Things to do in Bruges

Activities, attractions and tours

Bruges featuring a church or cathedral, a house and city views
Bruges featuring a church or cathedral, a house and city views
Bruges which includes street scenes, a river or creek and a house
Bruges which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and night scenes
Bruges featuring a lake or waterhole and bird life
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Top places to visit

1. Bruges Market Square

Since 958, the Grote Markt has been at the centre of Bruges life. Once packed with merchants and buyers, today the Markt is a hub for tourism. Put aside some time to experience the restaurants, cafés, gift shops, guided tours and enchanting architecture of this lively part of the city.
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Bruges Market Square featuring a city and heritage architecture

2. Bruges Belfry

You can't miss the Belfort. The city's majestic belfry rises 83 metres (272 feet) above the historical centre of Bruges. While it’s awe-inspiring to see from any angle, the Belfort itself offers incredible views of the rest of the city. You'll also pass fascinating features on the way up. Just make sure you are comfortable with heights.
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Bruges Belfry showing a city and heritage architecture as well as a large group of people

3. Begijnhof

The Begijnhof offers a rare and intimate experience of seeing nuns living and worshiping much the same as they would have done centuries ago. The Begijnhof or Beguinage name actually refers to a collection of small buildings used by Beguine nuns. Belgium has a number of existing begijnhofs; the one in Bruges is exemplary. The Beguines were a sisterhood formed in the 13th century. Many women joined the order following the depletion of Belgium’s male population due to war. The women were often supported by wealthy benefactors.
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Begijnhof which includes heritage architecture, a river or creek and a small town or village

4. Basilica of the Holy Blood

Heilige Bloed Basiliek, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, is one of a handful of places around the world claiming to have blood-soaked garments or vials of blood preserved from the life and death of Jesus Christ. Participate in a Friday mass to see the relic displayed before or after the service.
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The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Bruges, Belgium. Originally built in the 12th century as the chapel of the residence of the Count of Flanders, the church houses a venerated relic of the Holy Blood allegedly collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought from the Holy Land by Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders. Built between 1134 and 1157, it was promoted to minor basilica in 1923. The 12th-century basilica is located in the Burg square and consists of a lower and upper chapel. The lower chapel dedicated to St. Basil the Great is a dark Romanesque structure that remains virtually unchanged. The venerated relic is in the upper chapel, which was rebuilt in the Gothic style during the 16th century and renovated multiple times during the 19th century in Gothic Revival style. Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium, in the northwest of the country. The historic city centre is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO. Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam, it is sometimes referred to as The Venice of the North. Bruges has a significant economic importance thanks to its port and was once one of the world's chief commercial cities. Bruges is well known as the seat of the College of Europe, a university institute for European studies. #LIFEATEXPEDIA #TRAVEL #HILLBILLYINPARIS #BRUGES

5. Minnewater Park

Few cities have such an enchanting entrance as Bruges. If you arrive at the main train station, Minnewater will be one of the first places you encounter. The name Minnewater translates into “lake of love”, appropriate for this romantic stretch of water. Fairy tale-style turreted houses and weeping willows help define this as one of Bruges' most idyllic spots. Parts of the defenses of the city can still be seen, including the Watchtower that looms over the park.
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Minnewater featuring a park as well as a couple

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What to do in Bruges

Popular places to visit

Bruges Market Square featuring a city and heritage architecture

Bruges Market Square

The historical heart of Bruges is framed by guild buildings and the Provincial Court. Presiding over the square is the imposing Belfort.

Bruges Market Square
Christmas Old Market square in the center of Bruges, Belgium

Bruges Christmas Market

During your trip to Bruges, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Bruges Christmas Market. Discover the area's stunning cathedral or seek out its local tours.

Bruges Christmas Market
Bruges Belfry showing horse riding, a city and street scenes

Bruges Belfry

Bruges' multi-aged bell tower dominates the skyline and is the city's most recognisable feature. Views from the top are stunning.

Bruges Belfry
Begijnhof which includes heritage architecture, a river or creek and a small town or village

Begijnhof

Step from the busy market square into a tranquil, centuries-old commune inhabited by nuns blessed with the singing voices of angels.

