Things to Do in Bruges in April

April Weather in Bruges

14°C (58°F) High Temp

5°C (41°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Easter markets transform the Markt square (April 12-21, 2025) with artisanal chocolate vendors and traditional Flemish crafts - locals call this the city's most authentic shopping period
Tulip season peaks in nearby Keukenhof-style gardens and city parks - Minnewaterpark displays are spectacular without the summer tour bus crowds
Restaurant terraces reopen along the canals with spring menus featuring white asparagus and early strawberries - prime dining weather arrives
Hotel prices drop 35-40% compared to peak summer rates while still offering extended daylight hours (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 7:45pm by late April)

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layers - mornings start at 5°C (41°F) but afternoons can reach 14°C (58°F), with sudden rain showers lasting 15-20 minutes
Canal boat tours operate reduced schedules (every 30 minutes vs summer's 15-minute intervals) and some outdoor attractions have limited hours
Bruges Beer Festival moves to indoor venues due to weather uncertainty, reducing the traditional outdoor atmosphere locals prefer

Best Activities in April

Historic City Center Walking Tours

April's mild temperatures (averaging 10°C/50°F) make extensive walking comfortable without summer's heat exhaustion. Spring light creates ideal photography conditions in the Markt and Burg squares. Easter period brings special historical reenactments and traditional craft demonstrations that don't occur other months.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours 5-7 days ahead during Easter week. Look for guides certified by the Bruges Tourism Board. Tours typically cost €20-35 per person and last 2-3 hours. Many offer indoor cathedral visits as weather backup options.

Canal Boat Tours with Spring Garden Views

April marks the beginning of canal-side garden blooms - weeping willows and daffodils create scenery unavailable in other seasons. Cooler weather means comfortable seating on open boats without sun glare issues. Tours operate with clear spring air offering better photography visibility than humid summer months.

Booking Tip: Book morning departures (9-11am) for calmest water conditions and best light. Evening tours (5-7pm) often have fewer crowds. Expect to pay €12-18 for 30-minute tours. Choose operators with heated cabin options for cool mornings.

Chocolate Workshop Experiences

Cooler April temperatures create ideal conditions for chocolate making - workshops can demonstrate tempering techniques that fail in summer heat. Easter season brings special praline-making classes focused on traditional Belgian techniques. Indoor activity perfect for Bruges' 10 rainy days.

Booking Tip: Reserve workshops 10-14 days ahead, especially during Easter week. Sessions typically cost €45-75 per person for 2-hour experiences. Look for workshops in historic guild houses with original medieval architecture. Morning sessions (10am-noon) avoid afternoon rain patterns.

Medieval Brewery Tours

Spring marks traditional brewing season for summer beers - witness active brewing processes at historic breweries like De Halve Maan. April's cool weather enhances beer tasting experiences, and seasonal spring ales appear that aren't available year-round. Perfect indoor activity for rainy afternoons.

Booking Tip: Book brewery tours 3-5 days ahead. Tours run €16-25 per person including tastings. Afternoon slots (2-4pm) often less crowded than evening sessions. Look for tours that include rooftop views - April's clear air offers best visibility over medieval rooftlines.

Art Museum Circuit

April's softer light creates optimal viewing conditions for Flemish Primitive paintings at Groeninge Museum. Fewer crowds allow extended viewing time with masterpieces by van Eyck and Memling. Museum heating systems work perfectly in cool April weather, unlike summer's stuffy conditions.

Booking Tip: Purchase combined museum passes for €25-30 covering 5+ venues. Visit mornings (9-11am) for smallest crowds and best natural lighting through museum windows. Some museums offer Easter-themed special exhibitions only in April.

Day Trips to Ghent and Antwerp

April's mild weather makes train travel and city walking comfortable for exploring multiple Belgian cities. Spring season brings special exhibitions and festivals in nearby cities that complement Bruges visits. Cooler temperatures allow full-day exploration without fatigue.

Booking Tip: Book Belgian rail passes for €32-45 for unlimited day travel. Trains run hourly to Ghent (25 minutes) and Antwerp (90 minutes). Combine with local city tour bookings made 7-10 days ahead. Return trips easier in April's extended daylight.

April Events & Festivals

April 12-21, 2025

Easter Markets and Processions

Traditional Flemish Easter celebrations with artisan markets in Markt square, chocolate egg hunts in city parks, and historic religious processions through medieval streets. Local guilds participate in traditional costumes dating back centuries.

Mid to Late April

Spring Beer Festival

Local breweries showcase seasonal spring ales and traditional Flemish brewing techniques. Held in historic guild halls due to unpredictable April weather, creating intimate tasting experiences unavailable during larger summer festivals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets become slippery during April's 10 rainy days

Lightweight rain jacket or packable umbrella - afternoon showers last 15-20 minutes but happen frequently

Layering system: thermal base layer for 5°C (41°F) mornings, light sweater for 14°C (58°F) afternoons

Waterproof bag or cover for camera/phone - sudden showers catch tourists unprepared on canal walks

Comfortable scarf and light gloves for early morning and evening when temperatures drop below 8°C (46°F)

Quick-dry clothing materials - high humidity (70%) means cotton takes hours to dry indoors

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on phone flashlights for evening activities

Blister patches - extensive walking on uneven medieval cobblestones causes foot problems for unprepared visitors

Insider Knowledge

Visit popular attractions between 2-4pm when most tour groups take lunch breaks - locals know this timing avoids crowds at Basilica of the Holy Blood

Use the city's bike rental system on dry days only - wet cobblestones are dangerous for cycling, and locals switch to walking when rain threatens

Book restaurant reservations by 11am for same-day dinner - April marks when popular canal-side restaurants reopen terraces and fill quickly

Shop for chocolate in the morning before 11am - afternoon humidity affects chocolate quality in non-climate-controlled tourist shops, but locals know serious chocolatiers maintain proper temperatures

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for mild weather - April mornings start at 5°C (41°F) and many tourists underdress for early sightseeing

Planning outdoor activities without indoor backup options - with 10 rainy days, inflexible itineraries lead to disappointing experiences

Assuming summer operating hours - many attractions run reduced April schedules, and tourists miss last entry times at 4pm instead of expected 6pm