Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its impressive architecture, the charming city of Bruges also offers tasty Belgian beer and delicious chocolate.
When you visit Bruges, especially the Historic Bruges City Centre, you’ll immediately notice a difference from other modern cities. Here, cobblestone streets and gabled brick buildings next to quiet canals will carry you not just decades, but centuries back in time.
Some of the buildings here are from medieval times. Others feature gothic, Renaissance or baroque architecture or the traditional Flemish style with stepped gables hiding normal rooflines. Inside converted structures you’ll find delicate lace and Flemish tapestry for sale, chocolates to savour or beer to enjoy with a good meal.
Things to do in Bruges
Starting with the older highlights, the medieval Belfry of Bruges, also known as Belfort, is a major landmark in the city centre with its massive tower overlooking Markt, the historic town square. Listen to the carillon from below and then climb 366 steps for grand views over the city. Nearby, the Basilica of the Holy Blood is a 12th-century Roman Catholic church housing a relic of the blood of Jesus Christ. Stroll south to the Church of Our Lady, known for one of the world’s tallest brick church towers and impressive religious art, including Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child. This masterpiece alone is enough for many art-lovers to want to visit Bruges.
Groeninge Museum features six centuries of Flemish visual arts, from the primitive style by Jan van Eyck to modern creations by René Magritte. The Bruges Historium offers a modern perspective on old Bruges, with virtual reality experiences from the perspective of artist Jan van Eyck.
Outside the historical centre, enjoy nature on your Bruges visit. Minnewaterpark has beautiful floral plantings, shaded walkways and open grassy spaces. Zwin Natuur Park, north of the city, features views of the Zwin Plain and dunes extending to the North Sea. Watch migratory birds outside inside the visitor centre, fly like a bird or hatch an egg, fun and educational experiences for kids of all ages.
The city is far enough north that seasonal differences come into play. If you can visit Brugesnear the end of the year, you’ll see the Markt transformed for Winter Glow, a notable festival and Christmas market. Generally, the winter season includes an ice-skating rink in the City Centre or elsewhere in town.
Dining and nightlife in Bruges: chocolate, beer and much more
Belgium is known for its delicious chocolate, and Bruges is one of the nation’s chocolate hubs. Stroll through the City Centre and you’ll find at least half a dozen shops, with chocolates ranging from traditional truffles, pralines and caramels to more exotic, including herb-flavoured or very unexpected shapes. Before you sink into chocolate lusciousness, have a proper dinner. A Bruges speciality is moules frites, mussels and chips, accompanied by mayonnaise and ample servings of Belgian beer or wine.
Beer tasting is an art in Bruges, with many Belgian varieties to choose from. In addition to the familiar Belgian blondes and wheats typically available as exports, try abbey ales, sours, Flemish reds, tripels and quadrupels, the last two named for their higher alcohol content. Visit Bruges in June for the Bruges Beer Festival, with 80 or so breweries bringing roughly 500 selections for tasting.
The Markt is a good spot for dining and people-watching. Primarily for pedestrians, the large square is lined by distinctive houses with varying shades of red brick and the traditional Flemish roofline. Many of these homes now host cafés or tourist shops on the ground floor. At night, you’ll find cosy bars in the streets surrounding the square. Find a beer bar or pub along one of the canals in the Historic Centre to linger over conversation and cocktails well into the evening.
If you’re shopping at the Markt on your Bruges visit, you’ll have to walk past the basilica and cross the canal to reach the Vismarkt. This fish market was banished from the main square in the 1700s to separate the smell of fish sold in the open air. Today’s food storage conditions make a much more pleasant environment to watch the market experience or buy fresh fish for a DIY dinner. Otherwise, while walking between the markets, select one of dozens of restaurants along Breidelstraat or Wollestraat for a delicious meal. The Sint-Anna neighbourhood northeast of the city centre also has many good restaurants.
On the entertainment side, see live music at Concertgebouw Brugge, The Entrepot or Stadsschouwburg Brugge. The Biekorf Cultural Centre also has a small theatre for dance, readings and musical theatre.
Getting to and around Bruges
Visit Brugeseasily via a flight from London taking just over an hour. The train or car through the Channel Tunnel takes 3 to 5 hours. Once you arrive in Bruges, plan to walk all around the Historic City Centre, the best way to ensure you don’t miss any interesting spots. Trains, buses and taxis are also available. Bruges is known for its low crime rate, so the only protection advised is an umbrella for occasional rain.
For a day trip during your Bruges holiday, make a visit to nearby Ghent, less than 30 minutes southeast by train. The medieval town has fascinating architecture including churches, bridges and the 12th-century Gravensteen Castle, complete with moat, ramparts, torture chamber and an audio tour with a comedic twist.v
