Ezelpoort (Donkey's gate) (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Ezelpoort (Donkey's gate)?
What makes it 57% Baby-Friendly: Parents can push strollers under the wide arch and fill bottles at the fountain, yet absence of changing tables or toilets on site and open water nearby make longer stays inconvenient.
Positives:
- Free entry: There is no admission fee to explore Ezelpoort and its surroundings.
- Stroller access: Flat, paved surfaces and wide arches make it easy to navigate with a stroller.
- Onsite water refill: Cold drinking water fountain next to the gate lets you refill baby bottles at no cost.
Challenges:
- No onsite restrooms: Ezelpoort lacks toilets and changing rooms, so plan to use nearby facilities.
- Weather exposure: Limited shelter outside the arch means you may get wet or too hot in extreme weather.
What is Ezelpoort (Donkey's gate)?
- A 14th-century fortified brick gatehouse forming part of Bruges' medieval city walls
- Features twin cylindrical towers flanking a pointed central arch in Gothic military style
- Marks the northeastern entrance along Ezelstraat, historically serving as a key city access point
What is so special about Ezelpoort (Donkey's gate) for with baby?
- Free, stroller-friendly stroll through a medieval city gate
- Picnic options under the arch or in nearby park
- Access baby-changing and restroom facilities at Snuffel Hostel
- Shaded water fountain available for bottle refills
- Enjoy a baby-friendly café break at Kottee Kaffee
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time to stroll, picnic, and use baby-care facilities without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Ezelpoort (Donkey's gate)
Stroller-friendly gate stroll:
Walk through the Ezelpoort arches on flat, paved paths with your stroller.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and ensure smooth stroller access.
Picnic under the arch:
Spread a blanket under the brick archway or in the adjacent park for a shaded snack break.
Tip: Bring your own lightweight baby snacks and a soft mat for extra comfort.
Use Snuffel Hostel facilities:
Access a free changing table and restroom in the hostel’s garden nearby.
Tip: Enter through Ezelstraat 42 and ask reception for baby-care access.
Coffee break at Kottee Kaffee:
Enjoy coffee and homemade cake with high chairs and a relaxed seating area.
Tip: Order a drink to use their restroom and seating with your baby.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Ezelpoort (Donkey's gate)
- Plan restroom stops: Combine your visit with a coffee order at Kottee Kaffee to access clean restrooms and seating.
- Use hostel garden: Head to Snuffel Hostel’s garden for quiet baby-care breaks and changing facilities.
- Off-peak visits: Arrive before 10 AM or after 4 PM to avoid peak tourist groups and find picnic spots easily.
Reviews of Ezelpoort (Donkey's gate)
Dimitris
It is one of the most magical and peaceful places in the city. The combination of the graphic of water, the stone bridge and the rich vegetation creates an atmosphere of tranquility and romance. It is the ideal place for a leisurely stroll, away from the crowded tourist spots, offering unique opportunities for photos and relaxing. Historic, authentic, and just fabulous – definitely worth a visit.
Gabriel G.
I have been to Bruges twice and this gate always is a welcome to me. Although there is not much around, it is a beautiful site and great to see the waterway with wild animals; such as geese.
Olga Kosteletskaya
Nice spot for a walk, nothing more. You’ll see ducks and geese, and it’s a good place to take some pretty photos.
William Case
Great location, very cool historical building along the outskirts of Bruges. It's near the canal that leads out to the sea. Cool spot chill if you have been walking around the parameter of the city!
Brad
Ezelpoort (Donkey's Gate) is a historic city gate situated at the end of Ezelstraat in the northwest section of the Historic Centre of Bruges. It is open for pedestrian and bicyclers but not to vehicles. Originally built as part of the second ring of ramparts at the end of the 13th century, Ezelpoort was redesigned and altered several times over the centuries. This entry gate was last restored be...
When is the best time to visit Ezelpoort (Donkey's gate) (Bruges, Belgium)?
In summer use the shaded arch for cooler breaks; spring and autumn offer mild weather ideal for picnics; winter visits pair with indoor café seating and warm drinks.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Coffee at Kottee Kaffee | EUR 4 |
| Waffle or ice cream treat | EUR 3 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 7 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Ezelpoort (Donkey's gate)
Address: Ezelstraat 122, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Ezelpoort (Donkey's gate) (Bruges)?
About Ezelpoort (Donkey's gate)
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official Website10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with baby
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with baby
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities