You heard that they do great waffles in Belgium? Sure, Belgian beer and food are reasons alone to go visit this country. But wait to see all the places you could see if you visit Bruges! Trust us, it’s worth the trip if you’re close by. Here are 14 places to see during a weekend in Bruges.
What to Visit in Bruges?
The Belfry Tower
It’s hard to miss it. This medieval tower stands at 83 meters tall and offers a beautiful panorama on the city of Bruges. The Belfry of Bruges was built around 1240 and houses 47 bells. If you’re brave enough (or at least, in shape), you can climb to the top using the narrow and steep staircase of 366 steps, accessible by the public for an entry fee. Also, you might recognize this ancient monument from the 2008 movie “In Bruges”, with Colin Farrell.
Brugge Markt
Even if the Belfry Tower is the main attraction here, it would be a shame to miss out on the beautiful marketplace. Surrounded by beautiful houses, the place hosts a colorful market every Wednesday. Fruits, vegetables, cheese and hot snacks… Be sure to visit all the stands and surround yourself with the Belgian French language !
Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary)
If you Googled Bruges, surely you’ve seen pictures of beautiful houses reflecting in a canal. One of the best views of these houses is located at Rozenhoedkaai, aka the Quay of the Rosary. Take your time to admire the peaceful water and to take pictures of the pretty houses. You can’t visit Bruges without taking a picture of this view! Then, feel free to go and admire the Beer Wall at 2be Bar.
2be Beer Wall
If you’re visiting Belgium because of their beers, you’re in for a treat! At the 2be Bar and shop, they offer hundreds of various beers from Belgium and around the world. Try one of the beer tastings. You can have the “local taster”, the “light taster” or the “strong taster” samples. And don’t miss the huge beer wall at the entry : 1721 Belgian beers are exposed with their dedicated glass. You didn’t really visit Bruges if you didn’t see the wall.
The Old Town
When you’re visiting a city with as much history as Bruges, you want to stroll through the oldest part of town. Between the 12th and 15th centuries, Bruges had a golden age. The houses, cobblestone streets, and antique shops might make you feel like you traveled in time.
De Republiek Coffee
If you want to take a break from strolling through the city, you should stop by this restaurant near the movie theatre “Cinéma Lumière”. Many people refer to De Republiek as a hidden gem. They serve beer, wine, and cocktails, but also hot chocolate and coffees to be paired with salads, soups and tapas.
Visit Bruges and Don’t Miss the Bruges Beer Museum
Are you in Belgium for the beer? Then you have to visit the Beer Museum. Opened in 2014, this museum offers a very modern experience to visitors, thanks to iPads that allow you to navigate the information through text, audio and film. You will learn more about the ingredients used to brew beer, but also about the history of beer in the world. You can purchase tickets with or without the beer tasting, but keep in mind that there is a bar where you can taste 5 beers for 10 euros.
City Hall
Even if you don’t go inside the city hall, surely you will walk by it. So take the time to admire the gothic architecture style. After all, Bruges city hall is one of the oldest city halls in the entire Netherlands region.
Eat a waffle at Chez Albert
Belgium is not only famous for their beer and fries! They make delicious waffles also. You won’t be able to walk around the city without smelling waffles cooking… And anyway, you can’t visit Bruges and not eat a waffle. So just give up and enjoy this Belgian experience at Chez Albert. It’s one of the most famous places to eat a waffle, so it might be packed with tourists. But you can have a waffle to go and just eat it in peace, by the canal.
The Lover’s Bridge at Minnewater Park
If you’re looking for a place to relax after a busy day in the old town of Bruges, have a walk in the Minnewater park, downtown. It’s even better if you’re coming to Bruges : the first thing you’ll see will be this park. A legend said that after two lovers were separated by their family, they reunited at the bridge. Unfortunately, the young lady died of exhaustion in the arms of his lover. Weirdly enough, the legend says that if you walk over the bridge and kiss your loved one, it will become eternal love. So, just forget the death part.
Basilica of The Holy Blood
The basilica, completed in 1157, consists in a lower and upper chapel. Even though the building is magnificent on its own, the basilica is mainly famous for housing a venerated phial said to contain a cloth with blood of Jesus Christ. The legend says it was brought to the city by Thierry of Alsace after the 12th century Second Crusade.
Drink a hot chocolate at The Old Chocolate House
Looking for Belgian chocolate? At The Old Chocolate House, you will be able to shop plenty of fancy chocolate, pralines and sweets to bring back home. And if you have time, stop by the tearoom. They serve one of the best hot chocolates in town, alongside teas, hot chocolate spiked with booze, waffles and assortments of homemade delicacies.
Torture Museum
Well, that’s an unusual place to visit! Located in one of the oldest historical European prisons, this small museum explains the origins of several torture tools, while showing how they worked. If you’re curious and want to visit it, maybe do it before eating fries and waffles…
The Canals
Finally, we recommend that you walk along the different canals when you visit Bruges, or that you enjoy a canal boat ride down the cities inner canals. The calm scenery is a must-see, especially at dawn or at the end of the day, during golden hour. The departing canal tours leaves from Huidenvettersplein and the journey lasts around 30 minutes.
Did you plan to visit Bruges? Or did you already have the chance to explore this beautiful city? If you love to travel, check out our Brussels city guide.
