Bruges is a picturesque medieval town located in the Flemish region of Belgium. Its beautiful historic architecture dates to the Middle Ages, and its quaint streets and canals reminded us of a mix between Venice and Amsterdam. Its been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, for good reason.
The town is known for its scenic canals that you can explore by foot or boat. Its a must-see destination for anyone interested in medieval European history and architecture. It’s the perfect place to wonder round, drink a Belgian beer, and get lost in. Some of the top attractions in Bruges include the Market Square, Church of Our Lady, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Belfry of Bruges.
The practical stuff
How long should you stay?
We spent around two full days in Bruges (leave at least one day for wondering round the old town, stopping at the odd roadside bar, and enjoying the surrounds). There’s enough to do to fill another day, or you could squeeze everything into a day trip if you’re pushed for time.
There’s bars and restaurants open in the evening, but we found it surprisingly quiet. There’s still a few places open to eat and drink, but it didn’t have the nightlife we were expecting (or Brussels has).
Where should you stay?
When visiting Bruges, it’s best to stay in the historic city centre or just outside so you can walk around and see the sights. The town is quite compact so it’s easy to get around on foot.
How do you get there?
The best way to reach Bruges is by train. It takes about an hour from Brussels (go from Brussels Midi-Zuid station) and cost €17 one way in May 2024. Trains are regular but get busy, so you may need to stand at times.
Once there, its about a 20 minute walk from Bruges station into the centre of town. If you don’t fancy the walk (its Bruges, so its beautiful!) then you can get the number 2 bus from outside the station. It costs €2.50 per person and you can buy a ticket on the bus using contactless card. It runs roughly every 10 minutes.
When should you go?
Bruges gets quite crowded with tourists during the summer months. For smaller crowds, consider visiting in the spring or autumn. The town also hosts a magical Christmas market in December (we visited in May so didn’t get to go, but it looks amazing from what we’ve heard).
Best things to do
Stroll around Bruges Canals and Streets
Bruges is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” due to its picturesque canals lined with medieval buildings. The beautiful canals, medieval streets and quaint architecture are one of the main reasons to go to Bruges, and wondering around them was by far our favourite activity. The canals were constructed in the 13th century to help transport goods and have become one of the city’s most iconic features.
Strolling or biking along the streets and canals is one of the best things to do in Bruges, and a great way to explore different areas of the city. The paths are flat, peaceful, and pretty much free of cars. It’s easy to spend an entire day getting happily lost wandering the idyllic waterways of Bruges.
You can also get a canal boat tour along the canals to see Bruges. Bear in mind that they get busy, so be prepared to queue to get on and it to be a squeeze once on board (we didn’t join one because of this reason). Many tours come with multilingual commentary to learn more about the history. Popular starting points for canal tours are at Rozenhoedkaai and Dijver, but you’ll see lots of different points to join one as you walk about. Tours last 30-50 minutes and cost around €15 for adults.
Some key sights visible from the canals include the Church of Our Lady, the Fish Market, Jan Van Eyck Square, and Minnewater Lake. The Lake of Love, also called Minnewater, offers particularly stunning scenery with its old brick bridge and backdrop of greenery. For the best views, take a seat at an outdoor café lining the canals.
People watch at the Market Square
The Markt (also known as Grote Markt) is the central square of Bruges’ historic centre and a must visit on any trip to the city. This bustling square is surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings and landmarks, including the Belfry of Bruges and several iconic gabled houses.
The square is lined by cafes and restaurants. Like any main tourist attraction, they can get pretty busy and are more expensive than other restaurants, however they’re perfect for people watching in a beautiful setting.
The Markt has been the centre of Bruges since the 10th century and was an important trading hub. Today, it retains its medieval charm with cobblestone streets and architecture dating back to the 13th century. Don’t miss going inside the 13th century Gothic Provincial Court building that borders the square. The square is a lively place day and night and one of the top attractions in Bruges.
Climb the Belfry of Bruges
The Belfry tower of Bruges is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 83-metre high tower was built in the 13th century and served as the city’s watchtower and treasury. Today, it remains an important symbol of Bruges.
The Belfry stands proudly in the Market Square, offering fantastic views over the city’s historic rooftops and famous canals. Climbing the tower’s 366 steps is a must-do activity in Bruges. From the top, you can take in panoramic views across the city and spot many other famous Bruges sights. It’s the perfect vantage point to get your bearings and appreciate Bruges’ fairytale medieval architecture.
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance and a lift is available for part of the ascent. Just be prepared for the climb to the top. The views make it all worthwhile. Try to pick a clear day for the best panorama.
Visit the Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady is one of the most impressive landmarks in Bruges. The soaring brick tower, standing at 115.5 meters high, offers incredible panoramic views over the entire city and surrounding countryside when you climb the 366 steps to the top. Inside the church, there is a white marble sculpture called the Madonna and Child created by Michelangelo around 1504, which is stunning to see in person.
To reach the top of the tower, you need to purchase a ticket at the entrance to the church. It’s €6 for an adult ticket. The tower is open daily, but hours vary by season, so check ahead of time. The view from the top is well worth the climb up the narrow, winding staircase. On a clear day you can see for miles in every direction. It’s an amazing way to get your bearings and take in the layout of Bruges.
The Church of Our Lady is located right on Market Square, so it’s very easy to find. You can’t miss the imposing brick tower rising above the square. Try to visit the church tower earlier or later in the day when there may be fewer crowds. An early evening climb up the tower lets you watch the sunset over the city from above.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is one of the most visited churches in Bruges. It houses a revered relic that is said to contain cloth stained with the blood of Jesus Christ that was brought to Bruges in 1149 after the Second Crusade.
