The beautiful city of Bruges is not too far from the Belgian border, making it the ideal destination for both Dutch and Belgian visitors for a city trip.
The attractions in Bruges are truly spectacular. This coastal city is renowned as the most beautiful place in the Benelux. It is sometimes even referred to as the Venice of the North.
The capital and largest city by population of the Belgian province of West Flanders was once a genuine trading city, known as a Hanseatic city. It was very rich and prosperous at the time, which is why it boasts a large number of historical attractions today. Some of these have even been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
To ensure you don’t miss any of the beauty this city has to offer, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 Bruges attractions. Each of these sites is definitely worth a visit!
1. The Grote Markt
In the heart of Bruges, you’ll find the Markt, a beautiful old square. Locally, it’s often referred to as the Grote Markt. The historic center of the city is excellently preserved, and this is immediately evident on the Markt. The square is filled with old buildings and charming terraces.
This is the perfect place to try a delicious Belgian beer. Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik are some local brews that go down well after a walk. On these cozy terraces, you can enjoy the beautiful medieval surroundings. Be sure to take a good look at the Belfry of Bruges, which we’ll tell you more about next.
2. Belfry of Bruges
A Belfry, also known as a ‘Halletoren’, is a bell tower built on a commercial building. Usually, bell towers are found on churches, but Belfries are there to inform people of the time in a non-religious manner.
One of the most beautiful attractions in Bruges is the local Belfry. This 83-meter-high tower stands on the Grote Markt and has been telling the people of Bruges the time for about 600 years. The tower in its current form has been there since 1822. Due to several fires, the residents of Bruges have had to rebuild the Belfry multiple times.
The bells of the Belfry of Bruges ring at different times of the day. In the past, they indicated when the workday started or ended or when there was a celebration. You didn’t need a direct view of the Belfry to stay informed.
During a visit to the Grote Markt in Bruges, be sure to stop by the Belfry to admire this impressive structure. It’s no wonder it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
3. The Burg
The Grote Markt is not the only impressive square that Bruges has to offer. The square called ‘The Burg’ is also part of the heart of the city and is even larger than the Markt. Along the edges of this large square, you’ll find impressive buildings.
These monumental structures have been built over the centuries, each in the style that was popular at the time. This makes the architecture on the square very beautiful and interesting. The Burg is also a favorite spot for various performances and shows. Definitely worth a visit!
4. City Hall
One of the buildings in Bruges on the aforementioned square is the Bruges City Hall. The Burg has been the center of power in the city for centuries. The Gothic city hall was built in the 14th century, making it one of the oldest city halls in the Netherlands and Belgium. Today, the Bruges city council still resides in this building.
When you visit the Burg square, we highly recommend taking a stroll or cycling past the city hall. As you can see, it is an impressive structure with beautiful architecture. It exudes wealth and power and is a city hall full of character. Not only the exterior but also the interior is very imposing. It’s no surprise that this city hall served as a model for other city halls in Belgium.
5. Basilica of the Holy Blood
Next to the city hall, you’ll find another popular Bruges attraction on the Burg. This church, also known as the Basilica of the Holy Blood, is a so-called double chapel, essentially two chapels in one.
The oldest, the lower chapel, is a Romanesque church from the 12th century. This is the St. Basil’s Chapel. Count Thierry of Alsace is a significant figure for this church. He is said to have brought the holy blood of Jesus and left it here, which explains the basilica’s name.
Above the St. Basil’s Chapel, you’ll find the St. Ivo Chapel. This is much smaller and considerably newer. Both parts were elevated to basilica status in 1923, and together these chapels form the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Today, the blood of Jesus still attracts many visitors. This pilgrimage site is often very busy but definitely worth a visit and perfect to combine with the Burg and the city hall.
6. Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk
The basilica is certainly not the only impressive church that Bruges boasts. The Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk is one of the tallest brick buildings in the world. The tower of this attraction reaches a staggering 115 meters and is visible from almost every corner of the city. From the outside, the church looks beautiful and imposing. However, the interior is even more magnificent. Here, you will find the tombs of several great nobles. For instance, Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy are displayed in gold-covered coffins.
Another good reason to visit this church is to admire Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture. This masterpiece was originally created for the Cathedral in Siena, but a merchant purchased it and made it one of Bruges’ most spectacular attractions. This action also earned the man a place in the church, as he is buried right in front of the sculpture.
7. Sint-Janshospitaal
Close to the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk, you’ll find the Sint-Janshospitaal. This former hospital is mainly a complex of 19th-century buildings. However, some medieval parts of the hospital remain. The earliest remnants date back to the 12th century, forming one of the most beautiful spots in Bruges.
The city center resembles a grand fairy tale, and the Sint-Janshospitaal certainly contributes to this charm. Especially from the bridge on Mariastraat, you can see the old section with its iconic protrusions on the side of the ancient building. This is an excellent spot to take a new profile picture. Today, it serves as a museum where you can get a good sense of the medical world through the ages. A visit to the Sint-Janshospitaal is a must when exploring the center of Bruges.
Want to learn more about the museums you can visit in the city? Check out our article on museums in Bruges.
