It originally comprised the cantons of Ardooie, Bruges, Gistel, Ostend, Ruiselede, Tielt and Torhout.

In 1818, the arrondissements of Ostend, Roeselare, Tielt and Torhout were created.

This resulted in the arrondissement losing more than half of its territory.

As a result of the merger of the municipalities of 1977, the village of Wijnendale (which was added to Torhout and was part of Ichtegem prior to that) was added to the arrondissement from the Arrondissement of Ostend and the then municipality of Wenduine (which was merged into De Haan) was ceded to the Arrondissement of Ostend.

The Administrative Arrondissement of Bruges consists of the following municipalities:[1]