The basilica consists of an upper and lower chapel, with impressive Romanesque architecture in the lower chapel. The upper chapel contains the relic of the Holy Blood, which is brought out for veneration every Friday afternoon and on holy days. Witnessing the relic is an awe-inspiring experience.
The basilica is located in the heart of Bruges just off the Markt square. Admission is free, but be prepared for crowds if visiting on a Friday or holy day when the relic is displayed. Take time to admire the ornate brickwork and carvings in the lower chapel. Even if you are not religious, this is one of the most historically significant sites in Bruges.
Wander round the Begijnhof (Beguinage)
The Begijnhof was once the home of the beguines, emancipated lay-women who led a life of prayer. Founded in 1245, the home is now inhabited by practicing nuns. Although small, be sure to pop in and have a quiet look round while walking about Bruges. Its a beautiful piece of countryside in the heart of the city, and a step away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds. There’s a small museum on site for those interested in finding out more.
De Halve Maan Brewery
De Halve Maan Brewery is a famous Belgian beer maker located right in the heart of Bruges. This family-owned brewery has been making beer in Bruges for over 150 years. They are best known for their Brugse Zot, Straffe Hendrik, and Blanche de Bruges beers.
A highlight of visiting Bruges is taking a tour of the De Halve Maan brewery. You’ll get to see the brewing process up close, learn about the history of the brewery, and of course sample some delicious beer. The brewery tour ends with a glass of Brugse Zot beer on the rooftop bar overlooking the city. It’s a unique experience!
The brewery tour lasts about an hour and costs €16 for adults. Tours run daily at various times. It’s best to book tickets online in advance as tours can sell out, especially in peak season. The brewery is located just outside the historic city centre, about a 15 minute walk from the Markt.
Insider tip: For the best views of Bruges, go up to the rooftop bar even if you aren’t taking the full tour. You can access it for just €2 extra when you buy a beer. It’s one of the best view points in town!
Wander the lesser-seen parts of Bruges
Don’t just stick to the town centre of Bruges, there’s loads of pretty streets further outside. While they aren’t quite as historical, they’re still beautiful and are a lot quieter – being less touristy and where local Belgians live.
We’d recommend wondering round Sint-Anna Quarter in the North East (check out the windmills along the canal) and the Magdalena Quarter. The Minnewater park is a quiet and pretty park near the train station that’s nice to escape the crowds in.
Indulge at Bruges Chocolate Shops
Belgian chocolate is world famous for its high quality and unique flavours. Bruges has some of the best chocolate shops in Belgium, making it a paradise for chocolate lovers. The two most renowned chocolate makers in Bruges are Dumon and The Chocolate Line.
Dumon has been making chocolate in Bruges since the late 1800s. They are known for their smooth, creamy chocolates using only the finest ingredients. Their original shop is located just north of the Markt, the main square. Stop by to pick up a box of pralines or truffles, or sit down in the tea room to enjoy a hot chocolate.
The Chocolate Line is run by world-renowned chocolatier Dominique Persoone. He experiments with unique flavor combinations like ginger and pepper, creating avant-garde chocolates. The shop on Simon Stevinplein has chocolate tasting sessions so you can try before you buy.
For a classic Belgian praline experience, head to Confiserie De Clerck on Academiestraat. The shop dates back to 1887 and has preserved its vintage decor.
Chocolate fans should also visit the Bruges Chocolate Museum in the heart of town. You can learn about the history of Belgian chocolate and see demonstrations of chocolate making. An onsite cafe lets you indulge in hot chocolate, waffles, and more chocolate temptations.
Bruges Christmas Market
The Bruges Christmas Market, also known as Winter Glow, takes place annually in the Market Square from mid-November to early January. This festive winter market features beautifully decorated wooden chalets surrounding an ice skating rink. Visitors can browse the chalets to find unique handicrafts, local food, Belgian beer, and more. The market has a magical atmosphere, with Christmas lights and music filling the square. It’s a great place to get into the holiday spirit and pick up some gifts.
The chalets sell a variety of handmade items like ornaments, jewellery, knitwear, ceramics, and toys. There are also stalls selling Belgian chocolates, waffles, chips, sausages, and more. In addition to shopping, visitors can go ice skating on the rink, listen to live music performances, or just soak up the festive ambiance while sipping on hot mulled wine or hot chocolate.
The market is open daily. It gets quite crowded on weekends and in the evenings after work hours. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter.
Walk through the Belgian countryside
We had some time to kill and having spent a while in cities, wanted to go out and see the Belgian countryside. We went to Kasteel Van Loppen, which is a castle north of Bruges.
Its about a 20 minute bus ride from the centre of Bruges. Take the number 2 bus which runs every 20 minutes (note that there are a further three buses every hours but they terminate at Bruges station, so don’t take these – take the ones terminating at Kinepolis). Get off at Kinepolis and cross over the motorway bridge (Google Maps shows where).
It’s a short walk to the castle, where you can join a number of trails taking you round the countryside including one a longer trail which takes you to three castles.
Day Trips from Bruges
Bruges makes an excellent base to take day trips to other Belgian towns and cities. The train station in Bruges provides easy connections to many destinations within an hour or two journey.
Some of our top day trip recommendations include:
– Ghent – This medieval city has stunning architecture and museums. It’s just a 30 minute train ride from Bruges.
– Brussels – The capital of Belgium, with world-class museums, art nouveau architecture, and great food. Direct trains take 1 hour.
– Damme – A picturesque historic town just 4 miles from Bruges. Easily reached by bicycle or bus.
– Ostend – A lively seaside town with a long beach promenade. Direct trains take just 15 minutes.
– Ypres – Immerse yourself in WWI history, visiting the Flanders Fields battle sites and museums. 1.5 hours by train.
– Antwerp – Belgium’s 2nd largest city, with an impressive cathedral, museums, and diamond district. 1 hour by train.