Bruges: The Venice of the North
With its canals and narrow streets, this UNESCO Heritage City is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
Things to do in Bruges
Take a boat trip through the canals
The perfect way to see the the city and admire Bruges stunning architecture. A boat tour with also help you learn about Bruges history and help you identify places you’d like to go back to.
There are a variety of places along the canals where you can join a tour.
Top tip: take the tour on your first day to get a better feel of the city.
Go up the Belfry
For wonderful 360 views of Bruges take a trip up the Belfry tower. If timed right you can watch and listen to the bells ringing.
With 366 steps it’s not an easy climb, but it is broken up with different levels with explanations of the towers history.
Visit the TimeScope
This virtual experience brings you back in time, showing you how the town looked in the 15th century.
The footage is paired with a two minute narration talking you through Bruges history.
Visit the Windmills
Located along a canal, 15 minutes away from the city centre, are four windmills built in the 1760s. They can be reached via a trail perfect for walking or cycling.
You may also enter one of the windmills, however it’s not open every day so do check times ahead of visiting.
Go to a free Harp Concert
If you love music I would highly recommend you go listen to one of Luc Vanlaere’s half hour concerts. The entrance is free as Luc believes that music and art should be accessible to everyone. The sound created by the harps and other instruments is beautiful and you also get the opportunity to learn a little bit of history about them.
Concert timings are between Wednesday to Saturday at 15:00, 17:00, and 18:30 hours.
The Best Chocolate Shops in Bruges
- Leonidas
- Pralinette
- The Chocolate Crown
- The Chocolate Line
- The Old Chocolate House
Where to eat and drink in Bruges
- De Gastro: perfect spot for dinner, I highly recommend the Estofado stew
- 2be Bar: this brewpub’s terrace offers great views over a canal, they also offer tasting menus, giving you the chance to true 4 beers for 10 euros
- Soup: perfect stop for lunch
- NOMAD: best place for brunch
- Chez Albert: go to place for Belgium waffles
Great post! My daughter and I visited Bruges in June. We both loved it! Taking the canal tour was our favorite part!
Thanks Sarah, the boat tour is definitely a unique way to see the city!
Bruges is lovely, thanks for the tips! I do have to say I like Ghent a bit more 🙂
Thanks Karla, I am yet to visit Ghent, I’ll have to check it out and compare!