Welcome to our guide to the best attractions and things to do in Bruges! Often called the “Venice of the North,” this charming Belgian city is home to picturesque canals, historic buildings, and an abundance of cultural treasures. Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, or simply indulging in delicious Belgian chocolate and beer, there’s no shortage of sights and experiences to enjoy here. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the must-see attractions that should be on your Bruges itinerary, as well as some hidden gems that might surprise you. So, put on your walking shoes and let’s explore the best of Bruges!

The 3 Best Things to Do in Bruges

1. Chocolate Workshop at Choco Story Brugge
2. Legends of Bruges Private Tour
3. Private Shore Excursion from Zeebrugge to Bruges With Driver and Guide

The 3 Best Things to Do in Bruges

1. Chocolate Workshop at Choco Story Brugge

Expand your knowledge of Belgium’s world-class chocolate-making reputation with a visit to a chocolate workshop at Choco-Story Brugge. During this experience, you will watch a chocolate-making demonstration and then make your own delicious chocolate lollipops and mendiants. This is your chance to discover the secrets of chocolate making and indulge in some chocolate tastings. The best part is that you also get to explore the chocolate museum on your own.

The small-group lesson ensures a more personalized experience, and a self-guided museum visit is included as well. Indulge in desserts and pralines, and don’t worry about hunger pangs as you enjoy various chocolate tastings throughout the workshop.

The meeting point is at Wijnzakstraat 2 in Brugge, and the activity ends back at the same location. Please note that confirmation will be received upon booking. Wheelchair accessibility is unavailable for this activity.

2. Legends of Bruges Private Tour

The Legends of Bruges Private Tour is an ideal way for travelers to dive deeper into the history and culture of this fascinating city. As a private tour for your group only, you’ll have personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide, who will share insights and recommendations along the way. The convenient pickup and drop-off service from your Bruges hotel eliminates the need for transportation logistics. Take a leisurely stroll through the city, starting with the main square (Markt) and its notable statue. Stop by the impressive Belfort tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its top. End your tour at historic Burg Square, where you can continue exploring on your own or seek further recommendations from your guide. All fees and taxes are included, but food and drinks are not provided unless specified. Enjoy a hassle-free, intimate experience on the Legends of Bruges Private Tour.

3. Private Shore Excursion from Zeebrugge to Bruges With Driver and Guide

Make the most of your time in Bruges with a private shore excursion from Zeebrugge. Sit back and relax in the comfort of a private vehicle as you’re whisked away to the UNESCO-designated center of Bruges. With your personal tour guide by your side, explore the city’s winding canals, ancient squares, and exquisite architecture. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Church of Our Lady and the Holy Blood Basilica – entrance included with your tour. This hassle-free experience is limited to just your group, ensuring a meaningful and personalized Bruges experience. After your 3-hour tour, enjoy round-trip transfers back to Zeebrugge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bruges: A Tourist’s Guide

Bruges, with its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and charming atmosphere, is a beloved tourist destination in Belgium. But with so much to see and do, as well as cultural differences and potential language barriers, it’s natural for tourists to have questions. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about Bruges.

1. What is the best time of year to visit Bruges?

The best time to visit Bruges depends on what you’re looking for. Summer is peak tourist season, which means larger crowds and higher prices, but also warm weather and long daylight hours for exploring. Spring and autumn offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices, but some attractions (such as the famous Beguinage d’Amsterdam gardens) are closed during off-season. Winter brings cold weather and early sunsets, but also winter markets and cozy atmospheres.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Bruges?

If you’re a citizen of the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you do not need a visa to visit Bruges. Citizens of other countries may need to obtain a Schengen Visa before traveling to Belgium.

3. How do I get to Bruges?

Bruges is easily accessible by train from major cities in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. If you’re traveling by air, the closest airport is Brussels Airport, which is about 100 kilometers from Bruges. You can take a train or bus from the airport to Bruges.

4. Is English spoken in Bruges?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Bruges, especially in tourist areas such as the Markt and Burg squares. However, it’s always polite to learn a few basic phrases in Dutch or French to show respect to the local culture.

5. What is the currency in Bruges?

The currency in Bruges, and throughout Belgium, is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and most businesses accept major credit cards.

6. What is the best way to get around Bruges?

Bruges is a small and walkable city, so walking is often the best way to get around. However, if you want to cover more ground, you can rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage. The city also has a public transportation system with buses and trams.

