Things to Do in Bruges in October

October Weather in Bruges

15°C (59°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

84 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Autumn colors transform the canals into living paintings - maple and oak trees along Minnewater and Begijnhof turn brilliant gold and red, creating Instagram-worthy reflections
Tourist crowds drop 40% after September school holidays end, meaning 5-10 minute waits instead of 45+ minutes at Belfry Tower and Groeningemuseum
October is prime beer season - local breweries release their winter ales and Oktoberfest-style celebrations happen at smaller pubs like 't Brugs Beertje
Hotel prices drop 25-30% compared to summer peak, with boutique canal-side properties averaging €120-180 instead of €200+ per night

Considerations

Daylight shrinks to 10 hours by late October (sunrise 8:15am, sunset 6:30pm), limiting photography time for canal shots
Rain falls on 60% of October days - typically light drizzle lasting 2-3 hours that can disrupt outdoor market browsing
Some canal boat tours reduce frequency from every 30 minutes to hourly due to lower demand and weather conditions

Best Activities in October

Historic Bruges Walking Tours

October's cool weather (15°C/59°F highs) makes 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable without summer heat exhaustion. Autumn light creates dramatic shadows on Gothic architecture, and smaller crowds mean better photos at Market Square and canal viewpoints. Morning tours (9-11am) avoid afternoon drizzle that typically starts around 2pm.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified guides. Tours typically cost €15-25 per person. Look for small group sizes (max 15 people) and rain-or-shine guarantees. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Chocolate Workshop Experiences

Perfect rainy day activity when October showers hit. Local chocolatiers offer hands-on praline making sessions in heated workshops. October marks the start of winter chocolate season when shops introduce seasonal flavors like cinnamon and orange spice. Sessions last 1.5-2 hours and include tastings.

Booking Tip: Reserve 5-7 days ahead, especially for weekend sessions. Workshops typically cost €35-55 per person and include 6-8 handmade chocolates to take home. Look for experiences that include Belgian chocolate history. Check booking widget for current availability.

Canal Cruise Tours

October offers unique advantages - autumn reflections in calm water, heated covered boats for comfort, and no summer crowds blocking prime photography spots. Tours run every hour instead of every 30 minutes, but boats are rarely full. Best timing is 10am-2pm before afternoon rain typically arrives.

Booking Tip: Book same-day at canal departure points near Rozenhoedkaai. Tours cost €12-16 per adult for 30-minute rides. Choose covered boats with heating and large windows. Tours run rain-or-shine but may cancel in strong winds.

Beer Tasting Experiences

October launches winter beer season with darker ales, abbey brews, and seasonal releases perfect for cool weather. Historic pubs like De Garre and local breweries offer guided tastings in cozy indoor settings. Cool temperatures make beer gardens comfortable during dry afternoon periods.

Booking Tip: Most experiences are walk-in friendly, but brewery tours require booking 2-3 days ahead. Tastings typically cost €25-40 for 4-6 beer samples with cheese pairings. Look for experiences including Trappist beers and local brewery visits.

Museum and Gallery Tours

Ideal backup for rainy days that happen 60% of October. Groeningemuseum and Church of Our Lady have shorter queues and more intimate viewing experiences. October's soft light through Gothic windows creates perfect conditions for viewing Flemish primitive paintings and religious art.

Booking Tip: Buy combination tickets for multiple museums (€20-30) valid for 3 days. Book timed entry for popular sites 3-5 days ahead during weekends. Audio guides available in multiple languages. Most museums close on Mondays.

Bicycle Tour Routes

October's mild temperatures and autumn scenery make cycling ideal during dry periods (typically morning hours). Countryside routes to Damme village offer spectacular fall colors along tree-lined canals. Cool air prevents overheating on longer 15-20 km (9-12 mile) routes.

Booking Tip: Rent from shops near train station for €12-18 per day including helmet and lock. Book guided countryside tours 3-4 days ahead (€30-45 including bike). Choose tours with rain contingency plans and indoor stops.

October Events & Festivals

Every Saturday in October

Autumn Market at 't Zand Square

Weekly Saturday morning market expands in October with seasonal produce, winter clothing, and artisan crafts. Local vendors sell hot waffles, seasonal beers, and handmade wool goods perfect for cooling weather.

November 1st (preparation events late October)

All Saints' Day Celebrations

Traditional Belgian holiday with special church services, cemetery visits with flowers, and family gatherings. Many locals visit Bruges' historic cemeteries with autumn decorations and candlelight ceremonies.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - October brings light rain 60% of days lasting 2-3 hours each

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with good grip - cobblestones become slippery when wet

Layered clothing for 7°C (13°F) temperature swings between morning (8°C/46°F) and afternoon (15°C/59°F)

Compact umbrella - essential for sudden drizzle during outdoor sightseeing

Warm sweater or fleece - indoor attractions like churches can be chilly (10-12°C/50-54°F)

Light scarf and hat - evening canal walks get windy and temperatures drop quickly after sunset

Daypack with rain cover - protect electronics and documents during unexpected showers

Hand warmers - useful for early morning canal photography sessions

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more flash photography draining batteries

Warm socks and thermal underlayers - essential for comfortable walking on cool, damp days

Insider Knowledge

Visit major attractions between 9-11am when tour groups haven't arrived and afternoon rain hasn't started - locals call this the 'golden window'

October hotel rates drop significantly after October 15th when Belgian school holiday period ends - book after mid-month for 20-30% savings

Most locals eat warming foods in October - try waterzooi (chicken and vegetable stew) and stoofvlees (beef stew) at traditional restaurants when it's cold and rainy

Canal boat tours become more intimate experiences with 8-12 passengers instead of packed boats - crew often shares more detailed stories and stops for better photos

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all outdoor activities are cancelled due to rain - most October rain is light drizzle and many attractions continue operating with covered areas

Packing only heavy winter coats - October weather fluctuates rapidly and layering is more practical than single heavy items

Booking canal tours for late afternoon - rain typically starts around 2-3pm and continues until evening, making morning tours more reliable