24 Hours in Bruges in December: A Cozy Belgian City Break

Bruges is often called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and honestly? After visiting multiple times, I can see why. With its winding canals, medieval buildings, cobbled streets, and fairytale-like atmosphere, it almost feels too pretty to be real. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and unlike many European cities, much of its medieval character has been remarkably well preserved. It’s no surprise that Bruges is often nicknamed the “Venice of the North.”

I first visited Bruges years ago, but in December I returned with one of my best friends for a cozy winter getaway. Yes, there was a Christmas market. No, this is not going to be a Christmas market guide. Instead, I wanted to share our experience spending 24 hours wandering through one of my favorite cities in Europe, discovering great food, beautiful streets, and plenty of gluten-free finds along the way.

My friend has coeliac disease, which meant every food stop had to be carefully researched beforehand. The result? We ended up discovering some fantastic gluten-free friendly spots that are absolutely worth sharing. So if you’re planning a trip to Bruges and need gluten-free recommendations, consider this an accidental bonus guide.

Breakfast at Willa Brunch & Coffee

After arriving in Bruges, our first stop was breakfast at Willa Brunch & Coffee, located at Sint-Jansplein 9 in the heart of the city.

This small brunch café quickly became one of my favorite discoveries of the trip. Despite its compact size, it felt warm and welcoming, with a cozy atmosphere and genuinely lovely service from the staff. Since we were travelling with coeliac disease in mind, finding somewhere that understood dietary requirements was incredibly important, and Willa absolutely delivered.

Almost all of the brunch classics on the menu could be made gluten-free, including the toast dishes, pancakes, and eggs benedict. It’s always reassuring when a restaurant doesn’t make you feel like an inconvenience for asking about dietary requirements, and the staff were knowledgeable and accommodating throughout our visit.

Most importantly: the food was delicious. Combined with good coffee and a relaxed atmosphere, it was the perfect way to start our day in Bruges.

A Winter Walk Through Bruges

One of my favorite things about Bruges is that you don’t really need an itinerary. The city itself is the attraction.

After breakfast, we simply started walking and allowed ourselves to get lost among the cobbled streets and canals. Every corner seemed to reveal another postcard-perfect view. Even in December, with the cold temperatures, the city felt lively and welcoming.

Eventually we found ourselves at the Markt, Bruges’ famous central square. Surrounded by colorful guild houses, cafés, restaurants, and terraces, it’s one of the most iconic spots in the city. What always amazes me is how many people are still happily sitting outside in winter, wrapped up in blankets with a hot drink in hand.

This is also one of the places where you’ll spot one of Bruges’ most famous traditions: horse-drawn carriage rides. Throughout the day we saw carriages clip-clopping through the historic streets, adding even more storybook charm to the city.

Towering above the square is the Belfry of Bruges, the city’s famous medieval bell tower. Visitors can climb 366 steps to reach the top and enjoy panoramic views over Bruges. Since we only had 24 hours in the city, we decided to skip the climb this time and focus on exploring at street level. But if it’s your first visit and you don’t mind the stairs, it’s one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Chocolate, Chocolate & More Chocolate

If Belgium is famous for one thing besides beer, it’s chocolate, and Bruges might just be the chocolate capital of the country.

Walking through the city, you’ll find chocolate shops on what feels like every street. Window displays are filled with pralines, truffles, chocolate figures, and enough sweet treats to test even the strongest self-control.

My personal favorite chocolatier in Bruges is Dumon. If you ask me, they sell some of the best chocolate in the city.

The branch we visited on Eiermarkt felt less like a commercial chocolate shop and more like stepping into somebody’s cozy cottage. The small store was packed with handmade chocolates and gift boxes, and the whole place smelled incredible.

I won’t lie: the prices are definitely on the higher side. But the quality is fantastic, and I couldn’t leave without taking home at least a small bag. Sometimes you simply have to accept that chocolate purchases don’t count towards your travel budget.

Shopping in Bruges: My Favorite Finds on Wollestraat

One thing I always forget about Bruges until I return is how good the shopping actually is. Sure, people come for the canals, waffles, chocolate, and medieval architecture, but there are also plenty of unique independent shops tucked away between the historic buildings.

