The medieval city of Bruges is known for its weaving canals, well-preserved heritage, and of course, its beer. It continues to be a market town after thousands of years and has a historical pinnacle at every corner.
But all this barely scratches the surface of what you can get up to on your visit to Brugge.
The Belgian cobbled streets are so packed with places to visit, that it is best to take advantage of everything on foot. Though the sound of horse-drawn carriages and bicycle bells may also prick your senses.
But if you’re searching for some structure to your visit, or at least somewhere to begin, we’ve compiled a list of 17 things you NEED to do whilst in Bruges…
Windmills
Think of windmills and the first thing that probably comes to mind is some hilly area in Europe. The outskirts along the Kruisvest Canal path are exactly that.
One of the most traditional things you can do on your visit is to walk, or better yet cycle among the turning turbines of Bruges.
Windmills have always been a big part of Bruges’ trade and their sustainability is a perfect match for the city’s medieval heritage.
Today there are only four mills left to see. The oldest and most favorable to check out is Sint-Janshuismill, an active flour mill built-in 1770. It is the only one you can venture inside, and because of this, they have added a museum.
While in the area, locate the others which also decorate the hills between Kruispoort and Dampoort.
City Gates
It is still possible to visit four of the seven city gates that were the first line of defense in the 15th century.
The Kruispoort is the best preserved of the four. It provides a dramatic medieval entrance into Bruges and would be a huge shame to miss your journey. The enormity of the two towers demonstrates how sturdy the parapet used to be.
It makes sense to tie this in with your trip to the windmills, as it is easily accessible from the center and very pleasant to visit on a bike.
Its past is hair-raising to imagine as you travel through it. It is the same gate that Charles V, Napoleon, and the German Army all passed through many years ago. You’ll find inscriptions on the walls explaining the history of the site.
If you’re not pushed for time you should also check out the remaining three: Gentpoort, Ezelpoort, and Smedenpoort. The first contains a museum featuring medieval weapons and insights into the purpose of the walls, including their role in trade.
Grote Markt
The largest square in Bruges is Grôte Markt (Grand Market). The age-old hub is crammed with history to explore.
It was once the haunt for fairs, revolts, and even executions. The earliest occurrences are baffling, with Water Markets taking place in 958 where ships traded their goods.
Nowadays Wednesday morning is when you’ll be able to attend the market; visit after November for Christmas-themed stalls.
You’ll find government buildings renovated into hotels; eateries with shaded canopies; the iconic Belfry and a surplus of cheerful cyclists. But its charm comes from its border of brightly colored medieval houses with roofs appearing trimmed with patterned scissors.
It makes an extremely photogenic coffee stop. Swing by the centerpiece, paying tribute to the revolutionary leaders of Bruges Martins, for a morsel of the city’s self-reliance.
The Belfry
Rated one of the top sites to see in Bruges, the Belfry makes an exceptional visit with its untiring history. UNESCO even branded it a World Heritage Site.
Consider the fact it has burnt to the ground three times, yet still stands in the same spot it has since 1220. It’s ironic because in its days it was used as a post for spotting dangers including fires.
You can actually go inside the tower, for a reasonable €10, or free if you have an OKV card or museumPASSmusées. From the top, you’ll get a fantastic view of the entire city if you can first defeat the 366 spiraling steps.
On clear days you can even see the sea, but be conscious of crowds. Its 47 bells make it unmissable from the market square.
Historium
While at Grote Markt you must pay a visit to Bruges’ most visited site. Step back into the Golden Age with a unique experience at the Historium. It is based inside the renovated central shipping warehouse, which was such a major part of European trade.
Spend a couple of hours following the love story that leads you through 7 themed rooms covering how the city used to be. Be prepared for an encounter jam-packed with films, music, audio guides, and interactive exhibits.
While at the museum it’s imperative to climb the Historium Tower and witness panoramic views of the Grand Market and the Belfry from up high!
They even offer 2 Virtual Reality opportunities where you can see (and touch!) the city in its medieval prime. You can collect an outdoor VR kit from the reception to take with you on your trip around the center, to compare the differences between then and now of 6 important sites.
Frietmuseum
Located near the Historium, the Frietmuseum is the one and only museum dedicated to potato fries! Contrary to popular belief, fires are actually a Belgian staple, not French.
Come learn about everything chip-related — from the history of fries and potatoes to the fry’s status in popular culture. They also have a fry cafe of course!
They are open every day of the week and online booking is required to avoid disappointment!
Choco-Story
Naturally in Brugge, a chocolatey experience is a MUST. Choco-Story fits the bill with three floors of wonderful chocolate-themed rooms, taking you on a sensory tour of all things chocolatey.
Chocolatier demonstrations occur onsite where you can enjoy a sample and even try your turn at making a praline!
Just 5 minutes away there is a Choco-Jungle Bar serving chocolate drinks that you add your choice of spices to, included in your admission. You can even purchase a joint ticket with the Frietmuseum! Reserve your place online.
Minnewater
Minnewater is an intimate place to take your beau. The park consists of the idyllic Lake of Love and the Lovers Bridge, encompassed by a fantastical woodland. It is rumored you will be granted eternal love if you cross the bridge and share a kiss with your partner.
Talk about romantic!
It is a peaceful sanctuary that you can find at the southern entrance to the city and is paired with a sweet but heartbreaking tale.
The legend begins with a young girl due to be wed in an arranged marriage, who fled home to be with her lover. She escaped to the forest of Minnewater where she died of exhaustion in the arms of her warrior.
Share the story with your sweetheart while you stroll the sides of Minna’s lake.
