Belgium

Awesome Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Bruges

Bruges or Brugge as it is known in Dutch is the capital city of West Flanders province. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Belgium. Bruges sits at the west end of Belgium facing the North Sea with England on the opposite end. Ferry travel between Yorkshire in England and Bruges is among the top things to do in Bruges, Belgium. Though the ride is slow and time taking, people visit Bruges from England quite often.

Though it is not as big as Brussels, there are several places to visit in Bruges. You will feel as if you have been transported back to medieval times. Bruges is one of many cities given the nickname Venice of the North. The name came from the network of canals flowing around the city. There are many well-known buildings adjacent to these canals. It seems that these Bruges tourist attractions are half submerged in water. You can take a boat ride cruising over these canals for Bruges sightseeing. These boat tours are among the best things to do in Bruges, Belgium. You will be able to cover things to see in Bruges during the boat tour. One of the most beautiful Bruges attractions known as Rozenhoedkaai or Quay of Rosary can be explored at the junction of canals Groenerei and Dijver. There are several other things to do in Brugge during boat tours in the canal. The best time to visit Bruges to enjoy this boat ride is spring.

The most towering structure among places to see in Bruges is the Belfry. This medieval bell tower is one of the prominent Bruges tourist attractions. You can climb up 350 steps to reach the top and enjoy a stunning view of the city. Besides Bruges sightseeing, the tower features intricate medieval architecture earning it a place among UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Another medieval wonder to visit on Bruges travel is St. Salvator’s Cathedral or Saint Savior’s Cathedral. It is the oldest church in the city. Its age testifies not only the strength of the structure but also the significance of the church among Bruges attractions. Another major church in Bruges is the Basilica of Holy Blood. The story goes that Joseph of Arimathea brought the blood of Jesus Christ from the Holy Land to this church. Hence it is among the points of interest in Bruges, Belgium as well as a place for pilgrimage.

Besides history, people also visit Bruges for art. There are collections from several great artists exhibited among things to see in Bruges. You can see paintings by Salvador Dali at Museum Gallery XPO. Another famous work of art part of Bruges attractions is the iconic work of Michelangelo “Madonna with Child”. The statue is exhibited at the Church of Our Lady in Bruges. The famous statue carved by the legendary artist in 1503 has an almost miraculous history of making its way to this Bruges attraction.

When it comes to food, there are 3 things Bruges is renowned for Fries, Chocolates, and Beer. You won’t be surprised that there is a museum dedicated to each of these items among places to visit in Bruges. These are also the best souvenirs you can take home from Bruges travel. Another popular souvenir to collect from the city is Laces. And yes there is a museum dedicated to it. You can also learn to weave laces yourself at one of many handicraft workshops in the city among the top things to do in Bruges.

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Explore The Best Tourist Attractions of Bruges in 3 Days

Day 1

1. The Chocolate Museum (Choco-Story)

Belgium is famous for its incredible chocolates and this museum explore the history of this delicacy and its evolution as well as artworks made from chocolates. It is among the most interesting places to visit in Bruges. You will need about an hour to explore it.

The Chocolate Museum

2. Historium Brugge

This museum is one of the first places to go when you visit Bruges. It traces the history of the city from the medieval ages to modern times. You will need an hour to explore this museum.

Historium Brugge

3. Market Square (Markt)

This is the central market of the city and also its oldest. There are many historical things to see in Bruges surrounding this square so you get to explore several attractions from one location. You will need 30 to 45 minutes at Market Square.

Market Square

4. Belfry of Bruges (Belfort van Brugge)

This tall bell tower is one of the best places for Bruges sightseeing. You can see for quite some distance, but you would have to climb 366 steps to get there. You should keep an hour for this bell tower.

Belfry of Bruges

5. Basilica of the Holy Blood (Basiliek van het Heilig-Bloed)

This chapel is among the holiest Bruges, Belgium points of interest as it houses the blood of Jesus Christ. Besides its religious significance, the chapel also has beautiful architecture. You will need about an hour here.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

6. Canal Excursions

The canal boat ride is among the best things to do in Bruges and is especially popular among couples and families. Not only do you get to explore multiple places to see in Bruges in a span of an hour or so, but you get to do it in a pleasant boat ride with a tour guide. You will about an hour for this experience.

