One Perfect Day in Brugge: A Solo Female Travel Guide (Why I Chose Brugge Over Brussels)
- Kayla Daquino
- Feb 15
- 4 min read
Planning one day in Brugge? A solo female traveler shares her honest itinerary, safety tips, costs, and why I chose Brugge over Brussels.
If you're planning a trip to Belgium and wondering whether to visit Brussels or Brugge, let me make it simple:
If you’re short on time — or traveling alone — choose Brugge. My final full day in Europe was supposed to be spent in Brussels. Instead, I boarded a 9:47 AM train and spent one perfect day in Brugge — a decision that completely changed the way my trip ended. This is my honest Brugge itinerary, costs included, plus why I believe Brugge is better than Brussels for solo female travelers.
How to Get from Brussels to Brugge (Easy Day Trip)
One of the best things about visiting Brugge is how easy it is to reach.
Train time: 55 minutes
Cost: ~€15 one way
Departure: Brussels-Midi Station
Arrival: Brugge Station
No advance booking required
If you’re researching day trips from Brussels, this is the simplest and most rewarding option. And sometimes, a 55-minute train ride is all it takes to reset your entire mood. Brugge is compact, walkable, and ideal for a one-day visit. Here’s exactly how I spent my time.
Start at Markt Square & Climb the Belfry
Begin your day in Markt, Brugge’s iconic central square lined with colorful medieval buildings. Then climb the Belfry of Bruges.
Entry: €14
366 steps
Allow 45–60 minutes
At the top, Brugge unfolds in every direction — red rooftops, church spires, winding canals. Standing there alone, looking over a city that has survived centuries, I felt steady again. If you're building a Brugge itinerary, this is non-negotiable.
Wander the Canals (The Best Free Thing to Do in Brugge)
One of the best things to do in Brugge is also the simplest: wander.
Put your phone away. Follow the canals. Cross small stone bridges. Turn wherever the light looks beautiful. Make sure to stop at the peaceful Begijnhof, a quiet white-washed courtyard that feels like stepping into another century.
Is Brugge Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
In my experience: absolutely. In Brugge, I felt comfortable walking alone all day. The city is small, well-lit, and calm. No catcalling. No tension. Just bicycles, swans, and locals saying “goedemiddag” as they pass. If you’re researching solo female travel in Belgium, Brugge is the place I’d recommend first.
Lunch: Traditional Belgian Food by the Canal
If you're wondering what to eat in Brugge, start here:
Carbonnade flamande (beef stewed in Belgian beer)
Frites
Local blonde ale
Expect to pay €20–25 at a canal-side café. Sitting there, eating slowly and watching boats drift by, I realized something: this was the first meal in days where I wasn’t hyper-aware of my surroundings. I could relax. For solo travelers, that feeling matters more than any sightseeing list.
Eat Belgian Chocolate (Because It’s Brugge)
Brugge is famous for chocolate, and you’ll find shops on nearly every corner. One standout is The Chocolate Line, known for creative pralines and bold flavors. Solo travel tip: No one judges you for eating chocolate alone at 4 PM. And even if they did, you’d never see them again.
Visit the Church of Our Lady
Inside Church of Our Lady, you’ll find Madonna and Child, one of the few Michelangelo sculptures outside Italy. It’s quiet. Dimly lit. Timeless. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a grounding place to pause — especially at the end of a long trip.
Take a Brugge Canal Cruise
If you’re debating whether a canal cruise is worth it in Brugge — it is.
Seeing the city from the water at golden hour especially makes you understand why Brugge is called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Brugge vs Brussels: Which Is Better?
If you can only visit one city in Belgium, here’s my honest comparison:
Choose Brugge If You Want:
Walkability
A romantic, medieval atmosphere
A calm experience
A city that feels safe for solo travelers
Choose Brussels If You Want:
Museums
Political landmarks
A larger metropolitan vibe
For me, Brugge delivered what Brussels promised.
Final Thoughts: Is Brugge Worth Visiting?
Yes. Especially if you're traveling alone. Brugge is manageable, beautiful, safe, and emotionally grounding. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you travel in the first place. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed in Brussels — or anywhere — know this: you are allowed to change your plans. The train to Brugge takes less than an hour. And sometimes, the best travel memories begin the moment you decide to leave.
Ready to Plan Your Own Perfect Ending?
If Brugge taught me anything, it’s this: the best trips aren’t just about where you go — they’re about how you feel while you’re there. Whether you’re planning a solo European adventure, a romantic getaway, or a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary, you deserve a trip that feels aligned, intentional, and effortless. Let’s design something that feels like you.
Choose your next step below:
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