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Medieval buildings, romantic canals, and charming cobbled streets make Bruges in Belgium one of the most romantic destinations. But there’s more to Bruges than old-town charm. From delicious handmade chocolates to art museums and Michelin-starred restaurants, read on to find the best things to do in Bruges.
Where is Bruges?
Bruges (or Brugge, in Flemish) is a small but beautiful, historic town in Belgium. It is also the capital of the West Flanders region of Belgium. As it is less than an hour by train from Brussels, you can easily see it on a day trip. But it is also perfect for a romantic weekend, if time allows.
When I first visited Bruges it was a cold and windy November day and I think the weather wasn’t doing justice to the city. As it is a city better explored on foot, perhaps it’s better to go during the warmer months.
Nevertheless, it is a charming place, with lots to do any time of the year. So here are my 11 best things to do in Bruges.
1. Bruges old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The historic centre of Bruges is well preserved, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site of “Outstanding Universal Value”. Walking down its cobbled streets is like a trip back in time.
The whole of the medieval town is pedestrianised, so it is easy to explore on foot. There is something pretty to photograph around every corner.
2. Go on a canal boat tour
Back in the Middle Ages, Bruges was an important European trade centre, thanks to its port nearby, Zeebrugge. Hence the many canals, which at the time were used to ferry goods to and from the city. After all, this system of canals has given Bruges its nickname, “Venice of the North” (for which title it competes with Stockholm).
Read also: 10+1 Best Things To See and Do In Stockholm Sweden
Probably the best way to explore the canals is to go on one of the many boat tours available. Although at first, it seemed a rather touristy thing to do, afterwards I was really happy I did it. You get a whole new perspective on a city when you see it from its river or, in this case, canals. I enjoyed the boat ride, even though it was cold (I went to Bruges in late November).
The canal tours run several times a day, from March to mid-November. They start from Rosary Quay (Rozenhoedkaai), cost 8 Euros and take about 30 minutes.
3. See Minnewater Lake and Lovers’ Bridge
Bruges is so romantic that it is popular as a romantic destination for people in love. So it would come as no surprise that the city has its very own “Lake of Love”.
Hidden in a quiet part of the canals, in the southern part of Bruges, is a beautiful park called Minnewater. According to legend, there was once a young and pretty girl called Minna. She fell in love with Stromberg, a strong and handsome warrior of a neighbouring tribe. But her father opposed the match and instead arranged for her to marry another man.
Minna tried to escape and run to the forest, where she got lost. When her lover Stromberg found her, she was too weak from exhaustion and died in his arms. The beautiful lake is named after her. Also according to legend, if a couple shares a kiss while crossing the Lovers’ Bridge, their love will last forever.
Legend has it that, if you kiss your loved one while on Lovers Bridge, your love will last forever.
As it is far away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas, it is the ideal spot for a relaxing stroll by the water. The lake is also home to a great number of swans, who give it its nickname “Swan Lake“.
4. Delicious chocolate
Bruges isn’t just another pretty Medieval town; it is also an important centre of chocolate making, with over 50 workshops. In addition to local shops of big names such as Pierre Marcolini and Neuhaus, try also the delicious chocolates and desserts of The Chocolate Line.
If you crave some indulging hot chocolate after exploring in the winter cold, then head over to The Old Chocolate House. Bruges is a chocolate lover’s paradise!
5. Christmas in Bruges Belgium
From late November to Christmas, Bruges gets transformed into a winter wonderland. The main square, Grand Place / Grote Markt, is the main focus of the city’s Christmas celebrations, with an open-air ice skating rink and all the characteristic gingerbread houses fully decorated.
There is also a picturesque Christmas Village at Simon Stevinplein square, near the main square and just off the main shopping street of Bruges. Alternatively, there is a cosy Midwinter Festival in Balstraat, with plenty of hot wine, delicious waffles and handmade gifts.
6. Horse-drawn carriage tours in Bruges Belgium
Alternatively to boat tours, or rather, in addition, there are horse-drawn carriage tours. They last for about half an hour and they follow the charming cobbled alleys of the old town. The starting point is on the main market square (Grote Markt / Grand Place), except for Wednesdays, when they start from the Burg.
7. European classic art
During the Middle Ages, particularly in the 15th century, Bruges was an important centre of trade, which in turn had a positive impact on the arts. It was the time of the “Flemish Primitives”. These included big names such as Jan Van Eyck, Hans Memling and more.
Nowadays, you can admire their work at the Groeninge Museum, St John’s Hospital, St Saviour’s Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. In the latter, you can also see one of Michelangelo’s most beautiful works. It is the sculpture of “Madonna and Child”, which is made of Carrara marble.
8. Have a coffee or hot chocolate
There are many beautiful, cosy cafés and bistros in Bruges and they are great for a coffee break. Even more so in winter, when the delicious aroma of hot chocolate is all over the city! My advice is to skip the tourist spots in the main square and instead explore the streets behind it.
One of the best places for coffee is the delightful Books & Brunch. It also serves breakfast, light meals and desserts inside a charming little bookstore (it offers second-hand books).
9. Fine Dining in Bruges Belgium
Bruges has a surprisingly large number of Michelin-starred restaurants for such a small town. The Michelin guide recommends a total of 39 restaurants for 2019. The people of Bruges sure appreciate fine cuisine!
As I visited Bruges on a day trip from Brussels, I didn’t have the time for a full meal and I can’t recommend any particular restaurants. But you can find the list of current award-winning restaurants on the Visit Bruges website.
10. The Burg
Although the Markt (Market square) gets the most visitors, I think the Burg is just as pretty. Or even prettier I’d say!
The buildings here have different styles because they were built at different times. So you get to see Gothic style next to Renaissance and Neoclassical styles. In fact, the Gothic City Hall was built in 1376. Some say it’s the most beautiful building in Bruges and I agree!
11. Learn the history of lace-making
Back in the day, the lace made in Bruges was considered one of the best in the world. At one time, almost a quarter of the women in the city worked as lacemakers. Even though interest in lacemaking has fallen in modern times, it is still interesting to see this tradition up close.
There is now a Lace Museum (Kantcentrum) in Bruges, where you can see lacemakers at work. It is housed in the renovated lace school of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. The museum also has multimedia installations that show the different types of lace around the world. A lace workshop is on the second floor.
The Lace Museum is open daily except for Sunday. Tickets cost 6€ for adults and 5€ for over-65s and under-26s. Children up to 11 years old go free. More info at kantcentrum.eu
Hotels in Bruges Belgium
For a luxury treat, you can stay at the Hotel de Orangerie, right at the Rozenhoedkaai. Finally, the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, is the most luxurious option in Bruges, with 16 exclusive rooms.
Alternatively, the city’s historic centre is full of charming Bed & Breakfasts, housed in historic buildings, which guarantee a romantic stay!
How to get from Brussels to Bruges in Belgium
From Brussels, Bruges is less than an hour by train. The journey is comfortable and trouble-free. Trains leave from the Bruxelles-Midi station. The train station in Bruges is just a short ten-minute walk from the city centre.
Summing things up
Bruges is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Although it is easy to see as a day trip from Brussels, it is also perfect for a romantic weekend, any time of the year. It combines everything, from charming canals to delicious food, to romantic hotels.
Planning a trip to Belgium? Then read my post about the 10 Fun and Unusual Things to See & Do in Brussels
2 Comments
Jos Deroo
December 27, 2018 at 17:12Reposted on the Facebookpage of Books & Brunch ! Thanks for the praise…
Eleanna
January 14, 2019 at 19:39Oh thank you! Glad to see you like it.