Quay 17

Bruges is known for being a beautiful fairytale destination, but the most charming and historic part of the city sits within the loop of the main canal. This is where you'll find the most impressive of Bruges’ medieval architecture; along narrow, cobbled streets, which open out onto grand squares, tiny parks or bridges. To soak up the best of the area’s atmosphere, our Gurus recommend selecting a hotel with canal views. We've searched through our recommendations for the city, and below you'll find what we think are the best hotels with a canal view in Bruges, from charming B&Bs to chic boutiques.

For a boutique hotel

The Notary

  • Die Swaene is a charming historic boutique hotel. Characterful rooms and suites boast antique four-poster beds matched with elegant furnishings. Featuring an award-winning restaurant, a spa, and a lovely terrace. There's a real sense of place here.
  • Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce is a fabulous canal-side boutique hotel. Classical rooms and suites have parquet floors, Baroque-style furniture and toile de jouy wallpaper. Plus there's a fantastic restaurant and an outdoor terrace. A luxurious choice in a very picturesque setting.
  • Hotel de Tuilerieen is a beautiful boutique hotel on the canal side. Enormous contemporary yet classic suites have parquet floors, chic furnishings, and are filled with lots of natural light. There's a lovely terrace and bar to enjoy the views from. A luxurious choice for couples and families
  • Van Cleef is a refined boutique gem in central Bruges. This hotel blends historic charm with modern design accents. The decor feels both classic and contemporary, creating a unique, stylish ambience. There's a canal-side tea room, private library, and an indulgent spa. A tranquil escape in a lively city setting.
  • The Notary boasts opulent interiors that exude character and style in spades, from classic charm to Moroccan magic. With additional extras like fireplaces, and freestanding tubs, every corner delights. With an extravagant breakfast on offer, plus a gorgeous garden with a natural pond, it's a hidden gem.

For historic charm

Guesthouse Bonifacius

  • Hotel Ter Brughe is a charming hotel tucked along Bruges' peaceful canals, just minutes from the Market Square. Its historic vibe is captured in the stunning vaulted cellar and its classic decor. Enjoy breakfast by the water, relax on the terrace, or sip a local beer at the bar. A serene base for exploring the city.
  • Guesthouse Bonifacius is an exclusive guesthouse set along the canal in the city's most historic area. The elegant rooms, adorned with antiques and chic fabrics, create a sophisticated atmosphere. Expect breakfast with canal views. A fabulous retreat in the heart of Bruges.

For couples

Hotel de Orangerie

  • Martin's Relais is situated on the Spiegelrei canal. This elegant hotel occupies five historic houses, and its interiors feature high stucco ceilings, crystal chandeliers, elaborate fireplaces, and exposed beams, which reflect its rich history. Choose an alcove room with a spa bath for a romantic stay. 
  • Hotel de Orangerie is a beautiful ivy-clad house on the canal bank. Traditionally elegant living areas, rooms and suites have high ceilings, fireplaces, wooden beams and chintzy fabrics. A romantic spot with plenty of charm.

For city style

Grand Hotel Casselbergh

  • Grand Hotel Casselbergh is a four-star hotel that blends medieval charm with modern comfort. The decor balances historic elegance with contemporary touches, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a wellness centre, a cosy bar, and a hearty breakfast. A stylish base for exploring the city.

For a B&B

Canal Deluxe

  • Canal Deluxe is set in a 17th-century canalside townhouse; this four-bedroom B&B gives guests a private lounge with a grand stone fireplace and a pretty garden for warmer days. Steeped in character, cosy rooms have high ceilings with original wooden beams and rich, earthy colours.
  • Guesthouse Nuit Blanche is a charming guesthouse in the heart of Bruges offering an enticing blend of medieval history and modern comfort. The interior, an artistic fusion of Gothic and vintage styles, creates a captivating atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast with views of the Church of Our Lady from the tranquil garden. A true Bruges gem.
  • Quay 17 is a characterful B&B that sits in a centuries-old stone building on a quiet canal. High wood-beamed ceilings and tall windows feature alongside ultra-modern bathrooms with huge walk-in showers or soaking tubs. There's a relaxing terrace plus easy access to the city sights. Charming.

Still not sure? 

