From its historic city centre to thrilling attractions, such as the Boudewijn Seapark, Bruges is an ideal family holiday destination for all ages. Whether you’re seeking budget stays or luxury hotels, our extensive guide has answers to your questions about the best family-friendly accommodations in Bruges. Discover the most suitable times to visit, and an abundance of activities and attractions that will create lasting memories for you and your children in this enchanting Belgian destination.
Things to do
Bruges offers a myriad of family-friendly activities, from exploring historic landmarks like the Langerei and Visserskruis to enjoying the many museums the city has to offer. We’ve put together a list of must-see attractions and activities that will delight the whole family.
Begin your adventure by wandering around Bruges' UNESCO World Heritage Site historic city centre, where you'll find an array of museums and religious landmarks. A great location for families to explore is the Visserskruis, a charming area filled with sightseeing, delicious food and drink, and relaxing canal tours. Visit the Boudewijn Seapark for a thrilling day out, where your family will enjoy over 30 attractions, including a waterpark, and animal presentations featuring dolphins, sea lions and seals. The park offers educational presentations, indoor playgrounds and dolphin presentations during the winter season. Bruges also boasts a captivating history of lace-making, textiles and beer production. Consider visiting the Brewery Museum, which provides an insight into the city's brewing heritage, or the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a popular religious landmark steeped in history. Lastly, time your visit to coincide with the annual religious procession that sees over 1,600 participants dressed as medieval knights, offering your family a unique and memorable experience in this delightful city.
When to visit
For the ideal family trip to Bruges, late spring and summer (May to August) is your best bet, as the weather is pleasant and the city is vibrant. May is the sweet spot with thinner crowds, and it’s before the peak tourist season which begins in late May. Those on a budget might consider January as the cheapest month to visit. The Christmas Market, running from mid-November to December, is a popular attraction, and it's worth considering visiting in March when warmer weather prevails. Autumn offers milder weather and fewer crowds. Winter, while quietest and lowest in prices, isn't the best option due to low tourist numbers. Always plan your family holiday during school breaks to avoid possible issues with school schedules.
Things you'll love...
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic city centre with your family
- Visit Boudewijn Seapark for a day filled with waterpark fun, and dolphin, sea lion and seal presentations
- Discover the rich history and museums of Bruges, from lace-making to brewery tours
- Take a relaxing canal tour to enjoy the charming city of Bruges by water
- Witness the annual religious procession with 1,600 participants dressed as medieval knights
Main airports
- Lille Airport,
- Aéroport de Bruxelles