Arriving in Bruges felt like stepping into a fairytale. We had taken a quick train ride from Brussels, and within an hour, we found ourselves in one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe. As we exited the station, we were immediately greeted by charming canals, cobblestone streets, and a sense of timelessness that made us excited to explore everything this magical city had to offer.
Best things to do in Bruges
There are a tremendous number of exciting things to see and do, from visiting historical old town to cultural attractions.
Markt Square
We began our adventure in the heart of the city, at the Markt, Bruges’ main square, also called the Grote Markt. Surrounded by colorful, gabled buildings and bustling with energy, it’s the perfect starting point and introduction to Bruges. The centerpiece of the square is the Belfry (Belfort) of Bruges, an imposing 83-meter-tall medieval bell tower that dominates the skyline. If you’re fan of black comedies the 2008 film ‘In Bruges’ The city of Bruges and the Belfry Tower plays – besides Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson – a leading role in this quirky 2008 film about two Irish hitmen.
We were unable to climb the 366 steps to the top as it was closed when we were there, however, we were told of the panoramic views of the city’s red rooftops, winding canals, and surrounding countryside were absolutely worth it.
Between November and January, the Markt is home to the Christmas market featuring an ice rink and dozens of festive stalls.
After exploring the square we wandered through the nearby streets, popping into quaint little shops selling everything from lace (a Bruges specialty) to delicious Belgian chocolates which is one of Belgium’s most famous exports. We couldn’t resist stopping at one of the local chocolatiers to sample some pralines and truffles — rich, decadent, and unlike anything we’d ever tasted. Bruges is heaven for chocolate lovers, and the variety and quality on offer are truly world-class.
Minnewaterpark Park and the “Lake of Love
Next, we headed to the tranquil Minnewaterpark, also known as the “Lake of Love.” It’s also where the famous swans of Bruges can be found. It was a perfect place to escape the crowds and serves as a haven of peace and tranquillity. The lake is surrounded by weeping willows, and legend has it that if you walk across the bridge with your loved one, your love will last forever.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
Another must-see in Bruges is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, located just off the Burg Square. This small, beautiful church is home to a vial said to contain a few drops of Christ’s blood, brought back from the Crusades. The basilica itself is stunning, with a Gothic upper chapel and a Romanesque lower chapel. We were both struck by the peaceful atmosphere inside and spent some time quietly taking in the intricate details of the church’s design.
Hansa Quarter
A brief walk from Burg Square is the Hansa Quarter, which was once the bustling hub of Bruges trading activities.
Rosary Quay (Rozenhoedkaai)
One of the most popular spots to take a photo in Bruges is at the Rosary Quay – this is a beautiful spot in the city where pretty buildings with stunning architecture meet a wider spot of the canals. You cannot visit Bruges without snapping a picture here!
Church of Our Lady
A beautiful church in Bruges, Church of Our Lady is popular to visit. The exterior of the Church is stunning, and it houses the tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy. The Church of Our Lady is also housing the famous sculpture Madonna and Child by Michelangelo.
Begijnhof
A really interesting place to visit is the Begijnjof, a Beguinage founded in 1245. This spot is a peaceful, tranquil place with little white houses surrounding a picturesque courtyard, where celibate, semi-religious women would live. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site where some nuns still live today.
The Canal
Canals quietly weave their way through the historic centre of Bruges and stretch off into the city.
Before calling it a night, it’s an ideal time to stroll along side Bruges’ picturesque canals. If it’s a calm evening, you can catch glimpses of the historic houses’ reflections in the water. The city was illuminated by soft lights, casting a golden glow over everything, and it was the perfect way to end the day.
Restaurant Scene
Bruges has a fairly famous dining scene. We opted for a classic Belgian meal at a cozy restaurant near the square. During our stay we ordered the moules-frites (mussels and fries), which came steaming in a pot with white wine and garlic, and we also went for the hearty beef stew, known as carbonnade flamande, cooked in local beer. These types of dishes are both comforting and delicious, perfect for refueling after a day of walking. No meal is complete without pairing our meal with some of Belgium’s famous beers; one such beer is their traditional Bruges Zot, the local blonde ale.
More to see
Bruges is one of those cities where every street and canal feels like a scene from a storybook. The combination of its well-preserved medieval architecture, rich history, peaceful parks, and delicious food made it an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re admiring its landmarks, indulging in its culinary delights, or simply wandering its winding streets, Bruges has a way of captivating your heart, and we left feeling enchanted by this beautiful Belgian gem.
When is a good time to go to Bruges?
Many of the locals will tell you that the summers months of June to August are the best times to visit because of their warm summers and you can’t argue with that logic. However, it is also peak time for visitors so please keep that in mind while planning your trip. We’ve been to Bruges several times and in these cases we were there in late fall and winter, to catch their Christmas Market, and enjoyed it thoroughly.
How many days do you need to visit Bruges?
Bruges is certainly a fairytale city and hidden gem, but it is quite small so a couple of days would be plenty to see all of the main sights.
Is Bruges Safe for Tourists?
Bruges is very safe and boasts a low rate of robberies and thefts. Just like everywhere else, you should take reasonable precautions like you would at home. Don’t flash your wallet and money, don’t go with strangers, and stay out of areas that you sense are less than desirable. We felt quite safe through the city even while out later into the late evening.
Getting Around Bruges
Getting to Bruges is easy, and its core with many of the historical and cultural landmarks are perfect to explore on foot. We got everywhere we wanted to on foot.