Eylul 
Brugge is a medieval city that will make you feel like you are in a fairytale. Picture yourself cruising in canals surrounded by cute historic buildings with gothic architecture while snacking on that Belgian chocolate and famous beers… Even after you have visited you will have so many reasons to come back to Bruges!
This is the most popular city in Belgium with its UNESCO World Heritage Site historic center, unbelievably beautiful canals, great restaurants, and shops. There’s a lot to explore! In this travel guide on where to stay in Bruges, I will talk about the best 5 areas to stay with hotels from luxury to budget.
As Belgium is an expensive country and hotels in Bruges tend to fill up quickly, I highly recommend you make your reservation in advance to get better deals on hotels and to not miss the best places that I handpicked for you.
If you are ready, let’s start to explore places to stay in Bruges, Belgium!
Contents
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here are the best places to stay in Bruges with hotels from luxury to budget. They all have great reviews and great locations!
I made this quick comparison table for you to quickly break down all the best areas in Bruges that I will be talking about. Make sure to read the rest of the post for all the details about each location!
| Neighborhood | Perfect for | Best Hotel |
| 📍 City Centre | UNESCO World Heritage site, canals, restaurants & tourist attractions | Hotel Dukes’ Palace |
| 👩👩👦 Sint-Anna | quiet neighborhood, 17th-century cottages, canals & spacious family-friendly accommodation | Flanders Hotel |
| 💲 Ezelstraat | medieval buildings, nice parks, cafes & budget accommodation | B&B De Corenbloem |
| ☕ Sint-Gillis | hip cafes, picturesque canals, trendy local vibe | Hotel Ter Duinen |
| 🏛️ Magdalena | Museums, restaurants, local cafes & canals | Maison le Dragon |
Here is a map about where to stay in Bruges with all the best 5 areas I will be talking about in this travel guide and giving hotels in each, so you can easily visualize them:
- City Centre: for first-timers
- Sint-Anna Quarter: for families
- Ezelstraat Quarter: on a budget
- Sint-Gillis Quarter: coolest area
- Magdalena Quarter: a quiet area
1. City Centre – where to stay in Bruges for the first time
The city center of Bruges, also called the historic town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where you will find the main attractions, medieval buildings, beautiful canals, shops, restaurants, and a great number of accommodation options. So if you are visiting for the first time, the city centre is the best place to stay.
Once you step into Bruges city centre you will feel like you are teleported back to medieval times. Start your sightseeing from Burg Square, visit the main landmarks Stadhuis (City Hall) and the Belfort Tower, then head to the market square and see cute colorful Belgian buildings.
When you are tired enough, pick a nice restaurant and try some Belgian and Flemish meals with the famous local beers. So many things to see and eat, sounds fun right?
FUN FACT: After the famous movie “In Bruges” with Colin Farrell there has been an increase in travel demand to Brugge city as the world discovered how adorable it is!
Here you will find so many nice accommodation options which will enable you to reach main attractions easily on foot. I have already found the best hotels for you but the hotels in this area are in high demand so do not forget to make your reservation in advance! Here are my picks for where to stay in Bruges for the first-timers.
Located in the best area, Hotel Dukes Palace is one of the best luxury hotels in Bruges. This gorgeous historic hotel offers rooms with an amazing interior design, a charming swimming pool, a fabulous spa center, and a nice bar where you can try numerous cocktails with a great city view. Being within walking distance to main attractions, Hotel Dukes offers a unique stay in Bruges.
Other accommodation options in the City Centre
This four-star hotel features a nice bar, beautifully decorated rooms, and free wifi and the historic center is within walking distance
Hotel Central offers affordable accommodation in the city center, a restaurant and modern rooms with free wifi
Centrally located Airbnb that has spacious rooms with modern amenities. The city center is within walking distance
Things to do in the City Centre
- Walk in the historic Burg Square
- See amazing art pieces at Gallery XPO Salvador Dalí Museum
- Go shopping at the Dijver Folklore Market
- Taste amazing Belgian beers at Le Trappiste
- Go up the Belfort and check out the amazing city view
- Go for a stroll at Market Square
- Discover canals of Bruges with a guided boat tour
- Visit the Bruges Beer Museum
2. Sint-Anna Quarter – best place to stay for families
Sint-Anna Quarter is located 2 km (1 mile) north of Bruges city centre. It is a less touristy, quiet neighborhood with cobbled stone streets, beautiful canals, and 17th-century cottages. Here you will find 17th St. Anne’s church, nice cafes, and family-friendly accommodations.
In Bruges, hotel rooms can be small for families but in this area, you will find accommodations with more space. Also, it is a great area to enjoy strolling with your families in peaceful streets by the canals without the crowds and you can of course you can still have Belgian and Flemish meals in the cute restaurants. By staying in Sint-Anna Quarter you will also have easy access to the city centre as well.
