Things to do in Bruges, Belgium – A Travel Guide

Things to do in Bruges

Bruges, Belgium, often called the “Venice of the North,” is a Charming medieval city that offers a perfect blend of history. Whether you are a history lover, an art enthusiast, or simply looking to relax, this city has something for every kind of explorer. There are many things to do in Bruges, Belgium is one of the most interesting places to explore, which you should not miss. 

The country is filled with stunning places and landscapes, and if you’re missing Bruges, the charm of Belgium. In this blog, you will be exploring Bruges in a perfect way. With essential travel tips on how to apply for your Belgium visa, here is everything you need to know.

What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and complete your dream destination to places which you will never forget for the rest of your life.

The Top Tourist Attraction In Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium, which you can’t miss if you’re planning to visit this stunning country. Here are the top places which you should visit.

De Halve Maan Brewery:

This brewery is the heart of the city, where they offer incredible workshops regarding how these stunning beers are processed. 

Canal cruise & de halve maan canal tour:

If you are planning to visit this stunning city, then you must take the canal cruise through the winding waterways and enjoy views of the medieval buildings that are linked to the banks of the rivers where you will be seeing the stunning view that will amaze you. 

Historium:

It’s a historical cliff where you will be witnessing one of the most stunning things from the medieval period.  

Groeninge museum:

It is an art museum in which you will be amazed if you love exploring the art pieces.

This place is the hub of the master places from the trove, home to many Flemish artworks, featuring works from painters like Jan Van Eyck and Hans Memling. These paintings are perfect to admire, especially for people who are art enthusiasts.

Concertgebouw:

It is a world-class concert hall in Bruges. If you enjoy music, check out their schedule and book tickets early so that you can enjoy the stunning performance. They perform the stunning dance of the regional art where you will see the historical stories fused with the artistic approach. 

Walking Tours in Bruges

Bruges is ideal to explore on foot; by strolling down the streets of the town, you will witness the true essence of the Belgian tradition and culture. You can choose guided walking tours where they will help you cover the landmarks. You can also have the experience of this beautiful city to the fullest.

Suggested Read: Explore Fascinating Festivals of Belgium with a Belgium Tourist Visa

Things to do in Bruges, Belgium

There are many things which you can explore, and stunning activities and things to do in Bruges, which are mentioned below so that you can enjoy this trip to the most of it.

  • Take a Canal Cruise:

This is one of the best things to do in the city. Exploring Bruges through a cruise, which is often compared to Veniceand completely aligned with the picturesque medieval buildings. A canal cruise is one of the most peaceful and scenic experiences which you can’t miss, which will give a perfect fairytale vibe.

  • Visit the Belfry of Bruges:

A perfect way to enjoy the panoramic city view, which you can’t miss. A medieval bell tower, which is perfect to spend an evening or the early morning to watch sunset or sunrise with a complement from the stunning city view. You have to climb 366 stairs of the tower, but this place is absolute heaven, a completely worthy struggle. 

  • Explore the Market Square:

The market square of the Bridge is the heart of the city, which you should not miss. This place is known for being one of the busiest and most lively atmospheres, which you can’t miss. Don’t forget to visit the Provincial Hof and Basilica of the holy Blood. This place is ideal to explore during the summer season. 

  • Visit the Basilica of the holy blood:

It is a stunning architecture which you can’t miss if you are planning to explore these things to do in Bruges, Belgium. This is a stunning place and perfect to explore the Belgian architecture, fused with the Gothic tradition as well. Not just that, this is one of the most beautiful places to experience Belgian culture.

  • Stroll around Minnewaterpark:

If you are looking for a peaceful trip, you can’t miss this place. Walk around the waterpark, the place is also known as the Lake of love. With the name, you must have got the idea of how romantic this place can be. If you explore these things to do in Bruges, Belgium, as a couple, then this place is perfect for you. The beautiful lake, complemented by the historical bridge, is the perfect spot to have a perfect quality time with your love, family or friends. 

  • Shop for Belgian Chocolate:

Belgium is famous for chocolate, and this museum is one of the most amazing landmarks of the city. Here you will witness the story and workshops of chocolate making, how fine chocolate is prepared from its origin in the aztec-empire to its transformation into the delicious treat we know today. 

