10 things to see in Bruges
Brugge, a city in western Belgium, is a popular tourist destination for its medieval old town.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the old town and its canals have been nicknamed the Venice of the North.
With picturesque scenery at every turn, Bruges lives up to its reputation, and we’ve put together a travel itinerary to help you capture the photos of a lifetime.
Bruges Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour
Church of Our Lady Brugge
Start your trip at the Church of Our lady Brugge, located right on the canal, which is one of the city’s most iconic sights and was painstakingly built from the mid-13th century to the end of the 15th century. It’s also the only place outside of Italy to house a Michelangelo painting. As a result, it’s now more famous as a church museum than a church. The building houses Michelangelo’s unfinished masterpiece, the Madonna and Child, as well as other medieval sculptures and religious art.
Mary’s Bridge
Just a minute’s walk from the church is Mary’s bridge. Surprisingly, the bridge is not named after the Virgin Mary, but rather the duchess who ordered its construction in 1448. On one side, you’ll see the medieval St. John’s Hospital, and on the other side, you’ll see a beautiful canal and cute houses. The bridge is only a few steps long, but the view of the canals and the city from here is beautiful, making it a popular spot for scenery. It’s a regular spot in Bruges’ photography exhibitions and magazines, so it’s worth taking some elegant photos.
Rosary Quay
Located in the center of the city, Rosary Quay is one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ places in Bruges.
Once a gathering place for vendors selling rosaries to visitors to the nearby Chapel of the Precious Blood (Basiliek van het Heilig Bloe).
now attracts tourists at all times of the year who are eager to snap a photo.
Pairwise swans on the water act as a sort of mascot, and a flea market is held every weekend between July and October in the nearby Dijver park.
You can also take a 30-minute boat tour from the nearby marina for a different perspective than walking around.
Lake of Love(Minnewater lake)
One of Bruges’ most popular tourist attractions has a legend that couples will love. It’s a cliché, but if you make a wish at this lake, you can expect eternal love – perfect for the start of a couples’ course. The aptly named Lake of Love is full of couples and has a bridge dating back to the 18th century, so don’t forget to take a couple’s photo here. The lake is open to the public, there is no entrance fee and you can visit any time of the day, seven days a week.
Baron Ruzettepark
Since 2015, Bruges has been hosting the Bruges Triennial, a triennial exhibition of contemporary artists and architects from around the world.
While temporary installations for the event are often removed after a period of time, Baron Ruzettepark is home to a permanent structure, the Colonnade, which was installed for the 2021 Triennial.
Described by the architects as “a harmony between an impenetrable forest and an ancient Roman colonnade,” the work exudes mystery as it appears to have been cut out of a dense branch of the forest. Feel free to wander through the maze of 100 columns.
Concertgebouw Brugge
Concertgebouw Circuit with panoramic view over Bruges
A modern building that stands out in the center of centuries-old Bruges, the Concertgebouw is a venue for contemporary dance and orchestral classical performances. The views of the city from the observation decks scattered throughout the building are worth a visit, as well as the quarterly exhibitions of contemporary photography.
If you’re visiting for other reasons than to see a performance, you can buy a ticket called the Concertgebouw Circuit.
Bruges City Hall Stadhuis
Built in the late 14th century, the Bruges Town Hall is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It has served as the city hall for over 600 years and is now a museum. The main hall, with its ornate vault and 20th-century murals depicting Bruges’ history, is a must-see for visitors.
Outside the building, the Blinde-Ezelstraat (Blinde Donkey Street), which connects the square to the fish market, is a great photo opportunity.
Balstraat
Step outside the medieval center of Bruges and head to the Balstraat, a street straight out of a classic movie. Lined with identical white buildings and crowned by the tower of the Jerusalem Chapel, Balstraat has a unique charm that makes it a far cry from the typical image of Bruges.
Along the way, you’ll find a folklore museum where you can learn about the lives of the common people who lived here in the 19th century, as well as small shops where you can buy traditional Belgian lace items.
Bruges Art Route
Walking along the ‘windmills’ dotted throughout the ‘Bruges Art Route’ will immerse you in the charm of this tranquil city. The best way to enjoy it is on a hike, which takes a minimum of 40 minutes and a maximum of 1.5 hours, and although the inclines are somewhat gentle, couples who don’t want to walk can also bike.
Diamond Museum
Couples, and even those who are getting married, should plan a trip to Bruges’ Diamond Museum to learn all about diamonds. At the end of the 15th century, jewelers from Spain settled in Bruges and developed the diamond industry. In their honor, the museum opened in 1999 and offers a wide range of activities related to diamonds, from exhibiting documents on the history of diamonds, diamond processing tools, and diamond collections to educational programs.
