Forget Amsterdam's crowds and dive into Bruges' fairytale magic! This chocolate-box city whispers medieval secrets, with canals begging to be explored.
Brace yourself for mouthwatering waffles, hidden gem museums, and cobbled squares straight out of a Disney dream. Bruges isn't just a weekend escape. It's a love affair waiting to happen.
Ready to fall head-over-heels for Bruges? Here are ten Must-Sees and Do in Brugge.
This is the most striking tower in Brugge, dating back to the 13th century. It is 83 metres high and offers a panoramic view of the city. You can climb the 366 steps to the top or enjoy the carillon concerts played every 15 minutes.
Boat Tour
A boat tour is one of the best ways to explore Brugge and admire its picturesque scenery. You can hop on a boat at one of the five landing stages and enjoy a 30-minute ride along the canals. You will see some of the most beautiful sights and buildings of Brugge, such as the Church of Our Lady, the Beguinage, and the Fish Market.
This museum is housed in a former palace of the lords of Gruuthuse, a powerful family that ruled Brugge in the 15th and 16th centuries. The museum displays a rich collection of art and artefacts that reflect the history and culture of Brugge. You can see tapestries, paintings, furniture, weapons, musical instruments, and more.
Brugge is famous for its chocolate; you can learn all about it at the Chocolate Museum. You can discover the history and secrets of chocolate making from the Aztecs to today. You can also watch live demonstrations and taste some delicious samples.
Markt (Market Square)
This is the main square of Brugge, where you can find the City Hall, the Provincial Court, and many cafes and restaurants. The square is surrounded by colorful houses and has a lively atmosphere. You can also see the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, two heroes of the Flemish resistance against the French in 1302.
This museum is dedicated to the fine arts of Brugge, especially the Flemish Primitives, a group of painters who revolutionized the art of painting in the 15th century. You can admire the works of Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Rogier van der Weyden, and others. The museum also has collections of modern and contemporary art.
This Romanesque-Gothic church contains a relic of the blood of Jesus Christ, brought from the Holy Land by a crusader in 1150. The relic is kept in a silver tabernacle and displayed daily to the public. You can also visit the chapel of St. Basil, the oldest part of the church, and the treasury, where you can see some precious objects.
This is a complex of white houses and a church once the home of the beguines, a religious community of women who lived a simple and pious life. The beguinage was founded in 1245 and is still inhabited by Benedictine nuns. You can walk around the tranquil courtyard and visit the museum to see how the beguines lived.
Minnewater (Lake of Love)
This is a romantic spot in Brugge, where you can see swans and ducks swimming in the calm water. Trees and flowers surround the lake, and a lovely bridge crosses it. According to a legend, you will have eternal love if you walk over the bridge with your partner.
This is a contemporary art and architecture event that takes place every three years in Brugge. The event showcases the works of local and international artists and architects who create installations and interventions in the public space. The 2024 theme is "The Future is Now" and will explore the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
How to Get to Brugge
By Plane
The nearest airport to Brugge is Brussels Airport, which is about 100 km away. You can take a direct train from the airport to Brugge, which takes about an hour and a half. You can also take a shuttle bus from the airport to Brugge, which takes about two hours.
By Train
Brugge central train station connects it to other cities in Belgium and Europe.
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