Canal Excursions

7. Liberty of Bruges (Brugse Vrije)

This museum is a part of Bruges historical museums and is housed inside a 16th century palace. You will need about an hour to explore the palace and the museum.

Liberty of Bruges

Day 2

1. Groeninge Museum (Groeningemuseum)

This museum is dedicated to Flemish and Belgian paintings. You can see some of the works by renowned artists such as Jan van Eyck, Jan Provoost, Heironymus Bosch, Marcel Broodthaers and so on. It is among the top things to do in Bruges, Belgium for those who admire or practice art.

Groeninge Museum

2. Expo Picasso

This museum exhibits several artworks by Pable Picasso and it also exhibits works by several other well known artists from different time periods. There are more than 300 works on exhibits at this museum and you will about 2 hours to explore it.

3. Brouwerji de Halve Maan

This historic brewery is among the most famous places to visit in Bruges. You can take a tour of the entire brewery and enjoy a drink at the tavern within the complex. You will need about an hour for this place.

Brouwerji de Halve Maan

4. Beguinage (Begijnhof / Ten Wijngaerde)

A beguinage is a home for nuns of lay Christian order and this one goes back to the 13th century. You will need about half an hour to tour this historical Bruges tourist attraction.

Beguinage

5. Lake of Love Park (Minnewaterpark)

This park is popular among locals as well as the tourists for its soothing ambience. The lake at the center of the park is known as the Lake of Love justifying this park’s inclusion among best things to do in Brugge, Belgium for couples. You would need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this park.

Lake of Love Park

6. Gate of Ghent (Gentpoort)

This is one of the four original gates of the old city of Bruges. The history of this gate goes back to the 14th century and you can learn more about it at the gate’s museum. You will need about an hour’s time from Bruges travel for this attraction.

Gate of Ghent

Day 3

1. Old St. John’s Hospital & Museum (Sint-Janshospitaal & Memlingmuseum)

This is one of the oldest surviving hospital buildings in Europe. The hospital building also houses Hans Memling, one of the most popular cultural Bruges attractions. You will need at least an hour here.

Old St. John's Hospital & Museum

2. St. Salvator’s Cathedral (Sint-Salvatorskathedraal)

Also known as Holy Savior Cathedral, this is the main church of the city and also its oldest. The history of the church goes back to the 10th century and it also houses some of the most wonderful artworks in the city. From the inside as well as from outside, it among the most wonderful things to see in Bruges. You will need about an hour to explore this church.

St. Salvator's Cathedral

3. Gruuthusemuseum

This 15th century house is an interesting addition to Bruges sightseeing. It also houses an art museum for applied arts from 15th to 19th century. You will need about an hour for this place.

Gruuthusemuseum

4. Bruges Torture Museum (Oude Steen)

This museum exhibits medieval torture devices and is housed in an old prison. The building itself is among the oldest prisons in Europe. It is popular among those looking for unusual places to see in Bruges. It will take you an hour to explore the complex.

Bruges Torture Museum

5. City Hall (Stadhuis)

This city hall was first built in 1376 and is known for its intricate gothic architecture. There is also a museum inside the city hall with several historical artifacts and documents. You will need about an hour to explore it.

Stadhuis

6. Jerusalem Chapel (Jeruzalemkerk)

Also known as Jerusalem Church, this church was built in 1428 and was funded by a knight named Anselm Adornes who had returned from Jerusalem. You will need about an hour for this church when you visit Bruges.

Jerusalem Chapel

7. Bruges Windmills

These historic windmills are quite a pleasing site to enjoy. Some of these mills have history going back to the 13th century. You will need a couple of hours exploring the pastures and these windmills during Bruges travel.

Bruges Windmills

If you are looking for more things to do in Brugge, Belgium, check out the section below. We have created an exhaustive list of attractions and activities which you can enjoy in Bruges.

