Wander Mak

The fairy tale city of Bruges is filled with charming streets and unique experiences! Whether you’re looking to indulge in one of the worlds most mouthwatering chocolate at the annual Bruges Chocolate Festival or admire the charming streets by horse and cart, Bruges has something for everyone to fall in love with. Here are ten things to do for your time in Bruges!

1. Stroll the city centre

he city centre of Bruges is overall rather small, which makes it the perfect place to get on foot and tour the charming cobble stone streets, picturesque architecture and discover unexpected gems that are hidden within the cities corners.

2. Visit the Grote Markt

The Grote Markt is the largest and busiest market square of Bruges, making it the beating heart of the city. The city square is brimmed with iconic landmarks, vivid neo-classical architecture and bustling restaurants.

3. Visit the Provincial Hoff

The Provincial Hoff is a relatively modern building, being finalised in 1920. the building was replaced for the origional 13th century ‘waterfall’, which was damaged by a city fire. The building is used to host ceremony’s which often flow into the Grote Markt.

4. Visit a museum

Bruges is filled with weird and wonderful museums. Whether it be learning the art to handmade Belgian chocolate at the ‘chocolate factory’, learning about grim medieval contraptions at the ‘Torture museum oude steen’ or tasting fresh pints of Belgian beer at the ‘Bruges beer museum’, there’s something for everyone.

5. Horse and cart tour

The horse and cart tours are inclusive of informative and friendly coachman that give information on attractions and the cities history. Tours commence and finish in the centre of the Grote Markt. The tour goes for thirty minutes with a stop at the stunning Minnewater park. If you’re an animal like myself, you will be happy to know that the horses are well looked after and only work two days a week. You can expect to pay 50 euro per carriage.

6. Visit belfry of Bruges

Belfry can be found in the North of the Markt. Belfry was build in 1240, which partly functioned as a watch and bell tower. The tower has been burnt down both completely and partially over the past millennium and last patched up in the 19th century. The courtyard of the tower can be accessed for free. It once stood as a trade market for Flemish clothing. Otherwise if you’re prepared for a hike up 366 steps, the tower makes a perfect view point of the city.

7. Visit Minnewater

Also known as the lake of love, Minnewater is a stunning lake that is encircled by arched bridges and surrounded by stunning architecture and home to water birds that elegantly float upon the waters surface. It is no surprise that its romantic vista is used for inspiration to many artists that can be seen surrounding the lake with their easel and canvas.

8. Tour the canal

Bruges is known as “Venice of the North” due to its streaming canals. You can catch a boat tour which arrives every 20 minutes on the docks south of Burg which include; Rozenhoedkaai and Dijver. The tours take thirty minutes and gives a unique perspective of the city and allows you to view scenery that you isn’t always accessible from the streets. You can purchase tickets for 10 euro on the dock however be prepared for a cue, especially in the warmer months.

9. Visit the church of our lady

This 13th century Catholic Church was dedicated to Virgin Mary. The church peaked in popularity in the Middle Ages and people from all over Europe would gather here! Surrounded by picturesque gardens and bucolic stone bridges that make passage over the streaming canal, there is no wonder it remains cherished by locals and visitors from all over the world.

10. Visit the Bruges chocolate festival

The Belgians make some of the best chocolate in the whole world! Every April a four day chocolate festival is held which offers unique chocolate experiences! Whether it’s gazing upon breathtaking sculptures made of chocolate, admiring bizarre chocolate paintings or indulging on chocolate samples that come aplenty at every market stall, you will leave feeling full and oddly amazed.

I left my sunny home in Australia to explore the world and feed my insatiable desire for travel. Here you can find my experiences, tips and guides to help inspire you for your next trip!

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