Top 10 Tourist Attractions You Must Not Miss in Bruges

Welcome to Bruges, a magical city in Belgium—a destination that captivated me with its unique beauty and, above all, its fascinating history!

A boat ride along Bruges’ canals is an incredibly romantic activity for those visiting the city, offering a perfect way for tourists to explore its charm while also providing a moment of relaxation in a fairytale setting.

For me, finally strolling through the streets of Bruges was a personal triumph, as this destination had been on my bucket list for a very long time.

Bruges is a city brimming with tourist attractions, where visitors can admire old houses, churches, and bridges, as well as stunning scenery at any time of the day. Chocolate, waffles, and Belgian beer are the cherry on top. Moreover, the locals are incredibly kind and charismatic, cheerful, and eager to engage with others.

I was absolutely enchanted by the city’s charm—a place where I felt as though I had stepped back in time. The impressive buildings and romantic atmosphere make Bruges an unforgettable and unmissable destination for anyone visiting Belgium. I love strolling through its streets, exploring historic landmarks, and sampling the local specialties! Even though the weather wasn’t the most accommodating during this trip, I managed to disconnect completely and lose myself in this enchanting setting. For me, Bruges has been one of the most beautiful and romantic cities I have ever visited.

Alexandra Cristian - Facetune 01 04 2023 20 21 05

I’m thrilled to have you here because the city I’m about to share with you truly deserves your full attention. Bruges, located in the West Flanders region of Belgium, is a medieval city with an incredibly rich cultural heritage. If you’re planning a visit to Belgium’s romantic city, make sure to include these 10 must-see attractions in your itinerary. Of course, the city has much more to offer, but for me, these are the absolute highlights:

1. Rozenhoedkaai – The Quay of the Rosary

The name Rozenhoedkaai originates from the Dutch words “rozenhoed” and “kaai,” meaning rosary and quay. This name was historically given to this area of Bruges as it once served as a warehouse for goods imported from southern Europe, including rosaries.

This spot is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bruges and is renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the Dijver and Groenerei canals, as well as its historic buildings with beautiful facades.

Rozenhoedkaai is the perfect spot for a romantic boat ride through Bruges’ canals and a popular attraction for tourists. If you want to see the city from a different perspective or take unforgettable photos, this is a must-see!

I had the opportunity to visit Rozenhoedkaai twice—first in the evening and then during the day—and both visits left me with unforgettable memories. I spent a few minutes at a nearby café, soaking in the beauty of the place while savoring a local beer. The ambient lighting creates a romantic atmosphere at night, making Rozenhoedkaai an ideal spot for an evening stroll.

This location is situated near other major tourist attractions in Bruges, such as the Belfry and Burg Square, and is easily accessible via the charming narrow streets of the old city.

Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0182
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0407

2. Grote Markt – The Central Market Square

Grote Markt, or the Central Market Square, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bruges, located in the heart of the old town. This square is surrounded by iconic buildings, most notably dominated by the Belfort (Belfry).

At the other end of the square, there’s a Gothic-style building that now houses the History Museum.

The Markt is a lively and energetic spot, always bustling with tourists and locals. The many cafés and restaurants around the square invite visitors and residents to pause and enjoy a coffee or a Belgian beer in a vibrant and colorful atmosphere.

When I arrived in Bruges, the square was a large construction site due to marathon preparations. Unfortunately, I couldn’t fully enjoy the beautiful buildings, as they were partially obscured by scaffolding erected for the finish-line gates and the stage.

I stopped here for a meal at one of the restaurants with a terrace overlooking the square. The food was good—not exceptional. I tried the famous mussels along with a Belgian beer… and honestly, the beer was better. It was clear that the spot caters primarily to tourists, but even so, I enjoyed the view and satisfied my craving for mussels.

Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0502
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0504
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0510
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0480

3. Belfort Tower (Belfry)

The Belfort Tower is a highly popular tourist attraction in Bruges, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the old city and its surroundings. Built in the 13th century, the tower stands at 83 meters tall, serving as a symbol of the city’s power and wealth during the Middle Ages.

The central square of Bruges is dominated on its southern side by this impressive tower, which is part of a complex of buildings that were once used for storage.

Inside the tower, visitors will find a museum that provides insights into the city’s history and the clock mechanisms, which were added to the tower in the 15th century. Additionally, those who dare to climb the more than 300 steps to the top will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Bruges. From here, you can spot some of the city’s most iconic attractions, such as Burg Square, the Central Market Square, and the Groenerei Canal.

Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0478

4. Burg Square

Burg Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Bruges, filled with impressive architectural landmarks and rich historical significance. At the center of the square stands the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, two heroes connected to the city’s history who led the revolt against the French occupation in the 14th century.

The buildings surrounding the square include City Hall (Stadhuis), one of Bruges’ most remarkable structures, with its stunning Gothic facade and a hall decorated with impressive frescoes and unique tapestries. There’s also the Palace of Justice (Paleis van Justitie), notable for its Neo-Gothic architecture. Other remarkable structures in the square include The Balcony House (Het Balkonhuis) and The House of Christmas (Het Huis van de Kerstman).

Burg Square is one of the oldest and most significant locations in Bruges, serving as the city’s administrative and religious center since the 10th century. One of its main attractions is the Basilica of the Holy Blood (Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed), which houses one of Christianity’s most important relics: fragments of the blood of Jesus Christ. Nearby, you’ll also find St. Donatian’s Cathedral (Sint-Donatiuskerk), one of the oldest churches in Bruges, featuring impressive Gothic and Romanesque architectural elements.

Burg is also known for its picturesque atmosphere, with charming narrow streets and historic buildings that take your breath away. It is surrounded by local cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious regional dishes, all within a fairy-tale setting.

Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0467
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0470

5. Basilica of the Holy Blood

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is an architectural jewel located in the heart of Bruges, within Burg Square. This two-level church, dating back to the 12th century, is one of the oldest in the city. It houses one of Christianity’s most important relics: the Holy Blood. This relic, preserved in a crystal vial, contains a few drops of Christ’s blood, brought from the Holy Land by Dietrich of Alsace in 1149 upon his return from the Second Crusade.

Each May, the relic is carried through the city by priests and pilgrims during a grand procession, a tradition dating back to the 13th century. This event has become a significant part of Bruges’ religious and cultural life.

The interior architecture of the basilica is absolutely remarkable, featuring elegant stained glass windows, impressive statues, and frescoes adorning the ceilings. Along with the Holy Blood, the basilica hosts an extensive collection of sacred objects and artwork, including icons, religious garments, and manuscripts.

A spiral staircase leads to the upper chapel, where every Friday the crystal vial containing the holy relic is displayed to the faithful.

Access to the basilica is free, and visiting hours are Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM.

Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0456
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0460
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0464

6. Church of Our Lady (Notre Dame)

The Church of Our Lady (Notre Dame) is one of the most impressive Gothic churches in Belgium. This architectural gem dates back to the 13th century and is situated in the historic center of Bruges. Its spire stands 112 meters tall, making it the tallest in Belgium and the second tallest in the world.

Inside, visitors can admire numerous works of art, paintings, and sculptures, with the most famous being Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child”. Created between 1503 and 1504, this masterpiece is Michelangelo’s only work located outside Italy. The church also houses many paintings, painted tombs from the 13th and 14th centuries, and the graves of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy.

In addition, the church is renowned for its magnificent organ, one of the largest and oldest in Europe, which is still used during concerts and religious services.

