One of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe, Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) is a magical mix of medieval architecture, cobbled streets and postcard-perfect squares, all crisscrossed by broad and serene canals. With its collection of impressive museums, historic breweries, world-class chocolatiers, charming hotels and tasty eateries, it’s no wonder that the city is the most popular destination in Belgium.
A photo opp lies around every corner of this historic city. So you’d best keep your camera handy. As you wander, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the intricate masonry and architecture of the centuries-old buildings encompassing Markt Square.
With every step, you’ll draw closer to the aromas of freshly brewed coffee and Belgian waffles that are par for course in the city’s quaint cafes and exemplary eateries.
Gliding down a canal in an open-air boat is one of the best things to do in Bruges. Whether shopping for the perfect piece of handmade lace or gazing at the artwork of a 15th-century Flemish painter, the attractions in Bruges offer memorable experiences for every traveler.
In this post, we'll cover:
18. St Bonifacius Bridge
One of the newest bridges in the city, constructed in the early 20th century, the St. Bonifacius Bridge stands out as Bruges’ most frequented and photographed spot. Despite its relatively recent construction, this bridge exudes character and allure. Spanning the Reie and standing amidst historic buildings such as the Church of Our Lady, the area captivates visitors with its timeless charm and picturesque surroundings.
Head out early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk along the bridge, coffee in hand. Later in the day, unwind by taking a serene boat tour along the canals. This provides a unique view of the city’s allure and grants you the opportunity to admire St. Bonifacius Bridge from the water.
17. Blinde Ezelstraat
Connecting Burg Square and the Fish Market sits an alley with a rather memorable name. Blinde Ezelstraat or “Blind Donkey Street” is a place where every step is adorned with something worth noticing.
Local folklore suggests the street was named after a blind donkey that once lived here, whereas others say it was after Den Blinden Ezel, the Blind Donkey Inn. But the true origin remains a mystery, adding a whimsical nature to the street’s appeal.
A fun piece of history to take note of is the wall between the City Hall and the Civil Registry. A small piece was left untouched during the cleaning and restoration process of the 1970s, forming a stark black square. This denotes the significant amount of dirt and grime that had built up with the intense traffic on the small street.
16. Old Chocolate House
No trip to Belgium is complete without indulging in local sweets. Stepping into the Old Chocolate House unveils a haven dedicated to all things chocolate.
Just a block away from Markt Square on Mariastraat, the Chocolate House has been family-owned and operated since 1997. One step inside and you’ll find walls lined with handmade treats, including dark, milk, white, and even flavored chocolate as sweet decadent aromas fill the air.
With all the options to choose from, you cannot miss the house’s renowned hot chocolate. Served in various flavors and styles, from classic to exotic blends, each cup is a warm delight sure to transport you to your favorite winter memories.
15. Sint-Janshospitaal
Dating back to the 12th century, Sint-Janshospitaal is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city. It is a stunning piece of architecture, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
Take the opportunity to wander through the halls and explore an amazing collection of hospital records, medical instruments, and historical artifacts.
Notably, the works of the renowned Flemish painter, Hans Memling, who resided and created his most significant works in Bruges during the 15th century. Admired for his hyper-realistic scenes and landscapes, four of his seven masterpieces are located in the Museum of Sint Janshospitaal.
Lastly, stop by the hospital pharmacy and herb garden. Where you’re instantly transported to the 17th century, with a well-preserved interior that vividly illustrates the historical role of the apothecaries.
14. Stadhuis
Built in the 13th century, Stadhuis is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. All visitors will quickly be drawn in by this impressive example of medieval architecture.
First, check out the Gothic Hall. Which stands as an absolute masterpiece, showcasing an impressive vaulted ceiling and 20th-century murals that vividly tell the tales of Bruges.
Next, discover the history of Bruges and the sea in the historical room. A carefully selected topic due to the city’s wealth and success being vastly impacted by its affiliation with the North Sea.
Throughout the years, Bruges had to battle to safeguard itself from the water while also keeping its ties to the sea. An augmented reality model, along with a variety of archaeological and art pieces, brings this story alive.
13. Burg Square
Sitting central to some of Bruges’ most iconic landmarks, Burg Square is filled with stunning architecture, quaint cafes and restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Strolling through Burg Square, one can’t help but be in awe of the fascinating structures that line the square. From the beauty of the Old Civil Registry to statues of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, the square is a testament to the city’s past.
The hustle and bustle of the square also makes it a lively hub for the local community. There are frequent events and markets that showcase the culture of Bruges, allowing visitors to get a closer look at the city’s unique customs and handiwork.
