The landmarks of Bruges
The era of the so-called flamboyant, i.e. sparking Gothic, has left clearly visible traces in Bruges. The focus here is the Great Market, also known in Flemish as the "Grote Markt".
Goods have been sold here since the Middle Ages - today you will also find the Governor's Residence, the Post Office and the Provinciaal Court on this square. The latter was built at the end of the 19th century and designed in neo-Gothic style. Every day you can visit the courtyards and halls, which will delight you with their magnificent ornamentation.
272 feet high above the Great Market rises the Bruges Belfry, a 13th century building that once served as a fire watch. To this day, the Belfry remains the tallest building in Bruges and may not be topped by new buildings.
If you are interested in sacred buildings, be sure to visit the Church of Our Lady, where Michelangelo's Madonna is a major attraction. The building dates back to the 13th century and, unusually for the city, was made of brick.
Even older is the Romanesque Church of the Holy Blood on the Great Market, which houses an ampulla containing the blood of Christ. The church was completed as early as 1149, and after several fires and destructions, the original was reconstructed in the 19th century.
Culinary: Enjoy the hearty Belgian cuisine
A highlight of the Belgian culinary scene is the De Halve Maan brewery, a family-run small pub serving hearty dishes and home-brewed beers. Among its best-known specialties are the beers Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik. In the attached museum you can learn more about how the barley juice is made.
Away from the exquisite restaurants, "street food" is an absolute must for every vacationer: on almost every street corner you can buy the sweet and crispy waffles, which are decorated with fruit and coated in chocolate if desired.
For the delicately melting chocolate, Bruges is incidentally known worldwide. Produced at great expense, the dessert comes in all colors and shapes - flavors such as onion, bacon and wasabi are rather unconventional products that you can take back to your cottage or home from Bruges' chocolatiers.
Another traditional food is the French fries double-fried in kidney fat, which now even have intangible world heritage status. One of the most famous frites stalls is Chez Vincent next to the cathedral to Sint Salvator. Here you can get the potato sticks with, among other things, fresh mussels from the North Sea cooked in white wine.
Bruges: Modern city with the flair of the Middle Ages
Historic center
Bruges/Bruges is one of the best preserved cities in Europe, which is particularly evident in the historic center. Narrow streets, buildings steeped in history and numerous Grachten explain why the medieval city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Castle Square
The eponymous castle has disappeared, but on the worth seeing square today numerous sights line up. The City Hall, the Basilica and the Court of Justice are located here.
Brewery De Halve Maan
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Learn about delicious Belgian beers at the oldest city brewery, De Halve Maan. A guided tour will be followed by a trip to the brewery's own museum and a tasting of the tart treats.
Saint Blood Basilica
The Basilica of the Holy Blood got its name thanks to a vial kept there, which is said to contain the blood of Jesus. The church is also known for its intricately designed Romanesque-style facade
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What are the most popular accommodations in the area?
The most booked accommodations in Bruges are bed & breakfast rentals and apartment rentals. We search from more than 59 accommodations in Bruges to help you find the perfect place to stay during your trip.
How much does it cost to stay the night?
Prices start at just €58 per night. Most apartment rentals in Bruges are 100 m² and bed & breakfast rentals are 35 m².
Do you offer accommodations for traveling with a group?
Yes, we definitely have accommodations for groups in Bruges. On average, the bed & breakfast rentals has space for 2 guests.
