WHAT TO SEE IN BRUGES WITH A DOG IN 1 DAY 

We have prepared this optimised itinerary of what to see in Bruges with a dog in 1 day with which you will be able to see the essentials without wasting too much time. This is just a suggestion, you can add and subtract what you want. We have added to the itinerary the possibility of entering the main attractions, but you also have to take into account that in most dogs are not allowed. The itinerary is designed to see everything in a more panoramic way, so you can adapt what you want.

If you want to organise a trip to Belgium like this one and you don't know how to adapt it to you, or simply don't have the time to organise it, remember that we have the consultancy services that are available at a very cheap price. where we will be in charge of everything.

As it was going to be quite a long day, we didn't get up very early either, so Snow had time to have breakfast at his normal time and rest for lunch. To travel to Bruges, we took the train from the central station, because guided tours, as they go by bus, dogs are not allowed, but they are on trains.

But now I'm sure you're wondering: ‘I'm not going to find out anything because no one will explain things to me’. Well, I have a very easy solution: book a Free Tour directly in Bruges. They last 2 hours and because you go walking you will be able to go with your dog.

You need to know something about the Free Tourand is that in Civitatis it says that they DON'T allow dogs, but it's a mistake because we spoke with the company, and they DO allow dogs. In fact, our guide, Nelson, told us that they would never refuse a tour to someone with a dog, that all the guides love dogs and are happy to have them on the tour.

So you can safely book using this Civitatis because no one will complain.

Here are our must-sees in Bruges:

• Groote Markt: it is Bruges' most important square, which is also home to the belfry. You can enjoy its restaurants, its shops, its hustle and bustle, its medieval buildings, but above all, its characteristic architecture. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful squares we know. When it is lit up at night, it is perhaps even more beautiful. We also went at Christmastime, so it was full of stalls selling food, drink, handicrafts, etc.
• Bruges City Council: this imposing building is located on Burg Square (another must-see). Gothic in style, built in 1471, it is one of the oldest town halls in Belgium.

• Belfort Tower: World Heritage Site, listed by UNESCO since 1999, it is one of the most remarkable in Belgium. Standing 83 metres high, this bell tower, crowned by its emblematic carillon bells, rises above the city's skyline as its proud great symbol, representative of the power and wealth of the town in the Middle Ages. It is now a must-see landmark marking the nerve centre of Bruges from its location on the Grote Markt (Market Square or Main Square)).
• Canals: the canal is an emblem of the city, so to really enjoy the essence of Bruges, you have to wander around and visit the banks of its canals, because you're going to discover incredible things. In addition, you can do one of the quintessential activities: the boat trip. There are many options, but we'll leave you with a pet-friendly one:

You'll need to go to Boottochten Brugge, located at Nieuwstraat 11, near the Church of Our Lady. Advance bookings are only accepted for groups of more than 20 people, so just go to the ticket counter, buy your tickets (dogs travel for free) and wait in line. Like all shipping lines, each has four boats and they operate every day, rain or shine, from March to October.

• The Windmills: as in the Netherlands, Bruges has several canal side bridges along the banks of the canal that surrounds the city, some of which are open for visits and climbing to the top.
• Minnewaterpark: also known as the love lake, is one of the most peaceful and calm places in the city. Moreover, depending on the time of year you go, you can enjoy different colours.
• The streets: probably what struck us most about Bruges. When you enter the city it's as if you were suddenly in a World War II film, with the cobbled streets, the style of the houses, etc. It is a fairytale city.

• Basilica of the Holy Blood: one of the most visited places in Bruges. It is open every day from 10:00 to 17:15 and the entrance fee is €2. But you should know that dogs are not allowed inside, so you'll need to turn yourselves.
• Museums: the museums do not accept pets either, but I am including them here in case there are any museum fans travelling without pets. Some that were mentioned on the tour were the Archaeological Museum, the Groeninge and the Franconate of Bruges.
• Other places of interestwe didn't have more time, but you can also visit:
  • The Church of Our Lady
  • The Bonifacio Bridge
  • The hospital of San Juan
  • Queen Astrid Park

This guide is focused on what to see in Brujas con perro, but if you want an itinerary through Belgium, we invite you to read our big post about what to see in Belgium with a dog.

From Brussels, you have trains to many cities, both in Belgium and in other countries such as Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, etc. Therefore, we have left you some other important cities that you can visit:

• Amsterdam: the capital of the Netherlands, and a day trip option from Brussels. Obviously, it's not the same as travelling directly to the city and staying there for 2–3 days, but if you're planning a longer trip, you can still make the most of it.
• Mechelen and Leuven: the two cities of Flanders, full of history, art, and culture. The tour is done by train, so it is quicker and more comfortable than by bus. The guides in Antwerp and Ghent told us that this was a very good option as well. As it is by train, ask if pets are allowed, because you might be able to take them with you for a supplement.
• Luxembourg: one of the most expensive countries in the world. We are looking forward to visiting it, as they say it is a beautiful country. Besides, we know a girl who went with her dog, and she only speaks wonders about the country. Dogs are not allowed in Civitatis, but they are allowed on the trains, so ask if you can do something to make sure they are allowed.
• Leuven: one of the university towns in all of Flanders, so it's well worth a visit. It is done by train, so in principle you shouldn't have any problem to go there with a dog.

Even if it is a short trip, think that many things can happen, such as your dog getting sick, getting cut by a bottle (in Brussels there was a lot of glass on the ground), or simply getting sick because of the change in temperature or for any other reason. For this very reason, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you hire travel insurance. We recommend you IATI, as it is one of the few insurances that not only offers a very competitive price, but also covers practically everything, including your pet. Remember, you have a 5% of discount if you book using our link