What to do in Bruges

Activities, attractions and tours

A canal with boats, a church spire, and historic buildings at twilight.
A historic bridge over a canal, surrounded by traditional buildings and trees with autumn foliage.
A historic town square with a prominent church tower, cobblestone streets, and traditional buildings.
Two white swans swimming in a body of water with reflections of surrounding greenery.
A cityscape with historic buildings and two prominent towers.

Things to do

Bruges: Ticket Museum Sint-Janshospitaal

Bruges: Ticket Museum Sint-Janshospitaal

฿573
per adult
Bruges: Ticket Museum Sint-Janshospitaal
Bruges: Ticket Groeningemuseum

Bruges: Ticket Groeningemuseum (Groeninge Museum)

฿573
per adult
Bruges: Ticket Groeningemuseum (Groeninge Museum)
Bruges: Guided Tour & Boat Ride with Optional Beer Tasting

Bruges: Guided Tour, Chocolate Stop, Boat & Beer Options

฿956
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Bruges: Guided Tour, Chocolate Stop, Boat & Beer Options
Bruges: Frietmuseum Entry Ticket

Bruges: museum of Belgian Fries visit

฿459
per adult
Bruges: museum of Belgian Fries visit
Bruges: Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit

Bruges: Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit

฿612
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Bruges: Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit
Bruges: Ticket Gruuthusemuseum

Bruges: Ticket Gruuthusemuseum

฿573
per adult
Bruges: Ticket Gruuthusemuseum
Romantic Bruges: Love Between the Canals Exploration Game

Romantic Bruges: Love Between the Canals Exploration Game

฿344
per adult
Romantic Bruges: Love Between the Canals Exploration Game
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Top places to visit

1. Bruges Market Square

Since 958, the Grote Markt has been at the center of Bruges life. Once packed with merchants and buyers, today the Markt is a hub for tourism. Put aside some time to experience the restaurants, cafés, gift shops, guided tours and enchanting architecture of this lively part of the city.
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A historic tower with a clock, set against a dramatic sunset sky.

2. Bruges Belfry

You can't miss the Belfort. The city's majestic belfry rises 272 feet (83 meters) above the historical center of Bruges. While it’s awe-inspiring to see from any angle, the Belfort itself offers incredible views of the rest of the city. You'll also pass fascinating features on the way up. Just make sure you are comfortable with heights.
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A historic square with a prominent clock tower, a statue, and surrounding buildings.

3. Minnewater Park

Few cities have such an enchanting entrance as Bruges. If you arrive at the main train station, Minnewater will be one of the first places you encounter. The name Minnewater translates into “lake of love,” appropriate for this romantic stretch of water. Fairy tale-style turreted houses and weeping willows help define this as one of Bruges' most idyllic spots. Parts of the defenses of the city can still be seen, including the Watchtower that looms over the park.
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A park with a large tree, a person with a backpack, and a historic building with a tall spire.

4. Basilica of the Holy Blood

Heilige Bloed Basiliek, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, is one of a handful of places around the world claiming to have blood-soaked garments or vials of blood preserved from the life and death of Jesus Christ. Participate in a Friday mass to see the relic displayed before or after the service.
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An ornate church interior with a detailed ceiling mural, a central altar, and stained glass windows.

5. Begijnhof

The Begijnhof offers a rare and intimate experience of seeing nuns living and worshiping much the same as they would have done centuries ago. The Begijnhof or Beguinage name actually refers to a collection of small buildings used by Beguine nuns. Belgium has a number of existing begijnhofs; the one in Bruges is exemplary. The Beguines were a sisterhood formed in the 13th century. Many women joined the order following the depletion of Belgium’s male population due to war. The women were often supported by wealthy benefactors.
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A historic canal with a stone bridge, traditional buildings, and a swan swimming.

What to do in Bruges

Stay near popular Bruges attractions

A historic tower with a clock, set against a dramatic sunset sky.
Photo by Anna Baranowska
Open Photo by Anna Baranowska

Bruges Market Square

9.4/10 (3,991 reviews)
Ringed by colourful medieval guild houses, Bruges' Markt is the city's vibrant historic heart. Climb the Belfry's 366 steps for panoramic views or visit Wednesday mornings for the traditional market experience.
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Where to stay in Bruges

Find the best Bruges areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bruges
Learn more about Bruges
A canal with a bridge, a white building with a clock, and traditional brick houses.

Historical Center Bruges

Travellers to Historical Center Bruges praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Historium and Choco-Story Museum.

A historic church with a tall tower and a clock.

Sint-Anna Quarter

If you're spending some time in Sint-Anna Quarter, St. George's Archers Guild and Kantcentrum are top sights worth seeing.

A field of daffodils in front of white buildings with green trees.

Ezelstraat Quarter

Though Ezelstraat Quarter may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Park Sebrechts Brugge and Bruges City Theater.

A historic European town with a prominent church tower, a bridge, and a river.

Sint-Gillis

Get to know Sint-Gillis by checking out its breweries, historical sites and shopping. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Choco-Story Museum or Bruges City Theater during your time in the area.

A densely packed urban area with historic buildings, a prominent church, and a canal.

Bruges Center

Bruges Center is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Choco-Story Museum and Historium, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Bruges.

Day trip destinations from Bruges

A person in a yellow raincoat standing on a sandy beach facing the ocean.

Blankenberge

A narrow waterway flanked by tall trees and a bench in the middle.

Damme

A canal with buildings on either side, a tower in the distance, and a clear sky.

Knokke-Heist

A train station with a brick building, tracks, overhead wires, and a clear sky.

Lissewege

Frequently asked questions

Is Bruges worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Bruges. Remember to discover the area's blend of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Bruges?
After you've visited top attractions like Belgium Pier and Brugse Vrije, spend some time experiencing Bruges's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bruges?
De Halve Maan Brewery is one of the top tourist attractions in Bruges and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Bruges?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like De Halve Maan Brewery, Brugse Vrije and St. Salvators Church with a three-day stay in Bruges. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Ghent.
Is Bruges a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Bruges, like De Halve Maan Brewery and Brugse Vrije, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Bruges is Geldmuntstraat and Sint-Gillis is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bruges with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all ages, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Bruges with kids.

What to do in Bruges for adults?
De Halve Maan Brewery and Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres are just a couple of the things to do in Bruges. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Bruges?
In Bruges, St. Salvators Church is a top spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Bruges.