If you want to visit a medieval city that exudes historical charm and seems to have come straight out of a fairy tale, Bruges in Belgium is the ideal place. If you want to discover one of the most charming cities in Europe, we show you the main places of interest that you have to see in Bruges .
Tourist enclaves that you have to see in Bruges during your visit
Surrounded by cobbled streets and charming canals, dotted with towering churches and towers, and home to picturesque market squares and fascinating museums, the historic city center of Bruges is of such cultural and historical significance that, in its entirety, it has been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site . However, the Belgian city center is not that big, it does not exceed 430 hectares and is home to approximately 20,000 people.
For its part, the metropolitan area of Bruges has a population of just under 120,000 inhabitants, so it is not very large either. By international standards, Bruges is a fairly small city, but it has a cultural richness that is almost unmatched by any other town or city in Western Europe.
Due to the small size of Bruges, it is possible to visit all of its main attractions in one day, which is exactly what many tourists do.
However, it is advisable to stay at least one night and one more day, as the nights in Bruges are magical and much quieter , and there are many hidden gems that are hidden in the city. If you prefer to see it calmly, we advise you to visit the city on a weekday instead of the weekend, as it is a very popular destination and can be very crowded.
In case you only have one day to discover it, we present you 10 places to see in Bruges that you can visit in 24 hours.
Bruges Beguinary
Called Begijnhof in Dutch, the Bruges Beguinage dates back to the year 1245 and used to be the home of the Beguines, lay women who lived independent lives dedicated to God. They were emancipated centuries before the idea emerged in other parts of the world. Currently, the Beguinage of Bruges is still inhabited by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict . This quiet and peaceful corner of the city is one of its main attractions.
Rozenhoedkaai or Muelle del Rosario
The Rozenhoedkaai or Muelle del Rosario is almost certainly the most photographed place in Bruges. With a magnificent view of one of its canals, lined by beautiful houses and backed by the bell tower , this is undoubtedly a postcard scene in Bruges. In fact, you will find it in some of the cards of the souvenir shops of the city. This is a classic, even iconic image of Bruges , an ideal place to take a walk and take a photo to remember.
Frietmuseum or French Potato Museum
It wouldn’t be a Belgian city if Bruges didn’t have a potato chip museum. This unique museum displays the history of Belgian fries and other items related to this tuber , such as the variety of sauces and dressings that are served with this meal. In addition, it has a large exhibition of paintings and photos of Belgian frying stands.
Bell Tower and Market Square
Another must-see tourist spot in Bruges is the spectacular Market Square , surrounded by beautiful houses, cobblestone streets and criss-crossed by horse-drawn carriages and dominated by the bell tower.
The Belfry of Bruges is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is undoubtedly the most spectacular building in the city. Built to serve as a watchtower , in the past it was used to spot approaching armies and warn in the event of fire and other threats.
You can climb the bell tower to enjoy a great panoramic view of the historic city center and the countryside that stretches out.
Groeninge Museum
It is one of the most impressive museums in Bruges and the former home of many renowned artists and writers . The Flemish primitives are definitely the best known artists in Bruges, especially the van Eyck brothers. Here you can admire the main works of Van Eyck, Gérard David and Memling .
Hansa neighborhood
Bruges used to be an important port while the Hanseatic League was operating. Strategically located at a crossroads of trade routes between Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, and the commercially important countries of Spain, Italy, and France, Bruges prospered as a trading port from the 12th century to the late 15th century.
The historic Hansa district dates from this prosperous period in Bruges history and is home to the Old Tolhouse and the photogenic Jan van Eyck Square .
Church of Our Lady of Bruges
Rising about 122 meters into the sky, the brick tower of the Church of Our Lady is the tallest building in Bruges and the second tallest brick building in the world . Without a doubt, it is the highest example of the skills of the artisans of Bruges.
The Church of Our Lady of Bruges is another of the most important places you have to see in Bruges. In it you can admire its impressive collection of art , of which the most interesting piece is the world famous “Madonna and Child” by Michelangelo .
Burg Square
Burg Square is the oldest part you have to see in Bruges. In 800 it became the seat of the Count of Flanders . Bruges and the surrounding terrain were ruled from this very square, from the Liberty Palace in Bruges to be more precise, from the late Middle Ages until 1795, when the buildings went on to serve as law courts. This impressive square houses the City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood , which is said to contain a relic of the blood of Jesus.
Channels
One of the most iconic features of Bruges is its canals. The network of canals that crosses the historical center of the city serves as arteries to the metropolis; his comparisons with Venice are unavoidable.
We highly recommend that you explore these canals on one of the many tour boats that travel along them , a great way to get your legs some rest, offering another perspective on the historical beauty of Bruges .
Café ‘t Brugs Beertje
Like any Belgian city, Bruges is full of countless cafes and bars to enjoy a beer . The selection of Belgian beer coffees in Bruges can be overwhelming, so we make it easy for you: visit Café ‘t Brugs Beertje, a brewery that serves a mind-blowing array of Belgian beers in a charming and lively atmosphere. They serve no less than 300 different Belgian beers, five of which are on tap .
