In a nutshell
- We’ll show you our top 12 things to do in Bruges and share tips for your sightseeing trip — all from personal experience.
- Our personal must-sees in Bruges are Burg Square with the Basilica of the Holy Blood, St. John’s Hospital, and the Boniface Bridge. You can easily fit all of these highlights into one day in Bruges.
- That said, we think you should take your time with bruges sightseeing. Ideally, plan for a full weekend — there’s so much to soak in.
- Still looking for a place to stay in Bruges? Then check out our Bruges hotel recommendations as well.
Burg Square Bruges
What do you need to know? Burg Square is less than a two-minute walk from the main Market Square in Bruges and is surrounded by incredibly impressive historic buildings. Standing here, for example, are the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the old Civil Registry.
Is it worth it? Absolutely — Burg Square is a must! There’s truly something beautiful to see in every direction. On top of that, the central square is a great starting point for further sightseeing.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
What do you need to know? The Basilica of the Holy Blood on Burg Square is one of Bruges’ most iconic landmarks. It was built in the 12th century to house a relic — specifically a small vial said to contain drops of the blood of Jesus Christ. The vial is still kept in the St. Basil’s Chapel of the basilica.
Is it worth it? Whether the blood of Jesus Christ is actually housed here is open to debate. But the idea alone is pretty remarkable, and the stunning architecture, the many works of art, and the basilica’s great age make it one of the top things to do in Bruges.
Bruges Belfry
What do you need to know? The Bruges Belfry is the 83-meter-tall tower of the Bruges City Hall and stands right on the Market Square. The tower houses a carillon that still rings every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11 AM. And: for around €15 per ticket, you can even climb the 366 steps to the top.
Is it worth it? You definitely can’t miss the tall tower — it’s so centrally located and simply imposing. We did think €15 for the climb was too steep and skipped it — but honestly, we bitterly regretted that decision. The view from the top would have been seriously worth it.
Canals of Bruges
What do you need to know? More than one hundred kilometers of canals wind their way through Bruges. They twist and turn beautifully, pass rows of charming old houses, and are crossed by more than 20 bridges.
Is it worth it? Taking a few minutes to stop and soak in the canals is absolutely worth it! You’ll notice all kinds of details on the canal houses, get great photos, and really get a sense of just how old Bruges is.
Our tip: Don’t miss a canal boat tour through Bruges — it’s totally worth it! From the water, you get a completely different perspective on the city and pick up a lot of fascinating history along the way. Plus, the canals here aren’t nearly as crowded as in Amsterdam.
Book a canal boat tour through Bruges
St. John's Hospital
What do you need to know? St. John’s Hospital is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, consisting of medieval wards, a chapel, a church, and a pharmacy. Today it houses an authentic museum dedicated to the history of care at the hospital. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online.
Is it worth it? €15 for admission isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s absolutely worth it! The architecture is original from the 12th century, and you can easily picture what it looked like back then. The mix of exhibits is genuinely well done and extensive. The best museum in Bruges — in our opinion.
Book a St. John’s Hospital ticket
Boniface Bridge
What do you need to know? The Boniface Bridge in Bruges’ historic district was only built in the early 20th century. That means it’s many hundreds of years younger than the small houses surrounding it, making it the youngest bridge in the city.
Is it worth it? Admittedly, we had to laugh a little at how small this bridge is. BUT: it’s beautiful to look at! The entire scene — bridge, canal, and the 16th-century Bonifacius House — is THE photo spot in Bruges, and incredibly idyllic.
Rozenhoedkaai
What do you need to know? The Rozenhoedkaai — “Rosary Quay” in English — is one of the most beautiful and most photographed canal corners in Bruges. The quay is located southeast of the Market Square and serves as a docking point for many canal boat tours.
Is it worth it? Definitely swing by the Rozenhoedkaai when you’re in Bruges. The combination of canal, houses, and trees is truly picturesque — and your camera will thank you.
Church of Our Lady Bruges
What do you need to know? The Church of Our Lady is just a three-minute walk from Boniface Bridge. It’s not just a church — it’s also a popular museum in Bruges. Among other things, it houses Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child.” Admission to the church is free. If you want to visit the museum section, you can buy a ticket on-site or online.
Is it worth it? The Church of Our Lady and its museum perfectly embody the significance and wealth of the Church. Endlessly high ceilings, vast open spaces, and grandeur everywhere — we couldn’t stop marveling. That said, visiting the church alone without the museum is already well worth your time.