Things to do in Bruges

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Bruges

  1. Belfry of Bruges
  2. Church of Our Lady Bruges
  3. Groeninge Museum
  4. Basilica of the Holy Blood
  5. Stadhuis Bruges City Hall & Museum
  6. Hospital of Saint John
  7. Saint Salvator Cathedral / Saint Savior’s Cathedral
  8. Gruuthumuseum Palace
  9. Rozenhoedkaai / Quay of Rosary
  10. Diamond Museum
  11. Bonifacius Bridge
  12. Provincial Court
  13. Bruges Vrije / Liberty of Burges
  14. Place du Bourg
  15. Torture Museum
  16. Castle Loppem
  17. ’t Zand Statues
  18. Sint Janshuismolen Windmill
  19. Arentshuis Art Museum
  20. Jeruzalemkerk Sepulchre
  21. Voor Volkskunde Museum of Folklore
  22. Russian Submarine
  23. Salvador Dali XPO Gallery
  24. For Freedom Museum
  25. Kruispoort Gate
  26. Belle Epoque
  27. Muelle del Rosario Museum
  28. Lumina Domestica Lamp Museum
  29. Onze Lieve Vrouw ter Potterie / Our Lady of Pottery Church
  30. Sincfala Museum of Zwin Religion
  31. Streekhuis Castle
  32. Site Oud Sint Jan
  33. Saint Walburgakerk Church
  34. Memling in Sint Jan Museum
  35. Kantcentrum vzw Lace Museum
  36. St James Church
  37. Sint Annakerk Church
  38. Ayuntamiento Museum
  39. Guido Gezelle Museum
  40. Huidenvettersplein
  41. Powder Tower
  42. Hof Bladelin / Bladelin Court House
  43. XPO Center Bruges
  44. Archeology Museum
  45. Bisdom Brugge Church
  46. Adornes Domain Church & Museum
  47. Musea Sculpta 3D Museum Brugge
  48. Grand Place
  49. Sint Gilliskerk Church
  50. Tillegembos House
  51. Permeke Museum
  52. Beaterio Museum
  53. Sashuis House
  54. Schuttersgilde Sint Sebastiaan / St. Sebastian Archers Guild
  55. Onze Lieve Vrouw van Blindekenskapel / Chapel of our Lady of the Blind
  56. Bourgogne des Flansres
  57. Beguinage House

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Bruges

  1. Lake of Love
  2. Minnewater Lake
  3. Uitkerkse Polders Nature Reserve
  4. Provinciendomein Forest
  5. Zwindunes Et Polders Nature Reserve
  6. The Fountains Nature Reserve
  7. Domein Beisbroek Forest
  8. Duinbossen Nature Reserve

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Bruges

  1. Choco Story Chocolate Museum
  2. Historium Bruges
  3. Frietmuseum
  4. De Halve Maan Brewery
  5. Boudewijn Seapark
  6. Sealife Blankenberge
  7. Bruges Beer Experience
  8. Serpentarium Blankenberge Zoo
  9. Koningin Astrid Park
  10. Huisje van Majutte Cottage
  11. Lago Brugge Olympia Complex
  12. Volks Sterrenwatch Beisbroek Planetarium
  13. Knokke Casino
  14. Arentshof Brugge Park
  15. CC Casino Blakenberge

Shopping in Bruges

  1. Markt Square Wednesday Market
  2. ’t Zand Square Saturday Market
  3. Steenstraat Street
  4. Noordzandstraat Street
  5. ’t Apostelientje
  6. Alfa Papyrus
  7. Diksmuids Boterhuis
  8. Mille Fleurs
  9. Kathe Wohlfahrt
  10. De Striep
  11. The Chocolate Line
  12. Farmer’s Market
  13. Handmade in Brugge
  14. De Kaasbolle
  15. Confiserie de Clerck
  16. Confiserie Zucchero
  17. De Clerck Antiques
  18. Depot d’O

Beaches in Bruges

  1. Surfers Paradise
  2. De Lustige Velodroom
  3. Zeebrugge

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Bruges

  1. Bootstour Brugge Canal Boat Ride
  2. Boat Tours
  3. O’Neil Beach Club

Sightseeing in Bruges

  1. Markt Plaza
  2. Burg Square
  3. Minnewater Park
  4. Jan Van Eyck Square
  5. Ten Wijngaerde
  6. Beginnhof Route
  7. Seafront
  8. Damme Canal
  9. Walplein Route
  10. Pootersloge Canal
  11. Smedenpoort Canal
  12. Estacion Bruges train station
  13. Ezelpoort Canal
  14. Zeebrugge Cruise Terminal
  15. Groenerei Canal
  16. Vismarkt Fish Market

