The 10 best things to see in Bruges

witches It is one of those fairytale cities that, when you return home, is always difficult to describe to your friends. A place that leaves you amazed and one of the biggest tourist attractions you will find in Belgium. If you don't believe it, you just have to read this article in which we tell you what they are some of the best things to see in Bruges.

Thus, we are going to discover you, among quiet canals, medieval court houses, old hospitals, museums, chocolate and chocolate shops, breweries, beautiful squares full of life and much more, a city that will remain etched in your traveling memory. .

Just over an hour by train from BrusselsBruges is an ideal getaway for one daybut I recommend that you spend at least one or two nights in the city to fully enjoy all that it has to offer.

1. Visit the Rosario Dock (Rozenhoedkaai)

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To have a first contact with the best things to see in Bruges, I recommend that you come to see the Rosario Pieralso known by the "simple" local name of Rozenhoedkaai.

The place is undoubtedly one of the most photographed in the city. In fact, it looks like the composition of a painting, with the waters of the canal, the beautiful medieval-looking buildings touching those waters and that halo of romantic tranquility that surrounds everything.

The pier marks the place where the Groenerei and Dijver canals meet and also serves as the starting point for most of the boat trips on the canals of Bruges.

2. Have fun at the Bruges Market Square (Markt Square)

Bruges' historic market square has many similar sisters on the Old Continent. It is a beautiful open square surrounded by beautiful buildings with colorful facades, cafes, restaurants and, let's not fool you, many, many tourists.

Most of the guild houses that surround the square and offer wonderful views are not original but are based on the ancestral designs of those that once stood there.

The most notable points of the square are the imposing neo-Gothic building Provincaal Hof and Café Craenenbergwhere Maximilian of Austria was imprisoned in 1488.

3. Try real Belgian chocolate

They say about Belgium that, with the permission of Switzerland, it is the country of chocolate and bonbons. Well, Bruges is the capital of that sweet country. Therefore, trying authentic Belgian chocolates is one of the best things to do in Bruges.

A good place to do it is The Chocolate Line. It is a family chocolate factory located in the center of the city. In it, chocolate aficionados Fabienne and Dominique, together with their son Julius, make delicious artisan products while supporting sustainability and social projects. Visit them to see (and taste) how their chocolate and magnificent bonbons are made. They are pure vice.

If you'd rather try another place or take home an unbeatable treat, Pralinette or Oliver's Chocolate They are also very good options.

4. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Belfry of Bruges

If you want to enjoy one of the best views to see in Bruges, you will have to climb the bell tower (Belfort van Brugge).

The Belfry of Bruges is a truly impressive medieval bell tower (with some hints of the Dark Tower of Mordor that Tolkien envisioned). Built around 1240, it stands 83 meters high and houses 47 bells that still function today.

I advise you to make the effort and climb the 366 steps that lead to its highest point. So you can enjoy the best panoramic views of the city. Prices are around €10-12 per person.

5. Visit the Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady (or Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) dates from the 13th century and is best known for being home to the statue of the Virgin and Child, created by Michelangelowhich attracts visitors from all over the world.

The piece was the only one by Michelangelo to leave Italy while the artist was still alive. There are several other lesser-known but equally impressive works of art in the church dating mainly from the 15th century.

The tombs of Carlos the Bold and his daughter are carved in bronze and stone and are also worth seeing.

6. Enjoy art at the Groeninge Museum

If you like art, you must include the Groeninge Museum in your list of the best things to see in Bruges.

He Groeningen Museum it was built on the site of the medieval Eekhout Abbey. Inside you will find some of the best works produced during the centuries of splendor of Belgian and European art. From works by the great Flemish artists, such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Gerard David, to the modern art of the 20th century by René Magritte. You can also find important works by Renaissance and Baroque masters in one of the most beautiful and diverse art collections in the world.

7. Learn the history of Belgian beer at the Halve Maan distillery

If you are a beer lover you should definitely visit the brewery Halve Maan dating from 1856.

This distillery, also known as the Half Moon brewery, is one of the most traditional things to see in Bruges…and in Belgium! Here you can learn the complete brewing process by taking a tour of their facilities. And, of course, you can also try their different kinds of beer.

Two of its famous preparations are BrugseZot and Straffe Hendrik Beer, totally historical and famous for their flavor. These tours are often very interactive and entertaining, so you'll be able to ask the brewer questions about anything related to that heavenly liquid.

8. The hospital of San Juan, one of the best places to see in Bruges

Relax, we are not saying that you have to end up in the hospital in Bruges.

This is not an ordinary hospital, the Museum St Jans Hospital it is a restored 12th century hospital with wooden beams on the ceiling and works of art dating back to the 15th century.

The oak reliquary, in all its golden splendor, is the museum's most famous piece and was crafted by Hans Memling. The piece tells the story of the marriage of Santa Úrsula with a pagan prince. Ursula, along with 11,000 virgins, was killed on the way to Rome by the King of the Huns.

Admission to the museum costs 12 euros for adults and includes entry to a traditional 17th-century pharmacy.

9. Have fun and learn in the Historium interactive museum

Historium It is one of the best places to see in Bruges, especially if you travel with your family.

Located in a beautiful neo-Gothic building near the city's market square, the museum's sole purpose is to take visitors back to medieval Bruges. through a one-hour audio and video tour.

The historical accuracy (or lack thereof) and lack of facts make this more of an exciting experience for kids and families than a learning experience about the city and its medieval history.

10. Admire the Bruges Town Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood in the Town Hall Square (Burg)

He Bruges Stadhuis, the town hall, is a truly impressive building dating back to the early 15th century. The towers and slotted windows of the building's façade ooze Gothic beauty.

There are also a number of statues of former counts and countesses of Flanders. If you want to learn everything about the place, I recommend that you take one of the audio guides that they will offer you at the entrance.

If you thought the building looked good from the outside, wait until you see the ceiling and murals inside the Gothic room. You will be speechless.

In the square where the Stadhuis (the Burg square) is located, you can also admire the beauty of the Basilica of the Holy Blood, where, according to legend, there is a vial containing a piece of cloth that was stained with blood. of Jesus.

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