Searching for issues to do in Bruges? You’ve got come to the best place. Belgium journey author Sam Van den Haute of Checkout Sam shares the easiest issues to do in Bruges. We’re enthusiastic about this submit as now we have but to go to this picturesque city and have at all times needed to go since watching the film In Bruges.
Bruges, additionally recognized additionally as ‘Brugge’ in Dutch, is certainly one of Europe’s most well-preserved fairytale cities. Positioned within the western Flemish area of Belgium, Bruges will actually transport you to locations you’ve solely examine in storybooks whereas permitting you to take pleasure in fashionable comforts and delicacies.
Issues to do in Bruges, Belgium
Think about your self strolling down a quaint cobblestone path, previous winding canals teeming with swans and cathedrals from the center ages. Simply add some fashionable buying spots and the scent of chocolate to that scene and also you’ve acquired the enchanting, medieval metropolis of Bruges.
Let’s check out the highest sights in Bruges that you simply received’t need to miss in your go to to this bewitching vacation spot.
1. Quay Of The Rosary
Rozenhoedkaai (Quay Of The Rosary) is probably the most photographed place in Bruges. Positioned on a pointy bend of the Dijver Canal it presents the loveliest view in Bruges. The medieval buildings are situated immediately on the canal between the stone bridge and the place the Dijver and Groenerei Canals meet. It’s unimaginable to overlook as it’s a in style start line for boat excursions.
This guided boat and strolling tour follows a neighborhood information as you see Bruges from the Canals on the water. You’ll uncover the narrowest road in Bruges, the basilica, and the Fish Market in your strolling tour. You’ll then get onto a canal boat tour on the Quay of the Roasary and sail alongside the canals to view the facades lined in ivy as you float beneath bridges admiring the great thing about town. Particulars right here.
Go to the 2Be – Beer Wall
Scorching Tip: Make your solution to 2Be for a chilly beer throughout the Canal to view the well-known beer wall. Belgium is legendary for its beer and 2Be homes greater than 1000 totally different beers alongside its 30-meter-long beer wall.
Beer followers will love this extremely rated tour. This Bruges beer expertise units off on foot to study and style Belgian beer. It contains visits to native hidden gems and a well-liked beer bar. The tour contains 5 tasters and three areas together with a brewery. Plus a mini chocolate pairing.
2. the Outdated City of Bruges
Residence to over 117,000 folks, Bruges, is sometimes called the “Venice of the North. ” With canals weaving by the Outdated City surrounded by the grand canal, Bruges is the proper place to discover a combination of enjoyable issues to do and see. However not like Venice, there’s the choice of discovering small quiet corners to calm down and soak within the splendor.
The Outdated City of Bruges is a delegated UNESCO World Heritage Website and its small space packs a big punch. Lots of the high sights in Bruges are simply accessible as you wander the streets and discover the canals. With its distinctive historic pathways, church buildings, and parks, you’ll uncover a metropolis in Europe that stands out from the remainder.
This non-public strolling tour is beneficial to discover the city heart. You’ll see many of the high Bruges sights such because the Belfry of Bruges and Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk a church containing the Madonna and baby by Michelangelo. You’ll wander the canals and alleyways and finish with an optionally available boat journey alongside the canal to see the sights. Extra particulars right here
3. Lake of Love
The Lake of Love (Minnewater) is a quiet retreat inside Minnewater Park on the south finish of Bruges. This picturesque location is ideal for quiet strolls. One of the vital photographed locations in The Lover’s Bridge spans the canal and it’s mentioned that if you happen to cross the bridge with the one you’re keen on and sneak a kiss, your love will final ceaselessly.
4. Belfry of Bruges
A protected World Heritage web site, the Belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower within the coronary heart of Bruges’ medieval city. This can be a hovering masterpiece that stand 83 meters (272 toes) excessive it presents some spectacular panoramic views of town.
The climb up may really feel a tad claustrophobic, however the trek will show to be effectively price your whereas. Inside the bell tower, its 47-bell carillon continues to be tolled manually on any given day.
The Belfort is called crucial and symbolic tower in Bruges relationship again to the Thirteenth century. It’s a standing reminder of one of many oldest examples of medieval structure. You may additionally acknowledge the Belfry of Bruges tower which was featured within the well-known film “In Bruges”.