12. Historium Brugge
Embark on a journey to Bruges’ Golden Ages at Historium Brugge. This interactive experience deserves a prime spot on your list of must-do activities.
Start your day following the tales of Jan Van Eyck’s apprentice. Next, experience the thrill of Historium Virtual Reality and take a virtual flight over the 15th-century architecture.
Explore the Water Halls, a large storage area that occupied the Market Square for 500 years. To finish off, ascend the Historium Tower and take in the 360° view of the city today. Capture a photo with the Belfry in the background for a truly unique memory.
The attention to historical accuracy and the seamless integration of technology and storytelling make Historium Brugge an exciting trip into the city’s past.
11. Choco-Story
As a complement to the many chocolate shops in Bruges, the Choco-Story museum provides visitors with a wealth of information about the delicacy, including a look at the history of the cocoa bean’s transformation into the tasty treat.
Exhibits at this popular Bruges attraction chronicle the discovery of cocoa in the Americas and examine how the new food gained popularity in Europe.
The art of chocolate making is on display too, with live demonstrations that offer visitors opportunities to sample the results on the spot. The family-friendly museum also includes chocolate hunts for children.
10. Groeningemuseum
Art lovers will find a treasure trove of Flemish masterpieces in the highly regarded Groeninge Museum. Collections include paintings by Jan van Eyck, who spent his final years living and working in the city.
With its attention to detail and high degree of realism, his painting of the Madonna and Child illustrates the contribution this skilled artist made towards the development of oil painting.
Exhibits feature paintings from Belgium’s modern artists as well, notably the surrealistic “Serenity” by Paul Delvaux. Other painters represented in this must-see museum include Hieronymus Bosch, Hugo Van Der Goes and Hans Memling.
9. Minnewater Lake
The canals of Bruges are known for their gentle flow, and there’s no more better place to enjoy the beauty of the city reflected on the tranquil waters that on the shore of the Minnewater, a wide canal known as the Lake of Love.
The nickname comes from a story of a girl name Minna who died trying to escape from an arranged marriage into the arms of her lover Stromberg. Local legend says that lovers who cross the lake’s bridge will experience eternal love.
Once a dock where ships and barges moored, the rectangular lake is now part of Minnewaterpark, a public green space that also includes remnants of castle ruins.
8. Basilica of the Holy Blood
The main draw at the 12th-century Heilig-Bloedbasiliek located in Burg Square is a fragment of cloth believed to be stained with the blood of Christ. Legend has it that the relic was obtained during the Second Crusade in Jerusalem.
Encased in a crystal vial housed in a gold-adorned cylinder, it is displayed every Friday in a silver tabernacle in the heavily renovated chapel upstairs, which is adorned with wall murals and stain-glass windows.
With its spare design and serene atmosphere, the well-preserved lower chapel is a beautiful example of the Romanesque architectural style.
7. Ten Wijngaerde
Founded in 1245, the “Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde,” commonly called the Begijnhof, is the last surviving beguinage in Bruges. Although the quiet complex is no longer home to beguines, it stands as a serene reminder of the religious-minded women who once lived here without taking vows.
Today, Ten Wijngaerde is a Benedictine convent where visitors are allowed to wander among the white-washed structures, central green space and 13th-century church. A small beguinage museum offers a glimpse of what life was like for the women who retired from the world and made the beguinage their home.
6. Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk
The tallest structure in Bruges and one of the most visually striking, the Church of Our Lady is a medieval edifice with a central brick spire that towers over the city. Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk is best known for the white marble Madonna and Child statue, the only work by Michelangelo to leave Italy during the artist’s lifetime.
The impressive sculpture is situated on an altarpiece in the chapel’s southern aisle. The apse of the church is the final resting place of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy. Bronze effigies of the last Valois Duke of Burgundy his daughter adorn the marble tombs.
5. De Halve Maan Brewery
A 45-minute tour of De Halve Maan Brewery museum offers visitors an inside look of the brewing techniques that have made Belgium one of the best beer-producing countries in the world. Of the nation’s 180 breweries, the Half Moon is one of the oldest.
Six generations have operated the family-owned establishment since 1856. A nominal entry fee includes a free bottle of either the blonde beer Bruges Zot or the high-alcohol-content Straffe Hendrik. Visitors can sample other varieties at the brewery’s bar or restaurant.
4. Belfry of Bruges
This medieval bell tower dates back to 1240, built at a time when Bruges was a major player in the cloth industry. It was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire 40 years later, with other fires occurring in the centuries following. Bells still chime out from the tower today. Climbing the 366 step to the belfry’s clock rewards visitors with a panoramic city view.
