Bruges – top 10 things to do

Bruges, or Brugge, is one of the most enchanting cities in Europe, with gorgeous canals, pretty squares and great beer. Get inspired to enjoy a weekend exploring with my travel guide for the top free or cheap things to do in Bruges.

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If you’re planning a trip to Bruges and want more details on Bruges and the top 10 things to do, I’d recommend checking out this great guide to Bruges ready for your trip (affiliate).

1. The famous Bruges view and more

There’s one view of Bruges that’s on every travel guide and postcard so deserves its place as one of the top 10 things to do in Bruges (see photo above). It definitely has to be one of your first stops when you arrive in the city for some photos. With views across to the Belfry at the meeting of two canals, this is also one of the main areas to find a boat trip along the canals. But this city isn’t short of stunning canal views. One of my top things to do in Bruges is just to walk along the canals, enjoying the views.

2. Markt

As well as the canals, Bruges also has two beautiful medieval squares. The Markt is the old market square, instantly recognisable from the tall bell tower that dominates the square, the Belfry. The Belfy dates back to the 13th century and, according to Wikipedia, is 83 metres tall. If you’re ok with heights and the prospect of 366 narrow steps, you can climb to the top of the Belfry for stunning views over the city. See the website for opening times and prices if you fancy a climb.

3. Burg

The other big square in the centre of Bruges is the Burg, which played an important role in governance under the Count of Flanders. Stunning buildings surround the square, dominated by the gothic Bruges City Hall which dates back to the 14th century.

4. Belgian Beer

No trip to Belgium is complete without trying one of the many famous Bruges beers and it’s definitely a top 10 thing to do in Bruges. If you’re lucky to visit on a sunny day, you can sit outside in the market square and enjoy a beer while admiring the views. One of the more unique Belgian beers is ‘Kwak’ and is served in this unusual tall glass…which makes it a challenge to drink but that’s part of the fun!

5. Bruges Begijnhof

This old convent is an incredibly peaceful spot in a busy city where you can relax in the gardens lined with white houses. The Princely Beguinage of the Vineyard was founded in the 13th century and was home to a community of lay religious women known as beguines. It’s a beautiful spot for some quiet reflection, and is particularly lovely in spring when it’s covered in daffodils.

6. Bruges at night

When in Bruges, make sure you take a walk around the canals at night. It really does feel like you’re stepping back in history as you wander through the cobbled streets and over bridges with the inky black canals beneath you.

7. Windmills

Belgium, as well as the Netherlands, is famous for its windmills. Just a short distance from the centre of Bruges you can walk among some stunning old windmills next to the water. Between the Dampoort and the Kruispoort there are four Windmills, dating back to when windmills were used for grinding flour and grain. It’s another great reminder of the rich history of the city. This area is great for an afternoon walk if you want to escape some of the more crowded narrow streets of central Bruges. You can learn more about each of the different windmills here.

8. Belgian waffles, chocolate and French Fries with mayonnaise

You can’t visit Belgium without having several waffles a day (or more…) and buying a load of chocolate to take home. Waffle shops and chocolate shops are all over the city so you’ll never be too far away. Enjoying Belgian chocolate is definitely one of my top 10 things to do in Bruges!

For a small country, Belgium has a lot of famous food. If you haven’t already filled up on delicious Belgian waffles, make sure you try another classic Belgian meal of French fries and mayonnaise. It’s a perfect quick lunch while you’re sightseeing.

9. Basilica of the Holy Blood

Most European cities have a fascinating Church or Cathedral, but this one in Bruges is a bit different. As its name suggests, inside the basilica is a phial thought to contain the blood of Jesus Christ. Worshippers come to the Basilica every day to see it. The phial was brought to Bruges by Thierry of Alsace, the Count of Flanders during the Second Crusade in the 12th century.

10. Take a boat trip along the canals

For a city most famous for its canals, what better way to enjoy the sights than by boat. One of the most popular boat trips takes half an hour and should definitely be one of your top things to do in Bruges. You can just sit back and relax, enjoying the views, perfect for a sunny afternoon. Find out more details here.

Enjoy the top 10 things to do in Bruges! Remember to check out this great guide and map for your trip as well (affiliate). If you’re keen to spend more time in the land of Belgian waffles, why not enjoy a few days in Brussels. Or if you’re looking for another beautiful medieval city, Prague has some great history and stunning architecture.