Over the years the medieval canal city of Bruges has gone by many names: City of Romance, Venice of the North, the City That Time Forgot, and Cultural Capital of Europe back in 2002. However, none of these monikers accurately capture the enchanting city of Bruges.
With the city center closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot, by boat ride along quiet canals, or by horse-drawn carriage among cobblestone streets. Although Bruges is a small city it will take more than one day to explore all the architectural and artistic treasures, folklore, chocolate shops, lace boutiques, and ambient restaurants on offer.
The historic center of Bruges is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is teeming with places of interest. For the most notable sites see Bruges Highlights below.
Check out the BRUGES CITY CARD to get free admission to museums, discounts on concerts and much more!
| Bruges Highlights | |
The Belfry Built in the 13th and 15th century it is widely considered Belgium's finest, with a carillon that has rung every quarter hour for nearly seven and a half centuries. | |
Memling Museum Housed in St John’s Hospital, the museum contains six works of art by Flemish artist Hans Memling including his renowned Shrine of St Ursula. | |
Church of Our Lady This church took around 200 years to build, has the tallest spire in Belgium and houses the marble Madonna statue by Michelangelo. | |
Beguinages A beguinage is the walled complex in a town that houses beguines or nuns. In Bruges, this is an area of quiet tree-lined canals faced by white, gabled houses, and a pleasant green area at its center. | |
The Groeninge Museum Bruges’ premier fine art museum holds a fabulous collection of Flemish masters such as Van der Weyden, Van Eyck, Memling, and Brueghel. | |
The Straffe Hendrik Brewery This museum and brewery is where visitors can discover the old traditional brewing methods in Bruges and taste their famous beer Straffe Hendrik or "Strong Henry." | |
Lace Center Housed in the tastefully restored almshouses founded by the Adornes family. Lace demonstrations are frequently given, whereas in the museum-shop all materials for lace-making can be purchased. | |
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