Bruges City Hall

Bruges City Hall has been the beating heart of local government for over 600 years—and it’s considered the oldest city hall in all of Flanders. Built between 1376 and 1421 on the site of a former prison, it was designed to show off the city’s rising status. Just one look tells you that they succeeded. Its flamboyant Gothic façade was bold and innovative for its time, and it made a powerful impact in Bruges, and across the region. City halls in Brussels and Ghent later followed its lead. Not bad for a small city, right? The outside is already a showstopper, with intricate stonework and three striking turrets that catch everyone’s attention, and the interior is just as impressive. Today, City Hall still serves its original purpose—it hosts official ceremonies and monthly council meetings—but parts of it are open to the public on selected days. On the ground floor, you can wander freely and admire life-sized portraits of former rulers. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket to visit the grand rooms upstairs.