Windmills, big canal, residential district, church, museum, local streets.
On this third walk we are heading to the north end of town which is 2 kilometers away from the Markt, a bit far to walk. So this is a good time to take a taxi, then walk back from the north end to the center in an easy stroll. To find a taxi, go to the Markt, where you can find a taxi stand. Or if you are beginning this part of the walk in the morning, have your hotel call for a taxi.
Watch the video of this walking tour.
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The taxi can bring you to the large Bruges-Ostend canal on the north end of town, with barges that can travel all the way up to the North Sea and into the ocean, connecting Bruges in a maritime highway that reaches the world. You might see a barge coming out of the canal lock, then street gates go up to allow traffic to resume, and you can start walking along the beautiful park next to the canal, looking for windmills.
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Four sturdy windmills dominate the view on this stretch of the city ramparts, which during the Middle Ages had been a defensive wall around the town. All that's left now are hills for the windmills. As early as the 13th century the sails of mills turned in the wind here, and by the 16th century, as many as 30 windmills could be counted, mostly milling grain for bakers who used it to make bread.
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Along with the windmills, you will discover a beautiful park along the canal, a popular destination for walking and bicycling designed in the English landscape style, where you can enjoy walking, cycling or picnicking on seven kilometers of the city ramparts.
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Leaving the ramparts you arrive at Carmersstraat, one of the main streets that runs through this district called Sint-Anna, or St Anne's, with its working-class cottages and green corners that epitomizes tranquil Bruges. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets and let the serenity sink in. You are far from the tourist center.
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The imposing domed church of the English Convent is a well-preserved and walled complex that's almost four centuries old and still active today. This district is a welcome relief from the busyness of all those exciting activities in the historic center, a place where you see locals pedaling around and kids on their way to school.
The other great street of Sint-Anna district is Langestraat, a road mostly for locals. You will not see touristic shops here, but there are some nice little bars and cafes, intriguing little side lanes with houses and stores for the local people. You are getting off the beaten track and away from the touristic center.
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This is where the real people live, the workers who are in the shops and leading tours, the waiters in your restaurant, perhaps the parents of those workers who have settled here in a comfortable neighborhood, shopping in the local supermarket. Let the serene atmosphere sink in. Catch a breath of fresh air away from the excitement of the center city.
There is also a worthwhile Folk Museum, and fascinating church in this neighborhood, the Jerusalem Chapel. Look at our museums and churches webpage for details.
As you come back into the town center, you will find more of those wonderful restaurants, beautiful canals and amazing sights.
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Google My Map route for this walking tour:
