Historic Centre of Bruges
★ 4.8🇧🇪 BrugesSuggested visit 1 dayBest season April to June and September to October, avoiding the summer crowds
World HeritageHistoric siteCity walk
A medieval city wrapped in canals, where brick gabled houses, a belfry and monasteries keep their 15th-century look.
Overview
Prosperous in the Middle Ages through the wool and cloth trade, Bruges became a major European commercial centre in the 15th century. Ringed by canals, the old town keeps its brick buildings, belfry, Basilica of the Holy Blood and Market Square intact. Highlights include Michelangelo's Madonna and Child in the Church of Our Lady and the Flemish paintings in the Groeningemuseum. It joined the World Heritage List in 2000.
History
Granted a city charter in the 12th century, it declined when its harbour silted up in the 15th, and late 19th-century restoration and tourism preserved the old town intact.
Highlights
- •Market Square and the belfry
- •Michelangelo's Madonna in the Church of Our Lady
- •Canal boat trips
- •The Groeningemuseum
Practical tips
- •The old town is walkable; a boat gives a different angle
- •The belfry has 366 steps and no lift
Practical information
- Best time
- April-June, September-October
- Tickets
- The old town is free; the belfry is about EUR 15
- Opening hours
- Old town open all day; sights roughly 9:30-17:00
- Local food
- Belgian waffles, mussels, chocolate
- Getting around
- About an hour by train from Brussels, then a 15-minute walk into the old town.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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