Bruges City Guide

Bruges is known as "Venice of North", it is a beautiful medieval city, interlaced with canals, and easy to explore on a day trip from Brussels, or perfect for a weekend break.
Brussels is 1 hour 51 minutes from London on Eurostar, and Bruges is a further 1 hour on the train.

What to do and see in and around Bruges

Markt and the Belfry
The historic Markt square has been the heart of Bruges since the 12th century. The guild houses which surround the square are now restaurants, and there is a bronze statue in the centre of the square depicting Bruges' heroes Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. Dominating the square is the 13th century Halle (covered market) and its Belfry, climb to the top of the Belfry for fantastic views across Bruges.

Burg Square
Burg Square was the original centre of Bruges, walled and gated until the 18th century. On the south side of the square is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, named after the Holy Relic believed to contain the blood of Jesus. Next to the Basilica is the gothic Town Hall, dating from 1376. Visit the Mansion of the Liberty of Bruges for a peek at the original 15th century Alderman's Room.

St Salvatorskathedraal (Holy Saviour's Cathedral)
The Cathedral was built in the 13th century, and has recently been refurbished to its former glory. There are over 120 paintings in the Cathedral, along with ancient artifacts, pottery and manuscripts.

Begijnhof
The Begijnhof is a group of 18th century houses arranged around a small green, originally founded in 1235 by a group of pious women who devoted their lives to prayer and lace making. The Benedictine nuns took the area over in 1930, and still live there today. There is a small church with a museum reconstructing a 17th century Béguine's House.

Groeninge Museum
The Groeninge Museum is famous for its 15th century collection of Flemish Primitive art. The museum contains work by Jan van Eyck who lived in Bruges, Gerard David, Hieronymus Bosch, and twentieth century works by Magritte, Delvaux and James Ensor.

Sint Janshospitaal and the Hans Memling Museum
Sint Janshospitaal was Bruges hospice until the 19th century, it is now split into 2 sections. One half is a museum dedicated to the history of the hospice based in one of the former wards. The other half displays the work of Hans Memling, and artist who spent most of his working life in Bruges.

Gruuthuse Museum
The Gruuthuse Museum is based in a 15th century house and houses a diverse collection of Flemish sculptures, silver, 17th century tapestries, lace, and ceramics.

Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady)
The highest tower in Bruges is the tower on the Church of Our Lady. The Church is home to Michelangelo's Madonna and Child marble sculpture, the tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy, and 16th century Flemish paintings.

Diamond Museum
The art of diamond polishing was invented in the 15th century by local goldsmith Lodewijk van Berquem in Bruges. The Diamond Museum traces the history of diamonds in Bruges, there is a diamond polishing demonstration every day, and a display of Flemish jewelry.

Minnewater
The Minnewater, also known as the Lake of Love, is a lake surrounded by parkland. Originally Minnewater was the city harbour and the source of the canals which now run through Bruges city centre. It's now a tranquil area, home to numerous swans, and offers a view of the city from the bridge over the lake.

Frietmuseum
Everything you ever wanted to know about fries and more! This quirky museum, housed in the historic 14th century Saaihalle is dedicated to one of the greatest Belgian inventions – frites. From the history of the potato to the all important tasting session the Frietmuseum is a real education.