Top 10 Things to do in Bruges

Everyone who watched the movie “In Bruges” dreams of visiting this surreal town in Belgium. The cobblestone streets, canals, medieval squares and towers offer the best conditions for a great movie set indeed.

Here are 10 highlights to do in Bruges, the beautiful historical European town

Market Square

You’ll love the colourful medieval-style buildings in this big square which is in the centre of the town. Just take a break, blend all the tourist out and imagine traveling back to 1500.

Belfort Tower

Do you remember the scene in the movie “In Bruge”? Yes it is that this tower. It is built in 13th century and 83m tall. If you dare to climb the narrow 366 steps you’ll have panoramic view of the square.

Burg Square

This square is pure history. The impressive Burg was the seat of the Count Flanders. The Palace of the Liberty of Bruges was the government of the countryside. The Court of Justice is an example of Bruges’ Renaissance architecture. In the Basilica of the Holy Blood the relic of the Holy Blood is kept. Jep… All this in one square. Impressive!

Eat Chocolate

You can have plenty of good chocolate in Bruge. The best way to appreciate the greatness of chocolate is probably visiting a chocolate museum. Here you can learn about the history of the valuable cocoa bean and its role for the Aztec culture. At the end you can watch how the chocolatiers make praline and then eat them all.

Stroll around the canals

You could also take a Canal Tour but if you don’t want to wait in long queues you can just walk around and get lost in this beautiful small town.

Drink beer from local brewery

De Halve Maan has been brewing beer in Bruges for centuries. After visiting the museum and get more isights about beer brewery it is time to enjoy the local beer, Brugse Zot (Bruges Fool) which is the only beer brewed in the historical town centre of Bruges.

Take a walk at night

You won’t know how laid back this town actually is until it gets dark and all the day tourist go away. Take a walk at night and you’ll understand why I think this town is surreal. I love the night lights…

Eat Moules Frites

This is truly the traditional Belgium dish. The mussels are cooked either in a classic vegetable and white wine. Usually they are served with fries.

Get away from centre

The centre of the Bruges can get quite touristy. There is a great way to escape it. Just walk a bit outside of the town and enjoy the green meadows and windmills under the blue sky.

Go to Blankenberge Beach in the North Sea

If you’re longer than 1-2 days in Bruges, don’t miss the chance to go to Blankenberge Beach in the North Sea. It is only 30 minutes drive away from Bruges. The hotels built directly at the beach front destroy the idyllic escape but it is a great opportunity for a nice walk at the beach.

Tips

For more insights buy Lonely Planet Travel Guide to Bruges & Brussels. 

For price worthy accommodation check Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Don’t forget to check my Pack List for useful travel items.

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