De Halve Maan
Beer and Bruges go hand in hand like the moon and stars, so it’s only right for you to nab a few pints whilst you’re there. The most traditional brewery has got to be De Halve Maan (Half Moon) which has been owned by the same family for 6 generations.
They have a museum where you can learn the old techniques, guided tours starting at €15 per head, and even serve food. Take your pick of multiple dining areas, including a private courtyard that is perfect for sunny days.
5 centuries of crafting grants a pleasant experience for your tastebuds. If you haven’t already, you should definitely give the world-famous Brugse Zot a whirl. The favorite is a refreshing blonde made with an intricate blend of malt and 6 aroma hops. We doubt you won’t fall head over heels with Zot, but just in case — they also specialize in stouts.
De Halve Maan Brewery is certainly a crowd pleaser!
Why not wind down from your romantic walk at Minnewater with a cool pint or two.
Beguinage
Situated near the Lake of Love, away from society, is another restful sanctum. Beguinage is an active community of Benedictine nuns that you can visit.
It is one of the best-preserved colonies that is still running and is by far the calmest spot in the city. Enter via a bridge that takes you out of the hustle and bustle of Bruges’ center and into the land of tranquillity.
During the spring the central lawn is veiled in pretty daffodils that you won’t want to miss. It makes lovely photographs. Of course, you should enter respectfully, abiding by the silence the nuns kindly request.
Church of Our Lady
One of the city’s diamond visits belongs to the Church of Our Lady, which you can easily locate down the street from Brouwerij De Halve Maan. Simply follow the giant 115.5-meter steeple! This is the second tallest brick tower in the world, which is just one reason you must visit.
Another is to admire the infamous pieces of art that are stationed there. In particular, visitors come from far and wide to witness Michelangelo’s groundbreaking marble sculpture of the “Madonna and Child”. But other than that there are plenty of recognizable paintings from established creators you won’t want to neglect.
Regardless of whether your visit is for art or history, be sure to not miss out on the novelty of crossing the tiny bridge and spotting the even tinier window in the courtyard!
Sint-Janshospitaal
While in Dijver you should keep an eye out for the oldest building in Bruges — Sint-Janshospitaal. It is easy to spot when you use the Church of Our Lady for reference, which is just across the street.
The Hospital is one of the oldest in Europe being built during the 12th century; it was amazingly used until 1977.
Enjoy the museum inside the old ward, featuring a showcase of medical tools and documents, that will leave you stunned to learn about the old medical techniques.
There is even an art gallery honoring the importance of Hans Memling, who created portraits and religious artworks. You will find a collection of his most pressing works, including the notorious ‘Reliquary of St. Ursula’.
Entrance to both of the museums is free for children and for all with a Musea Brugge Card.
Groeninge Museum
Also off of the Dijver Canal is where you will find Bruges’ best art gallery. The Groeninge Museum is built inside what was once the sacred home of Augustian Church officials.
Packed with 6 centuries of masterpieces from respected and anonymous artists, you will leave the museum with a sense of clarity of Bruges and the Low Countries’ pasts.
Not only is the gallery admired in Bruges, but it is also merited globally for its collection of early Netherlandish paintings which are both fascinating and amusing. Come here for an insight into the transition from the Middle Ages to Modern Day.
Lace
To really appreciate the historic city’s culture you should pay a visit to the Cantcentrum (Lace Museum). Although a lace museum may not sound overly inspiring, you are guaranteed to be left awestruck at the intricate techniques these craftspeople carry out.
It is best to visit in the afternoon between 2 and 5 pm when the volunteers take the upstairs floor to work on their designs. There are videos and an array of genuine examples, together with the oldest piece of lace in Belgium, which dates back to 1622.
Be sure to hold off purchasing lace from the city center which may cheat the system and use machines. Purchasing pieces from the museum, or Apostelienjte boutique up the road, promises authenticity from real dedicated workers.
Get involved in one of the lacemaking workshops led by experts at the Lace Centre, and take home your very own handmade creation.
Jeruzalemkerk
East of the city center is an important replica modeled on the Jerusalem Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus died and was resurrected. For people wanting to reflect on the Crucifixion, the Jeruzalemkerk is one of the best places to do so.
Built by experienced pilgrims on their return from the Holy Land, the reproduction features a horde of significant relics put together by faithful devotees.
Featured is a replication of the sacred cross, as well as the tomb that Christ is said to have risen from. It is also worth checking out the 15th and 16th-century stain glass.
It’s worth visiting even just for its inspired tower which makes it unique in Belgium.
Burg Square
Burg Square is a fantastic place to kick back and rest your weary feet and let the culture come to you. Immerse yourself in Bruges’ riches in the spot that was once a 9th-century fortress.
You’ll be pleased there are a couple of restaurants and bars to take advantage of while you admire the surrounding establishments.
It has been the Flanders’ main religious and political center for years, so as you’d expect there’s a lot to see. Everywhere you look you’ll find history.
The range of architectural styles will take you on a tour of the city’s busy past. There really isn’t much traveling needed as you will find the Town Hall, Palace of Liberty, Court of Justice, and still more, all packed into one single square!
Basilica of the Holy Blood
People of all beliefs queue to visit the chapel where the blood of Jesus is kept. A rag used by Joseph to wipe the blood of Christ during the Crucifixion is preserved inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
People visit in awe from all over the world regardless of their religious standpoint. The sacred relic can be seen daily in the church at Burg Square.
Enter the chapel anytime during the day for €2.50, or come to see the vial between 2 and 4 pm. You can catch the street Procession of the Holy Blood on Ascension Day, which has taken place every year since 1291.
The church alone is something to marvel at, with a mix of architectural styles, elegant statues, and arches. Photos of the outside are permitted, though inside the chapel they are forbidden.
Please be respectful of the rules in this valuable place of worship.
