bruges city tours

17 of the best experiences in Bruges

Dec 16, 2023 • 9 min read

From touring the city by canal boat to eating the tastiest fries, here are the best things to do in Bruges © LALS STOCK / Shutterstock

Bruges is one of the most picturesque cities in Northern Europe, with photo opportunities awaiting you around every corner.

The medieval city center survived multiple invasions and wars over the last 500 years, yet miraculously kept its 15th-century architecture intact – an achievement that won it UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000. 

Beyond the picturesque Gothic facades, you can go sailing through the canals, learn about the Flemish Masters, or visit one of the many museums (perfect for a rainy day, of which there are many). Here's our pick of the very best experiences in Bruges .

1. See Bruges on a canal boat tour

Experience the sights and sounds of Bruges on a boat tour along the picturesque canals for just €12. Doing it on the day you arrive will help orient you in the city while the guide gives you a potted history of your surroundings. You'll pass under  Bonifacius Bridge , a popular 20th-century stone arch crossing usually thronged with snap-happy tourists, as well as the 18th-century Nepomucenus Bridge, watched over by a statue of John of Nepomuk – the patron saint of bridges.

Save some smartphone storage for Rosary Quay, though. Its name comes from the rosary bead sellers that used to dominate the area, but that's not what draws tourists here in their droves. It's the photogenic kink in the canal and the crooked, forward-leaning facades that make for incredible pictures. The boats, formerly all diesel engines, are being replaced by a fleet of fully electric vessels . 

2. Break for a Belgian beer at a Bruges bar 

Beer is a big part of Flemish culture, and there's no shortage of places to have a pint, so take a break from sightseeing to try a local specialty. Tucked away in a little alley near the city center, De Garre is a quirky bar with over 140 varieties of beer. Advertised as "possibly the oldest pub in Bruges," Café Vlissinghe has been pouring beers since 1515. It's still a beloved spot for tourists and residents of Bruges alike. If you're looking for a lively bar scene, head to 't Zand Square  –  Villa Gerard is popular with students and residents. 

3. Indulge your sweet tooth with waffles, pastries, and chocolates

If you have a sweet tooth, get ready to indulge in Bruges – there are chocolate, pastry, and candy shops on every street and the sweet aroma of freshly toasted waffles follows you through the city. For a beautiful and delicious waffle, go to Otto Waffle Atelier where they're made with an intricate pattern. 

Aux Merveilleux De Fred  serves exquisite pastries in an equally stunning tea room. Order a Vergeoise waffle to go with your coffee. Round out your indulgence with chocolate truffles at one of the most popular chocolate shops, Chocolatier Dumon .

4. Go on an architectural walking tour of Bruges 

Pack your comfortable shoes because Bruges is a place for walkers. A wander through the beautiful city center is one of the best ways to admire the Gothic and Flemish architecture. Keep your eyes open for the many treasures such as the emblematic 't Zand's 21st-century  Concert Hall , which looks like a giant, half-submerged goldfish ducking beneath the pavement; the cherry-red Barge Bridge that seemingly twists like the track on a roller-coaster; and the 13th-century Church of Our Lady , with its enormous 115m (377ft) spire. Inside you'll find Michelangelo’s serene Madonna and Child statue from 1504.

Planning tip:  Bruges Tourism Office offers free maps for self-guided walking tours .

5. Visit independent shops along Langestraat 

Take a 10–15 minute walk from Markt, the heart of ancient Bruges, to Langestraat, a street with independently owned restaurants, cafes, and shops. Stop by Cherry Picker Cafe for its unique selection of vinyl records with a bar in the back of the shop before browsing for rare finds at Brocante Cafe , an antique shop and cafe. If you're looking for the perfect made-in-Bruges gift, stop by  Atelier Twee , featuring leather goods made in-house and items created by regional artisans. 

6. Tour a Belgian brewery 

Belgium produces some of the best beers in the world – even those that don't usually enjoy a pint can be converted after a sip. For Belgians, beer is more than a beverage, it's a tradition, with most brasseries serving beers in distinct glasses representing the breweries. Brewery De Halve Maan offers brewery tours and tastings in the heart of Bruges. Sip your chosen brew in the beer hall or catch the elusive Belgian sun on the cozy terrace. 

Planning tip:  Be sure to bring your camera on a sunny day. The tour guide (weather permitting) will take you to the brewery's rooftop, which offers splendid city views. 

