What to do in Bruges

Activities, attractions and tours

Bruges showing a house, a city and cbd
Bruges showing a house, a city and cbd
Bruges showing a river or creek, street scenes and a house
Bruges which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a river or creek
Bruges featuring bird life and a lake or waterhole

Places to Visit in Bruges

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Bruges, Flemish Region while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Bruges attractions from NZ$6, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Bruges tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 205 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Bruges. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Bruges Market Square

Bruges Market Square (Grote Markt) has been the centre of life in Bruges since 958 and is still a popular meeting place. In the past, it was lively with merchants, markets and buyers. Today, the Grote Markt is where visitors come to enjoy the historical atmosphere of this picturesque city. Take the time to relax in the surrounding restaurants and cafés, shop in the souvenir stores, take a guided tour or learn about the impressive buildings that frame the square.
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Bruges Market Square showing a city and heritage architecture

2. Bruges Belfry

The majestic Bruges Belfry (Belfort) is the most iconic structure in the heart of Bruges. This belfry stands 83 metres (272 feet) tall above the town square. It is an impressive piece of architecture that offers incredible views across the city. On the way up to the viewing platform are a number of curious attractions, but make sure you are comfortable with being high up off the ground; this attraction won’t suit visitors with a fear of heights.
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Bruges Belfry showing a city and heritage architecture as well as a large group of people

3. Minnewater Park

If you arrive in Bruges through the main train station, Minnewater lake will be one of the first attractions you’ll see. The name Minnewater means the "lake of love" and it is easy to see why. This enchanting stretch of water is idyllic. Weeping willows and turreted houses along the shore seem to be straight out of a fairy tale. From the lake it is possible to see the age-old defenses that once protected the city, including the looming watchtower.
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Minnewater showing a garden as well as a couple

4. Begijnhof

Step into the Begijnhof to enjoy the rare experience of being in a nunnery and seeing nuns live and work as they have done for centuries.
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Begijnhof featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and a small town or village

5. Basilica of the Holy Blood

Heilige Bloed Basiliek, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, is one of only a small number of places in the world that claim to have artefacts containing the blood of Jesus Christ. See one of these relics on display in the church museum. Worshippers and visitors are welcome to attend daily mass.
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The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Bruges, Belgium. Originally built in the 12th century as the chapel of the residence of the Count of Flanders, the church houses a venerated relic of the Holy Blood allegedly collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought from the Holy Land by Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders. Built between 1134 and 1157, it was promoted to minor basilica in 1923. The 12th-century basilica is located in the Burg square and consists of a lower and upper chapel. The lower chapel dedicated to St. Basil the Great is a dark Romanesque structure that remains virtually unchanged. The venerated relic is in the upper chapel, which was rebuilt in the Gothic style during the 16th century and renovated multiple times during the 19th century in Gothic Revival style. Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium, in the northwest of the country. The historic city centre is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO. Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam, it is sometimes referred to as The Venice of the North. Bruges has a significant economic importance thanks to its port and was once one of the world's chief commercial cities. Bruges is well known as the seat of the College of Europe, a university institute for European studies. #LIFEATEXPEDIA #TRAVEL #HILLBILLYINPARIS #BRUGES

Recommended things to do in Bruges

Number of things to do
205
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
THE Storytelling Tour of Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips: NZ$6
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Bruges

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bruges

Bruges Market Square showing a city and heritage architecture

Bruges Market Square

4.5/5(37 reviews)

This square has been a central part of Bruges for centuries, surrounded by attractions such as medieval guild buildings, the Provincial Court and the iconic Belfort.

Bruges Market Square
Christmas Old Market square in the center of Bruges, Belgium

Bruges Christmas Market

4.5/5(2 reviews)

During your trip to Bruges, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Bruges Christmas Market. Discover the area's stunning cathedral or seek out its local tours.

Bruges Christmas Market
Bruges Belfry showing street scenes, horse riding and a city

Bruges Belfry

4.5/5(21 reviews)

Views from the top of this bell tower are the most impressive in the city. This remarkable building is Bruges’ most recognisable landmark.

Bruges Belfry
Bruges canal.

Burg

4/5(5 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Bruges when you take a trip to Burg. Add the area's stunning cathedral or shops to your travel plans.

