What to do and see in Bruges

🌍 Bruges is a medieval Belgian city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its fascinating history and charming atmosphere. Here you'll find various places to explore in the Venice of the North

Visit Bruges 📍

  1. Start your visit to Bruges with its famous canals: it's not called Little Venice for nothing. These are the veins of the city, offering magnificent views, romantic bridges and medieval facades reflected in the water. A boat trip is essential to fully discover this beauty! Don't forget to pass the Quai du Rosaire (Rozenhoedkaai), one of the city's most Instagrammable sites, offering a magnificent and romantic view.

  2. Next stop is the Bruges Beguinage, known as the "Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde": a peaceful and historic place where beguines once lived. Today, it is home to nuns and single women from Bruges. The Beguinage was founded in 1245 and is a World Heritage Site.

  3. Speaking of world heritage, visit the historic centre: it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the cobbled streets and admire the superb medieval buildings such as the Bruges Belfry, the Grand-Place and the Town Hall.

  4. Climb to the top of the Belfry of Bruges: Climb the 366 steps of the Belfry of Bruges to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. It's an emblematic symbol of Bruges and a must-see for lovers of history and panoramic views.

  5. Take a trip to the Church of Our Lady: famous for its 115.5-metre brick tower, the second highest in the world. Inside, it houses a rich collection of art, including Michelangelo's famous Madonna and Child.

  6. Don't forget the Place Burg: Bruges' centre of power for centuries. The 14th-century Gothic town hall stands on this square.

  7. Also discover the Flemish Primitives such as Jan Van Eyck and Hans Memling who created famous works in Bruges. Their works can be admired in the Groeninge Museum, St John's Hospital, St Saviour's Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady.

What else can you do in Bruges?

Play an urban Escape Game in the streets of Bruges: Coddy offers you the chance to play in the city, on foot, to discover Bruges in a different way. Guided by your smartphone, you and your team wander the streets of the city in search of clues and answers to your riddles. The city becomes your playground, revealing itself to you in a whole new light. You'll (re)discover little hidden details, little-explored alleyways, but also some of the city's must-see places, all at the same time!

  • Taste the local specialities: Don't miss the chance to sample Bruges' culinary specialities, such as Belgian waffles, Belgian fries, artisan chocolates and famous Belgian beers. There are numerous chocolatiers and breweries in the city where you can treat yourself.

  • Shopping: The streets of Bruges are full of quaint shops selling local produce, souvenirs, clothes and jewellery. There's also a weekly market on the market square.

  • Hire a bike: Bruges is a cycling city and you can hire a bike to explore the surrounding area. There are some great cycle routes that will take you through the green countryside and picturesque villages of the area.

Things to know about Bruges

  • 🏰 World Heritage: Bruges is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical and architectural significance.

  • 📚 Rich history: The city has a fascinating history dating back to the Middle Ages, reflected in its architecture and picturesque alleyways.

  • 🛶 Venice of the North: Bruges is often referred to as the "Venice of the North" due to its many canals and charming buildings along the waterways.

  • 🏰 Sights: The city is packed with sights, such as the Bruges Belfry, Market Square, historic churches and renowned art museums.

  • 🍺 Belgian beer: Beer lovers will be delighted to visit Bruges, which is home to numerous breweries and offers a wide selection of traditional Belgian beers.

  • 🍫 Delicious chocolate: Bruges is also renowned for its delicious artisan chocolates. Visitors can sample and buy a variety of chocolates in local shops.

  • 🌸 Medieval charm: The cobbled streets, gabled houses and picturesque canals give Bruges a charming medieval atmosphere that attracts tourists from all over the world.