The Belfry on the Markt
OutdoorsOfficial site ↗
The 83-metre belfry above the Markt, with the old market halls at its foot. Climb its 366 steps past the carillon for the view over the rooftops and far beyond.
The classics in Bruges
8 places that make the city
The places that make Bruges: The Belfry on the Markt, Rozenhoedkaai, The Beguinage and more, with what is on there next.
Rozenhoedkaai
Outdoors
The canal bend by the Huidenvettersplein, with old brick houses on the water and the Belfry behind them: the most photographed view in Bruges. It is named after the rosaries once sold here, and the canal boats leave close by.
The Beguinage
Outdoors
The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde, founded in 1245: white houses around a quiet lawn with tall trees, next to the Minnewater. Women still live here, so you walk through in silence. Entry is free.
Church of Our Lady
IndoorsOfficial site ↗
The brick church whose 115.6-metre tower is still the tallest thing in Bruges. Inside is Michelangelo's marble Madonna and Child, the first of his sculptures to leave Italy in his lifetime.
Groeningemuseum
IndoorsOfficial site ↗
The city's fine arts museum on the Dijver: six centuries of Flemish and Belgian painting, from Jan van Eyck and the Flemish Primitives to Marcel Broodthaers.
St John's Hospital
IndoorsOfficial site ↗
A hospital from the 12th century, next to the Church of Our Lady, with some of the oldest hospital buildings in Europe. Today it shows works by Hans Memling and an old pharmacy from the 17th century.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
Indoors
On the Burg, next to the Gothic town hall, the count's chapel of the 12th century: a dark Romanesque lower chapel and, upstairs, the chapel that keeps the relic of the Holy Blood.
Minnewater
Outdoors
The lake on the south side of the old town, a short walk from the station, with the Minnewater bridge and the park where Cactusfestival is held every July.
When it rains
When it rains
- Church of Our Lady
- Groeningemuseum
- St John's Hospital
