Bruges is Belgium's most picturesque city, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, tranquil canals, cobbled streets and romantic atmosphere. Nestled in the northwest of Belgium, the entire city center of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Few cities in Europe are of equal interest as Bruges, with its precious heritage of the Middle Ages that has preserved so much of its medieval character, a city of sleepy streets, ancient buildings and picturesque canals and it's a lively place to go shopping and enjoy some great meals sitting at an outdoor restaurant. Enjoy fine dining or just a quick bite washed down with the national beverage beer, of course, and appreciate some of the world's best art. Then find some bargains at a flea market.
There is so much to see and do in Bruges that we have created these six comprehensive pages to help you fully enjoy this magical place. We also have a photo gallery on Flickr.
We have created three walking tour routes that bring you to the most interesting parts of town in an efficient way without getting lost or wasting time. However, the streets are not in a grid, but meander within the oval shape of the historic center, so it is inevitable you will occasionally be retracing your steps along the same streets, but they are always worth a second glance anyway. Each walk has a map and many photos to help you get the most out of it.
Three comprehensive walking tours cover the historic center, the south, and the north. The first walking tour extends out in various directions from the Markt, the market square, which is the most popular gathering place in town, visiting the main sights of the historic center. The second walking route heads south to charming plazas, shopping streets, parks, and a lake, then our third route goes north to the windmills, another church, a museum, and through quiet residential neighborhoods.
The routes will bring you to streets lined with shops and cafes and then get you off the beaten track on those little side alleys, to help you discover the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful medieval and neo-Gothic buildings. The walks are a starting point for you to then wander around on your own all over town, so each of these routes are best done on separate days to give you added time for further explorations. You could squeeze them into one day, or spread them out over three days, depending on how much time you have.
The canals are among the most beautiful sights to see in Bruges, and we show many ways to explore them. No visit to Bruges is complete without a leisurely boat ride along its picturesque canals. Drift beneath charming stone bridges and past elegant gabled houses, and let the enchanting scenery transport you to another era. As you glide along the waterways, your guide will share fascinating stories and legends that have shaped the city's rich history. You can also rent a kayak, or simply wander along the banks and enjoy the views.
For centuries the canals of Bruges have linked the city to the sea, a guarantee of wealth and prosperity. International merchants built up Bruges into one of the largest Hanse cities. In the 15th century the city flourished as never before. Large parts of the medieval heritage remained practically intact. Saunter along the enigmatic canals, the arteries of the city, and immerse yourself in Bruges’ Golden Century.
Centuries old or brand-new, world-famous or a forgotten jewel, humpbacked or gently sloping, Bruges has a huge number of bridges. Naturally enough, for how else could you cross all those canals? No two bridges are alike, but they all have one thing in common: they all serve up magnificent views of the city. Admiring Bruges from a bridge is always special.
We present a page with detailed descriptions of the most important museums and churches and provide another page with travel tips and a historical summary. Art lovers will find much to love in Bruges, as the city is home to a remarkable collection of Flemish art.
Groeninge Museum houses an impressive array of Flemish Primitives and Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling.
Gruuthusemuseum, located in the heart of Bruges, Belgium, is a treasure trove of applied arts and history housed within the stunning medieval mansion of Louis de Gruuthuse, a wealthy nobleman and influential figure in 15th-century Bruges.
Folk Museum contains a classroom, millinery, pharmacy, confectionery shop, grocery shop, bringing you back to the 19th century.
Church of Our Lady is a beautiful Gothic church that is the tallest building in Bruges. The church houses a Michelangelo masterpiece, "The Madonna of Bruges." St. Salvator's Cathedral is reminiscent of a fortified castle due to the heavy brick masonry; the interior takes you into the mystical atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
It takes a few days if you really want to get behind the scenes and learn all about Bruges. Don't be in a rush when you're here, it is such a wonderful place. The center is fantastic and the fringe neighborhoods are also rewarding. Tips on when to visit and what to do will be very useful in your planning.
Bruges is a city of chocolate, and there are many shops where you can sample the local delicacies. Be sure to try the pralines, which are a type of Belgian chocolate that is filled with a variety of flavors. Visit one of the artisan chocolate shops where you can sample pralines and truffles made by skilled chocolatiers.
Bruges is also famous for its culinary delights, featuring numerous eateries and restaurants where you can indulge in the city's gastronomic offerings. Treat your taste buds to crispy Belgian fries, heavenly waffles topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, or a hearty Flemish beef stew paired with a local beer. Belgium is famous for having more than 500 breweries creating some of the world’s tastiest beer.
Why is Bruges one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe? We explain the amazing story of how Bruges developed as one of the richest cities of the Middle Ages because of its key role in trading goods throughout the continent, and its successful manufacturing of highest-quality textiles. Later in the 15th century the economy collapsed for various reason, and little further development took place for 500 years, leaving us this spectacular town of beautiful old brick buildings, plazas and picturesque canals.
For a tranquil escape from the city's bustle, visit the Minnewater Park, often referred to as the "Lake of Love." This idyllic park features a picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery, swans gracefully gliding on the water, and charming footbridges that create a fairytale-like ambiance.
So lovely! Amazing! Whoa!’ Just some of the excited remarks a stay in Bruges will elicit. When you take a boat trip down romantic canals, stroll along centuries-old squares or admire countless art treasures in a museum. Wonder, amazement, inspiration. You'll experience all of them, because Bruges astounds, captivates and delights. How exactly does that feel? You'll have to experience it for yourself. And then you'll also be saying: Oooh! Oooh! Bruges.
See Bruges city tour video in separate page.
See the Bruges canal boat tour video.