There are few things I love more than visiting Europe during the holidays. Our winter getaway to Switzerland was one of my favorite trips. This year, my Russian and I decided to check out Bruges, Belgium. Even though I spent 24 hours in Brussels last year, I was excited to return to Belgium and visit and new city.
We spent two jam packed days eating and drinking our way through the storybook town and discovered lots of fun things to do along the way. If Bruges, Belgium is in your travel plans, here are the top 8 things to see and do while you’re there!
1. Markt
If you do a quick search of Bruges, Belgium, chances are the first images that pop up will be of the main square. Here you’ll find restaurants, shops and bars as well as churches and museums.
From the end of November through January 1st the square hosts a festive Christmas market featuring local dishes, hot wine and beer and plenty of arts, crafts and souvenirs. There’s even an outdoor skating rink to give you all the holiday feels!
2. Belfry of Bruges
One of Bruges’ main landmarks is the Belfry bell tower. It looms high above the city and is a focal point of the central square. It has also been named a UNESCO world heritage site. Between 9:30am and 6pm, visitors can ascend the 366 steps to the top of the bell tower and enjoy 360 degree views of the city. Tickets to visit the top of the bell tower are €12.
3. Bruges Beer Experience
Belgium is best known for two things, beer and chocolate. If you want to sample some of Bruges best brews, the Bruges Beer Experience is the place to find it. This modern museum and bar offers a cozy space to hang out and sample over 15 draught beers. €10 gets you 5 chips that you can exchange for 5 full samples of beer. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon!
Travel Tip: There is no food available at this venue so plan on grabbing lunch ahead of time or heading to dinner right after.
4. Choco Story Chocolate Museum
Satisfy your sweet tooth by paying a visit to Bruges Choco Story Museum. I went to the one in Brussels and had a great experience! You’ll learn the interesting history of chocolate in Belgium and enjoy several samples of the decadent treat!
5. Canal Boat Ride
One of the best ways to see Bruges is by taking a boat ride tour along one of its scenic canals that intertwine the city. For €8 you can enjoy a 30 minute guided tour. It’s super touristy, but fun and I promise you’ll enjoy it! Boats depart every 15 minutes next to the Duc de Bourgogne restaurant (map it!)
6. Carriage Ride
For a more private tour of Bruges, take a romantic horse drawn carriage ride through the city. Rides start at €50 and last 30 minutes and accommodate up to 5 people.
7. Wind Mills
Bruges used to be home to over 23 windmills. Four mills still stand along the canal. The Sint-Janshuismolen, Koeleweimolen, De Neuwe Papegaai, and Bonne Chieremolen mills are located just 15 minutes by foot from the central square.
8. Torture Museum
For a bit darker experience, pay a visit to the Bruges Torture Museum (map it!). The museums is housed in one of the oldest prisons in the world. Now visitors can learn about the controversial torture practices used back in the day. Warning, it’s not for the faint of heart!
I hope this list gives you some ideas of what there is to see and do in Bruges! If you’ve been, what else would you add to the list? Never been? What are you most excited about? Share your comments below!
PIN IT!
No Comments