Things to do in Bruges
Bruges is a perfectly preserved medieval Flemish city of canals, chocolate shops, and Gothic spires that somehow feels like a fairy tale without the Disney price tag. Compared to Paris or Amsterdam, you get equally stunning architecture and world-class beer for noticeably less.
Why go to Bruges
Belfry of Bruges (Belfort)
Climb 366 steps for a panoramic rooftop view over the candy-box medieval skyline.
Groeningemuseum
Home to jaw-dropping Flemish Primitives including Jan van Eyck masterpieces that defined Western painting.
Canal Boat Tour
A 30-minute glide through the Venice of the North reveals hidden gardens and centuries-old bridges from the water.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
A dazzling Romanesque-Gothic church housing a relic said to be the blood of Christ, free to enter.
Bruges Beer Experience
Four floors of interactive brewing history ending in a tasting of legendary Belgian ales.
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Good to know in Bruges
- Transit: Bruges's compact medieval center is entirely walkable, you almost never need a bus; the train station is a 15-minute walk from the Markt.
- Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in Belgium; rounding up or leaving a euro or two on the table is perfectly generous.
- Tap water: Tap water is safe and excellent quality throughout Bruges, carry a reusable bottle and skip expensive bottled water.
- Free-entry days: The Groeningemuseum and other city museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month for Bruges residents, but many temporary exhibits have free preview evenings, check museabrugge.be for the current schedule.
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