Top Places to Visit in Bruges, Belgium

Explore the vibrant Market Square, the historic heart of Bruges. Admire its colorful guildhalls, the Belfry, and soak in the lively atmosphere with horse-drawn carriages and cafes.

Climb the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Listen for the melodies of its carillon bells.

Experience Bruges from its picturesque waterways on a charming canal tour. Glide past historic buildings, under quaint bridges, and gain a unique perspective of the city's beauty.

Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a stunning church housing a revered relic: a vial said to contain drops of Christ's blood. Admire its Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Explore the Church of Our Lady Bruges, an imposing Gothic church housing Michelangelo's Madonna and Child sculpture, one of his few works to leave Italy during his lifetime. Climb its tower for views.

Discover a superb collection of Flemish Primitive and Renaissance art at the Groeningemuseum. Its masterpieces include works by Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, and Hugo van der Goes.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through Minnewater Park, home to the romantic Lake of Love (Minnewater). It's a picturesque spot with swans, weeping willows, and a tranquil atmosphere.

Step into the serene Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tranquil courtyard with whitewashed houses was once home to pious laywomen. Enjoy its peaceful ambiance and spring daffodils.

Admire the stunning architecture of Burg Square, home to the Bruges City Hall, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the former Palace of the Liberty of Bruges. It's an impressive historical ensemble.

Indulge your sweet tooth at Choco-Story, the Chocolate Museum. Learn about the history of chocolate, its production, and enjoy delicious tastings throughout your visit.

Take a tour of De Halve Maan Brewery, the only remaining family-owned brewery in the city center. Learn about Belgian brewing traditions and enjoy a tasting of their famous Brugse Zot beer.

Explore St. John's Hospital, one of Europe's oldest surviving hospital buildings. It now houses a museum showcasing medical instruments and a collection of works by Hans Memling.

Immerse yourself in the world of Belgian beer at the Brugse Beer Experience. Learn about brewing history, ingredients, and styles through interactive exhibits, with optional tastings.

Step back in time to medieval Bruges at Historium Brugge. This interactive experience uses virtual reality and historical reconstructions to bring the city's golden age to life.

Visit the unique Jeruzalemkapel, a private chapel built by a Bruges merchant in the 15th century, replicating the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Its unusual interior is fascinating.

Relax in Walplein Square, a charming cobbled square surrounded by traditional houses, cafes, and the De Halve Maan Brewery. It's a great spot for a coffee or a beer.

Discover the history of Belgian fries, from their origins to their cultural significance, at the Frietmuseum. Learn about potatoes, and of course, enjoy a delicious portion of fries at the end.

Located within St. John's Hospital, this museum showcases the masterpieces of Hans Memling, a prominent Flemish Primitive painter. Admire his intricate and devotional works.

Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage tour through the cobblestone streets of Bruges. It's a charming way to see the city's highlights and enjoy its fairytale atmosphere.

Delve into the darker side of medieval history at the Torture Museum Oude Steen, housed in a former prison. It displays various instruments of torture and explains their use (can be gruesome).