I just want to remind you to make your booking in advance to not miss these beautiful hotels and if you are already planning your next family holiday after Belgium, Cologne and Lille might give you some travel inspiration.
Let’s check out the best places to stay in Bruges for families:
Flanders Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels located in the Sint-Anna Quarter featuring spacious rooms with modern amenities, a heated indoor swimming pool, and a nice bar with a garden. Market Square, Burg Square, and restaurants are within walking distance and family friendly rooms are available too.
Other accommodation options in Sint-Anna Quarter
Hotel Adornes is a nice place to stay near Market Square in Bruges and offers modern style, family-friendly rooms with free wifi
Centrally located in Bruges, this hostel offers affordable accommodation, a bar, and clean rooms with free wifi
This Airbnb offers comfortable family-friendly rooms with good amenities, and a terrace overlooking the beautiful streets
Things to do in Sint-Anna Quarter, Bruges
- Visit St. Anne’s church and The 15th-century Jerusalem Chapel
- Have a stroll on the parks at Sint-Anna Quarter and see the windmills
- Go to a 500 years old Bruges cafe Vlissinghe
- Try local Belgian foods at ’T Risico
- Check out the amazing chocolate shops in the area
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3. Ezelstraat Quarter – where to stay for those on a budget
Located on the northwest of Bruges and 3 km (1 mile) from the city centre, Ezelstraat Quarter is a beautiful place with medieval buildings, nice parks, shops, and stunning canals. Being a bit outside of the main attractions here you will be able to find more affordable accommodation. That’s why my answer for where to stay in Bruges on a budget is definitely Ezelstraat Quarter!
In Ezelstraat Quarter start your day strolling through Donkey’s gate, check out some delicious chocolate shops and cafes and spend some time in the parks. If you follow the canal along the Ezelpoort you can reach the city centre too see all the historic buildings in Bruges.
So with a little bit of walking, you will be able to stay in an affordable place and still be able to reach the main attractions. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
A Luxurious hotel with a great location close to Market Square which offers charming rooms and a nice restaurant where you can enjoy a fabulous breakfast. You can rent a bike from the hotel and take a tour around the beautiful canals. Restaurants and the town center are within walking distance of the hotel making it a very pleasant stay in Bruges.
Other accommodation options in Ezelstraat Quarter
Close to the Old Town Bruges and canals, this hotel has spacious family-friendly rooms with a great city view
Just next to Bruges market square, this affordable hostel offers a bar, a nice terrace, and clean rooms
This Airbnb offers a comfortable room with a city view and great access to old town and restaurants
Things to do in Ezelstraat Quarter
- Visit Saint Constantine & Helena Orthodox Church
- Have a walk at 13th-century Ezelpoort
- See the amazing architecture of Karmelietenklooster (try to pronounce that!)
- Eat delicious croissants at Croissanterie Ortiz
- Check out one of the best chocolate shops in Bruges – Chocolaterie Spegelaere
- Have dinner at Ribs ‘n Beer
4. Sint-Gillis Quarter – the coolest area to stay in Bruges
Located on the north of Bruges city centre and just a 15-minute walk, Sint-Gillis Quarter is the best area to stay in Bruges for those who are looking for a cool neighborhood. It is a very trendy place where you will find hip cafes, picturesque canal views, and a great selection of restaurants.
By staying in Sint-Gillis Quarter you will be very close to Bruges city centre but at the same time, you will have a chance to escape from tourist crowds. The best way to enjoy this area is simply walking along the beautiful canal, tasting many delicious local foods, and admiring the historic buildings.
If it is possible I always prefer to stay in a cool place to check out cafes with different local vibes, so if you are a person like me, my answer to you for where to stay in Bruges is Sint-Gillis Quarter.
Let’s check out the best places to stay in this trendy area:
Hotel Ter Duinen is one of the best luxury hotels in Bruges offering rooms with an epic canal view, a nice bar, and a tranquil terrace. You can enjoy a drink on the luxurious hotel’s terrace and watch the boats go by. Market square and the old town are within walking distance and family friendly rooms are available too
Other accommodation options in Sint-Gillis Quarter
Located just by the canal this boutique hotel offers rooms with a great decoration and canal view
A funky colorful room with a private bathroom in a central location, walking distance from the center, and a wonderful host
This Airbnb offers rooms with an amazing canal view, modern amenities, and easy access to the old town
Things to do in Sint-Gillis Quarter, Bruges
- Try Belgian style mussels at Cafe De Reisduif
- Enjoy a stroll at the beautiful park – Hof de Jonge
- Visit Sint-Gilliskerk Catholic Church which has an amazing architecture
- Have a Belgian beer at ‘T Oud Handbogenhof
- Eat delicious desserts at Bakkerij Desoete
5. Magdalena Quarter – a quiet area to stay in Bruges
Located just a ten minutes walk south of Bruges city centre, Magdalena Quarter is a quiet area with many museums, historic buildings, beautiful parks, shops, and restaurants. Whether you are a foodie or a history lover, you can find something in this chilled neighborhood.
