Things to Visit in Bruges

The 83-meter medieval tower dominates the Markt square and offers panoramic views of the city after 366 steep steps. Entry is EUR 14. Only 70 people are allowed in the tower at a time, so arrive early or expect a queue, especially in summer. The carillon of 47 bells plays every quarter hour.

The heart of Bruges since the 10th century, surrounded by colorful step-gabled buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and the Belfry. The Historium museum (EUR 16) on the square offers a virtual reality tour of medieval Bruges. In December, the square hosts a large Christmas market and ice rink. Avoid the expensive tourist restaurants lining the square and eat a block away for better value.

Just steps from the Markt but much quieter, this square holds the most architecturally varied collection of buildings in Bruges. The Gothic Town Hall (1376), the Renaissance Brugse Vrije, and the Romanesque Basilica of the Holy Blood share the same small square. Town Hall interior visits cost EUR 7.

A 12th-century basilica claiming to house a relic of Christ's blood brought back from the Crusades. The lower Romanesque chapel is austere and atmospheric; the upper neo-Gothic chapel is ornate. The relic is displayed daily for veneration (free). The tiny museum (EUR 2.50) displays the relic's jeweled reliquary.

This church houses Michelangelo's Madonna and Child, one of the few Michelangelo sculptures outside Italy. The 115.5-meter brick tower is the tallest structure in the city. The church nave is free to enter; the museum section with the Michelangelo and the tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy costs EUR 7.

The 30-minute boat tours depart from five landing stages around the city center and offer a unique perspective on the medieval buildings from water level. Boats run from March through November and cost EUR 12. The Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) departure point has the most picturesque route. No reservations needed, boats leave when full.

A UNESCO-listed enclosure of whitewashed houses around a tree-lined courtyard, founded in 1245 for lay religious women. Now inhabited by Benedictine nuns. The courtyard is free and open until sunset. In spring, the courtyard is carpeted with daffodils. Visitors should remain quiet and respectful. One house is open as a museum (EUR 2).

A small lake at the southern end of the historic center, surrounded by a park with swans and willow trees. The name translates to Lake of Love, making it popular with couples. The lock house and bridge at the northern end are especially photogenic. A peaceful 15-minute walk from the Begijnhof.

The most photographed spot in Bruges, where the canal bends past medieval buildings with the Belfry in the background. Dawn and dusk offer the best light with fewest tourists. Located between the Burg and the Markt, you will pass it naturally while exploring the center.

East of the center, this residential neighborhood has far fewer tourists. Highlights include the Jerusalem Chapel (a medieval copy of Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre), the Lace Center, and several peaceful canals. The Kruisvest windmills on the old ramparts are a 10-minute walk from here.

Bruges' premier art museum, with masterpieces of Flemish Primitive painting including Jan van Eyck's Madonna with Canon van der Paele and works by Hans Memling and Hieronymus Bosch. Small but world-class. Admission EUR 14. Allow 1-2 hours. The collection spans from the 15th century to contemporary Belgian art.

One of Europe's oldest hospital buildings (12th century) now houses a collection of paintings by Hans Memling, who lived and worked in Bruges. The Reliquary of St. Ursula is the highlight. The medieval wards and pharmacy are also open to visit. Admission EUR 14.

Three floors tracing 4,000 years of chocolate history, from Aztec cacao to Belgian pralines. Includes live chocolate-making demonstrations with tastings. Admission EUR 12. Located in a 15th-century building near the Markt. A good rainy-day activity, especially with children.

Bruges has over 50 chocolate shops, but skip the mass-produced tourist shops and seek out artisan chocolatiers. The Chocolate Line (Dominique Persoone), Dumon, and Sukerbuyc are among the best. A box of handmade pralines costs EUR 15-25. Many offer tastings or workshop experiences if booked in advance.

The only active brewery in the Bruges city center, producing Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik. The 45-minute tour (EUR 16, includes a beer) takes you through the brewing process and up to the rooftop for city views. In 2016 they built an underground beer pipeline to transport beer 3 km to the bottling plant. The brewery restaurant serves excellent pub food.

Belgian fries (frites) are double-fried in beef fat and served with a variety of sauces. The Markt has a famous frituur but locals prefer less touristy spots. Look for stands away from the main squares. A large cone with sauce costs EUR 4-5. Stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew) sauce is the most traditional topping.

Bruges-style waffles (Liege waffles) are denser and sweeter than the rectangular Brussels variety, with caramelized sugar pearl pockets. Chez Albert near the Markt is popular but pricey. For a simpler experience, street vendors sell plain Liege waffles for EUR 2-3. The best ones are warm with a slightly crunchy exterior.

Flemish specialties include waterzooi (creamy chicken or fish stew), stoofvlees (beer-braised beef stew), and mosselen-friet (mussels with fries). De Vlaamsche Pot and Den Dyver (beer-paired menu) are local favorites. Expect EUR 20-30 for a main course. Avoid the restaurants with touts on the Markt and eat on quieter side streets for better quality and prices.