5. Bruges Museums
Bruges has many artwork museums and galleries and the Bruges: Museu Musea Brugge Card provides entry to 12 museums. Costs begin at 33 Euro and provides entry to Belfort (Belfry of Bruge), Metropolis Corridor, Groeninge Museum, Liberty of Bruges, Sint-Janshuis Mill, Our Woman of the Pottery, People Museum, Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna and Little one’ and extra.
You may activate your card as much as one 12 months after buy. To activate your card you possibly can immediately go to the attraction and scan your voucher on the entrance. Get your card prematurely right here.
One of many extra distinctive locations to go to in Bruges is the Torture Museum. This was the oldest jail in Bruges relationship again to the eleventh century. As we speak it has been remodeled right into a museum displaying the cruelty of mankind. There are genuine torture devices relationship again to the center ages. There are wax figures depicting a number of the torture units transporting you into the horrors of this early dungeon. Regardless that it’s tough, it’s generally necessary to see what people are able to in order that we study to not repeat the errors of our previous.
6. Market Sq.
The Brugge Markt in any other case often called the Market Sq. (or Bruges Markt) is without doubt one of the high spots to take a look at whereas in Bruges. As we speak the sq. is chock-full of eating places and outlets and is used as a gathering place for locals. Market Sq. can be the place you possibly can catch a journey on a horse-drawn carriage to discover town!
Every constructing in Market Sq. is exclusive, and you’ll discover the distinct adjustments in structure all through time as you stroll by this historic market. For these craving for a “life-like” stroll into the previous, make sure to cease by “Historium” situated within the sq., which presents a historic expertise again to the fifteenth century!
The medieval market sq. has been in use for the reason that 12 months 958 and can be the placement of the well-known Belfry tower. A go to right here is one that you just can not go up. Ensure that to maintain a watch out for the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck who led the Flemish rebellion in opposition to the French king in 1302.
One of the vital romantic issues to do in Bruges is to take a horse drawn carriage tour. Carriages go away from Market Sq. and take you on a half-hour journey to see the Bruges canals, historical bridges, and exquisite squares.
7. The Burg Sq.
For these all for structure and historical past, you’re certain to be dancing with pleasure all through your whole journey to Bruges. The Burg is a sq. that has been inhabited for the reason that 2nd Century and reveals examples of Renaissance, Gothic, and Neo-classical structure together with the Outdated City Corridor – a star attraction in Bruges. You can see your self strolling by historical past with every constructing you go in your manner into Burg sq..
The historic buildings in one of many oldest elements of Bruges embody the “Stadhuis” often known as the Bruges Metropolis Corridor, which is preserved from its authentic construct in 1376, and the Outdated Civil Registry from 1537. The Outdated City Corridor is without doubt one of the oldest buildings in the whole area and town has been ruled from right here for greater than 600 years. There’s a museum on the bottom ground that’s price going into.
Additionally, you will see the historic court docket of Justice, the Church of our Woman, and the Palace of the Liberty of Bruges (Brugse Vrije). You may even pop on over subsequent door to discover the previous fish market and lots of scenic canals!
The Burg Sq. is a good start line to discover Bruges. From the sq., proceed your stroll to discover the colourful alleys that lead you to the canal. It’s lovely, free, and oh-so-photogenic.
8. Church of our Woman
The Church of Our Woman (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) is an alluring magnificence originating from the Thirteenth century. Full with a 115.5-meter-high tower, (379 toes) the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk is the highest-standing construction in Bruges and is seemingly the second tallest brick tower on the planet. And here’s a enjoyable reality, additionally it is the second tallest brick constructing on the planet.
The Church shows varied notable artworks from artists such because the marble Madonna by Michelangelo. It has been expanded and renovated over time, initially taking roughly two centuries to assemble. It’s presently present process additional restoration. Some artworks will probably be unavailable to view because of the renovations, nevertheless, the vast majority of this spectacular church together with the Madonna ought to now be obtainable.
9. St. John’s Hospital
Reflecting its over 800 years as a working medical establishment, this in style historic museum is discovered within the medieval Saint John’s Hospital.
Sint-Janshospitaal is thought for being probably the most effectively preserved previous hospitals in all of Europe. Now a museum, it provides you the prospect to see what the previous wards and life within the hospital would have been like.
