Things to do in Bruges

Are you passing through the Flemish Region? Are you planning to spend your holidays or a weekend in Bruges, Belgium? Discover the Venice of the North, 100km from Brussels, through our selection of tourist activities.

Bruges, which places to go to?

The medieval city is full of incredible squares and cobbled streets typical of Flanders. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town owes its charm to the canals surrounding it. There are several places that you will not want to miss during your stay in Bruges.

In the historic center, you will easily find the famous Burg Square. This site is now home to the city hall, but it was also here that the first fortress was built to protect Flanders from the Norman invasions.

A few steps away is the Grand Place or Grote Markt with its famous belfry.  The top of the tower is accessible to visitors. After 366 steps, it offers you a spectacular view. You will be asked to pay a fee of 8 euros at the entrance.

After a stroll around the Markt, the Wijngaard Beguinage opens its doors. These small houses, dating from the 13th century and surrounded by a peaceful park, are a haven of peace in the heart of the city. More than thirty Benedictine nuns of the Order of St. Benedict live in this beguinage. Access to the park is free and allows you to admire the white facades of these beguinages.

The rustic atmosphere of Lake Minnewater will not fail to seduce you. Also called the lake of love by the French, it is located south of downtown. In the past, it was here that ships used to board for the connection between Bruges and Gland.

What to do in Bruges?

The avenues are all the more beautiful as the Grand Bruges canal borders them. The city center can be explored on foot, by bicycle and even by boat. Several piers offer you the opportunity to take a short trip on the canals. These boat trips are Bruges' most popular activities, which is why the city has been nicknamed the "Venice of the North". Some hours are to be avoided for your tour on the water because of the affluent world. Online booking is not possible. However, Paris City Vision offers you excursions with audio guides, including this tour.

The other strong point of the city remains its culinary specialties: chocolate and beer are among the local treasures.  You will even find the Frietsmuseum, a museum dedicated to French fries.

You can stop for lunch in charming little restaurants typical of Flanders. Mussels fries, carbonnade, and waffles are there to satisfy your palate. Accompany your dish with a local beer or go directly to the brewery De Halve Maan.

You are in the city of chocolate, take the opportunity to bring some back in your luggage by stopping at a good chocolate factory.

If you still have some time left after your city tour, discover the other museums of Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) :

• Arenthuis Museum

Culture lovers will be delighted to visit this 18th-century mansion dedicated to the Bruges painter Frank Brangwyn. Behind the exhibition, the room is a garden that leads to the St. Confiace Bridge. The latter offers a magnificent view of the Church of Our Lady.

• Groening Museum

This museum honors many Flemish painters of the 15th and 16th centuries. Among its art collections are the works of Jan Van Eyck and Hans Memling.

Culture : visiting monuments

Want to know more about the history and culture of the city? Make the most of your day by visiting other incredible sites.

• Basilica of the Holy Blood

Built on the Main Square, the relic of the Holy Blood is known to be the supposed place where the blood of Christ is kept. Every year at Ascension Day, a parade through the city is organized, to the delight of thousands of spectators.

• Church of Our Lady

This Belgian church overlooks the city from the top of its 115 meters. Built-in the 13th century, it displays a Gothic style. It shelters in its places, the Madonna of Bruges, a statue of the virgin and the child created by Michelangelo.

• Sint - Janshospitaal

The former St. John's Hospital has now become a museum. Dating from the 12th century, the Sint-Janshospitaal presents works of art, including archives and instruments relating to medicine.

During your trip, discover other fantastic places such as the Historium Brugge. This museum takes you back to the time of medieval Bruges with special effects equipment and spectacular stagings.

During your visit to Bruges, feel free to share photos on Facebook or post on Instagram to show us the best things about your trip.

Our team is available for more information about Bruges' attractions (visits, reviews, prices, transport).