Location: Bruges
Top Things to do in Bruges
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What to do and see in Bruges, Flanders: The Best Sights & Landmarks
What could be more romantic and inspiring than a place that looks like a backdrop for a fairy tale? The medieval overtones of Bruges’ cobblestone streets lead to countless historical, architectural and artistic wonders. Marvel at ornate houses lining intricate canals, and understand why this is a favorite destination for all types of travelers. The whole city emanates an appreciation of the past, a love of the present, and enthusiasm for the future. Don’t miss Hof Bladelin, Groeninge Museum, Church of Our Lady, and Belfry and Market Halls.
Restaurants in Bruges
1. Historic Centre of Brugge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17,556 reviews
The historic center of Bruges has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 thanks to its status as one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe and its enduring Gothic architecture. The Belgian city center is cited as a great example of a medieval historic settlement, even while it has evolved over the years.
Reviewed By Bubbles73uk - Weedon Bec, United Kingdom
I was just one day in Bruges and it was really really marvellous & so appealing. "The Venice of the North" is famous for its myriad canals, bridges & picturesque town square. Bruges is full of historic medieval buildings, old-style bars & cafes & speciality shops, soaring towers, historic churches, old whitewashed almshouses, chocolate & lace, quaint cobbled streets & the UNESCO World Heritage centre. If you have the opportunity to spend at least one day over there don’t waste it.
2. Basilica of the Holy Blood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,027 reviews
This chapel contains a phial that reputedly contains Christ's blood brought back from the Crusades.
Reviewed By aline901 - Beirut, Lebanon
This is a beautiful Basilica that comprises two level churches. It is snugly located in a corner of Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood consists of a Romanesque lower chapel and a Gothic upper chapel The lower level church, a dark Romanesque structure, is so beautiful and has amazing statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The upper level church, connected by staircase, is amazing with modern and gothic style, houses the Relic of the Holy Blood. We were so lucky to visit on a Sunday morning when they held a mass and the Relic was on display afterwards for visitors to see it and get the blessings.
3. The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,840 reviews
Reviewed By TheSGB
I've always loved Bruges as it was the first place I stayed when inter-railing as a student in the 90s with a backpack, some Belgian Francs in my pocket and a bunk bed in a youth hostel booked. What I remembered most was that it was Springtime and the daffodils at the Beguinage were stunning. Many years later I returned to Bruges last month with my boyfriend (his first visit) and I made sure to come in late March, hoping to catch the daffodils at their best. We got lucky...a beautiful sunny week and the Beguinage was a stunning as I remember. A beautiful, peaceful place to stroll around and reflect...even for a non-religious person like me. I could probably have done without the tourists who were doing a sexy, pouty photoshoot in mini skirt and thigh high boots (not sure this is quite the location!) but each to their own!
4. Belfort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,834 reviews
The most important of Bruges' towers stands 83 metres tall. It houses, amongst other things, a carillon with 47 melodious bells. In the reception area, waiting visitors can discover all kinds of interesting information about the history and working of this unique world-heritage protected belfry. Those who take on the challenge of climbing the tower can pause for a breather on the way up in the old treasury, where the city's charters, seal and public funds were kept during the Middle Ages, and also at the level of the impressive clock or in the carillonneur's chamber. Finally, after a tiring 366 steps, your efforts will be rewarded with a breath-taking and unforgettable panoramic view of Bruges and her surroundings.
Reviewed By colinb977 - Peterborough, United Kingdom
272feet (83m) 366 steps to the top, but well worth the effort,because the view is marvellous, There are a couple of landings on the way up with interesting items to see, while you catch your breath. At the top the carilllion chimed while we were there, Get there at opening time 09.30hrs because when we got down loads of people were queueing,
5. Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
The current museum is housed in the old infirmary and displays the eclectic collection accumulated by nuns down the centuries. The oldest pieces date back to the 14th century. Many miracles have been attributed to the white limestone statue of Our Lady of the Potterie in the baroque church. These are detailed in stained-glass windows, wall tapestries, and a miracle book. The 13th century statue is one of Bruges' oldest preserved statues.
Reviewed By apol225 - Oldenburg, Germany
This site is somewhat off the beaten tourist track and takes some finding when walking along the canal side. The name of this spot is a little bit misleading as it seems to referring to a pottery. As a matter of fact it’s an impressive church respectively a hospital attached to the church. All in all a very interesting place which is well worth a visit. By the way a good reason to go for a walk through this more calm but beautiful part of Bruges with its beautiful old houses.