7. Take in the magnificent Markt, one of Europe's finest squares

A medieval masterpiece, few European plazas outdo this glorious, car-free square for sheer good looks. A poster child for Belgium, Markt has a bit of Hollywood pizzazz to it – all tall, step-gabled guild houses, glinting neo-Gothic facades, and slow, clip-clopping horse-and-carriage rides. True, some of the buildings may not be as timeless as their restored glory suggests, but little has changed since the first market here in 958 CE.

Just look to the Belfort in the northwest of the square. Finished in 1486, this 83m-high (272ft) octagonal tower was the dominating skyscraper of its day – and so it remains. Grab a coffee from one of the nearby terrace cafes and admire it all from there, or...

8. Climb Belfort for the best views of Bruges

To preserve Bruges' charm, there are no tall modern buildings in the city center. Get the best panoramas over red-tiled rooftops all the way to Zeebrugge – and a workout from climbing the 366 steps – at the top of  Belfort . This 13th-century belfry is one of the tallest points in the historic center. 

Planning tip:  Numbers are limited to 70 visitors at a time for safety reasons. The queue can get quite lengthy at peak times, so arrive early to avoid them.

9. Learn about the Flemish Masters at Groeningemuseum

Given its long history, Bruges is a city of rich culture, and nowhere showcases this like the rich collection of Flemish Primitive and Renaissance works at Groeningemuseum . The art gallery features works by Flemish Masters such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Hugo van der Goes, and Gerard David, and is the perfect rainy day activity.

10. Enjoy an eclectic program of events at Concertgebouw 

Another treat for a rainy day is the eclectic programming of exhibitions and performances at the Concertgebouw , the modern concert hall of Bruges. You can also book a tour of this stunning 21st-century architectural gem.

11. Admire the works of Hans Memling at the Museum Sint-Janshospitaal

This impeccably restored chapel , which sits at the heart of a wonderful 12th-century hospital building, is home to six masterpieces by the revered 15th-century devotional artist Hans Memling. Undoubtedly Bruges' finest painter, certainly in his lifetime, it wasn't really until the late 19th century that interest was piqued in the innovative portraitist with shows across the world.

Here, you can admire his delicate oil work on the panels of the splendid, gilded reliquary of St Ursula, which is said to hold some of her relics. But don't miss the large triptych of St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist either. It was originally the church's altarpiece.

Planning tip:  Your ticket also gives you access to the restored 17th-century pharmacy through a door at the rear of the chapel.

12. Immerse yourself in history and myths at Burg

Imagine being a square this beautiful and interesting and still not being the most-talked-about square in the city. Anywhere else in the world and the Gothic turrets of the 15th-century Stadhuis (city hall) , the charcoal-colored facade and gilded statues of the Basilica of the Holy Blood – purportedly home to a cloth stained with the blood of Jesus Christ – and the light clip-clop of the horse-drawn carriages would make Burg an unmissable banquet of medieval architecture. Here? It plays second fiddle to Markt. But is still well worth a few hours of your time.

13. Grab a budget meal around 't Zand

There are several universities in Bruges, most notably the College of Europe and the Catholic University College of Bruges, which means plenty of places to find a meal on a budget. The area around 't Zand Square has several student-friendly restaurants, cafes, and bars.

HAP Takeaway Bites uses locally sourced ingredients to make delicious sandwiches, salads and freshly pressed juices. An excellent spot for breakfast or lunch, most items cost around €5–8. For lunches less than €10, try the burgers, croquettes, and fries at Frituur-Bistro 't Bootje or dine on Syrian-style falafel, shawarmas, and wraps at Taboulé .

14. Rent a bike and go beyond the historic city center

Bruges is relatively flat, making it ideal to explore on a bike. There are several good  bike rental outfits  located around the city. Start your ride at the Kruispoort Gate, one of Bruges's four preserved medieval gates, where a bike trail leads the way to photogenic windmills such as Bonne-Chière and Sint-Janshuismolen.

If you want to go on a longer ride, consider the 90-minute roundtrip to Zeebrugge, approximately 15km (9.3 miles) each way, for a view of the choppy North Sea and lunch at a seafood restaurant.

15. Find inner peace at the begijnhof

Ah! Pure silence. Or as close as you're ever going to get in a city that swells with bus-loads of tourists each day. Built in the 13th century as a place for religious women to live piously but with the freedom to go into the city itself, this gabled, white-washed begijnhof still retains a reverent calm among its trees. 