  • Visit the Choco-Story museum:

This museum is one of the most amazing landmarks of the city. Immerse yourself in the history of Belgian chocolate at Choco Story Brussels. This museum opens every day from 10 am to 6 pm, and the selling of their tickets will be till 5 pm only. So, make sure that you book your tickets on the prior basis.

  • Enjoy the Belgian bistro

If you are in this stunning country, then make sure that you don’t miss the stunning cuisine of the region.  Try Moules-frites ( mussels and fries). Don’t forget to try Belgian waffles and other sweets. Perfect to give yourself a Belgian treat.

  • Explore the Begijnhof

The Begijnhof in Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a charming experience with its whitewashed houses, cobblestone pathways, and zeal atmosphere, including the Beguinage church and museum in one of the houses. 

Adventurous Things to Do in Bruges, Belgium 

adventurous things to do in bruges, belgium

Bruges is known for its medieval Charm and picturesque canals, but there are many adventurous things to do in Bruges, Belgium. Here are some ideas for making your trip to this stunning country with an adrenaline spike to add on.

  • Canal Kayaking or Stand Up Paddleboarding:

Explore Bruges from a different perspective by renting a kayak you can also try stand-up paddleboarding along its scenic canals. It’s a great way to see the mesmerising medieval regional architecture from water and feel the atmosphere’s elegance, perfect for exploring during the morning or at sunset to enjoy the amazing rising or setting of the sun, which should not be missed if you are in this incredible city. 

  • Bike around the city and the countryside

The surroundings of the city are ideal to explore by cycling, where you rent a bike and ride around the historical cities, and also roam around the rural areas of this city. With picture-perfect minnewater, you can create some beautiful posts for your Instagram in Bruges, which is perfect to flex it over. 

Ghost Tours and Haunted Locations

Bruges is not just about its beauty and architecture; this city has its own darker side. Go for a guided tour through the darker corners of the city, where you will get to know about its spooky past, places like St John’s Hospital or the Beguinage where you will experience boo vibe in every corner. 

  • Hot air Balloon ride

For a truly unforgettable experience, book a hot air balloon ride just a little way out of the city. Grinded over the medieval town of Bruges and experienced the breathtaking view of the countryside and its canals. It is perfect to enjoy the peaceful trail. However, this is a thrilling way to see the area from the sky. 

  • Take a boat tour at night

While traditional boat tours on the canal are famous special to experience during the day. But going for boating at night will be different, with cool breezes and a stunning atmosphere in the dark is perfect for looking at the sky and stargazing with light reflecting off the canal, creating a mysterious and adventurous ambiance which you should not miss. If you love to experience unique things in natural sights, then this will be one of the best things to do in Bruges, Belgium, you will regret.

  • Take a day trip to the coastal region of Belgium

There are many short day trips which you can take from Bruges, and the Belgian Coast is one of them, which should not be missed. You can rent a bike and explore the best shoes, wander in the coastal dunes, and enjoy some water sports over there as well, try kitesurfing on the shore of Ostend.

Suggested Read: 10 Beautiful Belgium Beaches for Sun and Fun

How to Get Around Bruges

The best things to do in Bruges, Belgium are to explore this city on foot. Bruges is a very walkable area, however, there are many on a budget and a smooth transportation system. Although biking is one of the best options to explore Bruges, apart from the below-mentioned option, you can opt as well. 

Buses: Public buses are operated by De Lijin and can be used to get to the city centre from the train station. Many bus operators conduct tour guides for the tourists, so you can explore the mainstream places of the city with them. 

Trains:  The Bruges train station is located in the southeast of the city center, with a 12-minute walk to Minnewater Lake. 

Taxis: Taxis are available, especially useful if you have luggage or at night, but this option will be expensive comparatively. 

Canal Tours: Bruges is popular for canal boat rides and offers a unique perspective of the city, which you will not forget for the rest of your life.

Driving: Driving is not a good option in this city due to the narrow streets and canals. 

