12 reasons to visit Bruges from stunning architecture to delicious food and more
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With its maze of cobbled streets, large open squares surrounded by beautifully preserved gothic buildings, tiny laneways opening onto picturesque canals and rows of medieval houses, Bruges is renowned for being one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Irish film buffs will be acquainted with its cathedral and bell tower, which play a pivotal role in Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell’s epic film — and with the delicious aroma of chocolate permeating the air, an array of cosy bars selling a myriad of interesting Belgian beers, it’s tempting to wander from watering hole to café all day long.
But there is so much to see, a wealth of history and culture to absorb and plenty of walking and cycling routes to help burn off some calories.
Located just an hour and 20 minutes from Brussels airport (fly Dublin to Brussels, then connect by train) this stunning city is perfect for a short break — and to help you to decide what to see and do, we’ve compiled a list of our favourites.
Fans of will remember the belfry with its 366 steps which proved a challenge for some of the less athletic characters in the movie.
But there are plenty of stopping points on the way up to see some old bells on display, admire the big bell from below — and take a breather.
The view from the top of the 83m tower is spectacular and if you happen to be inside when the 47 bells chime (once every 25 minutes), the experience is quite something.
There are few things more relaxing than watching the world go by and Bruges has plenty of opportunity to do just that.
The heart of the city is Markt — Market Square — and dominated by the belfry, it’s a bustling hive of activity, with bars and restaurants on all sides.
There is also ample seating if you just want to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful architecture.
Burg Square is another wonderful place to experience the city and is lined with wonderful buildings, including the 14th Century Gothic Town Hall, the Liberty of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
With cobblestones and medieval buildings, Bruges makes you will feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, so what better way to explore than by horse and carriage.
Located in Markt, (and Burg on Wednesday mornings) equine hosts wait patiently to be guided by their driver along winding streets, across ancient bridges and past some of the city’s most famous sites.
If there are no carriages when you arrive in the square, just line up and wait for the next one to return from its travels — for the most part, they operate on a first-come first-served basis, but if you would like to do a specific route, this can be arranged with the driver in advance.
Rides from €18 per person.
Most people like to amble around on a weekend break, but if you’re a sporty type and want to try and get in a few extra steps, then a tourist run is the perfect combination.
Accompanied by a guide as you work up a gentle pace through the narrow streets, you will get to see another side of the city, particularly as most of these tours take place early in the morning or the evening.
The circuit is 9.5km and takes between 60 to 75 minutes.
Costs from €20 per person.
Another great way to explore is on two wheels and in the company of a local, you will get to see some fantastic sights and get the lowdown of what’s what from someone who lives in the city.
With groups of less than 10 people, the ‘retro bike’ tours start from Bladelin Court, a medieval city palace, but you can also customise a route, so if you would prefer to see something specific, depart at a certain time of the day or even bring your own picnic and take some time out, then this can be arranged with your guide.
Tours cost from €38 per person, including bike hire.
Like some of its Dutch counterparts, Bruges is renowned for its canals. A major European trading hub from the 13th to the 15th century, the waterways have long been central to the development and connectivity of the city.
Today, their importance lies more in their charm and beauty, and you can enjoy wandering along the paths which meander through the city or on a boat trip where you can discover all sorts of gems, not visible from the street.
Boat trips cost from €15 per person.
Right in the heart of the city, the Begijnhof is the perfect spot to escape the crowds, with its beautiful gardens surrounded by the white buildings which were once inhabited by the Beguines, who took informal vows of chastity.
There is a museum depicting Beguine life and if you’re lucky you may get to experience the Benedictine nuns taking their morning stroll, which adds to the serenity of the place.
Belgium is renowned for its beer making and Bruges offers ample opportunity to taste some of the best on offer.
With loads of characterful bars to choose from, you will have no trouble whiling away an afternoon without feeling guilty as it is all part of immersing yourself in the local culture.
From Cafe Vlissinghe, which at 500 years old, is the oldest pub in the city and packed with charm, to t’Brugs Beertje, which has over 300 brews to choose from and, for the ultimate escape from it all, head underground to t’Poatersgat, which has 120 beers on offer.
But mind how you go, those Belgian beers can be strong, so check the strength before you dive in.
If you’re keen to discover the history behind the beer making industry in Bruges, then the Bruges Beer Experience is just the place for you.
This museum is both interactive and informative and while beer drinkers are undoubtedly the target audience, it is actually a fun experience for all the family as there is also a kids tour which involves a story of a local bear.
After the tour, adults can enjoy a selection of different brews and with your newfound knowledge, you may even be able to distinguish between the different types of brews and their origins.
Tickets cost from €13 – family rates available.
In addition to beer, Belgium is also renowned for chocolate, so if you are more interested in the sweet stuff, then you will not be disappointed as there is an abundance of chocolate on offer — so much so, that the air is perfumed with delicious aromas wafting from the many enticing chocolate shops.
The absolute Mecca for chocoholics is Katelijnestraat with rows of stores all displaying their delicious wares, but as the prices here are often higher than in the stand alone shops, you could walk down any side street and find something similar but cheaper, such as Dumon, just off Markt, which is well worth a visit.
While we’re on the subject of food, you can’t go to Belgium without having at least one helping of waffles.
There are lots of places to choose from, depending on whether you want sweet, savoury, a quick snack to go or an indulgent plate to linger over.
Some of the most popular are the aptly named House of Waffles, which has a big menu to choose from, as well as Oyya and Lizzies.
And if you have any room left over, a helping of Belgian fries has to be on your agenda at some point — check out The Potato Bar (groan), Fritbar and Frietfarm.
After all the delicious food and beer, you will no doubt want to burn off some of the excess calories, but might not feel up to an accompanied tour, so the self-guided tour is the perfect alternative.
Pick up a little booklet from the tourist office (located in Markt) which has a number of different options — including something for those who want a little art and culture, those looking for romantic hotspots, the most photogenic spots for Instagram posts or a walk dedicated to those who want to indulge in some more foodie delights.