During my study abroad in London while in college, I had the opportunity to travel to Bruges, Belgium solo for a few days. Since it was my first solo trip in a foreign country, I was a bit nervous about the whole endeavor. However, Bruges proved to not only be beautiful, but I felt completely safe as a single, female wanderluster.

I spent three days exploring the town, staying in a single room in a hostel, and eating more chocolate than should be legal in a day. Since bars and nightclubs hold no interest for me when traveling solo, here are a few things to do if you’re on your own, or with others, in Bruges:

1. People watch in Burg Square. The center of the city is charming day or night and is a true tourist destination with the little surrounding stores, carriage rides, and architecture.

I was actually there when they did a bit of night filming for the Colin Farrell movie, In Bruges.

2. Climb the Belfry.

Like the trailer said, it is a bunch of winding stairs to the top, but the views are worth it. Since you’re huffing and puffing up the stairs, you don’t have time to talk to anyone anyway. The perfect solo traveler activity.

3. Have a quiet moment in the Church of Our Lady. Gorgeous stained glass, a beautiful alter, and an incredible organ makes for a peaceful visit to this cathedral. It’s also a perfect place to rest your feet after climbing those Belfry steps!

4. Take a canal boat tour. Ok, so this one was a little awkward to do on my own, but everyone was so kind and into their own sightseeing tour that they didn’t care. I highly recommend taking a canal boat tour since you’ll see the buildings, streets, and bridges from a different angle.

5. Taste the chocolate. Taste all the chocolate. Seriously. Then buy some to take home with you so you can do more tasting.

6. Visit Beguinage. Even though I was there mid-February so the daffodil fields weren’t blooming, this home of the nuns was peaceful and beautiful. Definitely worth the stroll through the gardens.

7. Walk along the canal. Bruges boasts an easy-to-follow pathway along its major canal. Watch out for cyclists, but grab a sandwich, walk a bit, and then sit water-side for a bite.

8. Bike somewhere. I didn’t rent a bicycle because of the colder weather, but I know in the summer months, it’s the thing to do. Do as the locals do!

RQ: What would be your favorite activity in Bruges? Solo travel: yay or nay?

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.