  • Expand your search and look at our collection of the best central hotels in Bruges
  • Browse through our full list of accommodation options in Bruges
  • Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice

Written by Katie Harris

The 13 Best Hotels in Bruges with a Canal View

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce

Bruges

Fabulous canal-side boutique hotel. Classical rooms and suites have parquet floors, Baroque furniture and toile de jouy wallpaper. Fantastic restaurant and outdoor terrace. A luxurious choice in a very picturesque setting.

  • Views - Lovely canal views.
  • City Style
  • Luxury
  • Romantic Break
from £186 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Hotel de Orangerie

Bruges

A beautiful ivy clad house on the canal bank. Traditionally elegant living areas, rooms and suites have high ceilings, fireplaces, wooden beams and chintzy fabrics. Lovely breakfast and lunch terrace. A romantic spot with plenty of charm.

  • Views - Overlooks the Den Dyver canal
  • City Style
  • Sights nearby - Located in the historic heart of the city with all major attractions within walking distance.
  • Fishing
from £143 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Hotel de Tuilerieen

Bruges

A beautiful hotel on the canal side. Enormous contemporary yet classic suites have parquet floors, lots of natural light, and chic furnishings. Lovely terrace and bar. A luxurious choice for couples and families

  • City Style
  • Luxury
  • Romantic Break
  • Sights nearby - Right in the historic centre of Bruges
from £202 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Die Swaene

Bruges

A sophisticated award-winning hotel. Gorgeous rooms and suites with four poster beds and elegant furnishings. Excellent restaurant, spa, and lovely terrace. A romantic choice for the luxury traveller.

  • City Style
  • Spa breaks
  • Luxury
  • Romantic Break
from £121 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Canal Deluxe

Bruges

Set in a 17th Century canalside townhouse, this four bedroom B&B gives guests a private lounge with grand stone fireplace and pretty garden for warmer days. Steeped in character, cosy rooms have high ceilings with original wooden beams and rich earthy colours. Ideal for a romantic city break.

  • Sights nearby - Right in the centre of the Old Town so easy access to all of Bruges' highlights. The Market Square is 3 mins on foot.
  • Romantic Break - Rooms are cosy and come with their own sitting room with open fireplace - perfect for romantic soirees
  • Restrictions on children - Children over the age of 12 are allowed
  • Boutique
from £134 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Guesthouse Bonifacius

Bruges

Exclusive guesthouse set along the canal in Bruges' most historic area. The elegant rooms, adorned with antiques and chic fabrics, create a sophisticated atmosphere. Expect breakfast with canal views or dine at the nearby Michelin-starred restaurant. A fabulous retreat in the heart of Bruges.

  • Local exploring - Step outside to the heart of historic Bruges, with top attractions and a Michelin-starred restaurant at your doorstep
  • Romantic Break - Enjoy a cozy breakfast in the intimate Gothic Room overlooking the scenic canal, followed by a relaxing spa bath
  • Great walks - Wander around the bustling Bruges Market Square, especially lively on Wednesdays and during the winter months
  • Sights nearby - Take a scenic canal boat tour to explore Bruges’ picturesque waterways
from £230 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The Notary

Bruges (West-Flanders)

A boutique B&B in the historic centre of Bruges. The opulent interiors exude character and style in spades. From classic charm to Moroccan magic, plus fireplaces and freestanding tubs, every corner delights. With an extravagant breakfast, plus a gorgeous garden with natural pond, it's a hidden gem.

  • Groups - Ideal for groups, there's a spectacular 2-Bedroom Suite with 2 bathrooms, a shared dining and living area, plus garden views
  • Romantic Break - You won't want to leave this lavish B&B with its sumptuous soft furnishings, Atelier Rebul bath products, and verdant views
  • Local markets - Within five minutes’ walking distance is Bruges’ Markt, a colourful square lined with food-and-flower stalls
  • Sights nearby - Climb nearby Belfort Tower and be rewarded with a stunning view over the city and its surroundings
from £322 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Van Cleef

Bruges (Dijver 12)

A refined boutique gem in central Bruges, this hotel blends historic charm with modern design accents. The decor feels both classic and contemporary, creating a unique, stylish ambiance. There's a canal-side tea room, private library, and indulgent spa. A tranquil escape in a lively city setting.