7. What are some must-see attractions in Bruges?

There are many beautiful and historic attractions in Bruges, but some of the most popular include:

• The historic Markt and Burg squares, home to many iconic buildings and museums
• The famous Belfry tower, which offers panoramic views of the city
• The Church of Our Lady, which is home to several Masterpieces of the Flemish Primitives and a Michelangelo sculpture
• The Beguinage d’Amsterdam, a tranquil convent garden
• The Groeningemuseum, which houses a collection of Flemish and Belgian art

8. Where can I find the best Belgian chocolate in Bruges?

Belgian chocolate is a must-try when visiting Bruges, and there are many shops and chocolatiers throughout the city. Some of the most popular include:

• The Chocolate Line
• Dumon Chocolatier
• Chocolatier Van Oost
• The Old Chocolate House
• Leonidas

9. What is the local cuisine in Bruges?

The local cuisine in Bruges is hearty and comforting, with a focus on meats, stews, and beer. Some popular local dishes include:

• Stoofvlees (beef stew)
• Waterzooi (creamy chicken or fish stew)
• Brugse Zot (local beer)
• Witloof met ham en kaas (baked endives with ham and cheese)
• Belgian waffles

10. What is the tipping etiquette in Bruges?

Tipping is not required in Bruges, and service charges are often included in the bill. However, it’s common to round up to the nearest euro or leave a small tip (5-10%) for exceptional service.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Bruges

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, add Bruges to your itinerary. Bruges is a beautiful medieval city located in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It’s known for its picturesque canals, well-preserved historic buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and delicious chocolate. Here’s a guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Bruges.

1. Take a Canal Tour

One of the best ways to experience Bruges is by boat. Take a canal tour and enjoy the view while learning about Bruges’ history. The tours typically last around 30 minutes, and they’re available in several languages. You can book a tour at the boat landing stage located in the heart of the city.

2. Visit the Markt Square

The Markt Square is the heart of Bruges. It’s a large square surrounded by beautiful buildings, cafes, shops, and restaurants. You can sit and relax on one of the outside terraces, enjoy some Belgian fries or a waffle, and watch the world go by. During the summer, there are free concerts on the square, and during winter, there’s a Christmas market.

3. Explore the Belfry

Climb the Belfry tower and enjoy the stunning panoramic view of Bruges. The tower is the most famous landmark in the city, standing at 83 meters tall. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been featured in several movies, including the blockbuster hit “In Bruges.” Be prepared to climb a steep staircase with 366 steps to the top.

4. Take a Chocolate Tour or Attend a Chocolate Workshop

Belgium is famous for its chocolate, and Bruges has some of the best chocolatiers. Take a chocolate tour and learn about the history of chocolate in Belgium, the chocolate-making process, and sample some delicious treats along the way. Or attend a chocolate workshop, where you can learn how to make your chocolate.

5. Visit the Historium Museum

The Historium Museum is a multimedia experience that takes you back to medieval Bruges. It’s an interactive museum that combines history, architecture, and technology. You’ll walk through recreated medieval streets, see historic buildings and visit virtual reality displays that bring the history of Bruges to life.

6. Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a stunning church in the heart of Bruges. It’s named after a relic that’s said to contain a drop of Jesus Christ’s blood. The church has an impressive collection of art and architecture, including a Romanesque-style lower chapel and a Gothic-style upper chapel.

7. Take a Walk in the Begijnhof

The Begijnhof is a peaceful oasis in the middle of Bruges. It’s a courtyard enclosed by white buildings, surrounded by a quiet garden. This place was originally built as a place for the Beguines, a religious order of unmarried women, to live. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place to escape the crowds and enjoy some tranquillity.

8. Sample Belgian Beers

Belgium is famous for its beer, and Bruges is no exception. There are plenty of bars and restaurants that offer a wide variety of Belgian brews. Some of the most famous Belgian beers include Duvel, Chimay, and Hoegaarden. You can also join a beer tour and learn about the history of Belgian beer.

Conclusion

Bruges is a beautiful city in Belgium with a rich history and culture. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or beer, Bruges has something for everyone. Take a canal tour, climb the Belfry, visit the chocolate shops, explore the museums, and enjoy some Belgian beer. Have a fantastic trip to Bruges!