As for artwork, there are lots of collections from varied homes of worship that had been within the previous group of Saint Jan’s. Lots of these items had been handed over to Saint Jan’s Hospital after the autumn of Napoleon within the 12 months 1815.
Amongst these examples of high-level spiritual artwork, you’ll additionally discover donated works from associated charities, in addition to the well-known Sixteenth-century ensembles from Hans Memling within the chapel.
10. The Begijnhof
As a UNESCO World Heritage web site since 1998, Begijnhofs, or “Beguinages” are for sure a singular characteristic of Europe, particularly Belgium and the Netherlands.
Relationship again to the mid-Thirteenth century, these historic complexes had been initially inhabited by a group of non secular ladies, or Beguines, who lived their lives by instance of the apostles. The Begijnhof in Bruges particularly counts as one of many best-preserved. Some Beguine’s homes are open to guests the place you possibly can step again in time to get a really feel of what it was prefer to reside right here!
The Beguines lived in a group consisting solely of girls; those that had been widowed or single that needed to reside in a pious method. The Begijnhof continues to be used in the present day as residing quarters for nuns and girls who’ve chosen to remain single.
As you stroll down its tiny cobblestone streets, you’ll go away behind the noisy environment of town and end up in a relaxed, serene space.
11. Basilica of the Holy Blood
The fantastic Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed (Basilica of the Holy Blood) dates again to the twelfth century. It is without doubt one of the high sights in Bruges and isn’t to be missed. Named for Our Woman and Saint Basil, this well-known double church is claimed to own a vial harboring drops of the blood of Jesus Christ himself.
The blood of Jesus was supposedly delivered to the basilica from the holy land after the crusades within the twelfth century. This relic of Jesus is taken out every day at 2 pm permitting guests to pay their respects.
Being a double church, you’ll discover two distinct sections in your go to. An higher church, which sports activities neo-Gothic structure and is house to the relic of the holy blood, and a decrease chapel, which has preserved its Romanesque options. You received’t need to miss the prospect to see this distinctive basilica in particular person!
The Basilica of the Holy Blood, aka Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed is situated within the metropolis heart, simply west of town corridor. Bruges Metropolis Corridor is often known as the “Stadhuis.
12. Groeningemuseum
There isn’t any higher place for artwork lovers to study Belgian artwork and historical past than the well-known Groeningemuseum! Bruges has loads of artwork galleries however Groeningemuseum is without doubt one of the best. This artwork museums is constructed on the previous location of the medieval city, Eekhout Abbey, the museum presents a complete visible overview of assorted features from Flemish & Belgian artists, in addition to paintings from between the 14th to the Sixteenth century.
This contains neo-classical items from the 18th and Nineteenth centuries. Many post-war fashionable artwork items and examples of Flemish expressionism are additionally highlighted on the museum and let’s not overlook the world-renowned assortment of Flemish primitive work.
In fact, many of those works had been initially created in Bruges itself! It’s additionally good to notice that there are common showcases of gorgeous exhibitions held within the Groeningemuseum.
Don’t overlook to take a look at the apothecaries and herb backyard!
13. Loppem Fortress
Emphasizing the fairytale-like environment of Bruges, the Nineteenth-century Loppem Fortress could be discovered simply 10km south of town heart.
Boasting lovely neo-gothic structure, the Loppem Fortress combines its authentic inside and architectural state with its winding backyard maze, and an enormous assortment of artwork to take you again in time.
The citadel was briefly house to King Albert I after the primary world struggle, even internet hosting Queen Elizabeth in 1918.
Strolling by the corridors of Loppem citadel brings to life the footprints left by artists and kings of the previous.
14. Hof Arents Park
After that a lot sightseeing, you’ll be prepared for some peace and quiet. Positioned immediately behind the Arentshuis museum, one can find the gorgeous Hof Arents.
This charming inexperienced park is located alongside the canals and presents a small idyllic bridge, outdoors paintings, and lots of hidden benches between tall timber.
Whereas the 18-century Arentshuis museum itself is definitely price a go to, you’ll be exhausting pressed to discover a extra tranquil spot because the Hof Arents park.
15. De halve maan
Beer lovers will take pleasure in stopping in at De Halve Maan Brewery. It dates again to the Sixteenth century and has been handed down from technology to technology since 1856. No European metropolis go to can be full with out a tour of the city’s brewery. De Halve Maan presents every day brewer excursions the place guests can take pleasure in a pint of Brugse Zot Blond Beer on the finish of the tour.
