What are the best things to do in Bruges?

When we think of Belgium, we often think of the city of Brussels, home to both the French and Flemish communities, or Antwerp, whose history dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, we’re taking you to the capital of West Flanders, in the north-west of the country. Did you know? Bruges has been designated a “UNESCO World Heritage City with many facets”. There’s so much to see and discover here, from the cobbled streets and medieval buildings to the port of Zeebrugge, an important asset for European trade (mainly fishing). If you’re planning a stopover during a short stay, it’s best to know in advance what you could do there, isn’t it? That’s why Navaway, your faithful travel companion, has put together a short list of things to do.

What to do in Bruges

1. Visit the city on foot

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: It may sound surprising when you put it like that, but many people forget to explore the city they’re staying in on holiday. There’s often a tendency to rush off to museums, medieval monuments, important squares… Of course, you need to do all these activities, that goes without saying. But first of all, why not lose yourself for a few hours in the charming city of Bruges? And it has to be said, it’s well worth the diversions on foot! We particularly recommend the historic centre, a real treasure trove of buildings to see. What’s interesting is that every street, every path you take, leads to a historic monument. Take the “Belfry”, for example, a tall medieval tower standing at just under 83 metres high. Discover its history and learn more about the city of Bruges. And don’t forget that during the day, you can have lunch at an excellent restaurant serving local specialities.

2. Discover the different museums

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: If there’s one thing there’s no shortage of in Bruges, it’s museums. Yes, history buffs and the curious by nature beware: in this Belgian town in particular, you’ll have the chance to wander through corridors, exhibiting pieces and objects, some of them priceless, but above all unique in the world. Some ideas for museums? The Groeninge Museum, open since 1930, is renowned for its large collection of Flemish primitives. During your visit, you can travel back in time to six centuries BC, admiring paintings by Jan Van Eyck, Jérôme Bosch and Lancelot Blondeel. Not to mention a number of historic paintings by the famous Jacob Van Oost. We also recommend the “Gruuthuse” museum, dating from the 19th century, in 1876. It is unusual in that it is housed in a former hotel dating from the 15th century. In itself, it retraces 500 years of the history of Bruges, and of Belgium in general.

3. Visit the city by boat

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: If you want your dose of romance, mixed with a hint of excitement, then a canal boat tour of Bruges is for you. You can register at any time for the tour, which runs from 10am to 5pm. Although it’s perfectly possible to explore the city on foot or by bike, some areas, including its fairly narrow streets, can only be visited by boat. Climb aboard a splendid ship and let the waves gently rock you towards a sensational experience, where Bruges will appear from a completely different angle. Your guide will be happy to explain everything you need to know as you go along, passing historic squares and monuments such as the “Place Jan Van Eyck” and the “Beguinage”. A little extra? Visitors loved the visit to the fish market, which is surrounded by 126 columns, and a trip on the water was truly fantastic!

4. Take part in a cookery workshop

Category: €€/Gastronomic

Description: If Belgium is famous for its delicious, creamy waffles, Bruges is the place to put your cooking skills to the test. Why not take part in a workshop and learn how to make real local waffles? It’s a fun and tasty activity that will excite your senses and get your taste buds tingling. Go to the Ezelstraat district. There, in pretty, welcoming surroundings, you’ll explore every step that goes into making a good Belgian waffle, from choosing the right ingredients to baking. Before moving on to the tasting (our favourite stage), you will of course be able to add any topping you fancy to your waffle: speculoos, chocolate, jam, honey, red fruit… And if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, don’t worry, the workshop has thought of everything and is sure to have the ingredients you need.

5. Stroll along the Quai de Rosaire

Category: Free/Sporty

Description: Looking for a quiet place to stroll? The kind of place where you can walk in total peace and quiet, while putting “play” on your favourite playlist? The Quai de Rosaire is one of the most beautiful in the region: here’s a pleasant little stroll along the canals that will give you the best shots of your stay in Bruges. The best time to do this is at the end of the day, when the sun is out. Watching it slowly fade into orange, yellow and red, while the darkness gradually settles into the night, is a soothing, heart-warming experience. To take a photo at this precise moment is to obtain a beautiful contrast with a striking play of relief and light. A little anecdote: the Quai de Rosaire was once Bruges’ old salt port. Merchants came here to trade their wares, and rosaries were also sold here in the 18th century. Today, it is one of the departure points for many boats.

6. The Basilica of Saint-Sang

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Situated on the Place du Burg, this religious building is known for its magnificent artefacts, which are the pride of its inhabitants. The two chapels, one Romanesque and the other neo-Gothic, both boast interesting architecture, which is sure to delight history buffs and lovers of ancient architecture: the Romanesque St Basil’s chapel is the only chapel of its kind in Flanders, while the Gothic Holy Blood chapel boasts impressive architecture whose sturdy walls bear witness to the power of the building. Every Friday, the vial of Christ’s blood brought back from the Holy Land by the Count of Flanders during the Second Crusade is shown to the public. You can visit the site every day from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Except on Wednesday afternoons, when it remains closed. It’s a fascinating way to find out more about Bruges.