Here’s a list of the 15 best things to do in Bruges (Belgium), along with famous landmarks, museums, and other points of interest.
Belfry of Bruges
Standing at a whopping 83 meters high, Bruges’ most striking tower can be seen towering in the skyline from almost anywhere in the city. The medieval bell tower is one of the city’s most treasured landmarks, and inside you’ll find an array of artifacts from the Middle Ages, as well as 47 carillon melodic bells.
Listen to the unique chimes as you climb the 366 steps to the top of the tower: the 360-degree view of Bruges once you get there is most definitely worth the climb, and don’t worry, there are plenty of spots for you to rest along the way.
Stroll through Markt Square
Markt Square was once a home for medieval festivals and tournaments, but today it serves as a place for locals and travelers to revel at the surrounding buildings that are beautifully unique. Marvel at statues of wartime heroes and wander around historical buildings.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Markt Square on a Wednesday (market day), you’ll see a spectacular display of handmade produce, fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheese from local vendors – you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir to take home with you.
Enjoy a boat ride down the canals
No trip to Bruges would be complete without taking a boat trip on one of its picturesque canals. With multiple embarkation points around the city, you’re sure to find a spot to climb aboard that’s convenient for you.
A half-hour trip takes you around some of Bruges’ most noteworthy points of interest, and after setting sail, your informative captain will give you an insight into the city and its colorful history. This is a superb way to see the city from an entirely new perspective.
Take in the views at Rozenhoedkaai
The postcard-perfect backdrop of Rozenhoedkaai is one of Bruges’ most photographed, and it’s not hard to see why. The spot boasts picturesque views of the canal, castle-style buildings and a quaint footbridge reminiscent of a fairytale.
Take a leisurely stroll or stop at one of the many bars and restaurants beside the water to watch the world go by. At night, the famous drooping willow tree of the Quay of the Rosary is lit up, creating an enchanting glow on the canal beneath it.
Be sure to take your camera to capture this enchanting and romantic scene.
Discover the old windmills of Bruges
Set on the edge of the city, the Koeleweimill, Nieuwe Papegaai, St. Janshuis, and Bonne Chiere windmills offer a peaceful escape just a short distance away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Each windmill has its own unique architecture and history, with the earliest windmill dating back to 1770. You can also visit a public museum housed within the St. Janshuis windmill, which still grinds flour to this day!
Rent a bicycle for the day to explore the windmills and the surrounding area in its entirety; their quiet location overlooks the canal and is the perfect place to stop for a picnic.
Eat some Belgian fries
As the inventors of fries, Belgians sure know how to rustle up this tasty treat. Here, Belgian fries are somewhat of a local delicacy and can be tasted across thousands of restaurants in the city.
However, if you’d like to try Belgian fries in an area filled with history, head to one of the local vendors at the foot of Belfry Tower where the stalls are over a century old.
This relatively inexpensive treat will keep you going as you explore the wonderful city of Bruges.
Eat chocolate at Chocolatier Dumon
A trip to Chocolatier Dumon is a must for any chocolate lover. This quaint shop produces some of the best artisanal chocolate in Bruges and is famed for its ancient recipes that attract visitors from all around the world.
The in-house chocolatiers use only the finest ingredients to produce their array of unique treats. Choose from a range of exquisite truffles, chocolate figurines, and delicious hand-crafted chocolate bars.
The sweet treats are so tasty, and it’s not unusual for customers to buy more chocolates before they’ve even left the shop!
Go to a free harp concert
Harpist and composer Luc Vanlaere provides an authentic insight into the world of music, performing his pieces uniquely and naturally. Born out of a desire to share his love of music rather than commercialize it, Vanlaere regularly plays free harp concerts for the visitors and locals of Bruges.
Listen to his stunning compositions on harps and other similar instruments, with elements of his music taken from all types of music, both modern and classical. There are 3 concerts daily from Tuesday through Saturday, and donations are accepted while they are completely free to watch.
Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood
This unusual basilica is, in fact, a double church, home to the Saint-Basiliuschapel lower church and the neo-Gothic Holy Bloodchapel upper church.
While the Saint-Basiliuschapel is scarce in its decoration, the Holy Bloodchapel is brought to life with a plethora of colors and fine details. The latter contains a vial said to contain the blood of Jesus Christ, a relic that can be seen by the public every Friday.
Visitors to this beautiful basilica, snugly located at the corner of Burg Square, will be rewarded with the sight of beautiful religious monuments as well as stunning displays of modern and gothic architecture.
Join a brewery tour of De Halve Maan
Tasting Belgian beer is a must for any visitor to Bruges, and there’s no better place to do it than at De Halve Maan breweries. Experienced guides will help you discover the centuries-old beer brewing history of Bruges on a tour of the grounds, and you’ll gain an understanding of the brewing process as you go.
A visit to the on-site restaurant is a must, where the daily menus feature dishes that are compatible with the beers on offer. Enjoy a freshly tapped beer on the brewery’s rooftop as you look out at beautiful views of Bruges and boats floating by on the canals nearby.
Groeningemuseum
Art lovers are sure to be delighted by the internationally renowned Groeningemuseum. Commonly known as one of the most beautiful collections in the world, it offers the chance to see a vast array of Belgian visual art and Flemish expressionist masterpieces from as early as the 15th and 16th centuries.
The collection of art at Groeningemuseum is one of exceptional quality, and perfectly captures Bruges’ transition from the Middle Ages to early modern times.
See spectacular Netherlandish paintings, and, as well as other masterpieces, Madonna with Canon Joris Van der Paele by Jan van Eyck.
Foltermuseum De Oude Steen (Torture Museum)
“De Oude Steen”, more widely known as “The Old Stone” is one of Europe’s oldest prisons and has been restored into a museum, offering visitors a spine-chilling look into the ancient act of torture.
Learn all about the city’s history of law and order as you make your way around the exhibit of over one hundred torture and execution instruments, once used to inflict suffering on the body and mind.
The artifacts are sure to make you reflect on the origins of torture, and the difficult balance between justice and violence.
The Ten Wijngaerde Beguinage
Dating back to the 13th century, the Princely Beguinage of the Vineyard was once home to a community of religious women who lived a life of poverty, simplicity, and preaching.
Today, the quiet spot is a tranquil convent garden filled with white-washed houses and pretty lakes, inhabited by nuns of the St. Benedict Order and several other unmarried women.
The incredibly peaceful location offers an oasis in the heart of the old city and comes to life in the springtime when the courtyard is adorned with thousands of colorful daffodils.
Visit St Janshospitaal
St Janshospitaal is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe and houses an impressive collection of artworks, medieval wards and medical instruments, and a plethora of beautiful architecture.
The mid-12th century hospital also boasts an array of religious paintings and furniture, and masterpieces from the Flemish artist Hans Memling, who painted the Shrine of St Ursula specifically for the hospital.
Visit the museum, hospital chapel, apothecary, and herb garden which embody over 800 years of medicinal history.
The Church of Our Lady
The incredible 122-meter steeple is the defining feature of the incredible Church of Our Lady is the defining feature of commands the Bruges skyline; the tower took an entire two centuries to build and is a testament to the craftsmanship of Bruges’ workers.
The church displays countless religious paintings and sculptures, but the most famous of all is Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna and Child’ sculpture, made of stunning Carrara marble.
Wander around this beautiful historical building, taking time to visit the magnificent tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold.
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