Bruges, belgium
Attractions Guide

Bruges is a stunning city with countless medieval structures, best enjoyed by walking around and exploring. The large city center is the historic medieval area of Bruges, consisting of many islands created by many winding canals and rivers.

The most impressive medieval buildings are centered around the the picturesque Markt Market Square which is surrounded by charming and intricate medieval buildings, including the Provinciaal Hof (Provincial Court).

Towering above the Market Square is the massive Belfry of Bruges tower. It's highly recommended to climb the 366 steps to the top of the tower for incredible views over the city. 

Just east of Markt Square is the majestic and highly embellished Bruges City Hall (or Stadsbestuur) which sits on the elegant De Burg Square.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Adjacent to the City Hall is the beautiful 850 year old Basilica of the Holy Blood church. This basilica consists of a 12th century Romanesque chapel and a lovely 15th century gothic chapel. Famously this church also houses the Relic of the Precious Blood, a cloth said to be stained with the blood of Jesus Christ.

Behind the City Hall and Basilica of the Holy Blood (to the south) is one of the city's most gorgeous canal viewpoints, the Brugge Fotoplaats Photo Point, which overlooks several impressive medieval buildings along the canals. Nearby you can take in amazing views of the Church of Our Lady Bruges's giant tower framed behind the canal on the Wollestraat Bridge, next to the Statue of Saint Joannes Nepomucenus.

To the south of Markt Square is the stunning gothic Church of Our Lady Bruges, which hosts the second largest brickwork tower in the world. This marvelous 13th century church also contains the Madonna & Child, a white marble sculpture created by Michelangelo. Just west of this church is another towering gothic church, the impressive 14th century Sint-Salvatorskathedraal.

Sint-Janshospitaal Medieval Hospital

Across from the Church of Our Lady Bruges is the 12th century Sint-Janshospitaal, a medieval hospital which now hosts the Hans Memling art museum as well as a medical museum.

Behind the Church of Our Lady Bruges you can admire the lovely stone Bonifacius Bridge and the rustic homes lining the canal. A very popular activity in Bruges is to take a small boat ride along the medieval city's canals for a scenic sightseeing tour.

Groeningmuseum

Nearby the Bonifacius Bridge is the popular Groeningemuseum, which hosts a large collection of fine art, including a wide array of Flemish pieces.

Halve Maan Brewery

Further south of Markt Square is the city's most popular brewery, the Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, a 16th century brewery which is famous for its 2 mile (3.2 km) long pipeline which travels out of the inner-city to transport beer to its bottling plant.

Minnewaterpark

Just south beyond the brewery is one of the most scenic outdoor areas of Bruges to explore, Minnewaterpark, which consists of wooded parkland alongside rivers and canals. Complimenting the natural scenery are many medieval structures, including the quaint Kasteel de la Faille castle, the Sashuis house which sits atop a bridge spanning the river, and the rounded Powder Tower.

Beguinage Convent

In the area around Minnewaterpark you'll also find the UNESCO listed Beguinage (or Begijnhuisje), a beautiful 13th century convent complex.

It's possible to traverse the entire length of the medieval inner-city's outer boundary by walking along a trail. This extremely scenic trail passes through woodland along the canals and rivers, passing many medieval gates to the city such as Kruispoort. Near this gate on the northeastern part of the trail are a series of windmills along the water, including the Sint-Janshuis Mill.