Where to Stay in Bruges: Best Areas & Hotels

On By saar.decosterIn Belgium

Choosing where to stay in Bruges can be a little confusing, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

Bruges is a fairly compact city, and most of the historic centre is walkable. However, where you stay can make quite a difference depending on whether you want to be right in the middle of the medieval centre, close to the train station or somewhere a little quieter.

If you’re visiting Bruges for the first time and want to see the famous canals, historic buildings and main attractions, I’d personally stay around the Rozenhoedkaai and the historic centre.

Not sure whether Bruges is the right Belgian city for your trip? My Belgium Cities Compared: Which Belgian City Should You Visit? compares the country’s most popular cities and what each one is best for.

For a short trip, staying near Bruges train station can be much more convenient, especially if you’re arriving by train and only have one night.

And if you’re travelling with children or simply want a quieter place to stay while still being within walking distance of the centre, I’d look around Kazernevest and the Minnewater area.

Here are the three areas I’d consider when choosing where to stay in Bruges.

If you want a complete overview of what to do, where to eat and what to see during your trip, check out my Bruges Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & See before choosing where to stay.

If Bruges is part of a bigger trip around Belgium, check out my Belgium Complete Travel Guide: Cities, Food, Festivals & Local Tips for more ideas on where to go and how to plan your trip.

Best Areas to Stay in Bruges

  • Historic Centre & Rozenhoedkaai – Best for first-time visitors, couples and sightseeing
  • Bruges Train Station – Best for short trips and convenient transport
  • Kazernevest & Minnewater – Best for families, quieter stays and a more relaxed atmosphere

Short on time?

Here are my 3 favourite hotels in Bruges:

1. Historic Centre & Rozenhoedkaai

Best for: first-time visitors, couples, sightseeing and being in the middle of everything

If it’s your first time in Bruges, this is the area I would choose.

Still deciding whether Bruges is worth adding to your Belgium itinerary? I’ve shared my full personal take in Is Bruges Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Fairytale City.

The area around the Rozenhoedkaai is one of the most beautiful parts of Bruges and is probably the image you have in your head when you think of the city.

You’ll be surrounded by medieval buildings, canals, cobbled streets, restaurants, chocolate shops and some of Bruges’ most famous sights.

From here, you can easily walk to the Markt, Burg Square, the Belfry, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the main shopping streets.

The biggest advantage is simply convenience.

You can wake up, walk outside and immediately be surrounded by the historic Bruges you came to see. You also won’t have to worry about public transport during your stay because most attractions are within walking distance.

Why stay around Rozenhoedkaai?

  • Right in the historic heart of Bruges
  • Excellent for first-time visitors
  • Beautiful canals and medieval architecture
  • Walking distance to the Markt and Belfry
  • Plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars nearby
  • Great for couples and romantic trips
  • Very convenient for sightseeing

The downside is that this is also one of the busiest parts of Bruges.

During the day, the historic centre can get very crowded, especially around the main sights. Accommodation can also be more expensive than in areas further away from the centre.

However, if you stay overnight, you get to experience something day-trippers miss: Bruges after the crowds have gone home.

The city becomes much quieter in the evening, and walking along the canals after dinner is one of the nicest things you can do here.

Hotels around the Historic Centre

The Pand Hotel

The Pand Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel in an excellent location close to the Rozenhoedkaai.

The hotel is housed in an 18th-century mansion and has a more luxurious, romantic atmosphere. It is particularly suited to couples and travellers looking for a special stay.

One of its biggest advantages is the location. The famous Rozenhoedkaai is just outside the hotel, while the Groeningemuseum and other major sights are also nearby. Booking.com highlights its excellent location and notes that it is also popular with families.

Best for: couples, romantic trips and a more luxurious stay.

Book Here: The Pand Hotel

Hotel Rose Red

Hotel Rose Red is a great option if you want to be right in the middle of Bruges without going for a luxury hotel.

