Bruges and its top attractions
Situated in the north-west of Belgium, Bruges is often referred to as the “Flemish Venice” and for a good reason – in its historic part you will find numerous canals, which are reminiscent of the famous Italian city. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bruges impresses visitors with its many attractions, monuments and unique atmosphere. If you are dreaming of a trip to Bruges, be sure to join our free tours and book your place for an unforgettable walk with a local guide!
Bruges – what is worth seeing on your trip?
The city impresses with its medieval buildings, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s unique, almost fairytale-like atmosphere. Cobbled streets, romantic canals, charming townhouses… Bruges delights at every turn, and yet we haven’t yet mentioned its monuments!
Lovers of sacred buildings will find true gems such as the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, the Basilica of the Holy Blood (said to contain a vial of Christ’s blood!), the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (with the “Madonna and Child” sculpture by Michelangelo) or St. Walpurgis Church.
Bruges is also an ideal place for art fans. Called the ‘cradle of Flemish painting’, it was the center of the development of medieval painting – thanks to artists such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Gerard David. Their works can be admired in the Groeninge Museum, which also collects works by other well-known artists such as René Magritte, Roger Raveel, Raoul De Keyser, Joseph Odevaere or Joseph Ducq.
The heart of Bruges is the Grote Markt (Market Square) with its neo-Gothic Provinciaal Hof building, which was once the seat of the West Flanders Council. The market also houses the 83-meter Beffroi tower, which is the best viewing point to admire Bruges skyline. To get to the top of it though, you have to climb as many as 366 stairs. Also noteworthy is the Gothic Town Hall in Bruges, which is one of the oldest buildings of its kind in the whole of the Netherlands and impresses with its richly carved facade.
Lovers of medieval buildings will be delighted to visit the charming St Boniface Bridge, which is located at the back of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The most photographed spot in Bruges, on the other hand, is Rozenhoedkaai, a street with a beautiful view of Bruges, which includes a tree growing over the canal. Tourists also like to visit the Beguinage, which was once home to the Beguines – members of a social religious movement that has its roots in Franciscanism and, like it, preaches a life of simplicity and poverty.
Free walking tour – Bruges with an experienced guide
Want to see the highlights that Bruges has to offer? Take a free walking tour with experienced guides working with Walkative. Free walking tours in Bruges are aimed at individual tourists and small groups of friends who want a top quality tour. When you go on a free walking tour in Bruges with us, you price the work, knowledge and commitment of the guide – there is no pre-set price! Come with us for an unforgettable tour and see what Bruges delights in. Remember that with Walkative! you can also visit other Belgian cities such as Brussels, Antwerp or Ghent.