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Plan the Perfect Paris to Bruges Day Trip | Best Things to Do, Getting There & More

ParisDay Trips from Paris to Bruges

Take a day trip from Paris to Bruges and walk down the cobbled streets and medieval buildings in Bruges. Explore the gorgeous canals and visit the monastery of Le Beguinage, the huge Belfry of Notre Dame, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, museums, and more. Do not leave without trying the famous Belgian waffles!

Why Take a Day Trip from Paris to Bruges?

paris to bruges day trip
  • Explore all the UNESCO-listed city centers, right from palaces to cathedrals.
  • Climb the Bruges Belfry and explore a few well-known museums.
  • Go on a seasonal canal cruise and enjoy a tour of the city and the important landmarks.
  • Try Bruges’ national dish of Moules Frites and Belgian beer and shop for luxury Belgian chocolates.
  • Take a tour through the galleries of the Groningen Museum and admire paintings by famous artists.
  • Discover gothic buildings in Bruges and witness the intact medieval buildings and gorgeous canals.

Paris to Bruges Day Trip: At a Glance

paris to bruges day trip

Distance from Paris: It takes 400 km to cover via train and 291 km via car.

Travel Time: 2.5 hrs (Train), 2 hr 40 m (Car), 3-4 hrs (Bus)

Best Time to visit: Between June and August, as the weather is extremely mild.

Getting There: Train, Bus, Car, Plane

Approximate Budget: €160 - €200

Things to do: Church of Our Lady Bruges, Groeninge Museum, Belfry of Bruges, Historium Bruges, Burg Square, Basilica of the Holy Blood, to name a few.

Getting to Bruges from Paris

paris to bruges day trip

By Train

Travel Time: 2 Hours 30 mins

Train Stations: Paris Nord

Price: €18 - €22

paris to bruges day trip

By Bus

Travel Time: 3-4 Hours

Bus Stations: Paris Gare de Lyon

Price: €10 onwards

paris to bruges day trip

By Car/Cab

Travel Time: 3.5 Hours

Taxi Fare: €450 onwards

Top Things to Do on A Paris to Bruges Day Trip

paris to bruges day trip

1. Visit the Historic Centre of Bruges

History & Architecture

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of mediaeval European settlements. This is definitely one of the first places you should visit in Bruges.

Nearby: Church of Our Lady, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Historium of Bruges

Entry: Free

paris to bruges day trip
paris to bruges day trip

3. Visit Church of Our Lady

Religious Site

One of the iconic structures of the Bruges skyline, this is the second-highest brick tower in the glove and home to Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture, amongst many other artworks.

Nearby: Basilica of the Holy Blood, Historium of Bruges

Entry: Free

paris to bruges day trip

4. Visit Basilica of the Holy Blood

Religious Site

The 12th-century Basilica is believed to consist of a cloth stained with the blood of Jesus Christ which was brought back from the Holy Land in the 1100s. Also houses multiple paintings and sculptures.

Nearby: Church of Our Lady, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Historium of Bruges

Entry: Free

paris to bruges day trip
paris to bruges day trip

6. Visit Beguinage

History

Visit the 1200s era by heading into the former home of holy laywomen, who chose a celibate life and formed enclosed communities called beguinages. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is amongst 13 such communities in the Flanders region of Belgium.

Nearby: Church of Our Lady, Basilica of the Holy Blood

Entry: Free

Things to See Near Bruges

paris to bruges day trip

Belfry (Belfort Van Brugge)

Architecture

Entered from Halle’s inner courtyard, the 83m high belfry is known for being one of the finest bell towers in Belgium.

Distance: 1.3 km or 4 mins

paris to bruges day trip

Bruges City Hall

Museum

The structure displays a characteristic of the style, with soaring pilasters, separated by tall Gothic arched windows.

Distance: 230 m or 1 min

paris to bruges day trip

Groningen Museum

Museum

The best collection of modern art of Bruges’ sits in this museum and incorporates superb views of old Bruges.