Scorching Tip: An added bonus is which you could go as much as the highest of the brewery and expertise a panoramic view of town, saving you the €10 you’d’ve spent going as much as the highest of the Belfry of Bruges.
16. Jan van Eyck Sq.
Positioned within the Hansa Quarter, Jan Van Eyck Sq. is known as after the well-known painter Jan Van Eyck. This can be a quieter sq. than different squares in Bruges however it’s fairly picturesque.
Through the Thirteenth to fifteenth century, Bruges was the buying and selling heart between England, Germany, and Scandinavia and this historic quarter of the Outdated City provides you a way of what this necessary crossroads was like. It’s right here which you could view the previous mansions of the wealthy merchants who took up residence in Bruges. Jan Van Eyck was supported by the wealthy patrons of Bruges and there’s a statue of him at its heart.
17. Go Windmill Searching
Everyone knows that the Netherlands is legendary for its windmills, however Bruges has them too! In actual fact, Bruges isn’t too removed from Amsterdam and many individuals take day journeys from Amsterdam to see Bruges. The windmills of Bruges have grow to be a well-liked attraction in Bruge with a handful of windmills situated simply outdoors the previous metropolis. Typically known as windmill stroll, guests can take a stroll to see the picturesque windmills. You may go inside a few of them as effectively.
18. ChocoStory Chocolate Museum
No journey to any Belgium metropolis can be full with out visiting a chocolate museum. The Choco Story Chocolate Museum Tour takes you on a journey by time to study concerning the origins of chocolate and also you’ll get to style it too. Particulars right here.
Do you know that there’s 4000 12 months historical past of chocolate? This chocolate museum has three phases telling the historical past of the evolution of chocolate to how it’s made and a tasting.
Find out how to Get to Bruges
Bruges is situated within the North-West of Belgium within the Flanders area of the nation just some km inland from the North Sea. Bruges is lower than an hour’s prepare journey from Brussels.
It’s well-known for its canals and slim streets and the Bruges metropolis centre is a UNESCO world heritage web site. It’s certainly one of Belgium’s most well-preserved medieval cities and is a must-visit when exploring the nation.
As a result of it’s comparatively small, you possibly can see a variety of Bruges and the medieval city in a short while. Bruges is only a brief drive or prepare journey from Brussels and is well-connected with different cities in Belgium and Europe.
- Bruges to Brussels: 101 kilometers (62 miles)
- Bruges to Ghent: 47 kilometers (29 Miles)
- Bruges to Antwerp: 90 kilometers (56 miles)
- There are additionally ferries to Bruges from England.
- Touring by prepare to Bruges is simple and handy. Brussels airport has a railway station so you possibly can go on to Bruges when you land.
- Or you are able to do what we favor, hire a automobile and take a street journey. You may evaluate costs right here at RentalCars.com
Bruges Day Journeys
Many individuals take day journeys to Bruges from Brussels and Amsterdam, however to actually get a really feel for this metropolis you need to spend the evening. For reserving accommodations, we use Reserving.com and TripAdvisor for comparability buying, opinions, and offers.
Bruges is situated in Flanders and a well-liked day journey from Bruges is to go to Flanders Fields. The poppy fields of Flanders are visited on this tour. You could keep in mind the poem In Flander’s Discipline by John McCrea. The tour takes you to The WWI Battlefields, the Menin Gate Memorial, and the cemetery in addition to the poppy fields made well-known by the poem. Tickets could be bought prematurely and there may be simple cancellation with 24 hours’ discover. E book your tour right here.
Whereas in Flanders, a well-liked cease is the Groeningemuseum. It shows well-known Flemish artists like Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling.
When is the very best time to go to Bruges?
- One of the best time to go to Bruges is from the top of Could to the start of September.
- From June to August the climate is gentle and sunny and it’s the excessive season for vacationers.
Out of each European metropolis you could have had the prospect to go to, I assure that Bruges will stand out from the remainder.
From its tiny canals to its historic markets and museums, there actually isn’t any place prefer it. Bruges will go away you with an enthralling, nostalgic impression that’s certain to final a lifetime.
- Learn Extra about Bruges and Belgium
This Bruges article was initially written by Sa van Den Haute and has been up to date for 2023 by The Planet D staff.
