7 Fantastic Places You Must See In Bruges

It is one of those cities that you have to visit. Its charm and enormous beauty are worth the effort. And it can be a destination for a getaway or day trip from Brussels, which is only 90 kilometers apart. If you dare to make the trip, pay attention, we show you the places you must see in Bruges. Organize your walk through the Venice of the North!

Brief history of Bruges

Before showing you the attractions of the capital of Flanders, it would be good if you knew something about its past. It was declared a city in the 11th century. A short time later, a great storm “opened” a natural outlet channel to the sea that allowed Bruges to become a prominent commercial and industrial center.

From 1297 it was part of the Kingdom of France. But the forces of the Count of Flanders defeated the military of Felipe III in the 15th century.

A century later the sediments began to close the canal and the local economic power suffered a serious setback. At the beginning of the 20th century the city was mired in poverty. After a major restoration, it became one of the favorite destinations for tourists visiting Belgian lands.

What should you see in Bruges?

Now that you know a little about its past, it is a good time to show you the main attractions you must see in Bruges. These are corners not to be missed.

1. Grote Markt

It is the great square that cannot be missed in any typical Flemish city. The Grote Markt was used as a market in the past and is surrounded by medieval buildings. It is, without a doubt, the nerve center of the city and the best place to start any tour of Bruges.

At night it lights up in emerald colors and it is even more impressive if we climb to the top of its bell tower. It has 365 steps and 83 meters high, but it allows us to enjoy the most impressive views of the city.

2. Burg Square

It is the second most prominent square in Bruges and is very close to the previous one. In it, the town hall stands out, a magnificent building in the Gothic style.  Inside, among other things, you can visit a wonderful Gothic room decorated with murals and a polychrome vault.

One step away is the Basilica of the Holy Blood. It has two floors: one Romanesque and the other neo-Gothic. Inside there is a relic with the blood of Jesus. In the same square you will see the Franconate of Bruges (formerly Courts of Justice). with its marble, wood and alabaster fireplace.

3. Rozenhoedkaai

In the Spanish translation it could be something like “dock of the Rosary” and it is, without a doubt, the most photographed site in Bruges. If you want to go to this place from Burg Square, you will first go through the Fish Market (made of stone and portico) and then through the Tanners Square.

4. Groeningemuseum

If you follow the course of the main canal you will find this museum, where you will see works of the early Flemish painters. Very close to it is another interesting museum: Arenthshuis, in a 17th century manor house that houses the works of the British artist Frank Beangwyn. Both can be visited with the payment of a single entrance.

5. Church of Our Lady

It dates from the 13th century and houses a sculpture by Michelangelo, Madonna and Child. Once you go through it, you can go to the San Bonifacio or Lovers Bridge. On the other side is the Hof Arents park, from where you can admire another of the religious buildings to see in Bruges: the Cathedral of San Salvador.

6. Beginjhof

This area is one of the quietest in the city, ideal to escape the hustle and bustle of the center. Here you will find the “Lake of Love”, which connects to a channel that gives access to Beginjof. This was an area where nuns dedicated to those most in need lived.

7. Mills

As is the case throughout the Flanders area, the mills in Bruges are truly beautiful. The downside is that they are a bit far from the city center, and you may not have enough time to get to know them. Those that can be visited are Sint-Janshuis and Koelewei.

There are many places to see in Bruges, for this reason, the recommendation to plan your stay in the city very well, especially if it is an excursion from the Belgian capital.