Admission Fees

  • Adults: €8
  • Youth under 25: €7
  • Youth under 17: €4
  • Children under 12: Free

Visiting Hours

  • Monday–Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0359
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0378
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0365
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0262
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0276
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0251
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0253
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0258
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0267

7. St. Boniface Bridge

What a stunning location! For me, this is the most picturesque corner of Bruges, a spot I fell in love with at first sight. St. Boniface Bridge, also known as the Iron Bridge, was constructed in the 19th century and has become one of the city’s key attractions.

The bridge is named after St. Boniface, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. At the bridge’s entrance, visitors are greeted by two statues of the saint, welcoming them to Bruges’ old town. Over the years, the bridge has become a symbol of Bruges, drawing visitors eager to capture its beauty in memorable photographs.

The bridge connects two significant areas of the city, providing access to several major tourist sites, including the central square and Notre Dame Church. The area surrounding the bridge is lively, filled with cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy Belgian specialties.

With its rich history and impressive architecture, St. Boniface Bridge is an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting Bruges.

Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0325 1
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0371
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0327

8. The Windmills of Bruges

The windmills of Bruges, also known as Molens van Brugge, are a popular tourist attraction, even though they are located at the outskirts of the city. The walk to this group of windmills was a true blessing on a spring day when the sun finally managed to warm us and guide us to these picturesque landscapes.

Built in the 18th century, the windmills are situated along the Leie River. They were once used for grinding grain and producing oil, and today they serve as an impressive example of Belgian cultural heritage. Visitors can admire these magnificent structures and learn more about their history at the Windmill Museum in Bruges.

The area surrounding the windmills is filled with parks and green spaces, offering a peaceful oasis of tranquility and relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0520
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0524
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0521

9. The Canals of Bruges

A boat ride along the canals of Bruges is a must-do when visiting the city. You’ll be able to admire the impressive architecture of the buildings lining the canals and be amazed by the breathtaking views unfolding before your eyes.

In addition to the boat tours, you can also explore the city on foot or by bike.

Bruges, also known as the “Venice of the North,” is one of the most enchanting cities in Europe. The picturesque city has over 80 canals and bridges, and a boat ride through these romantic canals offers an unforgettable experience, giving you a unique perspective of the city.

The boat rides can be enjoyed during the day when the sun wraps the surroundings in its glowing aura or at sunset, when the impressive architecture of the buildings is beautifully highlighted by the architectural lights. Evening rides are recommended to avoid the large crowds of tourists that form during the day. A boat tour lasts about 30 minutes and is considered an essential experience for any visitor to Bruges. The captain will take you through the most beautiful spots in the city, from Jan Van Eyck Square to the Beguinage. All boat operators follow the same routes, with a maximum capacity of 35-40 people per boat.

Boat tours are available from March to mid-November. Tickets can be purchased directly at the departure points, and reservations are not available in advance.

You can board a boat at any of the following five departure points:

  • Huidenvettersplein 13
  • Rozenhoedkaai
  • Wollestraat 32
  • Nieuwstraat 11
  • Katelijnestraat 4

Ticket Prices:

  • Adults: €12
  • Children up to 11 years: €7
  • Children up to 3 years: Free

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0449
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0173
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0446
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0531
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0393
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0282
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0287

10. Groeninge Museum

The Groeninge Museum in Bruges is a must-visit cultural destination for any art lover. Here, you can admire an impressive collection of Flemish art spanning from the medieval period to contemporary works.

The museum hosts masterpieces by renowned artists such as Jan van Eyck, Hieronymus Bosch, Hans Memling, and Gerard David. Additionally, you can explore temporary exhibitions that delve into contemporary themes and current artistic movements.

The museum is housed in a stunning historical building that has been recently renovated, making it the perfect space to showcase this extremely valuable collection of art.

The museum is located at Dijver 12.

Visiting Hours:

  • Monday-Sunday: 09:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: Closed

Prices:

  • Under 12 years: Free
  • 13-17 years: €7
  • 18-25 years: €13
  • Over 26 years: €15
Alexandra Cristian - IMG 0282

Love,

A.C.

Comments