Best Time to Visit Bruges

Best time to visit bruges

The best time to visit Bruges is during the vibrant seasons, which are spring and autumn. This time of the year offers pleasant weather, fewer crowds and having the low cost trip as well due the offseason. 

Although here are the key things to do in Bruges, Belgium, according to the weather of the city as well.

  • Spring Season: You will have a mild temperature, and smaller crowd. And a great time to visit for a soothing and calming experience. This time of the year is perfect to explore Bruges’ narrow streets and historical places. 
  • Summer: The warmest time of the year in the region, it is also the time when the largest crowd. And there will be high prices of everything since this time is a peak tourist season. Perfect to explore the coastal areas and beaches of the region. 
  • Autumn: It is the perfect time to enjoy the colourful atmosphere with fewer crowds. However, perfect to have a low-key trip just to chill and relax in the city and experience the true essence of the city.  
  • Winter: Bruges looks magical during the winter season, the frozen lake. Not just that Christmas market in the center square which will give the perfect fairytale escape for a while.

Places around Bruges to Explore

If you are looking for stunning short trips from Bruges, there are many. With a mix of history, culture and amazing landscapes. Therefore, day trip from this city will be one of the best things to do in Bruges, belgium. 

Here is the list of the stunning places for day trips from Bruges.

  1. Damme: Damm is a charming, small medieval town known for its picturesque canals, historical buildings. However, landmark tell the stories of their origin through their stunning architectural design. You get everything from Scenic views to streets, complementing the town with its beauty. 
  1. Ostende: Oostende is an active seaside city with a blend of medieval and modern architecture. Exploring this, you will realise how underrated this place is, where you will see Grand Place, Atomium, and the Manneken Pis Statue.
  1. Brussels: Belgium’s capital, therefore, it is a must-visit for anyone traveling through the country. Highlights include the Grande Place, the Atomium, and the Manneken Pis statue. Brussels is also popular for its Incredible museum.
  1.  Ypres: Ypres has deep roots to World War I history, and the battlefield is a somber place. However, it is a very fascinating place to visit at least once in a lifetime. The town is famous for its weekly market, many stores selling the Dutch specialities, cheese, licorice and various baked goodies. 
  1. Sluis: Just across the border into the Netherlands. This is a charming town with Dutch influence, particularly in its food and shops. The town is famous for its weekly market set up in the narrow streets of the town.

How To Get a Belgium Tourist Visa?

Belgium is popular for its stunning landscape and medieval architecture, fused with stunning designs. As a result, the country is gaining popularity internationally. And increasing visitors every year. That’s why it is important to get your Belgium visa on a prior basis. 

Here are 4 easy steps to get your visa smoothly:

  • Application Form: Apply online for the Apply For a Belgium Visa. Fill up all the essential details which are mandatory in the form, complete the payment procedure, and submit the form.
  • Appointment date allotment: After the application process, one of our experts will reach out to provide further assistance and book your Belgium Visa appointment with the respective visa center.
  • Documentation: On the scheduled date of the appointment, submit all your documents and furthermore, register biometrics. 
  • Approval: After the procedure and document verification, you will get your passport and tourist visa via courier

Suggested Read: Complete Details Regarding the Belgium Schengen Visa

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Belgium is popular for one of the most beautiful landmarks, which you can’t miss. There are many stunning activities which you should not miss, especially the many interesting things to do in Bruges, Belgium.  

Whether you are looking for a natural exploration, wandering through the canals and beaches of the region, or for architectural stuns. You will visit cities like Brussels and Bruges perfect for a stroll in the narrow streets and vintage shops to buy some goods for yourself to carry as a souvenir.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit natural charms in Belgium?

The spring and autumn times of the year are the best times to experience the charming natural corners of the country, at this time you will be experiencing mild weather as compared to other times of the year.

How much time does it take to get a Belgian visa?

You will get your visa and passport via courier in 15 to 20 working days, and in rare cases, your process may extend to 45 days as well.

Is Bruges a good place for Shopping?

Yes, there are many places where you can explore and shop from the different places and explore the vintage places where you will find the authentic goodies in the Belgian style. From fashion to stunning ornaments and art pieces, the country is no less than any other region.

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