Best Things to See and Do in Bruges, Belgium

"Bruges Canal Boat"
The best way to see Bruges, in Belgium, is to take a boat trip or carriage ride

Are you traveling to Bruges in Belgium? The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to Bruges city center. The historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

At the end of a busy day,  I go to the city parks to relax and watch people.

Hoping to escape the crowds and tourists?  The wind mills of Bruges and the Beguinage are great places for peace and quiet.

When you visit Bruges, get your picture taken at Rozenhoedkaai.

Bruges and food

Everyone knows that Bruges is famous for its waffles, but when I am hungry for Bruges cuisine, I head to Cafedraal.

One of my favorite places to dine in Bruges is Restaurant Den Dyver, order anything paired with beer menu.

When visiting Bruges , this is the place for Belgium chocolates, fine lace and tapestries.

If you are traveling without a lot of money, go to the French fries stalls in front of the Belfry; the waffles are cheap, too.

For a huge splurge, I go to De Karmeliet or Patrick Devos. While the Market Square is the spot for late night dining.

"Nancy D Brown Bruges Belfry"
The entire town of Bruges is a photo opportunity. Here is Nancy D. Brown with the Belfry in the background.

Photo opportunities in Bruges are as easy as standing by the canals with swans swimming in the background, but they also include Rozenhoedkaai or on top of the Belfry.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of the Belfry or Concertgebouw.

The most random thing about Bruges is the Holy Blood Procession. While the name of the annual event is not catchy, the procession, held in May is amazing to watch. Check out my YouTube video of the Holy Blood Procession for parade highlights.

In Bruges, an active day outdoors involves walking or hiking or biking.

My favorite walking route is the route along the canal to Damme.

Bruges best museum is De Groeningemuseum.

For a night of dancing, go to another city!

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To find out what’s going on a night or on weekends, read Exit.

In the spring you should visit the Beguinage, the inner square is filled with flowers.

In the summer you should walk and bicycle in and around Bruges.

In the winter you should go to the ice skating rink on the market square and the Christmas market.

"The Madonna"
The Madonna is one of the masterpieces of the Groeningemuseum in Bruges, Belgium

A hidden gem in Bruges is Gouden Handrei, the unknown canal.

For a great breakfast treat or espresso, go to the Dagelijks Brood.

Just outside of Bruges you can visit Damme.

The best way to see Bruges is to walk, take a boat trip on the canals or ride in a horse drawn carriage.

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss boat trips on the canals or Boudewijn Sea Park.

What are your favorite places in Bruges?

Thanks to Liliane Opsomer  and Visit Flanders for assistance with this post.

Photos and YouTube video by Nancy D. Brown

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7 thoughts on “Best Things to See and Do in Bruges, Belgium”

  1. sojournrentals

    Hi Nancy,

    Thanks for your post..I haven’t been in Belgium but I think I will visit there after reading your post!..Thanks for the info.

  2. Thanks for this, Nancy–I’m headed there soon and
    had the best chuckle reading your tip on where to go dancing
    or find late night and weekend events.
    xoxox

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