Where to stay in Bruges: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexCharming and romantic, Bruges is one of the most fascinating cities in Belgium, famous for its picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and fairytale atmosphere. It’s usually visited on a day trip from Brussels, but it certainly deserves a few extra days. Whether it’s a romantic weekend, a cultural getaway, or a family vacation, choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference. The city earned the nickname "Bruges-the-dead" (Bruges-la-Morte) from a 19th-century novel by George Rodenbach, reflecting a time when the city's importance and wealth had declined significantly. The city is now very much alive with tourists.
Here are all our tips on where to stay in Bruges.
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In a hurry? Here are our recommended places to stay
| Category | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| 👑 5-star hotels and luxury stays | Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage |
| 🛎️ Quality B&Bs and hotels | Bariseele B&B |
| 🎒 Hostels and budget stays | Snuffel Youth Hostel |
| 🏡 Homes and apartments | at Home in Bruges |
Useful tips: the best areas to stay in
| Target | Area | rates from |
|---|---|---|
| Budget stay | 't Zand and West-Brugge Quarter | €75.00 |
| Ezelstraat Quarter | €80.00 | |
| Families with children | Sint-Anna Quarter | €95.00 |
| Historic Center | €120.00 | |
| Young travelers | Historic Center | €120.00 |
| Sint-Gillis Quarter | €80.00 |
Areas to avoid: Bruges is an extremely quiet and safe city, and there are no dangerous neighborhoods. From a tourist and convenience point of view, however, it’s best to avoid areas that are too far from the center.
Bruges is a compact, walkable city, with most attractions close to each other, but there are still some neighborhoods that stand out for their atmosphere, convenience, and type of accommodation. Without a doubt, the best choice is to stay in the historic center, or Binnenstad: it’s the beating heart of the city, full of attractions and perfect to explore on foot. This is also where the city’s nightlife is concentrated.
For families or anyone seeking peace and quiet, we recommend the Sint-Anna Quarter, a quiet, residential area. For young travelers, the Sint-Gillis Quarter is also ideal, a neighborhood where you can immerse yourself in local life.
For saving money, we suggest the area around 't Zand and West-Brugge Quarter, the district around the train station, from which you can still walk to the center, as well as Ezelstraat Quarter, just north of the center.
Best accommodations: we’ve selected the best hotels, B&Bs, and hostels in Bruges. Check out our recommendations and book on Booking
Historic Center (Binnenstad): best for first-timers
- Pros: Iconic architecture, walk to all major sights, abundant dining/shopping.
- Cons: Very crowded during the day, can be noisy, highest prices.
- Main attractions: The Markt, Belfry of Bruges, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Burg Square.
- Average prices: from €120,00 per night - find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Bruges’ historic center is the beating heart of the city. Enclosed within the ring of canals and entirely walkable, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its romantic atmosphere, medieval charm, and cobblestone streets, it hosts some of Bruges’ most famous attractions, such as Market Square (Markt), the Belfry (Belfort), the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Begijnhof.
It is the best neighborhood to stay in Bruges: ideal for first-time visitors, for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the city’s magic, and for young travelers who want to be just steps away from bars and pubs.
In addition to hosting the main attractions, the historic center is also easily reachable on foot from the train station: it’s about a 20-minute walk. The location is truly exceptional.
Average prices in this area start at around €120.00 – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking
Sint-Anna Quarter: Quaint and canal-side charm
- Pros: Picturesque, quieter than the center, easy walk to main sights, more local feel.
- Cons: Fewer late-night dining options, mostly residential.
- Main attractions: Jerusalem Chapel, Lace Centre, Jan Van Eyck Square, peaceful canals.
- Average prices: from €95,00 per night - find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodations
The Sint-Anna Quarter is a quiet residential neighborhood just a short walk from the center, known for its historic churches, windmills, and a more authentic, local atmosphere. Less touristy than the historic center, it’s home to the Volkskundemuseum and the Kruispoort gate, while the main attractions are only a short distance away.
This area is perfect for anyone looking to stay in a calmer, more authentic part of the city, away from the crowds but still very close to the center. It’s also ideal for families with children—there’s no shortage of services, restaurants, and shops.
The location is also excellent: depending on where you stay in the neighborhood, you can reach the historic center in no more than a 15-minute walk, while the train station is about a 30-minute walk or 15 minutes by bus (line 1).
Average prices in this area start at around €95.00 – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking
Sint-Gillis Quarter
- Pros: Excellent connections via the main train station, quieter than the city center, great value
- Cons: A short walk to the main tourist area (around 15-20 minutes)
- Main attractions: Bruges' main train station (Brugge-Centraal), the beautiful Koningin Astridpark is nearby
- Average prices: from €80,00 per night - find top stays on Booking
Alloggi Consigliati
Just north of the historic center, the Sint-Gillis Quarter is a largely residential, non-touristy neighborhood full of local life. While there are no major attractions here, you can wander among neighborhood cafés, small boutiques, and a lively community—perfect for those who want to experience the more “lived-in” side of Bruges. The area is also home to Howest College, the city’s university.
