Holiday home near Bruges: away from the crowds, full of charm
Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but in high season the historic centre is very busy. Renting a holiday home in the Bruges area means the best of both worlds: the magnificent city centre within cycling distance, and the peace of a polder farmhouse or cottage in Jabbeke.
Holiday homes around Bruges are on average 5 to 20 kilometres from the centre. Damme is 7 km away, Jabbeke 12 km. Via the cycling node network, the centre of Bruges is reachable from most villages in 20 to 45 minutes by bike. Prices are 20 to 40 per cent lower than in the city centre itself.
Why stay outside Bruges?
The historic centre of Bruges has barely 20,000 inhabitants but welcomes more than eight million visitors every year. In summer and at weekends, the Markt, Belfry and Begijnhof bridge are very crowded. Most hotels and apartments in the centre are also quite expensive.
Renting a holiday home just outside the ring road costs less, gives you more space and means waking up in a peaceful setting. The centre? Twenty minutes by bike. The combination of peace, space and proximity to a world-class city is a rare gift in touristy Belgium.
The best locations around Bruges
Damme is the most popular choice for a holiday home near Bruges. The town sits along the Damme Canal, a picturesque waterway that runs straight to Bruges. The cycling path along the canal is one of the most famous in West Flanders: flat, beautiful and lined with poplars. Damme has a pleasant centre with terraces and a historic town hall.
Jabbeke is a quieter option further south. The village is known for the Permeke Museum, dedicated to the Flemish expressionist painter Constant Permeke. The area is rural and has several polder farms available as holiday homes. Bruges is a ten-minute drive or forty-minute cycle.
What to do in the Bruges area?
- Cycling along the Damme Canal from Damme to Bruges (7 km, flat and scenic)
- Visiting Bruges city centre: Markt, Belfry, Begijnhof, Groeninge Museum
- Boat trip on the Bruges canals (departing from the centre)
- Cycling through the polders towards Knokke via the cycling node network
- Chocolate Museum or Chip Museum in Bruges (perfect for a rainy day)
- Walk in the Tillegemwoud, Bruges' green suburban woodland
Holiday homes in the Bruges area
The range of holiday homes around Bruges is varied. In the polder fringe you find spacious farms with large gardens, ideal for families or small groups. On the outskirts of Bruges there are also smaller houses and apartments offering excellent comfort and accessibility.
Damme has a select but quality market of holiday homes, from characterful polder cottages to renovated historic houses along the canal. The quiet polders of the Meetjeshoek, just outside the Bruges agglomeration, are an undiscovered gem for those who really want to disconnect.
Practical tips
The cycling node network in West Flanders is excellent and connects all villages around Bruges with the city centre. Ask your host whether bikes are available. The Damme Canal route is suitable for all ages, even young children in a bike trailer.
Bruges is also accessible by public transport from surrounding municipalities via De Lijn bus. Bruges station has direct connections to Brussels, Ghent and the coast. Those arriving by car are best advised to park at one of the free park-and-ride sites and cycle or take a shuttle into the historic centre.
Frequently asked questions
How far is a holiday home in Damme from Bruges?
Damme is 7 kilometres from the centre of Bruges. By bike along the Damme Canal it takes about 25 to 30 minutes. By car, less than 15 minutes. There are also bus services from Damme to Bruges city centre.
Is the Bruges area suitable for dogs?
Yes, the polder region and the area around Damme are excellent for dogs. Many holiday homes have an enclosed garden. Always check when booking whether pets are welcome.
What is the best season to stay near Bruges?
Bruges is attractive all year round, but spring and autumn are the best periods for a stay in the area. Cycling is more pleasant, the centre is less crowded and prices are lower. Summer is the busiest season with many tourists in the centre.
Can I park at a holiday home near Bruges?
Holiday homes outside the centre almost always have their own parking space or driveway. This is one of the great advantages of staying outside the historic core. In the centre itself, parking is chargeable and can be hard to find.