3. Rozenhoedkaai
Situated at the junction of the Reie and Dijver canals, Rozenhoedkaai is a delightful cobblestone square. From within, you’ll stand among picturesque medieval houses with views of distinguished landmarks.
The iconic Rozenhoedkaai, with its name -meaning Rosary Quay- alluding to its past as a place where the rosary was sold and boats were loaded and unloaded, is now a tranquil promenade where tourists and locals alike can enjoy the romantic atmosphere of Bruges and capture the timeless beauty of the city.
Visitors to Bruges have the opportunity to take a serene journey through the city by hopping aboard a boat tour from Rozenhoedkaai. As they glide along the peaceful canals, they can admire the stunning architecture and gain insight into the city’s fascinating past.
2. Boat Trip on the Canals
Because of its canals Bruges is often called ‘The Venice of the North’. In the Middle Ages the ‘Reie’ river had been turned into a network of canals that enabled the traders to bring their products to the large Water Halls at the Market.
Nowadays a boat ride on these famous canals provide a great way to see some of Bruges most beautiful sites. As you glide past centuries-old bridges and quaint archways, passengers are treated to new vistas of the city’s architectural gems, from well-preserved medieval buildings to beautiful gabled houses.
Of all the canals, the Groenerei (the ‘green canal’) is the most romantic. It is best seen from Peerdebrug (Horse Bridge); looking towards the Meebrug, the canal is lined with trees and creepers, elegant 17th-century mansions and almshouses and topped by the cathedral tower.
1. Markt Square
Standing at the city’s core, Markt Square is a stunning and historically significant plaza. It’s served as Bruges’ heartbeat since its establishment in 1240. The square is home to the renowned Belfry Bell Tower, dominating Bruges’ skyline.
This tower stands as one of the city’s most recognizable symbols and is considered to be one of the most important medieval structures in the world.
Horse-drawn carriage rides depart frequently from Markt Square. These provide an exciting way to marvel at the Provincial Court and the stunning architecture of the Historium.
With plenty of cafes and shops, visitors can take in the lively ambiance, savor Belgian specialties, or just sit back with a cold brew and watch the world go by in this age-old backdrop.
Best Time to Visit Bruges
Famed for its incredibly picturesque historic center, Bruges in Belgium sees the most visitors in July, August and December. While the sunny summer months are ideal for strolling about the center, the dark days and Christmas decorations create a magical atmosphere in winter.
Although average temperatures of 21°C (70°F) make summer the most pleasant time to take horse-drawn carriage rides and boat tours, this is also the busiest and most expensive period. Cafes and restaurants are packed and its narrow streets are clogged with people.
If you want to avoid the worst of the crowds, spring and autumn are perhaps better bets. As well as being cheaper, the blossoming flowers and golden foliage look amazing next to all its medieval architecture. The city is cooler though at 12 to 19°C (53 to 66°F) with it also raining more in September and October.
Outside of these months is the low season when you can pick up some fantastic deals. The exception is December when its Christmas market attracts huge numbers to the city.
As it rains at least a bit between 14 and 20 days a month, it’s a good idea to bring a jacket whenever you visit.
Where to Stay in Bruges
Ready to transport yourself into a fairytale setting, surrounded by cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and picturesque canals? Bruges’ city center is an exemplary display of its grace and charm that brings in travelers from far and wide.
Situated just 100 meters away from Markt Square and the Belfry of Bruges, Hotel Acacia offers an array of leisure amenities, inviting public spaces, and a picturesque garden terrace. Guests can enjoy a bar featuring an open fireplace, a stylish lounge area with a piano, and complimentary internet access.
Located a few streets over, guests at Hotel Boterhuis can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a convenient on-site bar, and a welcoming terrace. The rooms, adorned with hardwood floors, are equipped with air conditioning and TVs for utmost comfort. Visitors have the option to rent bicycles or a car, perfect for exploring the immersive surroundings of the hotel.
How to Get There
The captivating city of Bruges can be easily reached via several diverse and convenient options. For swift travel, flying is the quickest method, especially for those arriving from outside Belgium. International travelers will likely land at Brussels Airport (Brussels Airport Zaventem). From there, frequent domestic flights operate to Ostend-Bruges International Airport.
The central station in Brussels serves as Belgium’s primary hub for international train connections. Numerous high-speed trains arrive at this station daily, connecting major European cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam via Eurostar.
For those opting for a road trip, several bus companies, such as De Lijn, offer regular routes allowing visitors to soak in the countryside’s beauty while en route to the city of Bruges.
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