Book a Church of Our Lady Bruges ticket
Sint-Annakerk
What do you need to know? St. Anne’s Church is another stunning Gothic church in Bruges. What makes it special is that it’s a large hall church — meaning it’s not divided into nooks and corridors, but instead features one enormous, imposing hall filled with artworks and pews.
Is it worth it? We were completely blown away when we walked in. That vast hall with its black-and-white tiled floor makes an incredible impression — it feels almost more like visiting a palace than a church. That’s exactly why it’s one of our top recommendations for what to do in Bruges.
Begijnhof Bruges
What do you need to know? The Begijnhof is almost like its own little village — white historic cottages and a lovely monastery garden. In the past, the so-called Beguines lived here: emancipated women who chose a devout life. Today, nuns from the Order of Saint Benedict call it home. You’re still welcome to walk through the courtyard, though.
Is it worth it? The Begijnhof is a seriously peaceful spot. You can take a lovely stroll, admire the houses and monastery garden, and visit the Begijnhofkerk Sint Elisabeth.
By the way: Did you know that Amsterdam also has a Begijnhof? It’s equally beautiful!
Minnewater
What do you need to know? The Minnewater is a small lake in the heart of Bruges, near the Begijnhof. It’s also known as the Lake of Love. On the eastern shore stands a tiny castle, and on the western side is the Gothic Minnewater Clinic.
Is it worth it? As everywhere in Bruges, there’s plenty to see at the Minnewater. The lake itself is really pretty and a lovely spot for a stroll. But the surroundings make it even better! The small castle on the shore, the green spaces, and the nearby Begijnhof create a wonderfully atmospheric setting.
Old Hanseatic Quarter Bruges
What do you need to know? From the 13th to the 15th century, Bruges was a major trading hub in northwestern Europe. That’s not just a cool historical fact — it’s also the reason Bruges has its charming Hanseatic Quarter. Here you can see former shops and trading houses of international merchants.
Is it worth it? If you love old architecture, you’ll be gushing the entire time you’re in the Hanseatic Quarter. The rows of houses along the canals and Jan Van Eyck Square are stunning, and walking through the neighborhood feels like a mini time trip. It’s almost more of a Bruges insider tip. But shh!
Top 12 Bruges Highlights on the Map
To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked all the top Bruges sights on a map. Maybe you already know where your hotel in Bruges is located?
Guided Tours in Bruges
We love guided city tours. They give you tons of context about the highlights and a great overview of a city. There are plenty of guided tours in Bruges — here are the two we’d recommend:
Bruges Guided Walking Tour: Discover all the important spots in Bruges on this tour, along with the occasional off-the-beaten-path find. The tour is in English, and the guides speak slowly and clearly — so it’s easy to follow.
Bruges Night Tour with Stories: Walk through Bruges after dark with a guide, experience the city from a completely different angle, and hear little-known stories that most tourists never get to discover.
Our Hotel Recommendations for Bruges
Also read:
Frequently Asked Questions About Sightseeing in Bruges
How many days do you need in Bruges?
Bruges is very manageable, and everything is easily reachable on foot. From personal experience, we recommend a long weekend in Bruges — so you have two full days to explore the city.
What should you eat in Bruges?
In short: waffles, chocolate, and mussels.
Waffles are at least as popular and delicious in Belgium as fries — which is why there are so many waffle houses in Bruges. Our favorite is a warm Belgian waffle with chocolate sauce at The Old Chocolate House, a real Bruges insider tip.
The chocolate here has the same special quality as all Belgian chocolate: a much higher cocoa content than you’d find elsewhere, and you can absolutely taste the difference. Make sure to pop into a praline shop too.
And if you’re in the mood for something hearty, go for mussels. Seafood is a cornerstone of traditional Flemish cuisine, and Bruges often has great daily specials with fresh mussels and Belgian fries. The perfect drink to go with them? A Brugse Zot Blond — a grain beer brewed right here in Bruges.
When is the best time to visit Bruges?
We think Bruges is most beautiful in fall and winter. The cold season perfectly highlights the city’s historic charm.
Fall foliage or a dusting of snow look seriously stunning against this backdrop — and warm waffles and crêpes taste even better when temperatures drop.
Is Bruges worth visiting with kids?
We saw a few families in Bruges. However, the city doesn’t offer many activities specifically designed for children. The trip works best without kids or with school-age children who can appreciate the history and architecture.