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Bruges

  1. Auberge de Herborist
  2. Cafune Specialty Coffee Bar
  3. Sans Cravate
  4. Concretebouw cafe
  5. Zet’Joe
  6. Tatties
  7. De Jonkman
  8. Margritt
  9. Den Gouden Harynk
  10. Ter Steeghere
  11. Le Mystique
  12. Maison Chantilly
  13. Tete Pressee
  14. Tonka
  15. Reliva
  16. Matin Midi
  17. Lieven
  18. Balthasar
  19. De Mangerie
  20. Carpe Diem
  21. Refter
  22. Le Pain Quotidien
  23. Bonte B
  24. ’t Eekhoetje
  25. La Tache
  26. Juliette
  27. Bruut
  28. That’s Toast
  29. Rock Fort
  30. Kottee Koffee
  31. Floris
  32. Books and Brunch
  33. Goffin
  34. Blackbird
  35. Tanuki
  36. Nomad
  37. Kok au Vin
  38. Sanseveria Bagelsalon
  39. Assiette Blanche
  40. Li o Lait
  41. Franco Belge
  42. Bar des Amis
  43. ’t Werftje
  44. Bauhaus
  45. Cantine Copine
  46. Barazar
  47. Less
  48. Craenenburg
  49. Goesepitte 43
  50. Cafe Vlissinghe
  51. Tou Gou
  52. ’t Brugs Beertje
  53. Tom’s Diner
  54. Cambrinus
  55. La Buena Vista
  56. Cafe de Reisduif

Where to Stay in Bruges?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Bruges. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Bruges.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Hotel Academie
  2. Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges
  3. Hotel Dukes’ Palace
  4. Martin’s Brugge
  5. NH Brugge
  6. Hotel Aragon
  7. Crowne Plaza Brugge, an IHG Hotel
  8. Hotel Prinsenhof
  9. Novotel Brugge Centrum Hotel
  10. Ibis Brugge Centrum
  11. Flanders Hotel
  12. Hotel De Tuilerieen
  13. Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges
  14. Hotel De Medici
  15. Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce – Luxe Worldwide Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Hotel Velotel Brugge
  2. St Christopher’s Inn at the Bauhaus
  3. Canalview Hotel Ter Reien
  4. Portinari Hotel
  5. Hotel Lucca
  6. Le Bois De Bruges
  7. Vakantielogies Hollywood
  8. Green Park Hotel Brugge
  9. Hotel Groeninghe
  10. Lace Hotel

Budget Hotels

  1. Herdersbrug Youth Hostel
  2. Value Stay Bruges

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Bruges

How to Reach Bruges?

By Air

The closest airport for Bruges travel is in the national capital Brussels. There are three airports which provide easy accessibility to visit Bruges: Brussels, Charleroi, and Lille. Once you reach the airports you have to get on a train to reach Bruges. The airport of Brussels has a train station connected. You can directly get a train to reach places to visit in Bruges from the airport itself. The other two airports don’t have this facility. But, the train stations are not too far from the airports. The actual fastest means of travel leading directly to Bruges is the train.

By Road

You can get a train from almost anywhere in Belgium for Bruges travel. You can choose between Eurostar or Belgium’s own train network. The trains are usually occupied to the maximum capacity during weekdays, so don’t expect to find a seat easily when you visit Bruges.

If you are traveling by bus or a caravan, do note that large vehicles are not allowed within the city limits. You will have to leave large vehicles outside the city and continue for things to do in Bruges by other means of transport. There are a few Bruges tourist attractions outside the city as well which are accessible by buses. You can also use public buses for Bruges travel, but not within city. These buses also drop you outside the city limits. Though you can easily get cabs for things to see in Bruges directly from the bus stop.

If you are cleared to drive in Europe and wish to visit Bruges by car, then take routes N34, N9, N49, N31, N32, or N50. Each of these routes will take you to and from Bruges. But, you will have to reach Belgium first.

By Water

The only direct ferry for Bruges travel operates from Hull in Yorkshire, England. The ferry ride is quite long, taking over 12 hours. You get to enjoy Bruges sightseeing as you approach the port. The train and air routes are much quicker to visit Bruges anyways.


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Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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