Belgium, Europe

Bruges in August

Busiest month. Lovely weather, but the center is crowded from mid morning to late afternoon.

TradeoffsWarm, highs near 72F (22C)

Bruges canal, Belgium — BrugesPhoto: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Bruges. Busiest month. Lovely weather, but the center is crowded from mid morning to late afternoon.

Weather: Warm, highs near 72F (22C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Bruges

August is the busiest month. Highs are near 72F (22C), and the weather is lovely, but the center is crowded from mid morning to late afternoon. Prices are at their peak, and canal boat queues can be long.

This month suits families who need summer travel. Explore early and late, and take a day trip to the coast or Damme. If you want the same weather with fewer people, September is the better choice. Book rooms early, and plan your Belfry climb and canal boat for the first hour of the day, when lines are short.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Bruges this month.

Summer evenings

The town is peaceful after the day-trippers leave.

Bike rides to Damme

Escape the center on a flat canal ride through the countryside.

Boudewijn Seapark

A fun half day for kids in the warm months.

What to pack for August

Light clothing
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes
A light jacket for evenings

Our timing tip

Take the first canal boat of the morning to skip the long afternoon queues.

Book Bruges for August.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Bruges
Opens a hotel search for Bruges in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Bruges
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Bruges
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Bruges for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Bruges

Full guide

The Belfry

Climb the 366 steps for the view over the rooftops. Timed tickets help; go at opening or late afternoon.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Groeninge Museum

Flemish Primitives including Jan van Eyck. Small and quiet compared with the crowds outside.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Canal boat tour

The classic 30 minute loop. Take the first boats of the morning to avoid the queues; service is reduced in winter.

Tickets and tours →

Begijnhof and Minnewater

The white houses of the Beguinage and the 'Lake of Love' are serene at dawn, busy by midday.

Tickets and tours →

Basilica of the Holy Blood

A two-level chapel on the Burg square holding a revered relic, the center of the Ascension Day procession.

Tickets and tours →

De Halve Maan Brewery

A family brewery in the center with tours and a beer pipeline under the old town streets.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Sleep in Bruges. Walk the Markt, the Burg, and the Rozenhoedkaai before 9am and after 6pm, when day-trippers are gone.
Visit midweek rather than on weekends, and check if cruise ships are in at Zeebrugge.
Spend the busiest hours in museums, on a bike ride to Damme, or in quieter neighborhoods like Sint-Anna in the east.
Book the Belfry online, and go to the Holy Blood Basilica at opening.

Know before you go

Several Musea Brugge museums close on Mondays. Check before planning a Monday visit.
Canal boats run most of the year but can pause in freezing weather, storms, or winter weekdays.
Some restaurants close one or two days a week, often midweek, and a few take winter holidays in January.
Christmas Day and New Year's Day close many sights and shops.