Bruges is a charming warren of cobbled streets, leading onto beautiful, medieval squares, with impressive churches, or canals lined with gorgeous old warehouses and townhouses. And lots and lots of chocolate shops! And atmospheric places to eat and drink generally. And lots of lots of choice when it comes to accommodation. So, even more than other cities, it helps to be armed with some expert recommendations for the best places to stay in Bruges, whether you're looking for a boutique hotel, a B&B conversion, or a luxury grand-dame.

Some of our Bruges Collections:

• The Best Hotels in Bruges for Families
• Bruges' Best B&Bs
• The Best Canal View Hotels in Bruges
• Best Bruges Hotels with Parking
• The Best Boutique Hotels in Bruges
• The Best Luxury Hotels in Bruges
• Five Star Hotels in Bruges

In Bruges it's hard not to take a postcard worthy photograph. In the town's medieval centre there are no modern buildings to jump into your shot at the last minute, or cars to dash through. In fact, here you're more likely to have your photograph spoiled by a horse and buggy. For this is one of Europe's best-preserved pre-motorised cities. Which also means it’s small and very accessible. But the problem with Bruges, aside from parking, is that it’s so lovely that everyone knows about it.

You might not realise it, but Burges actually covers 138 square kilometres. Seems like a lot, doesn’t it? Especially if you’ve been here and strolled the narrow streets with their cobblestones and tiny bridges criss crossing the canals. But that cobbled section is just the historic centre — which is definitely one of the best places to stay in Bruges, especially if it’s your first time this beautiful fairytale of a city, and it’s got an almost unlikely sounding number of hotels and guesthouses, but it’s not your only choice, and below we review a few more of your options. Skip this section if you’re just looking for a hotel recommendation.

Where to Stay in Bruges? Which Part of Town?

• The historic centre of Bruges is the Old Town, the bit looped inside the main canal, around the Markt, or the medieval market square, lined with medieval and medieval looking facades and the Belfort or belfry; and Burg, historically the administrative part of town, with the impressive stadhuis, built in 1420, the Basilica of the Holy Blood beside it, and the Bruges Vrije, or library. As well as housing many of the main sights of Bruges, the Old Town is also packed with places to eat and drink, and lots of places to sit and enjoy the ambience. And it’s packed with many choices from our list of the best places to stay in Bruges.
• Still in the Old Town, but on the southern side of these major landmarks is South Bruges, a more peaceful set of streets and canals, leading up to the Begijnhof and the Minnewater. This is a charming place to stay if you want to be central but somewhere quieter too. If you don’t stay here you’ll probably be brought here on a canal, or by a horse and trap.
• Just outside the 13th century ramparts, the defensive walls and canals of old Bruges is Ezelstraat, an 800 year old lane, and the surrounding area called the Ezelstraat Quarter, and this is our Guru’s pick for the best place to stay in Bruges if you’re looking for great value. This is a lively part of town too, with a great array of choice when it comes to eating and drinking, and some hip boutiques and design stores.
• Sint-Anna is in the mirrored location to Ezelstraat, but to the north east, and is another great value choice, and home to actual permanent residents of Bruges, so it’s less touristy. The main landmarks of Sint-Anna are the working 18th century windmills by the outer canal, but Sint-Anna also has a lace museum and a folk museum, and some impressive churches. But the other reason we recommend staying in Sint-Anna is that the nightlife is really buzzy, with bustling pubs and local bars, and cosy eateries.
• Sint-Gillis sits between Ezelstraat and Sint-Anna, and is the neighbourhood to choose if you want to be close to all the main sights, but not right in amongst the crowds. It’s also medievally beautiful, with cobbled streets and stepped townhouses. Sint-Gilliskerk is one of the most impressive churches in Bruges, and peaceful Sincfal is one of only a few green spaces in central Bruges. And again, this is a great place to go looking for great places to eat and drink.
• If you’re travelling with children the Magdalena Quarter, just to the south east of the centre, is our pick. It’s leafy and residential, with elegant medieval squares, and one of the largest parks in Bruges, the Koningin Astridpark. This part of town is also great for bakeries and chocolate shops. And it’s got some great museums and restaurants too.

Bruges is floodlit by night, so you can walk around for hours seeing everything you've seen in the day but with an even more romantic tint. There are plenty of canal side cafes and bars from which to watch the world go by, and cosy tearooms if the weather turns nasty. Bruges gets a lot of visitors, so in some parts of town prices feel hiked, but there are plenty of budget options when it comes to eating and drinking, and many of the pleasures of Bruges come from strolling round town, seeing what you see.

But don't forget that this city is a year round destination. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Bruges, you'll need to get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Bruges

For something special

• If you love chintzy luxury and old fashioned manor house hotels, the Hotel de Orangerie is probably for you. It's right on the canal — with boat trips leaving from just outside its tea rooms — and the rooms on this side have great views of all the action. The staff are genuinely helpful, the afternoon tea is very fine, the bar is well stocked and you're right around the corner from the main square. All the rooms are different sizes and have different decorations, so there's even a reasonably priced option.
• Hôtel Heritage is a dreamily romantic escape with spectacularly elegant, and historic, interiors, complete with chandeliers, original paintings and traditional furnishings. Their Michelin recommended Mystique restaurant is memorable for all the right reasons and there’s an elegant bar and a fitness room. This is a real treat.

