Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, or Brugge in Dutch, is an almost idyllic medieval town situated in Belgium. The charming cobblestone streets and canals that connect various market squares are so picturesque that visitors often find themselves captivated, preferring to capture the scenes rather than simply enjoying them in person. This city is also a paradise for architecture enthusiasts, with its stunning Gothic and Baroque structures mesmerizing to behold. However, the beauty of Bruges attracts a substantial number of tourists, particularly during the summer months, making crowd control a significant consideration for visitors.

Do not allow the influx of tourists to deter you; with thoughtful planning, such as visiting during the weekdays, one can avoid the busiest times. Spring is particularly enchanting, with the Loppem Castle gardens in full bloom and daffodils adorning the grounds of Begijnhof. Winter also offers its own charm, as the city is often dusted with snow, and outside of the Christmas season, crowds diminish considerably.

1. Visit the Museum St Janshospital

This is not an ordinary hospital; the Museum St Janshospital is a meticulously restored 12th-century hospital featuring authentic timber roof beams and remarkable artworks dating back to the 15th Century.

The museum’s most renowned artifact, the oak reliquary, is crafted by Hans Memling and narrates the tale of St. Ursula’s union with a pagan prince. Tragically, Ursula and her followers, totaling 11,000 virgins, were murdered en route to Rome by the King of the Huns.

Admission to the museum costs 12 Euros for adults, which includes access to a model 17th-century pharmacy.

2. Explore Bruges Markt

Bruges’ historic Market Square bears similarity to various others in Europe. It presents a beautiful open space surrounded by delightful architecture, cafés, and restaurants teeming with visitors.

Many of the guildhalls that frame the square, enhancing its stunning vistas, are replicas based on original designs.

Prominent features of the square include the striking neogothic Provinciaal Hof building and the Craenenburg Cafe, where Maximilian of Austria was imprisoned in 1488.

3. Experience the Groeningemuseum

Unquestionably, the Groeningemuseum is the foremost art gallery in Bruges and is an essential visit for art enthusiasts. The gallery offers a captivating experience for those with an interest in Flemish artwork from bygone centuries.

While the gallery features many stunning works of art, those with a taste for the macabre will find intriguing pieces, including a 1498 painting depicting a man being flayed alive, alongside portrayals of St. George’s martyrdom.

If you need a moment of respite, enjoy the splendid views of the market square from the museum.

4. View Christ’s Blood at the Basilica

The Heilig-Bloedbasiliek is a diminutive basilica that purportedly housed a vial containing the blood of Christ. This claim draws thousands of visitors annually to the basilica.

The phial is showcased in a decorative tabernacle and is presented for public viewing daily at 2 PM. The museum also contains notable artifacts, including a crown that belonged to Mary of Burgundy.

The structure itself is a historical gem, dating back to the 12th Century, and once served as the residence of the Count of Flanders.

5. Admire the Belfort

The iconic Belfort tower in Bruges reaches an impressive height of 83 meters. This architectural marvel is best admired from a distance, and will undoubtedly feature prominently in your photographic memories of Bruges.

A worthy endeavor within the building is ascending the somewhat challenging and narrow stairway to the summit, where breathtaking views of the city await. Only 70 individuals are allowed at the top simultaneously, which may result in queues during peak seasons.

Visitors can consult a board at the entrance to determine when the building’s 47 bells will be chimed.

6. Explore the Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady, or Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, dates back to the 13th century and is renowned for housing Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child statue, attracting visitors from various corners of the globe.

This piece is notable for being the only one by Michelangelo to have left Italy while the artist was still alive. The church also boasts several other impressive artistic works, primarily from the 15th century.

Additionally, the tombs of Charles the Bold and his daughter, crafted in bronze and stone, are significant attractions.

7. Admire the Brugse Vrije

This building served as the administrative center of Bruges during its Liberty of Bruges period in the 12th Century and continues to function as office space today.

The structure itself is visually striking, with a beautifully carved chimney from the 15th Century, which stands out as one of its most captivating features.

Noteworthy is the oak mantlepiece ornament depicting Charles V and his two grandfathers.

8. Walk the set of In Bruges

The critically acclaimed film In Bruges, featuring stars such as Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, is set and filmed in this spectacular city.

Brochures available at various tourist offices can guide you to the filming locations of some of the movie’s scenes.

This not only provides fans of the film a chance to experience memorable scenes but also serves as an engaging walking tour of the city’s landmarks, including the Belfort and market square.

9. Savor Chocolate and Beer

While this experience can be found throughout Belgium, Bruges serves as an excellent showcase for two of the country’s principal delights: beer and chocolate.

Sukerbuyc, a family-operated chocolatier and café, stands out as an ideal location to sample some of the finest chocolate in the city. When you order a hot beverage, it typically includes a piece of exquisite chocolate crafted at the café.

The De Halve Maan brewery, the only remaining brewery in the city, offers visitors a chance to taste some of the best beers that Bruges has to offer.

10. Engage at the Historium

This unique museum offers a part immersive experience and part medieval film that transports visitors to the medieval Bruges.

Housed within a beautifully designed neogothic building near the market square, the museum’s primary aim is to take guests back in time through an hour-long audio and video tour.

While the historical accuracy may vary, the experience is particularly captivating for families and children, rather than purely educational.

11. Visit Burg Square

Burg Square, located adjacent to the more well-known market square, warrants a visit during your stay in Bruges.

This locale served as the residence of the Count of Flanders for many years. The square site was also the locus of a grand cathedral, which was unfortunately demolished in the 18th Century.

Architecture enthusiasts will find Burg to be a treasure, as the surrounding structures each possess unique and stunning beauty.

12. Explore the Jeruzalemkerk

This church, located in St. Anna, is considered one of the more unusual in Bruges. Built by the Adornes family in the 15th Century, its design is modeled after the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

The church features an altarpiece adorned with skull motifs, alongside an effigy representing Jesus Christ’s corpse, and a tomb that contains only the heart of Anselm Adornes, believed to have been transported from Scotland following his murder.

It is safe to label this church as one of the more macabre sites in Bruges.

13. Admire the Stadhuis

Bruges’ Stadhuis, or City Hall, is a magnificent structure dating back to the early 15th Century. The facade, adorned with turrets and slitted windows, emanates Gothic elegance.

The building showcases several statues representing former counts and countesses of Flanders. Audio guides are available to help visitors navigate the interior, starting with the hall’s portraits before proceeding to the Gothic hall.

Should you think the exterior is impressive, prepare to be astounded by the ceiling and murals within the Gothic hall.

14. Discover the Kasteel Van Loppem

Kasteel Van Loppem, or Castle Loppem, provides an excellent opportunity to explore the area surrounding Bruges.

Located on the city’s outskirts, this edifice resembles more of a mansion than a castle. Constructed in the 19th Century, it served as a residence for the Belgian King shortly after World War I, and at one time, it functioned as a command center for the Belgian army.