The hotel is located directly behind the Markt, making it incredibly convenient for sightseeing.

It currently has a 9.1/10 rating on Booking.com, with particularly high scores for location, cleanliness and comfort. There is also a bar and restaurant specialising in Trappist beers, which is a nice bonus after a day of exploring.

Best for: first-time visitors, couples and travellers who want a central location.

Book Here: Hotel Rose Red

Hotel Ter Brughe

Hotel Ter Brughe is another lovely option if you want that classic Bruges atmosphere.

The hotel is located along a canal in the historic centre and is around an eight-minute walk from the Markt, Belfry and shopping area.

It’s a particularly nice choice if you want your accommodation itself to feel like part of the Bruges experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

Booking.com currently gives the hotel a 9.0/10 location score.

Best for: couples, romantic stays and travellers who want a traditional Bruges atmosphere.

Book Here: Hotel Ter Brughe

My recommendation

If this is your first trip to Bruges, I would stay here.

You pay a little more for the location, but being able to walk everywhere makes your trip much easier.

And personally, I think staying in the historic centre is worth it in Bruges. The city is especially beautiful early in the morning and later in the evening when the day-trippers have disappeared.

Burg Square in Bruges, Belgium

Planning your Bruges trip?

I created a Bruges Google Map with my favourite places and local recommendations, including things to do, coffee & brunch spots, restaurants, bars, shopping and more.
OR
Want to explore more of Belgium?
Get the Complete Belgium Google Map with 540+ saved places across the country.

Bruges Google Map: €2
Complete Belgium Google Map: €5

2. Around Bruges Train Station

Best for: short trips, one-night stays, train travellers and convenience

If you’re only spending one night in Bruges, staying near the train station can make a lot of sense.

Only staying in Bruges for one day or one night? My One Day in Bruges: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary shows you exactly how I’d spend a short visit to the city.

Bruges railway station is just south of the historic centre. From the station, you can walk into the centre in roughly 15–20 minutes, depending on exactly where you’re staying.

This means you can arrive by train, walk to your hotel, drop your luggage and immediately start exploring.

It is also a good option if you’re travelling around Belgium by train and don’t want to drag your suitcase through the cobbled streets of the historic centre.

The station area itself is less atmospheric than the historic centre, though.

You’re choosing practicality over the full medieval Bruges experience.

Why stay near Bruges Station?

  • Very convenient if arriving by train
  • Great for one-night stays
  • Easy to leave Bruges again the next morning
  • Usually more practical with luggage
  • Still within walking distance of the historic centre
  • Good option if Bruges is part of a larger Belgium trip

Hotels near Bruges Station

ibis budget Brugge Centrum Station

ibis budget Brugge Centrum Station is probably the most obvious choice if convenience and price are your priorities.

The hotel is located right next to Bruges railway station, around 150 metres away, and the historic centre is only a short walk from the hotel.

It’s a fairly simple hotel, so don’t expect a romantic medieval Bruges experience.

But if you’re looking for somewhere clean, practical and easy for one night, it does the job.

Best for: budget travellers, solo travellers and short stays.

Book Here: ibis budget Brugge Centrum Station

Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges

Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges is a more comfortable option near the station.

It is around 330 metres from Bruges railway station and offers the facilities you would expect from a larger four-star hotel, including a fitness centre, restaurant/bar and terrace.

Booking.com currently gives it an 8.3/10 rating.

This is a good choice if you like the idea of staying near the station but don’t want to sacrifice comfort.

Best for: couples, business travellers and travellers looking for a more comfortable stay near the station.

Book Here: Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges

Hotel Albert I

Hotel Albert I is a nice middle ground between staying directly at the station and staying deep inside the historic centre.

The hotel is located at ‘t Zand, around an eight-minute walk from Bruges railway station and less than a 10-minute walk from the Markt and Belfry.