In Magdalena Quarter, start your day walking by the canal, have a nice coffee and a Belgian snack in any of the beautiful cafes, visit museums for your interest, and chill in the lush parks. You see, here there are activities for everyone if you stay in Bruges.
If you want to stay in a quiet area but want to have easy access to the main attraction, Magdelena Quarter is the best place to stay. Here are the best hotels I carefully chose for you to have a great holiday:
Maison le Dragon is one the best luxury hotels in the town which offers beautifully decorated rooms and luxurious facilities. You can have your breakfast in their 16th-century style dining room with a medieval city view. Burg Square, Old Town, and restaurants are just a short walk from the hotel. This luxury hotel is a perfect choice for where to stay in Bruges for peace and quiet.
Other accommodation options in Magdalena Quarter
This 17th-century style hotel has an amazing garden, fitness center, and beautiful rooms
Centrally located Airbnb which has spacious rooms with free wifi, parking and great access to the old town
This Airbnb is one of the best places to stay in this area, it’s near the canal, and offers a spacious room
Things to do in Magdalena Quarter
- Visit the interesting Smallest Museum
- Go for a walk at St Bonifacius Bridge
- Spend some time at Minnewater Park
- Go to Absolute Art Gallery
- Visit the Church of Our Lady Bruges
- Have a coffee at Books & Brunch
- Visit the Groeninge Museum
| 👑 Luxury price: | €230 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | €130 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €80 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | €150 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Medium |
| 📍 Best Area: | City Centre |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hotel Dukes’ Palace |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | St Christopher’s Inn |
Frequently asked questions about Bruges
⏱️ How many days do you need in Bruges?
1 or 2 days would be enough to explore Bruges, Belgium, make a canal tour, and see the main attractions.
👨👨👧👦 What are the best hotels for families in Bruges?
Sint-Anna Quarter is the best area to stay and Flanders Hotel and Hotel Ter Brughe are the best hotels for families in Bruges.
🗺️ Which area should I stay in Bruges?
If you are visiting Bruges for the first time, the city center is the best area to explore the city. Some of the best hotels for where to stay in Bruges are Hotel Dukes’ Palace and Grand Hotel Casselbergh.
🏢 What is the best hotel in Bruges?
Hotel Ter Duinen with a canal view and Hotel Dukes’ Palace in the city centre are the best hotels in Bruges Belgium.
🤔 What is the best time to visit Bruges?
June to August is thebest time to visit Bruges, Belgium.
👆 Is one day enough for Bruges?
One day could be enough for a canal tour and to see the main sites briefly if you don’t have time, but I recommend you to stay at least two nights in a hotel in Bruges to discover the attractions properly and try good restaurants.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed reading this travel guide on where to stay in Bruges, Belgium. In this blog post I talked about the best hotels in Bruges from luxury to budget as well as Airbnbs in each area. I also gave you some information about the things you can do there so you could pick the perfect one for you!
As I’ve already said, being close to all attractions, the city centre is the best area to stay in for first-timers. However, if you would like to stay in a more affordable area you can pick hotels outside the city centre.
As Bruges is a small city you can still easily explore the town center on foot but in order to get better deals on hotels and not miss your favorite place do not forget to make a reservation in advance!
I am sure you will enjoy your time in Bruges. To sum up, here are the best 2 hotels for where to stay in Bruges Belgium which have great locations as well as good reviews. I definitely recommend you to stay in one of these if you can’t decide between the awesome options in this list!
- Hotel Dukes’ Palace – Bruges best luxury hotel located in the old town
- Grand Hotel Casselbergh – One of the best places to stay in the city center
If you have any other suggestions or questions about Bruges Belgium please leave a comment below. I’ll be happy to leave a reply to them!
Enjoy your time in Bruges Belgium,
Eylul
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Hello! Thanks for so much information organized wonderfully on one page! I have a question. I noticed on your map the omission of the Langestraat quarter and was wondering the reason for this. I’m just beginning my research for a trip in autumn and was simply curious. Thank you, again!
Hi KP!
No particular reason – we were trying to cut it down to the main areas so that’s easier to choose, that is it.
If you found something nice in Langestraat, absolutely go for it, it is close to everything! 🙂