What to see in Bruges? Bruges is often listed as the most beautiful city in Europe. Beyond that, as we always say, there is no beauty meter, and there are many that can boast this title, it is undoubtedly beautiful and charming.
We found it in Belgium, just 90 kilometers from Bruselas, and it is a city that seems taken from a storybook.
Taken as a day trip for many, Bruges has so much to offer that I highly recommend staying overnight.
These places, which are very busy during the day, awaken a special magic at night when all the hustle and bustle has gone.
Its main charm lies in the number of canals that cross it and the buildings surrounding them, making the journey wonderful.
This is a city where the best plan is to have no plans. Just get lost in its streets and you will discover wonderful corners.
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What to see and do in Bruges?
In any case, we tell you that there are some places to visit, even if you discover them without planning it, while you walk and get lost in its streets.
The Market Square
The Grote Markt or market square is the heart of the city, and its bell tower, Belfort, stands out. One of the typical photos that you always see of Bruges.
From here you have several free walking tours to tour the city, a very good option to get to know something more about it.
The Rosario Pier
The most photographed place in Bruges, the bridge that crosses the Dijver, a very important canal in the city. It is the place that captures the essence of the city.
The lake of love.
Minnewater Park is one of the most romantic places in the city. This lake with beautiful swans is a lovely tour to do in Bruges.
The Beginhof
Very close to Minnewater Park we find another of Belgium’s behinhofs. Built in the Middle Ages, it was declared a World Heritage Site. The behinhofs were communities of women who lived a life as nuns without being religious.
On our visit to Amsterdam we showed you one, have you seen the article?
Boat ride
This city, Bruges, whose name actually means bridges, is called the Venice of the North, and its canals are what make it, in part, so attractive.
Therefore, a trip that I recommend taking, if you only have one option to choose due to lack of time, is the boat trip along its canals. One of the things to see, or rather to do, in Bruges that you cannot miss.
The duration is about 30 minutes, and the cost is €15.
Historium Brugges
The Historium Brugges is a museum with fictional characters. This tourist initiative began in 2006, and together with a historical committee they developed this attraction that is a historical reconstruction in the form of medieval scenes, it was inaugurated in 2012.
Plaza Burg
The Burg Square with its beautiful facades, the town hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood are just a few steps away from the Grote Markt. As we said, if you walk through its streets without thinking twice, you will discover hidden corners.
Where to stay?
As we said above, we stayed one night in the city, and I promise you that it is worth seeing Bruges at night.
Beyond the silence, you can see the swans swimming peacefully through the canals sheltered by the tranquility, and the reflection of the buildings in the calm waters of the canals.
Staying in Bruges is generally not cheap, but as I always say, look, look a lot, some good option will eventually appear.
Booking.comWe stayed in Martin’s Relais, it has a very good location, although in a small place like this city all locations will be good, and it is decorated with the magic of the city in mind. If you want to see an update on Bruges and another hotel where we have stayed check out our new post about Bruges 2024
What is typical?
Chocolate and lace, although throughout Belgium we add beer.
Lace was an important source of income for all of Flanders many centuries ago, and today you can find some nice souvenirs made from it.
You will find chocolate shops everywhere, and it is very difficult not to be tempted to enter them.
What to eat?
Waffles, French fries, mussels, and as we said before, chocolate.
You will find any of these things in quantity, and very tasty by the way, they can always be accompanied with a good beer,
Very close to Bruges you have another must-see in Belgium, Ghent. And from there the typical question: Bruges or Ghent? To find out, wait for our next post and you will draw your own conclusions.
Bruges can also be an option from Brussels, both by car, if you are thinking of renting one, and by train, as on a tour.
If you want to make the transfer from Brussels, the most practical option will be to do it by train.
In our case we already had a rented car and we used it to make the journey from Brussels to Bruges.
But if you want to keep it simple, going on a tour is also an option: excursion from Brussels to Bruges and Ghent.
I especially invite you to watch our video about Bruges, because there are things… that cannot be expressed in words.
Extra: Video and map
NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience, being totally objective. This article contains affiliate links.