Booking.com currently gives it a 9.1/10 rating and guests particularly praise its location and breakfast.

This is actually one of my favourite choices if you want easy access to the station without feeling like you’re staying in the station area.

Best for: couples, short city breaks and travellers who want convenience without sacrificing atmosphere.

My recommendation

If you’re staying just one night, I would seriously consider this area.

You can arrive by train, leave your luggage at the hotel and walk straight into the centre.

If you’re staying two or three nights, though, I’d personally spend a little more to stay in the historic centre.

Book Here: Hotel Albert I

3. Kazernevest & Minnewater

Best for: families, quieter stays, couples and travellers who want to be close to the centre without staying in the busiest area

If you want to be close to Bruges’ main attractions but don’t want to sleep directly in the middle of the tourist crowds, take a look around Kazernevest and the Minnewater area.

This area is just south and southeast of the main historic centre.

You are still within easy walking distance of the main sights, but the atmosphere is generally more relaxed.

You’re also close to Minnewater Park, the Begijnhof and the canals, which makes this a particularly pleasant area if you enjoy walking.

I think this is a great compromise for families or anyone who wants a quieter base.

You can spend the day exploring the busy historic centre and then walk back towards a calmer part of the city in the evening.

Why stay around Kazernevest?

  • Quieter than the immediate Markt/Rozenhoedkaai area
  • Still within walking distance of the historic centre
  • Close to Minnewater Park
  • Nice area for walking
  • Good option for families
  • More relaxed atmosphere
  • Great compromise between location and peace

Hotels around Kazernevest & Minnewater

B&B Waterside

B&B Waterside is located directly on Kazernevest, making it a particularly good fit if you specifically want to stay in this area.

The B&B currently has an excellent 9.2/10 location score on Booking.com and an overall rating of around 8.6/10.

The property has a more intimate B&B atmosphere rather than feeling like a large hotel, which can be nice if you prefer smaller accommodation.

Best for: couples, quieter stays and travellers who like small B&Bs.

Book Here: B&B Waterside

Expect the unexpected!!!

If you want something a little different, Expect the unexpected!!! is a really interesting option.

It is located at Kazernevest 32, directly in the area I’m recommending, and currently has an impressive 9.4/10 overall rating on Booking.com.

Guests particularly rate the staff, cleanliness and location highly. It also has free parking, which can be a major advantage if you are driving to Bruges.

The accommodation has a quieter feel while still being within walking distance of the main sights.

Best for: couples, families and travellers arriving by car.

Book Here: Expect the unexpected!!!

Viktor and Stella Suite by the Minnewater

Viktor and Stella Suite by the Minnewater is another excellent choice if you want to stay on the quieter southern side of the historic centre.

The property is located on Katelijnevest, close to Minnewater, and currently has an excellent 9.4/10 location score on Booking.com. Minnewater Park is only around a five-minute walk away, while the Belfry and Markt are still easily reachable on foot.

The suites are also more spacious than a typical hotel room, with features such as a seating area, dining table, refrigerator and kitchenette-style facilities.

Best for: couples, longer stays and travellers who want more space.

Book Here: Viktor and Stella Suite by the Minnewater

My recommendation

If you’re travelling with children, I’d seriously consider staying around here.

You get the best of both worlds: you’re close enough to walk into the historic centre, but you don’t have to sleep directly beside the busiest tourist streets.

It’s also a lovely area for an evening walk around Minnewater after spending the day sightseeing.

Windmills along the canals in Bruges, Belgium

So, Where Should You Stay in Bruges?

Honestly, you can’t go terribly wrong with any of these three areas.

But if I had to choose based on the type of trip you’re taking:

AreaBest forMy pick
Rozenhoedkaai / Historic CentreFirst trip, couples, sightseeing⭐ Best overall
Bruges StationOne night, train travel, convenience⭐ Best for short trips
Kazernevest / MinnewaterFamilies, quiet stays, more space⭐ Best for a quieter stay

If it’s your first time in Bruges

Stay around Rozenhoedkaai.

