{"id":10884,"date":"2021-08-22T19:00:50","date_gmt":"2021-08-22T18:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/girlaroundtheworld.co.uk\/?p=10884"},"modified":"2023-06-15T14:36:53","modified_gmt":"2023-06-15T13:36:53","slug":"things-to-do-in-bruges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/girlaroundtheworld.co.uk\/things-to-do-in-bruges\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete Guide: 7 Unmissable Things to Do in Bruges, Belgium"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/a>Welcome to the \u201cVenice of the North” and one of the most romantic cities in Europe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With canal boat rides, cobbled lanes and medieval buildings, Bruges (or Brugges in Dutch) is famous for attracting couples looking to explore a city overflowing with romance. In case you\u2019re planning a trip here soon, you\u2019re in luck! This article will tell you everything you need to know for travelling to Bruges – from the best things to do in Bruges to the best hotels, restaurants and precious info about how to get around the city. And more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With over 50 medieval bridges and one of the most well-preserved medieval regions in Europe, Bruges is often compared to Venice in Italy. It has been so well maintained that it even preserved the street layout since the era before the introduction of automobiles!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though this fairy-tale town is popular with couples, don’t cross Bruges off your list if you’re flying solo<\/strong>. They may have preserved the old architecture but the feel of the city is young. I\u2019d recommend an overnight stay if you have the time or at least a day trip to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In case you want to do so, here are the best attractions in Bruges to tick off your list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>7 Best things to do in Bruges, Belgium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s begin this Bruges guide properly, shall we? Get your pens ready, \u2018cause here\u2019s my list of highlights that will make your trip to Bruges simply special and unforgettable:<\/p>\n\n\n

1 – Bruges Markt Square & Belfry Tower<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The Belfry of Bruges (Belfort met Beiaard <\/a>or Belfry and Carillon) located in Markt Square (Markt Bruges) is the main landmark of the city. Dating back to the 13th century, this tower has been through destruction and reconstruction. It is also where the main documents of the city are preserved. And, to top it off, this is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site! For views of the city, it\u2019s only 366 steps to the top. You got this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you\u2019re there, take your time to explore Brugge Markt as well – it\u2019s the main market square in the city with dozens of stalls and fun things to buy and taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entrance Fee:<\/strong> <\/b>14\u20ac<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP:<\/strong> <\/b>While you\u2019re at Belfry Tower, you can also take a peek at the Salvador Dal\u00ed Exhibition<\/a> (Museum-Gallery Xpo: Salvador Dal\u00ed). For only 10-11\u20ac you can see the famous painter\u2019s work in a carefully curated audio-visual space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2 – Burg Square & Bruges City Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Formerly a fortress, Burg Square<\/a> is one of the oldest parts of the city centre. This square is surrounded by buildings that showcase different architectural styles, from the Gothic to the Renaissance to the Neo-Classicist. One of the prettiest buildings in Bruges, the Gothic Town Hall, stands in the Burg Square, surrounded by caf\u00e9s and restaurants – be sure to check it out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3 – Rozenhoedkaai – Bruges Canal Tour<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Although you can see the city on foot, the main highlight of Bruges is its canals and a canal boat ride is a must-do while you\u2019re here! You can catch a boat from the Rozenhoedkaai<\/a> (Quay of the Rosary) that will take you around the medieval old town of Bruges. Price is 10-15\u20ac. One of the best things to do in Bruges if you want to take unique pictures and see the city from a different perspective!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, you can book a tour in advance online so you can secure your spot on your desired date and time, such as this \u201cBest of Bruges Private Tour with Local Guide<\/a>\u201d which includes a boat ride as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP: <\/strong>Make sure you grab a seat at the very back or very front of the boat to get unobstructed photos during the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4 – Lovers’ Bridge & Lake of Love<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The Lake of Love is located right in the centre of Minnewater Park and it\u2019s an excellent spot to go and unwind after a full day of exploring the city on foot. While you\u2019re there, you can catch a glimpse at the Lovers\u2019 Bridge, a cute landmark, especially for all my hopeless romantics out there. Plus, there are lots of awesome photo opportunities all around the place!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED READ:<\/strong> 12 Top Attractions in Brussels, Belgium – A Complete Guide to the City<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5 – Bonifacius Bridge & Church of Our Lady<\/h3>\n\n\n
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When it comes to not-so-popular things to do in Bruges, the Bonifacius Bridge<\/a> is probably my favourite location in the city! The beautiful cobble bridge crosses a canal with a backdrop of the Onze Lieve Vrouw (Church of Our Lady) and the Gruuthuse Palace. This picturesque location was one of my highlights for its fairy-tale scenery of medieval buildings – and a superb photo spot as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And talking about the Church of Our Lady – you should not only visit the church, but also the world-famous sculpture: Michelangelo\u2019s Madonna and Child, carved in 1503.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6 – St Salvator’s Cathedral<\/h3>\n\n\n
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We\u2019re talking about the oldest church in the city and one of its main points of interest here! Truth be told, this cathedral is very beautiful indeed, with neo-gothic architecture and lots of Flemish artworks on the inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7 – And, of course, the windmills<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Did you know that the outskirts of the city are very different from the touristic old town centre? And they\u2019re well worth a visit as well, that\u2019s for sure! If you decide to get out of the city centre and go to the outskirts, you\u2019ll find green, tranquil parks lining the riverside and the Windmill Walk – 4 windmills (the remaining of the original 23). Some of them are open for tourists to explore, so make sure you don\u2019t miss out on the opportunity. Even though, if you ask me, just the walk itself is totally worth it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED READ:<\/strong> Where to stay in Brussels – Best Areas and Hotels<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Extra things to see in Bruges to add to your list<\/h2>\n\n\n

But my list doesn\u2019t end here, my friends! Apart from the famous Market Square, the colourful canals and Belfry Tower, there are some other things to do and see in case you have more time in this romantic city. Here are some bonus suggestions for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n