16. Take your fries seriously with frietjes at a frituur

No trip to Belgium is complete with having a cone (or three) of frietjes (fries). Belgians take their fries seriously and Bruges has plenty of frituurs –  small restaurants specializing in fries – around the city. A large portion of fries with sauce is usually around €4. Belgians love a dollop of mayo on their crispy, thick-cut fries and sometimes tuck in with unique condiments such as curry ketchup or samurai sauce (spicy mayo).

17. And then learn why fries are part of the national dish

The quirky Frietmuseum  starts with a detailed history of potatoes and their journey from Peru to Europe and helps you understand why fries became such an important part of Belgian cuisine. Bring your appetite – the museum serves crispy fries made to order with a wide selection of sauces from its own frituur . 

This article was first published March 2022 and updated December 2023

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Today, Bruges offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture, and dining to its visitors.

Bruges, also known as the “Venice of the North,” is a charming and picturesque city located in the northwest of Belgium. Known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and delicious chocolate, Bruges is a must-see destination for any traveler.

The best place to start your exploration of Bruges is the Markt square, located in the heart of the city. Surrounded by medieval buildings, the Markt square is the perfect spot to take in the sights and sounds of Bruges. Here, you’ll find the 13th-century Belfry tower, which offers stunning views of the city. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the canals, which is a great way to see Bruges from a different perspective.

One of the most iconic sights in Bruges is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which is believed to contain a vial of Jesus’ blood brought back from the Holy Land by Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders. The basilica is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture and is definitely worth a visit.

Another must-see attraction in Bruges is the Groeningemuseum, which is home to an impressive collection of Flemish art. The museum is located in a beautiful 15th-century mansion and features works by famous artists such as Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, and Hans Memling.

When it comes to food and drink, Bruges is a paradise for chocolate lovers. The city is home to many famous chocolate shops, such as The Chocolate Line and Dumon, which offer a wide variety of delicious chocolate treats. Bruges is also famous for its beer, and visitors can sample some of the local brews at one of the many bars and pubs in the city.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, a visit to the Choco-Story Bruges museum is a must. This museum offers an interactive journey through the history of chocolate and its production. It’s a great place to learn about chocolate and also to sample some delicious chocolate treats.

When it comes to accommodations, Bruges has a wide variety of options to suit all budgets. There are many charming and cozy bed and breakfasts, as well as luxury hotels. One of the best hotels in Bruges is Hotel De Orangerie, which is located in a beautiful 19th-century mansion and offers stunning views of the city.

Bruges is also known for its picturesque parks and gardens, and visitors can take a stroll through the lovely Minnewater Park, which is home to the famous “Lake of Love.” The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and it’s also a popular spot for birdwatching.

Overall, it is a beautiful and charming city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or chocolate, there’s something for you to discover in this “Venice of the North.” With its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and delicious food and drink, Bruges is a must-see destination for any traveler.

Let’s explore Bruges together!

You can not miss the experience of the canals both when you are walking over the bridges or when you are taking the boat tour in Bruges.

Brugse Zot is the most famous beer of Bruges.

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Bruges, often called the 'Venice of the North', is a charming, compact city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. As a major center of trade and commerce during the Middle Ages, particularly in wool and fabrics, the city remains bristling with living history and rich Flemish culture.

With a history dating back to the 9th century, Bruges is famous for its winding canals, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings. A city tour by bike is the best way to acquaint yourself with some of its many sights - stop at the 13th century Beguinage, built as a community for unmarried religious women, and the Gothic Church of Our Lady, containing one of Michelangelo's most famous sculptures, Madonna and Child.

Just beyond the city limits, the Flemish countryside flourishes with sightseeing opportunities: cycle past traditional Belgian windmills, and ride alongside canals that course through rolling fields. A guided tour will acquaint you with the history of the wider region, including the ports and canals that made this area one of the richest and most urbanized in all of Europe during the Middle Ages.

Taking a day tour out of the city is the perfect opportunity to visit Damme, a charming town known for its picturesque streets and historic buildings. Soak up local history at the Gothic town hall, before washing it all down with a cold Belgian beer. Taking a family-friendly bike tour in Bruges is the best way to appreciate the beguiling blend of medieval architecture, Belgian trading history, and the scenic waterways of West Flanders’ lowlands. So go on - bike Bruges!

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