Begijnhof
Basilica of the Holy Blood featuring heritage elements, a church or cathedral and interior views

Basilica of the Holy Blood

The blood of Christ, preserved for over 2,000 years, is the focal point of this 12th-century church, drawing reverent pilgrims from all over the world.

Basilica of the Holy Blood
Bruges canal.

Burg

Learn about the local history of Bruges when you take a trip to Burg. Add the area's stunning cathedral or shops to your travel plans.

Burg
Minnewater featuring a park as well as a couple

Minnewater Park

The “lake of love” is a gorgeous spot for a scenic stroll or waterside picnic, a relaxing haven from the busy streets of Bruges' historical centre.

Minnewater Park
The brewery tour at De Halve Mann was great. Really informative and fun. View from the rooftop of the brewery!

De Halve Maan Brewery

You can learn about the history of Bruges when you stop by De Halve Maan Brewery. Discover the lively breweries and fascinating museums in this family-friendly area.

De Halve Maan Brewery
Our Lady of Bruges

Church of Our Lady

Church of Our Lady is just one of the places to see in Bruges, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the area's lively breweries and its fascinating museums.

Church of Our Lady

Areas of Bruges

Bruges Market Square showing markets, a city and heritage architecture

Historical Center Bruges

4.5/5(692 area reviews)

Travellers to Historical Center Bruges praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Historium and Choco-Story Museum.

Historical Center Bruges
Large aerial view panorama of the historic part of Bruges, Belgium

Bruges Center

Bruges Center is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Choco-Story Museum and Historium, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Bruges.

Bruges Center
Bruges is touristy but incredibly quaint and pretty. This is the hotel made famous in the dark comedy In Bruges: https://www.expedia.com/h1146095.Hotel-Information #lifeatexpedia #StunningStructures #UrbanJungle #history

Steenstraat Quarter

If you're spending some time in Steenstraat Quarter, Bruges Christmas Market and Bruges Market Square are top sights worth seeing.

Steenstraat Quarter
Christmas Day 2019, Bruges, Belgium

Burg Quarter

If you're spending some time in Burg Quarter, Choco-Story Museum and Historium are top sights worth seeing.

Burg Quarter
Beach of Zeebrugge, Flanders region, Belgium

Zeebrugge

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Zeebrugge. You might want to make time for a stop at Zeebrugge Harbour or Knokke-Heist Beach.

Zeebrugge
When I posted a first photo of the beguinage 2 weeks ago, there were hardly any flowers. Now, in the 2nd week of March, the ground is covered with a sea of daffodils. The 'Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde' with its white-coloured house fronts and tranquil convent garden was founded in 1245. This little piece of world heritage was once the home of the beguines, emancipated lay-women who nevertheless led a pious and celibate life. Today the beguinage is mainly inhabited by nuns of the Order of St. Benedict. #Bruges #Culture #LocalSecrets #Trovember #History

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Quarter

If you're spending some time in Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Quarter, De Halve Maan Brewery and Beguinage are top sights worth seeing.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Quarter

 

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Purple Zwinneblommen in Zwin Nature Reserve, Knokke-Heist, Belgium

Knokke-Heist

Frequently asked questions

Is Bruges worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Bruges. Remember to discover the area's blend of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Bruges?
After you've visited top attractions like Belgium Pier and Brugse Vrije, spend some time experiencing Bruges's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bruges?
De Halve Maan Brewery is one of the top tourist attractions in Bruges and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Bruges?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like De Halve Maan Brewery, Brugse Vrije and St. Salvators Church with a three-day stay in Bruges. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Ghent.
Is Bruges a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Bruges, like De Halve Maan Brewery and Brugse Vrije, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Bruges is Geldmuntstraat and Sint-Gillis is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bruges with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all ages, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Bruges with kids.

What to do in Bruges for adults?
De Halve Maan Brewery and Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres are just a couple of the things to do in Bruges. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Bruges?
In Bruges, St. Salvators Church is a top spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Bruges.

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