Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Bruges

A couple of years back, while visiting a friend in Belgium, I was introduced to the mystical little city of Bruges. I say mystical because this place was unlike any other I’d ever been to. After stepping off the train at the station in Bruges, I was immediately aware of the blatant change in atmosphere that this city emanated.

It was as if I had been transported straight into a fairytale. The buildings had a medieval demeanor, and the very act of walking down the narrow street-ways produced a Victorian-style essence. It was enchanting.

But beyond the mere appearance of Bruges, there is plenty to be explored in this little city. It’s easy to get caught up in the picturesque buildings and charm of Bruges. What many people don’t know, is that there are a lot of hidden treasures down the walkways of this city. And so, I’ve brought to the table some of my favorite reasons why you should visit Bruges.

1. Boat Tours

Let’s start with the touristy stuff first. Bruges is very well-known for its Venice-like canal boat tours down the corridors of old, colorful buildings. The whole tour takes about 45 minutes, complete with a history of some of the oldest buildings found in the city. The tours are open March-October from 10am-6pm and in November and February on weekends only. It’s only 8 Euros for one adult, so I’d say it’s money well-spent. You can find more on the tours here!

2. Belfry of Bruges

Again, one of the more touristy sights, the Belfry of Bruges is definitely something you want to hit up. It’s the iconic bell-tower in the center of Bruges (ever seen the movie In Bruges?) that overlooks the whole city. The tower itself definitely has an antique feel to it, which makes it that much more interesting, in my opinion. You can view the dates and prices here. This, unfortunately, was one of the few places I didn’t get to actually go into. By the time I got around to it, it was already closed. Boooo. Don’t make the same mistake I made, and check the available dates and times before you plan your trip!

3. Markt

If you’re already in Bruges, you definitely want to check out Markt. This is an area of the city that is known for its shops and tourism. There is variety here for every kind of tourist. And did I mention the ridiculously convenient amount of cafe and bars? You’re welcome.

4. Museum of the Church of Our Lady

If you’re into art and history, I definitely recommend taking a look at this place. It has some beautiful pristine artwork, including Michelangelo’s famous Madonna and Child. The church itself is the perfect relic of time captured in the architecture of the city. Be ready to be awed from both the inside and outside of this magnificent structure.

5. Get Lost

As simple as it may seem, many people forget to take a moment away from the hustle and bustle of tourism and really see what this city has to offer. If you’re like me, then you love to explore all of the hidden away secrets in every city that you visit. So take the time to experience some of the neighborhoods in Bruges, like Bonifaciusbrug.  Named for the bridge that passes over the canals, I must say that this area is one of my favorite places in Bruges because of its tranquility. It is refreshing to sight-see in an area that isn’t overly crowded. It brought the serenity that I was searching for on this trip. There are plenty of narrow streets and passageways that I followed until I no longer knew exactly which way to go (good thing my friend was with me). But that is half of the excitement of visiting a new place. Sometimes getting lost helps you find the core of a city’s culture.

As you can see, there is so much that this little city has to offer. It is so full of art, music and culture that you could easily spend a full week here and still feel drawn back for more. The city itself has a history that is worth looking into, and there is a little slice of heaven here for every type of person.

Whether you come to bar hop or just escape into the vintage alleyways of this colorful little city, Bruges should be on your bucket list. After all, they don’t call it the fairytale city for nothing!