6. Adornesdomein & Jeruzalemkerk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
The Adornes Domain is an authentic medieval estate, a unique religious site and a fascinating cultural heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. Having been in the hands of the same family for nearly 600 years, the history of the domain is not only truly remarkable but the site is also extremely well preserved. A visit takes about 45 minutes and includes a twelve minute film and historical explanations in the Adornes Museum (situated in the almshouses), the extraordinary Jerusalem Chapel (loosely inspired by the Holy Sepulchre Church of Jerusalem), and the Pieter's Gallery. The visit ends in the cosy and elegant Scottish Lounge were one can relax with coffee, tea, cake and soft drinks. There is also a well-stocked gift, souvenir and book shop. The domain also organises regular events including temporary contemporary art exhibitions, evening nocturnes and concerts (see website for info). Private guided tours of the estate and of the family house can be arranged by appointment only.
Reviewed By Golfing-Steve - Lewes, United Kingdom
A car in Bruges is a liability. There are two ways to see the city properly, either on foot or by bike so ditch the car in the nearest garage for the duration, as you will only get lost in the medieval street layout, and set off to explore with a decent map. And do try to get away from the crowds that pack the Market and Burg areas. One place that is an absolute belter is in the quiet St.Anne’s district of the city due northeast of the Market. The whole site is known as the Andornesdomain estate and includes an impressive mansion, gardens and almshouses but what we are here to see is known locally as the Jeruzalemkerk. Incredibly this small chapel is still in the same family hands as it was in the early 15th century when the powerful Adorno clan from Genoa founded it. Bruges, like Genoa, was a great trading city back then so it was only natural that there would be powerful family connections. The Adorno contributed six doges to the Republic of Genoa but it was Obizzo Adorno, a crusader in the forces of Guy de Dampierre, Count of Flanders, who first established the family in Bruges. His grandsons, Giacomo and Pietro Adorno, founded the Church of Jerusalem, a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in 1427, including Christ’s tomb, including a life-size naked body of the Saviour, having returned from a pilgrimage. The chapel is every bit as spooky and quirky as it is impressive. The main star of the show that we learn about on the video film and exhibits laid out in the alms houses is Anselmo, son of the second Pietro, who became treasurer of Bruges, and also travelled on a pilgrimage to Syria and Africa. His work load was huge being also ambassador to Iran for Charles the Bold, duke of Burgundy, and as counselor to King James III of Scotland when governor of the guild of Scottish wool traders. He was also knighted by the King of Scotland. The interactive model of his pilgrimage is something to marvel at taking so many months to travel by land and sea to the Holy Land whilst avoiding warlike natives in Africa and areas of plague that included Venice as well as crossing mountains and deserts. Sadly Anselmo’s pilgrimage did not bring him any blessings from the Almighty for, despite having moved to Scotland, King James’s enemies murdered him in 1483. His body lies there still in St Michael’s Church, Linthlithgow in West Lothian. His heart, however was brought back to Bruges, and was placed in the black marble tomb we see today alongside his wife, Margaretha. The effigy has a sword hilt in his ribs to show the violent death he suffered, although at his feet lay a lion and a dog signifying courage and devotion. As well the Adornes’ tomb there is a fragment of the Holy Cross in a gilded, silver cross and a macabre altar with carvings of the skulls of Golgotha and three tall and imposing crosses. After all this darkness and proximity to death, stepping outside into the daylight comes as welcome relief as does an excellent small café and a souvenir shop, staffed by an extremely helpful lady. For somewhere off the main tourist drag this is a splendid way to spend an hour or more and learn about both the city and the Adorno family, who still own the property, although their name has become Adornes in Flemish, some 17 generations after the founding of the estate. Unspoilt and virtually unchanged this is a compelling venue in a marvellous city.
7. St. James's Church (Sint-Jacobskerk)
8. St. Walburga's Church (Sint-Walburgakerk)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By specialplant - Singapore, Singapore
400m walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Beautiful interior with white marble pillars.
9. Stadhuis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,210 reviews
Bruges' City Hall (1376) is one of the oldest in the Low Countries. It is from here that the city has been governed for more than 600 years. An absolute masterpiece is the Gothic Hall, with its late 19th-century murals and polychrome vault. The adjoining historic hall calls up the city council's history with a number of authentic documents and works of art. A multimedia exhibition on the ground floor illustrates the evolution of the Burg Square.
Reviewed By Damme1971 - Damme, Belgium
Take the inside tour ( 10+ languages ) worth a visit. Its located on the Burg square near the Holy blood chapel and market square
10. Burg Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,764 reviews
Reviewed By cvtmuench - Mesa, United States
Bruges is such a charming city: cobblestone streets, 17th century buildings, beautiful scenery along the canals, Christmas market, and hundreds of Catholic Churches. Mass at the Basilica of the Holy Blood and veneration of the relic, the only Michelangelo sculpture in Belgium (the Madonna and Child), and the tomb of Charles the Bold. Love Flanders!
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