You’ll be right in the middle of the beautiful historic centre and can walk almost everywhere.

If you’re only staying one night

Stay near Bruges Station.

Especially if you’re arriving and leaving by train, the convenience is hard to beat.

If you’re travelling with children

Look around Kazernevest and Minnewater.

It’s quieter and you’re close to green spaces while still being within walking distance of the centre.

If you want the most romantic experience

Stay in the historic centre around Rozenhoedkaai.

Wake up early, walk along the canals before the crowds arrive and come back in the evening when Bruges becomes much quieter.

My Personal Tip

One thing I would keep in mind when booking accommodation in Bruges is that you don’t necessarily need to be directly beside the Markt.

Bruges is compact, and walking 10–15 minutes can make a noticeable difference in price and atmosphere.

Personally, I’d rather stay somewhere slightly quieter and walk into the centre than pay a huge premium just to be directly on the Markt.

That said, Rozenhoedkaai is the exception for me.

If you’ve never been to Bruges before and find a beautiful hotel around there at a reasonable price, I’d go for it.

There’s something special about being able to step outside your hotel and immediately find yourself surrounded by Bruges’ canals, medieval buildings and cobbled streets.

And if you’re staying overnight, make sure you actually take advantage of it.

Get up early, walk around before the day-trippers arrive and stay out after sunset.

That’s when Bruges feels the most magical.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

Related Posts

You May Also Like

Belgium Planning Guides

Belgium Food and Drinks Guides

More Belgium Guides

FAQ: Where to Stay in Bruges

What is the best area to stay in Bruges?

The historic centre around Rozenhoedkaai is the best area to stay in Bruges for most first-time visitors. You’ll be close to the canals, Markt, Belfry, restaurants and major attractions, and you can explore most of Bruges on foot.

Is it better to stay in the centre of Bruges?

Yes, especially if it’s your first visit. Staying in the historic centre means you can easily walk to most attractions and experience Bruges after the day-trippers have left. The main downside is that hotels in the most central areas can be more expensive.

Where should I stay in Bruges for one night?

If you’re only staying for one night, consider staying near Bruges railway station. It’s particularly convenient if you’re arriving and leaving by train, while the historic centre is still within walking distance.

Where is the best place to stay in Bruges for couples?

The historic centre around Rozenhoedkaai is a great choice for couples. The canals, medieval buildings and quiet evening streets create a particularly romantic atmosphere.

Where should families stay in Bruges?

For families, I’d consider Kazernevest and the Minnewater area. It’s quieter than the busiest parts of the historic centre while still being close enough to walk to the main sights. Being near Minnewater Park is also a nice bonus.

How many nights should I stay in Bruges?

I recommend staying one or two nights in Bruges. One night is enough to see the main highlights, while two nights gives you more time to explore slowly and experience the city in the evening and early morning.

Can you walk around Bruges from the hotels?

Yes. Bruges is a compact city, and most of the main attractions in the historic centre are easily accessible on foot. Even if you stay near the train station or Minnewater, you can generally walk into the centre rather than relying on public transport.

Is Bruges expensive to stay in?

Accommodation in Bruges can be relatively expensive, particularly in the historic centre and around the most popular sights. Staying slightly further from the main tourist streets can sometimes give you better value while still keeping you within walking distance of the centre.

Is it better to stay near Bruges Station or in the city centre?

It depends on your trip. Bruges Station is better for convenience, especially for a one-night stay or if you’re travelling by train. The historic centre is better if you want to be surrounded by Bruges’ medieval atmosphere and have the main sights right outside your door.

What is the most romantic area to stay in Bruges?

The area around Rozenhoedkaai and the historic centre is probably the most romantic place to stay. You’ll be close to Bruges’ famous canals and historic architecture, and you can easily take an evening walk through the quieter streets.

Leave a Reply