For a city break

• The Duke's Palace Residence is a smart upscale townhouse with 24 stylish rooms and suites. Situated just a short distance from the sights, it's a splendid all round city stay.
• For boutique style luxury with a reasonable price tag, one of the best places to stay in Bruges is the Hotel de Tuilerieen. Its 45 rooms and suites have been converted from a 15th century, canal-side building right next to the Groeningemuseum, so it’s super central too. Its generously sized rooms let in lots of light and beautiful views of Bruges. And it’s got a lovely terrace bar, and an indoor pool with a spa.
• The Hotel Monsieur Ernest occupies a restored 14th century patrician’s residence, just off centre, a few minutes stroll from the Belfry and the Markt. Its 28 rooms and suites are simple yet elegant, decorated in a palette of contemporary greys, with comfortable beds and plenty of space. There’s a shuttle service from the airport, and a chic cafe which serves a hearty breakfast, so this is an easy spot for a weekend away.
• Only 450 metres from the Basilica of the Holy Blood, De Castillion is ivy-clad, historic, romantic and elegant. There are 23 rooms and suites, decorated with contemporary luxury in mind: think drapes with a slight sheen, velvet furniture and beds with canopies. Some rooms have original beamed ceilings. Breakfast is served in the medieval basement, and they serve a British-style afternoon tea.

For romance

• The Pand, a converted carriage house turned luxury hotel, boasts sophisticated accommodation with elegant furnishings and beautiful public areas. Located in a quiet part of the old Town these 26 rooms and suites offer every comfort, including whirlpool baths if you book one of the suites. it's a top spot for romance. And, of course, there are a number of top eateries within walking distance.
• Ter Duinen in Sint-Gillis is one to book if you're looking for somewhere to relax by the canal. This hotel has 20 rooms and suites decorated with contemporary chic, a beautiful courtyard, and a breakfast room which looks out onto it, so it's a peaceful haven to come back to.
• Canal Deluxe is a 17th century canal-side townhouse converted into a two bedroom B&B. This cosy spot has a wonderful log fire and a grand stone fireplace — the perfect place to curl up with a good book, whilst the characterful rooms have high ceilings and original wooden beams. Wonderfully intimate.
• If you’re called Casa Romantico, you’re asking quite firmly to be included in the romantic category of our list, but this tasteful, three room B&B is deserving, with its traditionally, and romantically, decorated guest rooms, convenient location for restaurants and bars, as well as sightseeing, and its pool and garden.
• The Guesthouse Bonaficius is a wonderfully quaint, three bedroom guesthouse in a very central spot right on the canal. The building is an historic timber and stone house with old diamond glass windows and exposed beams in many of the rooms. The guest rooms have lovely original features and the decor is stylishly traditional. There’s a roof terrace, perfect for coffee or breakfast, and a huge fireplace in the living room, which also has a large window overlooking the canal about a metre below.

For Foodies

• Right on the canal, just around the corner from the Basilica of the holy Blood, you'll find Die Swaene. Sophisticated and historically listed, this hotel has also won some industry awards, and has a Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendation. So if your standards are high when it comes to boutique accommodation, and gourmet food, Die Swaene might be perfect for you.

For Families

You can't always get a high chair in cafes and restaurants, but people seem genuinely happy to see you show up with your kinder. The size of the town also makes it easy to navigate with little ones. And there's no need to worry about transport, everything is within walking distance.

• For a home from home feel, little three roomed B&B, St Niklaas is one of the best places to stay in Bruges. You're staying in a gorgeous townhouse in the centre of town, with enough original features to make it feel special, but not so many that you have to worry your kids are going to break something.

For great value

• Built in the 16th century the Hotel Jan Brito has got to be one of the most historic hotels in Bruges, but, surprisingly, it's also one of the best value places to stay in Bruges. The decor is 'romanticised medieval', full of knights and maidens, and the kind of grand, French-style, four poster beds knights and maidens in black and white films favour. There are 37 rooms and suites, a wonderful courtyard with a big box hedge, and bar and sitting rooms which are best described as 'noble'.

The Best B&Bs in Bruges

• Number 11 is a beautiful, four room guesthouse, tastefully and comfortably decorated in creams and neutrals, to make the best of the building's gorgeous original features and its quiet courtyard and lovely garden. You’re just a short stroll from several of the city’s main attractions and the centre of town.
• B Guest offers just two rooms in South Bruges, so if you're coming with the family you can have the whole B&B to yourselves. The rooms are furnished in a comfortably country style and you can come back after a day out sightseeing to enjoy a drink on the roof terrace.
• The three room B&B Bornedrager is centrally located, to the north of the centre of Bruges, close to the canal. The decor is traditional and elegant, and the breakfast spread is excellent. Plus, it's strictly adults only, so a great choice for romantic getaways.

Prefer An Apartment?

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Bruges’s nearest airport is Ostend-Bruges Airport, which is 5km southwest of the city, but is has limited connections so many travellers find it easier to fly to Brussels and then take a train to Bruges, which takes around an hour. Or to take the train all the way.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer. If you do hire a car make sure you book somewhere to park it too! There are numerous choices, it’s just better to arrange it in advance.
• Bruges is a year round destination, that has a peak season in the summer, and another around Christmas — which is just beautiful here, quite magical! Summer is sunny, but it’s by no means hot, with maximum daily averages for the summer months peaking in the low 20s°C, but visitors to Bruges aren’t here for the weather. Winter maximum average temperatures are 4°C, and it’s really beautiful if it snows. Autumn is probably when you’ll find the best value purely because it’s rainier at this time of year.

Still not sure of the best place to stay in Bruges?

• You could expand your search by including the best places to stay in Ghent,
• or the best places to stay in Brussels.
• Alternatively you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.