Step into a real-life medieval fairytale. Easy to love, even easier to explore.
Quick Facts
Weather Range
43-63F (6-17C)
Currency
EUR
Language
Dutch (Flemish), French
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1)
Overview
Prepare to be enchanted. Zeebrugge is the modern coastal port, but the real destination is Bruges, a 25-minute journey inland. Bruges is one of the world's best-preserved medieval cities, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece that will make you feel like youve time-traveled. The best way to see it is by taking a boat tour on its quiet, swan-filled canals. The heart of the city is the Markt, a massive central square dominated by the 83-meter-high Belfry. Climb its 366 steps for an epic view. Then, get lost in the winding streets, sample beer from a 500-year-old pub, and eat your weight in the world's best chocolate and waffles.
Top Sights
Minnewater (Lake of Love)
This tranquil, picturesque lake at the south end of the city is a perfect, romantic spot. It's surrounded. by a beautiful park and is famously home to dozens of swans.
Bruges Canals
The Venice of the North is defined by its serene canals. Taking a guided boat tour is the. quintessential Bruges experience, offering a unique, beautiful perspective of the medieval architecture.
Belfry of Bruges (Belfort)
This 13th-century, 83-meter-high bell tower is the symbol of the city's power and wealth. Climb the 366 narrow. steps to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city.
Markt (Market Square)
This is the vibrant, historic heart of the city, lined with stunning, colorful, stepped-gabled guildhalls. The. square is dominated by the massive Belfry, the city's most famous icon.
The Beguinage (Begijnhof)
This UNESCO-listed site is a stunning, whitewashed 13th-century complex that was once home to Beguines (lay religious women). Today, its a peaceful, silent convent and a beautiful place for quiet reflection.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
This small, stunning basilica on the Burg square has two chapels. The 12th-century Romanesque lower chapel is starkly beautiful. while the upper Gothic chapel famously houses a venerated relic of the Holy Blood.
Neighborhoods
Zeebrugge
Local eats and photo spots
Markt Area
Local eats and photo spots
Burg Square
Local eats and photo spots
Sint-Anna Quarter
Local eats and photo spots
Shore Things Excursions
Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Pub Hopping in Bruges
Sip your way through Bruges with brewery visits, museum bar pours, and one legendary Duvel-all with cobbled streets and canals on the side.
Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator
Pub Hopping in Bruges
Sip your way through Bruges with brewery visits, museum bar pours, and one legendary Duvel-all with cobbled streets and canals on the side.
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