Belgium · City Guide
Bruges
Bruges is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary completeness where 13th century guild houses, Gothic churches, historic breweries and a canal network create an atmosphere that genuinely transports visitors to the medieval past. From the Markt and the Belfry to the Groeningemuseum, the chocolate shops of Steenstraat and boat trips on the canals, Bruges provides one of the most beautiful and atmospheric European city experiences available.
Elect's take
"Bruges is genuinely one of the most beautiful cities I have visited anywhere in Europe. The preservation of the medieval fabric is extraordinary and the experience of arriving by train and walking into the preserved city is one that I find consistently magical."
The Markt is the magnificent main square of Bruges, dominated by the 83-metre Gothic Belfry that provides panoramic views across the complete medieval skyline and has been ringing its carillon since the 13th century. The Groeningemuseum houses an outstanding collection of Flemish Primitive and Renaissance painting including Jan van Eyck's Madonna with Canon van der Paele. The Basilica of the Holy Blood contains a relic claimed to be a cloth bearing the blood of Christ and a magnificent treasury. The canal boat trips provide the most atmospheric way to appreciate the medieval city from the water. The chocolate shops on Steenstraat and throughout the centre are outstanding. The Halve Maan Brewery has been producing Bruges Zot since 1856.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Market Square & Belfry
A magnificent medieval square dominated by the 83-metre Gothic Belfry.
Canal Boat Trips
The most atmospheric way to experience the medieval city from the water.
Groeningemuseum
Outstanding Flemish Primitive and Renaissance painting including superb Jan van Eyck works.
Halve Maan Brewery
Bruges's historic brewery producing Bruges Zot since 1856 with excellent cellar tours.
Belgian Chocolate
World renowned artisan chocolate shops throughout the beautifully preserved city centre.
Medieval Architecture
The most complete medieval urban environment in the Low Countries.
