What to do in Bruges

Activities, attractions and tours

A canal with boats, a church spire, and historic buildings at twilight.
A historic bridge over a canal, surrounded by traditional buildings and trees with autumn foliage.
A historic town square with a prominent church tower, cobblestone streets, and traditional buildings.
Two white swans swimming in a body of water with reflections of surrounding greenery.
A cityscape with historic buildings and two prominent towers.

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$2, 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 230 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.

Activities

Bruges Day Trip from Amsterdam

Bruges Day Trip from Amsterdam

NZ$136
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Bruges Day Trip from Amsterdam
Self Guided Walking City Tour in Brugges

Self Guided Walking City Tour in Brugges

NZ$2
per adult
Self Guided Walking City Tour in Brugges
Bruges: Musea Brugge Card with Entry to 11 Museums

Bruges: Musea Brugge Card with Entry to 11 Museums

NZ$96
per adult
Bruges: Musea Brugge Card with Entry to 11 Museums
Bruges: Ticket Stadhuis

Bruges: Ticket Stadhuis (City Hall)

NZ$16
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bruges: Ticket Stadhuis (City Hall)
Bruges: Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit

Bruges: Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit

NZ$32
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Bruges: Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit
Belgian Chocolate Truffle Making Workshop in Bruges

Belgian Chocolate Truffle Making Workshop in Bruges

NZ$91
per adult
Belgian Chocolate Truffle Making Workshop in Bruges
Bruges: Chocolate Museum visit with demonstration

Bruges: Chocolate Museum visit with demonstration

NZ$32
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Bruges: Chocolate Museum visit with demonstration
Bruges Full-Day Trip

Bruges Full-Day Trip Guided From Paris

NZ$335
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Bruges Full-Day Trip Guided From Paris
Bruges: Guided Tour & Boat Ride with Optional Beer Tasting

Bruges: Guided Tour, Chocolate, Boat & Beer Options

NZ$49
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Bruges: Guided Tour, Chocolate, Boat & Beer Options
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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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A row of colorful buildings with distinct architectural styles, including a red building with green windows and a brick building with a pointed roof.

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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A historic square with a prominent clock tower, a statue, and surrounding buildings.

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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A park with a large tree, a person with a backpack, and a historic building with a tall spire.

4. 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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A church interior with stained glass windows, brick walls, and a high vaulted ceiling.

5. 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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A historic canal with a stone bridge, traditional buildings, and a swan swimming.

What to do in Bruges

Stay near popular Bruges attractions

A row of colorful buildings with distinct architectural styles, including a red building with green windows and a brick building with a pointed roof.

Bruges Market Square

9.4/10 (3,991 reviews)
Ringed by colourful medieval guild houses, Bruges' Markt is the city's vibrant historic heart. Climb the Belfry's 366 steps for panoramic views or visit Wednesday mornings for the traditional market experience.
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Our guide on where to stay in Bruges

Find the best Bruges areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bruges
Learn more about Bruges
A canal with swans swimming, surrounded by trees and a brick building.

Historical Center Bruges

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

A historic church with a tall tower and a clock.

Sint-Anna Quarter

If you're spending some time in Sint-Anna Quarter, St. George's Archers Guild and Kantcentrum are top sights worth seeing.

A row of white buildings with red-tiled roofs, surrounded by a field of daffodils.

Ezelstraat Quarter

Though Ezelstraat Quarter may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Park Sebrechts Brugge and Bruges Christmas Market.

A historic European town with a prominent church tower, a bridge, and a river.

Sint-Gillis

Get to know Sint-Gillis by checking out its breweries, historical sites and shopping. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Choco-Story Museum or Bruges Market Square during your time in the area.

A densely packed urban area with historic buildings, a prominent church, and a canal.

Bruges Center

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

 

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

A person in a yellow raincoat standing on a sandy beach facing the ocean.

Blankenberge

A narrow waterway flanked by tall trees and a bench in the middle.

Damme

A canal with buildings on either side, a tower in the distance, and a clear sky.

Knokke-Heist

A canal with brick buildings on either side, a bridge in the distance, and a sunset sky.

Beernem

A rural landscape with a wind farm, a church, and houses.

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.