Burg
Minnewater showing a garden as well as a couple

Minnewater Park

4/5(7 reviews)

Unwind from a day of sightseeing on the bustling streets of Bruges and head to the "lake of love" for a picnic on the banks or a scenic stroll along the waterfront.

Minnewater Park
Begijnhof featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and a small town or village

Begijnhof

4/5(5 reviews)

Escape the bustle of the central market square and step into the oasis that is this centuries-old nunnery, where you can hear the enchanting songs of evening prayer.

Begijnhof
Basilica of the Holy Blood featuring heritage elements, a church or cathedral and interior views

Basilica of the Holy Blood

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Many pilgrims travel to this 12th-century church to see a relic of the blood of Christ, which has been preserved for over 2,000 years.

Basilica of the Holy Blood
Choco-Story Museum showing a statue or sculpture

Choco-Story Museum

Learn about the history of one the world's most consumed sweets and see chocolate crafted by hand before tasting several delicious varieties.

Choco-Story Museum
The brewery tour at De Halve Mann was great. Really informative and fun. View from the rooftop of the brewery!

De Halve Maan Brewery

You can learn about the history of Bruges when you stop by De Halve Maan Brewery. Discover the lively breweries and fascinating museums in this family-friendly area.

De Halve Maan Brewery

Explore areas of Bruges

Bruges Market Square showing markets, heritage architecture and street scenes

Historical Center Bruges

5/5(67 area reviews)

Travellers to Historical Center Bruges praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Historium and Choco-Story Museum.

Historical Center Bruges
Large aerial view panorama of the historic part of Bruges, Belgium

Bruges Center

Bruges Center is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Choco-Story Museum and Historium, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Bruges.

Bruges Center
Bruges is touristy but incredibly quaint and pretty. This is the hotel made famous in the dark comedy In Bruges: https://www.expedia.com/h1146095.Hotel-Information #lifeatexpedia #StunningStructures #UrbanJungle #history

Steenstraat Quarter

If you're spending some time in Steenstraat Quarter, Bruges Christmas Market and Bruges Market Square are top sights worth seeing.

Steenstraat Quarter
Christmas Day 2019, Bruges, Belgium

Burg Quarter

If you're spending some time in Burg Quarter, Choco-Story Museum and Historium are top sights worth seeing.

Burg Quarter
Beach of Zeebrugge, Flanders region, Belgium

Zeebrugge

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Zeebrugge. You might want to make time for a stop at Zeebrugge Harbour or Knokke-Heist Beach.

Zeebrugge
Visiting Bruges in Belgium for the first time and I'm like a child in a candy store. Though, the chocolatiers will give you a run for your money. Belgian Chocolate is divine. Grab a map, grab your camera, phone or friend and take a walk. Following the walks on the map will take you to Historical Windmills and along canals where the boats take tourists on tours. My advice. Walk! A cafe or two might be in order also. Enjoy! #belgium #history #water

Sint-Pieters

5/5(1 area review)

Sint-Pieters is noteworthy for its coffee shops, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Bruges City Theater and The English Convent.

Sint-Pieters

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Bruges

Golden hour at the Belgian coast can be so beautiful. This time with a view on the famous Pier of Blankenberge!

Blankenberge

Beautiful view of Damme, West Flanders, Belgium

Damme

Purple Zwinneblommen in Zwin Nature Reserve, Knokke-Heist, Belgium

Knokke-Heist

Good morning!

Beernem

Wheat fields and the village of Zuienkerke, West Flanders, Belgium

Zuienkerke

Frequently asked questions

Is Bruges worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Bruges. Remember to discover the area's blend of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Bruges?
After you've visited top attractions like Belgium Pier and Brugse Vrije, spend some time experiencing Bruges's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bruges?
De Halve Maan Brewery is one of the top tourist attractions in Bruges and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Bruges?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like De Halve Maan Brewery, Brugse Vrije and St. Salvators Church with a three-day stay in Bruges. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Ghent.
Is Bruges a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Bruges, like De Halve Maan Brewery and Brugse Vrije, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Bruges is Geldmuntstraat and Sint-Gillis is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bruges with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all ages, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Bruges with kids.

What to do in Bruges for adults?
De Halve Maan Brewery and Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres are just a couple of the things to do in Bruges. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Bruges?
In Bruges, St. Salvators Church is a top spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Bruges.