Distance: 1.2 km or 4 mins

Best Places to Eat in Bruge

paris to bruges day trip

The Republic Café

Tapas

This is an all-day eatery with industrial-inspired interiors and is happy to serve up stellar coffee and great beer. The menu spans tapas, sandwiches and lays emphasis on fresh ingredients.

Address: Sint-Jakobsstraat 36, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Find it on a map.

paris to bruges day trip

The Olive Tree

Greek

An authentic Greek and Mediterranean restaurant, family-owned, and allows you to dive into a ridiculous amount of great Greek food. The stuffed chicken breast is an absolute delight.

Address: Wollestraat 3, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Find it on a map.

paris to bruges day trip

Park Restaurant

Continental

Enjoy choosing from scrumptious options like roasted scallops or opt for the chef’s set menu with authentic flavours.  

Address: Minderbroedersstraat 1, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Find it on a map.

Best Places to Stay at Bruges

paris to bruges day trip

Budget Hotels

If you're on a budget trip, here are some great options to choose from on your trip to Bruges.

paris to bruges day trip

Mid-Range Hotels

Select from these mid-range hotels for a comfortable stay on your trip to Bruges.

paris to bruges day trip

Luxury Hotels

If you're looking for a luxurious stay in Bruges, here are some options to choose from:

Hotel Heritage - Relais & Chateaux: Price for 2/night: €256
Number 11 Exclusive Guesthouse: Price for 2/night: €151

More Things to do on a Day Trip from Paris to Bruges

  • Markt and Burg Squares: One of the most gorgeous market squares in Europe, charming with its Flemish building and market stalls.
  • Canal Cruise: Known for being ‘The Venice of the North’, the canal cruise allows you to witness some beautiful sights from the water.
  • Try Local Delicacies: Belgian Beer, Belgian chocolate, Mussels or Flemish stew are a must try!

Travel Tips

  • Try a bite of the national dish of Moules Frites, served with a variety of sauces and Belgian beer to wash it down.
  • The best time to visit Bruges would be between June to August as the weather is slightly warmer and more pleasant.
  • If you don’t want to travel during the peak season, January is a good time to visit as well, but few attractions will be closed.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Your Paris to Bruges Day Trip

What is the best way to reach Bruges from Paris?

You can get from Paris to Bruges by train, bus, car or a flight. By train, it takes roughly 2.5 hours if you opt for the fastest service. You have 30 trains per day running from Paris to Bruges, where the first train leaves at 6:13 and the last train leaves at 22:33.

Is Bruges worth visiting?

With world-class art, perfectly intact medieval architecture, silent canals, exquisite delicacies at every corner, make it worth visiting Bruges. This town is deemed to be one of the most romantic cities you will ever find.

Is Bruges worth a daytrip from Paris?

It is not worth a day trip if you are staying in Paris for a short duration. It is more picturesque, with beautiful canals and museums to explore and definitely require more time to explore. You can choose to explore the selective and popular destinations if you are short of time.  

How often is the train from Paris to Bruges?

You can take up to 30 trains per day that run from Paris to Bruges. The first one leaves Paris Gare du Nord at 6:13 am and the last one leaves at 22:33 pm.

Is a Paris to Bruges day trip suitable for families?

Yes, a Paris to Bruges day trip is decent for families who wish to explore the beautiful picturesque of the medieval town. Kids can try munching on delicious Belgian chocolates and waffles that are a must-try!

What are the top things to do on a Paris to Bruges day trip?

Take a boat ride on the canals, get on top of the Bruges Belfry, or visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Museums on your day trip from Paris to Bruges.

How much time do I need for a Paris to Bruges day trip?

If you are driving down from Paris to Burges, it takes around 3-4 hours to reach your destination. This makes sense for people who are visiting through northern France and Belgium.

What are the best places to eat during a Paris to Bruges day trip?

Park Restaurant, Olive Tree, Café Rose Red are some of the best places to eat during a Paris to Bruges day trip.

What are the best places to stay in Bruges?

City Centre, Ezelstraat Quarter are some of the best places to stay at in Bruges.