20 top things to see and do in Bruges

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, chances are you’ll be stopping by Bruges! This charming medieval city is undeniably one of the country’s top attractions, and discovering its hidden gems is a must. In this article, we’ll guide you through 20 amazing things to see and do in Bruges.

Things to do in Bruges in a day (or more)

Things to do in Bruges in a day (or more)

Bruges, a stunning medieval city, is often considered one of the top highlights of Belgium, easily ranking in the top three. With its red and brown brick houses, stone bridges, and picturesque canals, Bruges has an enchanting ambiance that captivates every visitor. The scent of chocolate wafting through the air only adds to its magical allure.

When organizing your European getaway, make sure to include this gem in your itinerary! To help you make the most out of your visit, here are 20 things to see and do in Bruges in just one day.

1. Join a Free Tour in Bruges

The best way to kick off your adventure in Bruges is by joining a free walking tour. These guided tours in Spanish offer insights into the secrets and attractions of the city. While the tours are free to join, it’s customary to tip the guide at the end. Here are some notable options:

2. Take a Boat Ride Through Bruges

Bruges is often referred to as one of the “Venices” of the north, featuring over 16 km of canals. Don’t miss the chance to sail through its waters! Surrounded by quaint houses and stunning architecture, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Best of all, boat rides are quite affordable.

Consider staying overnight in Bruges: By day, the city buzzes with activity, but after sunset, it transforms into a romantic and mystical destination.

3. Explore Grote Markt (Market Square)

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Grote Markt, the heart of Bruges. This iconic square is lined with breathtaking buildings, making it a perfect backdrop for photos. It's especially vibrant on Wednesdays, which is market day.

4. Climb the Belfort Tower

Located in the same square, the Belfort Tower invites the adventurous to climb its 366 steps for a bird’s-eye view of the city. Originally, a wooden tower stood here, but it was destroyed in a fire in 1280.

5. Visit Burg Square, Another Top Spot

Don’t think that Grote Markt is the only charming square in Bruges; nearby lies the Burg Square, home to the Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek). Legend has it that one of its relics contains drops of Christ’s blood.

Another must-see building is the Stadhuis, the town hall of Bruges, one of the oldest in Europe.

6. Stroll Through Jan Van Eyck Square

While exploring squares, take a moment to visit Jan Van Eyck Square, a quaint spot featuring the city’s former customs house and a statue of the renowned artist Jan Van Eyck.

7. Indulge in Chocolate (There’s Even a Museum!)

If you’re a chocolate lover, you’re in for a treat: Bruges has a museum dedicated entirely to chocolate, showcasing its history and production process. You can even take part in a chocolate-making workshop. Check it out here.

8. Visit Groenerei, the Green Quay

To burn off those extra calories, take a leisurely stroll along the Groenerei (Green Quay), an area filled with canals, bridges, historic buildings, and lovely trees. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in Bruges.

9. Discover Bonifaciusbrug

Continue your walk to find the Bonifaciusbrug (Boniface Bridge). It’s slightly hidden, but the treasure hunt to locate it will be well worth your while.

10. Capture the Iconic Rozenhoedkaai

One of the most photographed spots in Bruges is the Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay). Its charm is undeniable, making it a favorite among visitors. You’ll definitely want to snap a photo here!

11. Relax at Minnewater Park

Located near the train station is the stunning Minnewater Park, a must-see in Bruges. The word Minne means “love” in Dutch, creating a romantic atmosphere complete with swans. Take your time exploring the park, which features a beautiful lake and an ancient castle.

12. Experience a Beer Tasting

While Bruges is known for its romantic ambiance, it also offers fun activities for everyone. One of the most enjoyable experiences is participating in a beer tasting (after all, you are in Belgium!). You can join a waffle workshop with beer tasting 😉.

13. Visit Begijnhof

Not far away is the Begijnhof (Beguinage of Bruges). The charming houses surrounded by greenery were once home to beguines—Christian women who dedicated their time to helping the poor and sick since 1245. Here, you can visit two churches and a museum to learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage site.

14. Discover the Cathedral of Saint Salvator

Make sure to visit the Cathedral of Saint Salvator (Sint Salvatorskathedraal), the oldest in the city, showcasing neo-Gothic style and a remarkable collection of sacred art. If you have time, don’t miss it!

15. Stroll Through Kruisvest Park

Did you know there are windmills in Bruges? You can find them at Kruisvest Park, with the most beautiful and famous one being Sint-Janshuismolen. It’s about 1.5-2 km from the city center, but the walk is pleasant. Alternatively, you can hop on a tourist bus that covers the main attractions in Bruges.

16. Visit the Church of Our Lady

Head to the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk), home to a sculpture by Michelangelo, “Madonna and Child.” Fun fact: the church's medieval bell tower is the second tallest brick tower in the world, standing at 115 meters.

17. Try a Waffle from Chez Albert

To recharge your energy, indulge in a warm waffle from Chez Albert. It’s one of the best you’ll ever have! For more dining options, check out our recommendations on restaurants in Bruges.

18. Explore the Groeningemuseum

If you’re an art enthusiast, consider spending an hour at the Groeningemuseum, which showcases works from notable Flemish painters and artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. One highlight is “The Virgin with Canon Van der Paele” by Jan van Eyck.

19. Visit the French Fry Museum

If you’re looking for a fun and quirky museum experience, check out the French Fry Museum, where you’ll learn everything there is to know about one of Belgium's favorite snacks. If you’re short on time, just grab a serving of “frites” from Chez Vincent, said to be the best in Bruges.

20. Stroll Along Brugse Vesten

Bruges was once fortified by medieval walls, and where these walls once stood, green areas now encircle the city, known as the Brugse Vesten (the old city walls). One of the city gates, the Ezelpoort (Donkey Gate), is still standing at the northwest end.

20+1. Avoid Horse-Drawn Carriages

As a final recommendation on what not to do in Bruges: avoid horse-drawn carriages. Supporting this form of tourism isn't advisable due to animal welfare concerns. For more information, check out this article on responsible tourism.

How to visit Bruges

The best part is that Bruges is close to Belgium’s capital, making it one of the top day trips from Brussels. If you plan to visit independently, check out our guide on how to get to Bruges from Brussels using public transport. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour to Bruges or better yet, join a tour combining Bruges and Ghent in one day.

Are there more must-visit places in Bruges that we missed? There are undoubtedly countless gems to uncover, but this list of 20 things to see and do in Bruges is a fantastic starting point for an unforgettable day. Don’t you think?

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