Capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders, Bruges is a destination imbued with poetry and romanticism, ideal for a weekend in Belgium.
Nicknamed the "Venice of the North" for its canals that wrap around the old town, it has perfectly managed to preserve its medieval habitat, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stroll along the Grand-Place where the Belfry stands, admire the works of Flemish painters at the Groeninge Museum, enjoy a hot chocolate while strolling along the canals and let yourself be charmed by the romantic atmosphere that emanates from every alley.
Read alsoTwo days in Bruges: romantic getaway in the Venice of the North
Visits and walks in the heart of Bruges
On the Grand-Place of Bruges, you can admire the colorful houses that make the charm of the city.
Gerald Villena
Discovering the historical heritage…
The visit to Bruges begins with a stroll through its old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We admire the preserved architecture that we find in the Gothic style buildings, the red brick facades or the medieval cobbled streets.
A typical jewel of this era, the Hôpital Saint-Jean (closed on Mondays) plunges into more than eight centuries of history with its archival pieces and works of art that are sure to be discovered.
We then head towards the Grand-Place, the beating heart of the city with its imposing Provincial Palace and its Belfry which offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
A few meters away, the Place du Bourg is home to several historic buildings including the Old Registry, the Palais du Franc and the Hôtel de Ville which are also worth a visit.
GUIDED RICKSHAW TOUR
…and religious
Due to its rich history, Bruges has known many religious centers, such as abbeys, churches, convents, which can be seen in its old town.
Emblem of the country, the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral is the oldest church in Bruges and one of the most visited places.
We also enter the Basilica of the Holy Blood, nestled on the Place du Bourg, to admire its relic which would contain the blood of Christ.
Don't miss the Church of Our Lady, renowned for its sculpture by Michelangelo, and the Beguinage of Bruges, a former convent with a rejuvenating garden.
FREE TOUR IN BRUGES
Life along the canals and green spaces
Queen Astrid Park is one of the small parks in Bruges where you can take a break between two visits.
arnaud
Boat trip through the arteries of the city
In the Middle Ages, the myriad of canals served as a communication route from the heart of the city to the North Sea.
From now on, we take a boat trip and enjoy the pretty romantic landscapes that are reflected in the water.
After a visit to the Béguinage, take the opportunity because it is the ideal starting point for a gentle cruise to the famous Quai du Rosaire or Place Jan Van Eyck, passing by the picturesque Saint-Boniface bridge.
BOOK A BOAT TRIP
Nature in Bruges
The city is full of green spaces perfect for a bucolic walk, like the Parc du Roi Albert with its multicolored tulips.
Just as charming and unmissable, the Parc de la Reine Astrid is a haven of peace with a pond, a fountain and a colorful kiosk.
We stroll in Minnewaterpark, a small lush park nicknamed "Lake of Love".
On foot or by bike, you can stroll around the famous city walls, a green belt that leads to windmills and medieval gates.
A city of art, between museums and outdoor statues
During your stay in Bruges, take the time to visit the Gruuthuse museum, housed in a former private mansion.
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The pride of Flemish heritage
The rich past of Bruges can be discovered at the Gruuthuse Museum (closed on Mondays), a former private mansion which retraces the history of the city.
Another institution, the Groeninge Museum (closed on Mondays) brings together works by Flemish primitives from the 15th century to the present day, such as Jan Van Eyck, Hans Memling and Magritte.
This is the ideal visit for art and history lovers, who will continue their discoveries at the Historium, a more original museum that immerses visitors in the heart of medieval Bruges.
HISTORIUM STORY TICKET
Contemporary touches
Bruges will delight lovers of contemporary art with its Biekorf Central Library, which houses, in addition to its multitude of books, an exhibition space.
We go to the Concertgebouw, an international artistic and musical center, and we admire the street art murals on the way.
We linger in front of the dancing sculpture on the
Coupure
near the canal, that of
the man who gives fire in the garden
at the Gezelle House and that of the
Veins of the cloister
, near the Saint-Jean Hospital.
Finally, treat yourself to a whiff of romance while contemplating the statue of the
newlyweds
, erected on the Place de Bourg.
Weekend of fun in Bruges
Waffle, hot chocolate, Flemish carbonade, fries... The most gourmet travelers will find what they are looking for in Bruges.
dmitr86
An essential gourmet break
A typical stay would not be complete without enjoying the traditional local gastronomy, designed to warm locals and visitors.
We taste an intense hot chocolate accompanied by a waffle, Brussels or Liège, for the greediest.
On the savory side, we indulge ourselves with a Flemish carbonade or fries, to accompany of course with a craft beer that we savor in the small typical addresses.
CHOCOLATE AND BEER TASTING
Shopping and shopping in the pedestrian streets
To bring home a unique souvenir, stroll through the city's flea market which is held along the canal (weekends from mid-March to mid-November).
Shopaholics will also find a multitude of commercial brands and small original boutiques while strolling along the Zuidzandstraat, Noordzandstraat and Geldmuntstraat, which are pedestrianized on weekends.
The most famous, Steenstraat, is pedestrianized every day to the delight of walkers.
VISIT OF THE CHOCOLATE MUSEUM
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