8. Sint-Salvatorskathedraal
Another Bruges attraction that complements the name of the previous site is the Sint-Salvatorskathedraal. This cathedral is located near both the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk and the Sint-Janshospitaal, making it ideal to visit all three structures during your city trip.
The Sint-Salvatorskathedraal is the parish church of Bruges. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, it is the oldest church in the West Flemish capital. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find a choir screen with an organ and medieval tombs. There are also several artworks to admire, such as Brussels tapestries and a large collection of paintings from Flanders. The paintings include works by artists who were part of the Flemish Primitives, a group of painters active mainly in the southern Netherlands during the 15th and 16th centuries.
9. Begijnhof
A bit south of the Sint-Salvatorskathedraal, you’ll find the Begijnhof. This is one of the Bruges attractions listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Officially known as the ‘Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde’, it is surrounded by charming white houses. You’ll also find a convent garden and a small lake, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere. The beguinage was established in 1245 and was once inhabited by ‘beguines’. These were emancipated women who were not very learned but led a religious life. Today, nuns still reside in the beguinage. The house with the number one has been transformed into a museum where you can learn all about the history of this attraction.
Another way to learn all about the Begijnhof and other attractions that Bruges has to offer is through a bike tour. In just a few hours, a Dutch guide will take you to the hotspots of the largest city in West Flanders, ensuring you won’t miss a thing!
10. Choco-Story Museum
On the northern side of Bruges’ center, you’ll find a museum perfect for those with a sweet tooth. During a visit to this museum, you’ll learn everything about chocolate. The Choco-Story Museum educates its visitors about the history of cocoa and the process from cocoa bean to chocolate bar. Naturally, you can also taste various types of chocolate, and there’s plenty of delicious treats to buy.
The museum is housed in the characteristic building De Croon, which initially served as a wine tavern and later as a bakery. You can visit the chocolate museum seven days a week. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Workshops are also offered.
11. The Chocolate Line
Chocolate enthusiasts should not only visit the Choco-Story Museum but also make sure to stop by The Chocolate Line. This is one of the most famous chocolate shops in Bruges, located on Simon Stevinplein. The shop itself is worth a visit due to its impressive interior. The Chocolate Line has a second store in the Belgian city of Antwerp. Additionally, the company even has its own factory and plantation in Mexico.
12. The Frietmuseum
To stay in the mood for food and museums; besides the chocolate museum, you can also visit the Frietmuseum. This is the only museum in the world entirely dedicated to fries. A visit to Belgium naturally includes a good portion of Flemish fries. The product was born in this country and is now eaten worldwide in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Learn everything about fries in this museum, of course, while enjoying a deliciously filled cone!
It is possible to buy a ticket for the Frietmuseum in combination with a ticket for the Choco-Story museum. Both museums are open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. You can also enjoy fries and a snack on-site with a drink. Here you can taste the best Flemish fries in Bruges!
13. Jan van Eyckplein
Near the Choco-Story museum lies the Jan van Eyckplein. During the Middle Ages, this was the Burgundian center of Bruges. It was a port where traders from all over Europe met. It was a bustling scene of merchants conducting business with each other.
Today, the tranquility has returned to the square, and from here you can walk to various Bruges neighborhoods. In the middle of the square stands a prominent statue of the world-renowned painter Jan van Eyck. This attraction owes its name to him. He also belonged to the Flemish Primitives, just like the painters whose art hangs in the Sint-Salvatorskathedraal. When visiting the square, you can admire the statue and then continue your Bruges city trip, for example, towards the Stadsschouwburg.
14. Royal Stadsschouwburg
Within walking distance of the Jan van Eyckplein, you’ll find the Royal Stadsschouwburg. The building dates back to 1869 and is over 150 years old. To build the city theater, many adjustments had to be made to the infrastructure of Bruges. Buildings had to be demolished, and streets and a square had to be laid out.
Today, it is one of the best-preserved city theaters in Europe. The theater has a capacity of 700 people. During your city trip to Bruges, you can attend a dance or theater performance or concert. The Stadsschouwburg is part of the Cultuurcentrum Brugge. We recommend visiting their website for the program.
15. Cycling along Brugge attractions
Do you want to see everything the city has to offer during your Bruges city trip? Then choose the Bruges highlights bike tour. An experienced guide will take you and a small group on a bike ride past all the hotspots of this Flemish city.
Besides visiting most of the attractions mentioned in this article, you’ll discover many more charming spots. The guide knows the city like no other and is happy to advise you about Bruges. You’ll find out where the best restaurants are or where to find the museums worth visiting. Start your stay with the tour, and you’ll enjoy your entire city trip.
Thanks to these Brugge attractions, it is a popular city for a day trip. It is also a great place for a romantic weekend getaway or a multi-day city trip. Want to surprise someone? Start planning now!
Want to know more about what to do in the West Flemish capital? Then read our article on what to do in Bruges!
Map of Brugge attractions
On the map below with Brugge attractions, we’ve conveniently mapped out all the charming spots and buildings for you. This way, you can easily plan the most convenient route for your city trip to the Flemish city. Bruges is indeed one of the most delightful places in Belgium!
By clicking on the attraction you want to visit, you’ll get information such as the location, phone number, reviews, opening hours, and the website where you can buy tickets, for example.