During our wander through the city, we spent quite a bit of time browsing the shops along Wollestraat, one of the prettiest streets in the center of Bruges. If you’re looking for souvenirs that go beyond the standard fridge magnet, these were some of my favorite stops.

2be Shop

If there’s one souvenir shop in Bruges that feels like an attraction in itself, it’s 2be Shop.

Located right along the canal, this famous beer and gift shop is impossible to miss. Inside you’ll find what is probably one of the largest selections of Belgian beer in the city, with an impressive beer cellar organized by style, from fruity beers and lambics to stronger Belgian ales and Trappist beers.

But beer isn’t the only reason to visit. The shop is packed with everything that makes Belgium, well… Belgium. Think boxes of chocolate, local food products, Belgian snacks, and plenty of pop-culture souvenirs. I spotted everything from Smurfs merchandise to Suske & Wiske memorabilia and even items featuring Belgium’s most famous adventurous duo, Tintin and his loyal dog Snowy.

Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s a fun place to browse and get a feel for Belgian culture. And if the weather is nice, the outdoor terrace overlooking the canal is a lovely spot to sit and soak up the atmosphere.

The Backstage

Music lovers, this one’s for you! The Backstage is a compact but fun shop filled with official merchandise from artists and bands across all genres. From classic rock legends to current pop stars, you’ll find t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, posters, vinyl records, and all kinds of collectible items.

Even if you’re not actively shopping, it’s one of those stores that’s fun to browse because there’s always something nostalgic hanging on the walls. I definitely spent longer in here than I intended.

Boddi

After all the chocolate and souvenir shopping, Boddi felt like a calmer, more relaxing stop.

This beautiful body care boutique focuses on natural soaps, skincare, and bath products. The moment you walk inside you’re greeted by the scent of essential oils, handmade soaps, and luxurious body products.

Everything feels thoughtfully curated, making it a great place to pick up a small gift for someone back home or to treat yourself after walking around Bruges all day. The products are beautifully presented and have that artisan feel that makes them stand out from standard high-street brands.

Dinner at FritBar & Waffles at Otto Waffle Atelier

After a full day of wandering through Bruges, browsing shops, and eating our way around the city, there was only one thing left to do: try some proper Belgian fries.

For dinner, we headed to FritBar, a modern take on Belgium’s iconic frituur culture. If you’re visiting Belgium and don’t eat fries at least once, did you really visit Belgium?

Luckily for us, FritBar was also very accommodating when it came to gluten-free dining. Despite arriving during a busy period, the wait wasn’t bad at all. There was a small queue outside, but it moved surprisingly quickly and we were seated within about 15 minutes as a party of two.

The service was fast without feeling rushed, and the staff were friendly throughout our visit. Most importantly, the fries were exactly what we had hoped for: crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and everything you want from authentic Belgian fries. Simple? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.

As if fries weren’t enough, we somehow still found room for dessert.

Conveniently located right next door, Otto Waffle Atelier was impossible to resist. And honestly, when you’re in Belgium, passing up fresh waffles should probably be illegal.

What makes Otto particularly great for travellers with dietary restrictions is that their waffles are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Many of the toppings can also be made vegan, making it one of the most inclusive dessert spots we found during our trip.

I kept things simple and ordered a classic waffle topped with dairy-free whipped cream. And honestly? Perfection.

There’s just something magical about eating a freshly baked waffle on a cold December evening. Warm, slightly crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, and the perfect sweet ending to a day spent exploring Bruges.

Our Hotel: ibis Styles Bruges Centre

For our overnight stay, we booked a standard twin room at ibis Styles Bruges Centre.

If you’ve stayed at an ibis Styles before, you’ll know roughly what to expect. Think of it as the slightly more stylish, recently renovated cousin of a standard ibis hotel. The room wasn’t overly luxurious, but it was modern, comfortable, clean, and had everything we needed for a one-night city break.

What really made this hotel stand out for us was the location.

It’s situated in a quieter part of the historic centre, meaning we could easily walk to restaurants, shops, and Bruges’ main sights while still enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance of Bruges railway station, making arrival and departure incredibly easy.

For a short city break, it ticked all the boxes.

