Bruges. Known as Belgium's Little Venice, Bruges is a beautiful destination of cobbled streets and dreamy canals.
Bruges
Capital of the Flanders region and a World Heritage Site, it is the perfect day trip from nearby Brussels.
Bruges
How to get to Bruges
If you are coming to Bruges (as in our case) from Brussels or another nearby city, the train or bus is the best option. We recommend the train, which takes just over an hour and leaves every twenty minutes.
It leaves from Brussels Central Station and drops you off at Bruges Station, right in the centre of the city, close to the main points of interest.
Bruges
Getting around
Bruges is a small city so you can get around on foot, making it the perfect destination for day trips from Brussels.
For a different perspective, you can take one of the tourist boats along the city's main canals, or rent a bicycle.
Boats on the canal
Gastronomy
As in the rest of the country, Bruges is the perfect place to taste typical dishes such as chocolates, waffles or the famous mussels with potatoes. We recommend Gruuthuse Hof to enjoy this Belgian speciality, always accompanied by a good beer.
Food truck
If you prefer something quick and hot, Soup (for around €10 the menu includes soup, half a sandwich and a piece of fruit) or At Tattie's sandwiches and waffles for €6-7.
And if you fancy a beer Beers Yesterday's World is your destination. However, we recommend you take a look at this guide to breweries and pubs in Bruges.
Bruges
What to visit in one day
Grote Markt and Grote Burg
Surrounded by a large canal, the main places to visit are the Markt and Burg squares. They are the most atmospheric places in the city.
Provincial Palace
Highlights include the Belfort Bell Tower and the Provincial Palace on the Grote Markt, but don't forget to stroll around the surrounding shopping streets such as the Sint-Jakobsstraat where you can have a snack or do some shopping.
The Belfort Bell Tower
The Grote Burg is home to the Bruges Town Hall (14th century), the Palace of Justice (18th century) and the Holy Blood Church (12th century). From the Grote Mark you can reach it via the Breidelstraat.
Town Hall
Holy Blood Church
Rosary Quay
Located next to one of the most important canals in Bruges, the Dijver, surrounded by medieval buildings. It is very typical to take a boat to sail along the canals.
Rosary Quay
The area of St. John's Hospital is a perfect place to start a route along the canals that will continue under the bridge of St. Boniface or next to the Jan Van Eyck square. (half hour €8 /pax)
Views of the canal
Our Lady Church
Next to St. Boniface Bridge is the Church of Our Lady or Vrouwekerk. It dates back to the 13th century and is notable for its brick tower, which is over 120 metres high. Its interior houses the Madonna of Bruges, the work of the master Michelangelo.
The Church of Our Lady
Jan Van Eyck Square
Dedicated to the famous Flemish painter Jan Van Eyck, this is one of the most beautiful squares in the city. A lively area where you can enjoy a good coffee.
Bruges Cathedral
St. Saviour's Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Bruges. It is located at the end of the Steenstraat (10 minutes walk). Of great beauty, it houses a large number of paintings, although the most striking feature is its central nave. Access is free of charge.
Cathedral
Begijnhof
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Begijnhof, located near Minnewater Park, are almshouses built to house orphaned or widowed women who had nowhere to live. This small town within Bruges dates back to the 13th century and is now home to a community of Benedictine nuns. Admission is free.
Begijnhof
Katelijnestraat
In the Katelijnestraat near the Begijnhof you can enjoy a lot of shops and the best chocolate shops in Bruges, such as De Proeverie, Mary or Sukerbuyc.
Bruges
Groenerei
The Groenerei canal is one of the most photographed canals in Bruges. Known as the Green Quay, it links the Peerdenbrug and Meebrug bridges. The 18th century building of the Pelican House stands out.
Groenerie canal
Groeninge Museum and Memling Museum
The Groeninge Museum is dedicated to the history of Flemish painting and is located next to the St. Boniface Bridge, one of the most beautiful corners of the city. Here you can enjoy the evolution of Flemish painting from the primitives to the present day (admission: 14€/pax approx., closed on Mondays).
Saint John Hospital
Another museum you should visit is the one located in the Saint John Hospital, where you can enjoy the masterpieces of one of the leading Flemish masters, Hans Memling. The building, which was once a medieval hospital, dates from the 12th century and is located next to the Church of Our Lady. (Admission: approx. €8/pax, closed on Mondays).
Saint John Hospital
Bruges
Map
Nearby visits. You may also be interested in Brussels.
Capital of Belgium and seat of the EU institutions, Brussels is the perfect destination for a city break, to enjoy the famous Belgian beer, savour its gastronomy and admire its architectural beauty.
Brussels
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