So you’re looking for things to do in Bruges, are you? Though the city may be small, it sure packs a lot of sights and attractions in and around the Old Town. I had the chance to spend a couple of days visiting earlier this summer, and the city immediately won me over with its medieval buildings, lively squares, and swans leisurely floating down the canals. It’s no wonder this place is listed as one of the most romantic cities in Europe! But even if you’re not travelling with a partner, this city is still a great spot to visit with family, friends, or even solo. The following guide will try to showcase a mix of things to do in Bruges, including the main sights as well as some unusual attractions.
THINGS TO DO IN BRUGES
1) Take a boat tour down the canals.
Bruges is a city of canals and it is one of many European cities to have been dubbed ‘The Venice of the North’. With so many waterways crisscrossing the city, it’s easy to see why a boat tour is one of the most popular things to do in Bruges.
2) Eat some french fries with mayo fur lunch.
If there’s one dish you cannot avoid when visiting Bruges, it’s french fries with mayonnaise. There has long been a friendly debate as to whether it was the French or the Belgians who invented the French fry, and around these parts the Belgians claim ownership.
3) Find the park where sheep roam.
One of the more quirky attractions you’ll find in Bruges is a park that is home to sheep. The park, Hof de Jonghe, is located in the north end of the Old Town and it’s a little bit tricky to find – you’ll have to walk through a residential area and it might feel like you’re encroaching – but when you do get there you’ll be greeted with a peaceful green space and a giant pen full of bah-ing sheep. I suggest you pick up one of the free ‘USE IT’ maps to help you find this spot.
4) Try to figure out if the Belfry is really leaning.
The Belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower that sits in Market Square, and it is listed as one of the top things to do in Bruges. It’s 366 steps to reach the top and once you do you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. The funny part is trying to take a symmetrical photo of the tower once you’re back on solid ground because the tower is actually tilted a whole meter to the east.
5) Eat lots and lots of Belgian chocolate.
Chocolate lovers delight! The Belgians have a long history of chocolate-making and in Bruges, you’ll find an abundance of chocolate shops showcasing the tastiest of treats. You’ll find the most delectable selection of truffles and pralines, white chocolate and dark chocolate, cream liqueur fillings and strawberry ganache. If you want to learn how Belgian chocolate is made, you can join this fun chocolate-making workshop!
) Have some Belgian waffles.
If you’ve had your fill of chocolates but your stomach is still craving another bite of something sweet, I suggest you find some Belgian waffles. These waffles are larger and fluffier than the waffles you’d find in North America, and you can add a number of toppings including Nutella, chantilly cream, icing sugar, strawberries, and more.
7) Go to a free harp concert.
Another unique thing to do in Bruges is to attend one of the free harp concerts by local harpist Luc Vanlaere. These are held in Site Oud Sint Jan, which is located on Mariastraat 38 right across from Our Lady Church. The concerts take place from Tuesday to Saturday at 3 pm, 5 pm, and 6.30 pm, with each session lasting 40 minutes.
9) Learn the history of Sint Janshospitaal.
Also known as Old St. John’s Hospital, this 12th-century hospital is one of Europe’s oldest surviving hospital buildings. Today you can visit the medieval wards where the nuns and monks cared after pilgrims, travellers and the sick. The hospital is located next to the Church of Our Lady.
10) Go in search of the In Bruges filming locations.
Back in 2008, the film In Bruges was released and Colin Farrell won the audiences with his role as an Irish hitman who really couldn’t seem to find any beauty in Bruges. The movie was filmed in many iconic sites around the city and they are super accessible to visitors.
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