A New Day, A New Breakfast at That’s Toast

The next morning, we skipped the hotel breakfast buffet and headed to one of Bruges’ most popular brunch spots: That’s Toast.

When we arrived, there was already a queue outside. Normally this would have made me reconsider, but thankfully the wait turned out to be much shorter than expected.

The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but the staff offered us a table on their heated outdoor terrace. While most people ahead of us were waiting specifically for indoor seating, we happily accepted and practically skipped the queue altogether.

And honestly? It was lovely.

The terrace felt more like a cozy backyard than an outdoor dining area, and thanks to the heaters we weren’t cold at all, despite it being December.

The food once again exceeded expectations. The portions were generous, everything was beautifully presented, and the staff were just as friendly as we had experienced throughout the rest of the city.

One thing this trip really taught me is how underrated Bruges is as a food destination. Before visiting, I expected beautiful buildings, canals, chocolate, and Christmas lights. What I didn’t expect was to eat so consistently well for 24 hours straight.

From brunch cafés and waffles to fries and gluten-free friendly restaurants, Bruges genuinely surprised me with its food scene -and that’s probably what I’ll remember most from this trip.

One Last Walk Through Bruges

With our stomachs full once again, we set off for one final wander through Bruges before heading home.

If you’re following in our footsteps, make sure to stroll past some of the city’s most beautiful landmarks. Start at Boniface Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in Bruges. The combination of the canal, historic buildings, and romantic atmosphere makes it feel like you’ve stepped straight into a fairytale. If you’re after that perfect Bruges photo, this is the place.

From there, continue towards Rosary Quay (Rozenhoedkaai), arguably the most iconic viewpoint in the entire city. Every postcard stand in Bruges seems to feature this exact view, and once you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why.

Next, cross the charming Blinde-Ezelbrug (Blind Donkey Bridge) and make your way towards Bruges City Hall. Built in the late 14th century, it’s one of the oldest city halls in the Low Countries and easily one of the most impressive buildings in the city. Right next door you’ll find the Basilica of the Holy Blood, one of Bruges’ most famous religious sites, known for housing a relic believed by many to contain the blood of Christ.

Even if you’re not planning on going inside every attraction, simply walking this route allows you to experience some of Bruges’ most beautiful corners in a relatively short amount of time.

A Bruges Must-Do: Canal Boat Tours

One activity I always recommend in Bruges is a canal boat tour.

I’ve done one on a previous visit and honestly, it’s one of the best ways to see the city. Bruges looks completely different from the water, and the tours allow you to admire hidden corners, historic bridges, and beautiful facades that you might otherwise miss while exploring on foot.

We didn’t do a boat tour during this trip because the weather had turned much colder and rainier, but if you’re visiting Bruges for the first time or simply don’t have much time in the city – I highly recommend adding one to your itinerary.

One Last Waffle at Go.fre

Before making our way back to the train station, there was one final stop we couldn’t resist. Another waffle.

This time we visited Go.fre, where they serve freshly made Belgian waffles on a stick. Honestly, whoever came up with that idea deserves a medal. The concept is simple: choose your waffle, pick your toppings, and enjoy your portable dessert while strolling through the city.

Like many of the places we visited during this trip, Go.fre also offers gluten-free options. Not every topping is gluten-free, so make sure to check the menu carefully, but everything is clearly marked which makes ordering nice and easy.

I have to admit that I personally preferred the waffles at Otto Waffle Atelier from the evening before, but that’s not a criticism of Go.fre at all. The waffle-on-a-stick concept is fun, the toppings are delicious, and it’s a great grab-and-go treat before catching your train home.

When I think back on these 24 hours in Bruges, what stands out most isn’t a particular attraction or landmark. It’s the atmosphere.

The quiet canals. The medieval streets. The smell of waffles and chocolate drifting out of shop doors. The cozy cafés we ducked into to escape the December chill. And of course, sharing all of it with one of my best friends.

Bruges is one of those cities that doesn’t demand a packed itinerary. You don’t need to race between attractions or tick off a long sightseeing checklist. The real magic is simply wandering, discovering hidden corners, eating something delicious, and slowing down for a day. Would I return? Absolutely. In fact, by the time we boarded the train home, I was already thinking about my next visit.

XO BUG GIRL

Instagram: @thebuggirladventures