This neighborhood is particularly recommended for young travelers, as well as creatives, independent travelers, and anyone looking for a more “local,” less touristy experience. It’s also a great alternative to the historic center, since accommodations here tend to be more affordable.
The location is another strong point: you can reach the historic center in under 15 minutes on foot, while the train station is about a 25-minute walk or 15 minutes by bus (line 40).
Average prices in this area start at around €80.00 – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking
Ezelstraat Quarter: The trendy, artistic hub
- Pros: Close to the center but cheaper, hip cafes and independent boutiques, vibrant student population.
- Cons: Fewer luxury hotels, slightly longer walk to the main Market Square.
- Main attractions: Groeningemuseum (nearby), street art, antique shops, local pubs.
- Average prices: from €80,00 per night - find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Located between the Sint-Gillis Quarter and the historic center, the Ezelstraat Quarter has a hipster, creative vibe. In some ways it resembles the nearby Sint-Gillis area: you’ll find independent boutiques, art galleries, quirky cafés, and design shops, mostly concentrated along historic Ezelstraat, one of Bruges’ most iconic streets. There aren’t any major attractions, but you’re just a short walk from the center.
But for travelers, the neighborhood’s strongest point is its affordability: here you can find plenty of accommodations at excellent prices. It’s especially recommended for young couples and for anyone who loves craftsmanship, vintage shops, and alternative districts.
Its location is also a big plus: the historic center is less than a 15-minute walk away, while the train station can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by bus (line 40).
Average prices in this area start at around €80.00 – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking
't Zand and West-Brugge Quarter: Best for transport and value
- Pros: Close to the main train station (great for day trips), better value accommodations, modern amenities.
- Cons: Furthest from the historic core (a 15-20 minute walk), less charming/historic feel.
- Main attractions: 't Zand Square (market and events), Concert Hall (Concertgebouw).
- Average prices: from €75,00 per night - find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodations
The West-Brugge Quarter is the district that develops around the main train station. There aren’t many attractions here, but it’s an excellent base if you plan to visit other cities from Bruges. Without a doubt, the best area to stay is around ’t Zand, a large square surrounded by cafés, accommodations, and shops. Just a short walk away, you’ll also find the beautiful Minnewater Park.
This area is ideal for travelers on a budget, as you can often find great deals. It’s also recommended for practical travelers, for those arriving by train, and for anyone looking for modern hotels at slightly lower prices than in the historic center—making it a good option for a short stay.
From here, you can easily reach the entire city: the historic center is about a 20-minute walk, and buses conveniently connect you to all other neighborhoods. By train, you can also quickly reach cities like Ghent (28 min) and Brussels (36 min).
Average prices in this area start at around €75.00 – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking
Towns near Bruges where you can stay
Bruges is a small, human-sized city, yet it offers several neighborhoods with different characteristics and atmospheres. It’s easy to find an area and an accommodation option that meets all your needs. If you’re only staying a few days, the best choice is definitely to stay close to the historic center.
Most people choose to visit Bruges on a day trip from Brussels, the Belgian capital and an excellent base for exploring many Belgian destinations, thanks to its efficient transportation and rail networks. If you’re planning to visit Bruges just for the day, then the best solution is to stay in Brussels (compare accommodations on Booking).
Bruges Accommodation Price Map
Travel Tips
- Best Area to Stay: The Historic Center (Binnenstad) is the best for first-time visitors, offering easy access to all sights. The Sint-Anna Quarter is great for a quieter, more romantic experience.
- Length of Stay: While the main sights can be covered in one day, 2 days (1-2 nights) allows you to fully soak in the medieval atmosphere, especially in the quiet mornings and evenings. 3 nights is ideal if you plan a day trip (e.g., to Ghent or Brussels).
- Walkability: Bruges is an extremely walkable city. All major attractions are close together, and the best way to see the city is on foot.
- Best Time to Visit: May to September offers the best weather. The rainiest month is typically December. For fewer crowds and competitive hotel rates, consider the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) or the low season (January-March).
- English Speaking: Yes, English is very widely spoken in Bruges, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
- Ghent vs. Bruges: Bruges is often considered the more beautiful and romantic medieval city, while Ghent is larger, more of a working city with a vibrant student population, and offers a grittier, more local atmosphere.
- Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory in Belgium as a service charge is included in the price. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (5-10%) for exceptional service in restaurants and taxis is a common courtesy.
- Must-Try Food & Drink: Sample Belgian Fries (Frites, served with a variety of sauces), Belgian Waffles (Liège or Brussels style), Belgian Chocolate, and an extensive range of Belgian Beer (look for local Trappist brews).