Bruges, a city consisting of magnificent medieval buildings, the pretty canals, and the picturesque streets, looks like a picture straight out of a fairy tale book. It’s truly a delight to visit this city, for its vast history, rich cultural heritage, warm people and not to forget, the amazing food. There are many things to do in Bruges for tourists of all ages, and everyone is bound to find something they like in this magical city.
10 Things To Do In Bruges
If you’re planning a visit to Bruges and are wondering how to spend your time there, read our list of the top ten of things you can do here.
1. The Old Town: Ride A Cycle Around!
Wondering what to do in Bruges? Well, do the most touristy thing there is – hire a cycle and explore the city, especially the Old Town Area. The fact that the city is surrounded by a canal, makes it a wonderful place to cycle around, while admiring the old charm this city gives. There are many cafes in the area if you get hungry, and many bike rental stores where you can rent a bike on a per hour or per day basis. This is a fun family activity, and your kids will absolutely enjoy it. The best part is that it’s absolutely safe and common to cycle around Bruges.
Price: INR 500/hour
Suggested Read: Shopping In Belgium: Ten Places To Shop For Fantastic Chocolates To Chic Clothing
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2. Belgian Waffles: Binge On!
One of the best things to do in Bruges at night, as you’re scrolling through the pretty city streets, is to stop at a stall or a café and buy Belgium’s finest delicacy – the Belgian waffles. They are the perfect dessert for any sweet tooth and come in a variety of options like chocolate, whipped cream, Nutella spread, or ever fresh berries or bananas. What better way to end a tiring day of sightseeing than rewarding yourself with this delicious snack? And as they say, vacation calories don’t count, so you can eat all the dessert you want!
Suggested Read: 10 Beaches In Belgium That You Must Visit On Your Trip
3. Basilica: Visit The Holy Place!
One of the top free things to do in Bruges is visiting the Basilica of the Holy Blood. What’s so special about this place? Well, as the name suggests, this holy place houses the blood of Jesus Christ himself. Although this might sound extremely religious to some of you, worry not, because there are many other reasons to visit this basilica, like the gorgeous interior décor, and the great historic value. The basilica is made up of two levels – the lower one which is plain and simple, and the upper Gothic area which is quite colourful and full of detail.
Location: Burg 13, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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4. Salvador Dali Exhibition: Admire Beauty!
For all you art lovers out there, one of the best things to do in Bruges in winter, when it’s cold outside, is to visit the permanent Salvador Dali exhibition, a popular tourist attraction in the city. This dramatically decorated exhibit gives insight on not only the brilliant works of the artist, but also his life, his character, and his vision of life as well. It truly is an unforgettable experience, walking among the many paintings, sculptures and other art pieces created by this mad, yet brilliant artist. Visiting the exhibition is one of the top things to do in Bruges in a day.
Location: Markt 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: INR 1,000
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5. Windmills: Go for a Walk!
Perhaps one of the most unusual things to do in Bruges, Belgium yet one of the most popular ones is to go on a windmill walk, and admire the many beautiful remaining windmills of this city. There are a total of four windmills remaining in the city, located along the medieval city gates, on the original Bruges city wall, which is now covered in lush greenery. The windmills date as back as the 1770’s and still grind grains. Two of the windmills hold museums within them. The most enjoyable part is the walk itself, and you are rewarded with a lovely picnic spot surrounded by these amazing large mills.
6. Groeningemuseum: Fall In Love With Art!
If you visit during the cold winter and are wondering about the things to do in Bruges in December, one of the top options would be to visit the Groeningemuseum, a museum which boasts of an impressive collection of Flemish primitives, including works of world known artists such as Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck. You’ll simply love the vast array of paintings, filled with bright colours and vivid facial expressions. Even if you are not an art connoisseur, you will fall in love with the artworks in this museum.
Location: 12 Dijver, Bruges, Belgium
7. Ice Sculpture Festival: Be Part Of The LIT Scenes!
Image Credit: Елена Коротких for Pixabay
Bruges is a beautiful city to visit during the winter, and one of the top things to do in Bruges at Christmas is to visit the ice sculpture festival, filled with many stunningly beautiful ice sculptures of all shapes and sizes. These sculptures are lit by a pinkish-purple light which only adds to the fairy tale effect, and one will surely wake up the inner child in them as they walk among the many beautiful sculptures. If you’re travelling as a family, this is definitely among the top things to do in Bruges with kids during winter.
Suggested Read: Belgium Nightlife: 5 Ways To Enliven The Dark Hours!
8. The River In Antwerp: Watch The Fireworks Over!
Planning a big new year vacation to Bruges and wondering what are the top things to do in Bruges on New Year? Nothing is more exciting on New Year’s Eve than to get cosy with your loved ones in a beautiful location and watch the countdown, and welcome the new year with a bang and fireworks! There are many restaurants in the area where you can enjoy a delicious last meal of the year before you begin to enjoy the New Year festivities.
9. Quay Of The Rosary: Visit The Historical Places!
If you are someone who just likes to explore the city and look at its beautiful historic places then you will enjoy a visit to the area of Rozenhoedkaai, and walking around its gorgeous streets. You can see many canals from this point in the city, and there is a ton of cafes located around this region. Due to the canals originating from here, this is the perfect place for the starting of most tours around Bruges.
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10. Belfry of Bruges: Go Up The Bell Tower!
Located in one of the most luxurious areas in the city, this is one of the most iconic buildings in the city and one of the most important ones as well, in historical terms. Built in the year 1240, the building is 83 metres tall, and from the top of the bell tower, one can see the view of the entire beautiful city of Bruges. There are many other important landmarks of Bruges located around the tower, so you can take a day out for visiting this part of the city.
Location: Markt 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Price: INR 1,200
Further Read: 10 Things To Do In Belgium That Are Fun, Delicious, And Delightful!
Liked the list of the best things to do in Bruges? If yes, Pack your bags, book your trip to Bruges with TravelTriangle and explore the city full of beautiful landscapes and splendid views.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Bruges
What is there to do in Bruges for free?
There are many things to do in Bruges for the budget travelers which includes exploring the cobbled lanes, peaceful canals and old churches. Alongside that there are stone bridges and the horse drawn carriages.
How many days do you need in Bruges?
Bruges have a lot to explore within its boundaries and also beyond that. And to witness all these things, at least 2 days are required to spend here.
What is Bruges famous for?
Bruges is famous for things like lace making and also the city brings out some of the luxurious lace in the world.
Is it possible to explore Bruges in a day?
It is quite easy to travel to Bruges and this is located very close to Brussels which makes it a day trip. A train leaves every 20 minutes to reach Bruges from Brussels and one can easily explore the city in a day.
What is the best area to stay in Bruges?
The city centre is the best area to stay in Bruges which is the main landmark of the city. This square is 83 metre high and gives the best views of Bruges.
Is Bruges a walkable city?
Belgium is quite a small country, and the city of Bruges is very walkable with most of the attractions close to each other. So people can take a tour of the city on foot.
Is Bruges expensive?
Eating out can be expensive in Bruges and it can cost you much higher than any other place in Belgium. A meal ranges around 15-20 Euros approximately.
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