Awesome Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Bruges

August 21, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 3883 Views

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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Table of Contents

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Belfry of Bruges
Church of Our Lady Bruges
Groeninge Museum
Basilica of the Holy Blood
Stadhuis Bruges City Hall & Museum
Hospital of Saint John
Saint Salvator Cathedral / Saint Savior’s Cathedral
Gruuthumuseum Palace
Rozenhoedkaai / Quay of Rosary
Diamond Museum
Bonifacius Bridge
Provincial Court
Bruges Vrije / Liberty of Burges
Place du Bourg
Torture Museum
Castle Loppem
’t Zand Statues
Sint Janshuismolen Windmill
Arentshuis Art Museum
Jeruzalemkerk Sepulchre
Voor Volkskunde Museum of Folklore
Russian Submarine
Salvador Dali XPO Gallery
For Freedom Museum
Kruispoort Gate
Belle Epoque
Muelle del Rosario Museum
Lumina Domestica Lamp Museum
Onze Lieve Vrouw ter Potterie / Our Lady of Pottery Church
Sincfala Museum of Zwin Religion
Streekhuis Castle
Site Oud Sint Jan
Saint Walburgakerk Church
Memling in Sint Jan Museum
Kantcentrum vzw Lace Museum
St James Church
Sint Annakerk Church
Ayuntamiento Museum
Guido Gezelle Museum
Huidenvettersplein
Powder Tower
Hof Bladelin / Bladelin Court House
XPO Center Bruges
Archeology Museum
Bisdom Brugge Church
Adornes Domain Church & Museum
Musea Sculpta 3D Museum Brugge
Grand Place
Sint Gilliskerk Church
Tillegembos House
Permeke Museum
Beaterio Museum
Sashuis House
Schuttersgilde Sint Sebastiaan / St. Sebastian Archers Guild
Onze Lieve Vrouw van Blindekenskapel / Chapel of our Lady of the Blind
Bourgogne des Flansres
Beguinage House

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Bruges

Lake of Love
Minnewater Lake
Uitkerkse Polders Nature Reserve
Provinciendomein Forest
Zwindunes Et Polders Nature Reserve
The Fountains Nature Reserve
Domein Beisbroek Forest
Duinbossen Nature Reserve

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Bruges

Choco Story Chocolate Museum
Historium Bruges
Frietmuseum
De Halve Maan Brewery
Boudewijn Seapark
Sealife Blankenberge
Bruges Beer Experience
Serpentarium Blankenberge Zoo
Koningin Astrid Park
Huisje van Majutte Cottage
Lago Brugge Olympia Complex
Volks Sterrenwatch Beisbroek Planetarium
Knokke Casino
Arentshof Brugge Park
CC Casino Blakenberge

Shopping in Bruges

Markt Square Wednesday Market
’t Zand Square Saturday Market
Steenstraat Street
Noordzandstraat Street
’t Apostelientje
Alfa Papyrus
Diksmuids Boterhuis
Mille Fleurs
Kathe Wohlfahrt
De Striep
The Chocolate Line
Farmer’s Market
Handmade in Brugge
De Kaasbolle
Confiserie de Clerck
Confiserie Zucchero
De Clerck Antiques
Depot d’O

Beaches in Bruges

Surfers Paradise
De Lustige Velodroom
Zeebrugge

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Bruges

Bootstour Brugge Canal Boat Ride
Boat Tours
O’Neil Beach Club

Sightseeing in Bruges

Markt Plaza
Burg Square
Minnewater Park
Jan Van Eyck Square
Ten Wijngaerde
Beginnhof Route
Seafront
Damme Canal
Walplein Route
Pootersloge Canal
Smedenpoort Canal
Estacion Bruges train station
Ezelpoort Canal
Zeebrugge Cruise Terminal
Groenerei Canal
Vismarkt Fish Market

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Bruges

Auberge de Herborist
Cafune Specialty Coffee Bar
Sans Cravate
Concretebouw cafe
Zet’Joe
Tatties
De Jonkman
Margritt
Den Gouden Harynk
Ter Steeghere
Le Mystique
Maison Chantilly
Tete Pressee
Tonka
Reliva
Matin Midi
Lieven
Balthasar
De Mangerie
Carpe Diem
Refter
Le Pain Quotidien
Bonte B
’t Eekhoetje
La Tache
Juliette
Bruut
That’s Toast
Rock Fort
Kottee Koffee
Floris
Books and Brunch
Goffin
Blackbird
Tanuki
Nomad
Kok au Vin
Sanseveria Bagelsalon
Assiette Blanche
Li o Lait
Franco Belge
Bar des Amis
’t Werftje
Bauhaus
Cantine Copine
Barazar
Less
Craenenburg
Goesepitte 43
Cafe Vlissinghe
Tou Gou
’t Brugs Beertje
Tom’s Diner
Cambrinus
La Buena Vista
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

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

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.

Image Reference

The Chocolate Museum (Choco-Story) – HannahWebb / Flickr
Historium Brugge – Gerben Jacobs / Flickr
Market Square (Markt) – Commander05 / PixaBay
Belfry of Bruges (Belfort van Brugge) – Wolfgang Staudt / Flickr
Basilica of the Holy Blood (Basiliek van het Heilig-Bloed) – Dimitris Kamaras / Flickr
Canal Excursions – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
Liberty of Bruges (Brugse Vrije) – Dimitris Kamaras / Flickr
Groeninge Museum (Groeningemuseum) – Dimitris Kamaras / Flickr
Expo Picasso – Expo Andy Warhol –
Brouwerij De Halve Maan – Bernt Rostad / Flickr
Beguinage (Begijnhof / Ten Wijngaerde) – M-Christine / PixaBay
Lake of Love Park (Minnewaterpark) – xiquinhosilva / Flickr
Gate of Ghent (Gentpoort) – Marc Ryckaert / Wikimedia Commons
Old St. John’s Hospital & Museum (Sint-Janshospitaal & Memlingmuseum) – Marc Ryckaert / Wikimedia Commons
St. Salvator’s Cathedral (Sint-Salvatorskathedraal) – xiquinhosilva / Flickr
Gruuthusemuseum – Wolfgang Staudt / Flickr
Bruges Torture Museum (Oude Steen) – Dimitris Kamaras / Flickr
Bruges City Hall (Stadhuis) – meineresterampe / PixaBay
Jerusalem Chapel (Jeruzalemkerk) – Marc Ryckaert / Wikimedia Commons
Bruges Windmills – davidlansac / PixaBay