  • City Style - Immerse in luxury just steps from Bruges’ Market Square, with chic suites, a cosy tea room, and shopping only minutes away
  • Local exploring - Explore Bruges like a local; cycle to nearby UNESCO sites, unwind with canal views, or indulge in an elegant spa suite
  • Other Activities - Take a private boat tour along Bruges' picturesque canals, departing directly from Hotel Van Cleef's terrace
  • Learning - Participate in a hands-on chocolate-making class, learning the art of Belgian chocolate craftsmanship
from £309 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Guesthouse Nuit Blanche

Bruges (Flanders)

This charming guesthouse in the heart of Bruges offers a blend of medieval history and modern comfort. The interior, an artistic fusion of Gothic and vintage styles, creates a captivating atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast with views of the Church of Our Lady from the tranquil garden. A true Bruges gem.

  • Sights nearby - Visit the Church of Our Lady to admire Michelangelo's Madonna and Child and ascend its towering spire for panoramic views
  • Great walks - Stroll through the tranquil Begijnhof, a 13th-century beguinage offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city
  • Local exploring - Immerse yourself in Bruges' medieval charm with a stay in this art-filled guesthouse, perfect for a serene retreat
  • Museums - Cross the historic Bonifacius Bridge to explore the Gruuthuse Museum's rich collection of medieval artifacts
from £201 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Grand Hotel Casselbergh

Bruges (Flanders)

Located in the heart of Bruges, this 4-star hotel blends medieval charm with modern comfort. The decor balances historic elegance with contemporary touches, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a wellness centre, a cosy bar, and a hearty breakfast. A stylish base for exploring the city.

  • Local exploring - Explore Bruges’ medieval charm with easy access to the Beguinage, Halve Maan Brewery, and fairy-tale canals just minutes away
  • Short break - Immerse yourself in Bruges’ vibrant city life with this centrally located hotel, just steps from the bustling Grote Markt
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Church of Our Lady to marvel at Michelangelo's Madonna sculpture and the towering brick steeple
  • Great walks - Stroll to the nearby Markt Square to admire the Belfry's towering presence and vibrant market life
from £168 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Hotel Ter Brughe

Bruges (Flanders)

A charming hotel tucked along Bruges' peaceful canals, just minutes from the Market Square. Its historic vibe is captured in the stunning vaulted cellar and classic decor. Enjoy breakfast by the water, relax on the terrace, or sip a local beer at the bar. A serene base for exploring the city.

  • Short break - Enjoy quick access to Market Square, the Belfry, and vibrant shopping, while retreating to a historic canal-side haven
  • Other Activities - Embark on a scenic boat tour along Bruges' picturesque canals, just a short stroll from Hotel Ter Brughe
  • Local exploring - Stay in a peaceful quarter near the 14th-century Augustijnen Bridge and hidden gems of Bruges
  • Great walks - Stroll through the Markt, Bruges' lively central square, surrounded by historic architecture
from £132 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Quay 17

Bruges (Flanders)

Located on a quiet canal, this characterful B&B sits in a centuries-old stone building in Bruges. High wood-beamed ceilings and tall windows feature alongside ultra-modern bathrooms with huge walk-in showers or soaking tubs. There's a relaxing terrace plus easy access to the city sights. Charming.

  • Local exploring - With its medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and charming cobbled streets, there is so much to discover in Bruges
  • Total relaxation - Unwind in the beautiful winter garden or enjoy a drink on the charming terrace after a day's exploring
  • Sights nearby - Visit iconic landmarks such as the Belfry, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Market Square
  • Sailing - Experience the sights and sounds of Bruges on a boat tour along the charming canals
from £233 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Martin's Relais

Bruges (Flanders)

Situated on the Spiegelrei canal, this elegant hotel occupies five historic houses. High stucco ceilings, crystal chandeliers, elaborate fireplaces, and exposed beams reflect its rich history. There's a spacious garden and charming inner courtyard. A perfect base for exploring the sights of Bruges.

  • Romantic Break - Choose an alcove room with a spa bath, lounge area, and views of either the garden or the Spiegelrei canal for a romantic escape
  • Local exploring - The hotel's location in the heart of the historic district means you can easily visit the surrounding sights on foot
  • Great walks - Take a walk to the famous Burg Square, the ideal place to admire the city’s historic buildings
  • Sights nearby - The Beguinage, the Belfry of Bruges and the Groeninge Museum are all within walking distance
from £134 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

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