Experience
Belgium

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : BRUGES

Hidden streets and a trip on the water

From the colourful houses of its Market Square to its Lake of Love, this Flemish city is the perfect destination for couples and romantic souls. Known as the Little Venice of the North, a boat trip is a must to explore the charming canals that run through the city.

A UNIQUE TOUR OF BRUGES

You need a true expert to find out a city’s secrets. Who better than a Bruges local themselves to guide you through its streets and canals? A local guide walks you on an exclusive guided tour to the city’s most breathtaking sites. See the Belfry, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Historium and the Beguinage and Bruges’s hidden treasures and secret locations that only the locals know about.

The fascinating Bruges by Heart tour ends with spectacular views from the rooftop of the Concert Hall. This artistic and cultural hub is worth the trip on its own. After your guided tour, you can always go on another tour of this contemporary dance and classical music venue behind the scenes.

Before saying goodbye to your guide, those with a sweet tooth should remember to ask where to find the best waffles. They’re sure to tell you to go to Otto Waffle Atelier, which serves the most Instagrammable waffles in Bruges! The shop sells delicious oat waffles delicately shaped like Bruges lace.

Must-sees in Bruges

THE CHOCOLATE MUSEUM

This museum retraces the history of chocolate over 5,000 years, from the Mayan civilisation to the present day, through objects, workshops and tastings. How it’s made, the ingredients used and how the recipe has changed over the centuries; you’ll know everything there is to know about chocolate.

The Belfry on the central square of Bruges

THE BELFRY OF BRUGES

At 83 metres high, this tower dominates the central square. Dating back to the 13th century, the Belfry has no less than three hundred and sixty-six steps which lead to uninterrupted views of Bruges. To dive into Bruges in the Middle Ages, head to the Historium Brugge, where fictional characters take you on a journey through time and tell you about the city’s past.

Facade of the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges

BRUGES’ BASILICA OF THE HOLY BLOOD

Located next to the City Hall, this basilica is unusual. It’s relatively small but, more surprisingly, because it’s actually formed by two churches on top of each other. Inside are two chapels, one Romanesque and one neo-Gothic, and a vial containing the blood of Christ.

MINNEWATERPARK

An air of romance fills this park in the south of the city which is undoubtedly the most charming in Bruges. It’s not surprising that its other name is the Lake of Love Park. Swans and ducks love splashing around here, and legend says that couples who make a wish on the park’s bridge will be in love forever.

BURG SQUARE

It’s the centre of power in the city, surrounded by buildings from various eras that testify to the rich history of Bruges. This square was once the headquarters of the Count of Flanders. The municipal council is still based in the 14th-century gothic City Hall.