in especially if you are a chocolate lover. There are so many chocolate shops and inns in this area. You can take a stroll and coming across a chocolate shop is not that difficult especially if you are in neighbourhoods such as Wollestraat, Mariastraat, or Breidelstraat. Most of these chocolate shops also have a tea room where you can sip your cup of tea and enjoy some hot chocolate.
What’s the best neighborhood in Bruges to buy lace? City Centre
The city centre is the best place for you to spend some quality time. This area boasts some of the city’s most important historic sights and museums. There are also so many chocolatiers, restaurants and jewellers in the city centre. We can recommend you to visit the Lace Jewel or ‘t Apostelientje for authentic, hand-made Bruges lace. You can find many other shops in the city centre where you can go shopping while staying in the city.
Where to stay in Bruges on a budget?
If you want to stay at a less costly neighbourhood in Bruges then you should look for accommodation in the hotels away from the Market Square. You can try places such as Saint Anna, Langestraat or Sint-Gillies quarter. Staying near the main train station can be more budget friendly as well. However, as you look for your budget-friendly hotel, you shouldn’t go so far from the city centre since everything is more convenient while you stay close to the heart of Bruges. Other budget options can be found out of the city centre in Sint-Andries, Sint-Michiels and Assebroek.
The 6 Best Neighbourhoods in Bruges (Brugge) for Tourists
Bruges is a very lovely neighbourhood that every person knows about. The best way to enjoy what this amazing town has to offer is by visiting midweek. This does not mean that you can’t visit this area during any other time; Bruges is a beautiful place all year around but to make your trip more pleasant you shouldn’t share it with so many visitors.
In Bruges there is so much activity going on; you can visit the Markt or even climb the Belfort. There isn’t so much to be seen inside but it is worth it. Why not take a ride on the canals and have a good view of the Begijnhof. You should also visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood in the Burg where you will get to admire the Brugse Vrije and the Stadhuis.
These are some of the Gothic town administration buildings in Bruges. If you love art you can pay the Groening Museum a visit and see the Flemish art. Thereafter you can visit the Arentshuis next door where you will be able to see the WW1 etchings by Frank Brangwyn. In general, Bruges has so many beautiful sights that you will want to visit. There are many places you can book your accommodation or stay in Bruges.
1. Historic City Centre (near Market square)
The Historic Centre is a famous world heritage site that has so many magical places in the vicinity. The Grote Markt is at the centre of Bruges and it is a large square that is surrounded by so many touristic gift shops and restaurants. This is the best place to stay in Bruges. There are several affordable hotels where you can book accommodation in the Historic Centre. One way of viewing the neighbourhood and the city is by hot air balloon which sets off from the square.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage • Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, A Luxe Worldwide Hotel
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Central • Hotel Marcel
2. Spiegelrei area (North East city centre)
When visiting a city, it is always advisable to stay near the city centre as possible since it is more convenient in terms of accommodation, transport, shopping and nightlife.
This area is good and there are several things to do and see. In this area you will find several churches such as the Jerusalem church. You can also visit the Lace Museum which showcases several lace products and there are lace workers too. There is a lot of history to be learned in this neighbourhood.
- Best Hotel (Great Value): Martin’s Relais
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Biskajer Adults Only • Hotel Adornes
3. Het Zand & Train Station area (West of City Centre, budget)
This area is perfect for visitors who love less activities and more shopping. There are often markets in this district and there are so many good cafes and restaurants where you can catch your breath and enjoy some meals. There are also few sites to visit which makes this neighbourhood more of a residential area.
This area has a unique architecture which is different from the other areas in Bruges. If you want easy transport book accommodation near the Train station area.
- Best Hotel (Great Value): Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotel: ibis budget Brugge Centrum Station
4. Ezelpoort area (North West )
The Ezelpoort area is northwest and it is famous for the Ezelpoort street that has become a tangible presence in this traditional town. The lane in this area was home to Flemish Master Hans Memling and in the present times it is a core entry to this part of the town.
It has Scandinavian design stores, characterful art galleries, shoe boutiques, and artisanal biscuit makers. If it’s on a sunny day you can visit the courtyard of hostel Snuffel which attracts so many locals and visitors.
- Best Accommodation: Brugsche Suites – Luxury Guesthouse • B&B Eleven
- Best Cheap / Affordable Stay: Hotel Gulden Vlies • Snuffel Hostel
5. Sint Andries
Sint Andries is more of a suburb of Bruges and it is in the province of West Flanders, Belgium. There are several adorable things you can do in this area. There are several football teams such as Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge.
You can also admire the beautiful castles in this neighbourhood. Though small, these castles are magnificent and they were built in the late 19th century. As for hotels, you can find several in the neighbourhood and there are shops where you can go for shopping.
- Best Accommodation: B&B Villa Chantecler • B&B Antares
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotel: Hotel Pannenhuis
6. Assebroek
You can venture into this area’s sites such as the Bruges Market square and the Minnewater. These two are famous for sights near Assebroek. This city is also popular for its biking trails and beautiful gardens.
There are hotels that cut across all budgets and several restaurants where you can stop for delicious meals. Take a walk along the paths of the beautiful gardens in Assebroek on a lazy afternoon.
- Best Bed and Breakfast: B&B Filemon&Baucis
- Best Cheap / Affordable Accommodation: Hostel Europa • Gasthof Groenhove
Belgium
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