The Must-Visit Attractions in Bruges, Belgium
![Take a boat tour of Bruges, nicknamed the Venice of the North, for a quick way to see the city sights](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bruge.webp)
For many, the best-preserved medieval city in northern Europe is Bruges, a fairytale destination that blends architecture, art and history with excellent beer. If you want to explore it for yourself, here are the attractions you shouldn’t pass up.
Bruges is full of old-world charm that has been attracting visitors for centuries. Today, it’s a city break favourite thanks to its array of bars, restaurants and hotels. Scratch the surface and the Venice of the North will show you the best in chocolate, beer and historic landmarks – the entire city is Unesco-designated, after all. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in Bruges, Belgium.
1. Try authentic Belgian chocolate at the Chocolate Line
Patisserie, Belgian, Pastries
Forget those marbled seashells – real Belgian chocolate is finely ground, with a high cocoa content and pure cocoa butter. The Chocolate Line is a family-run chocolate factory in the city centre, where choc aficionados Fabienne and Dominique – along with their son Julius – make delicious artisanal products while supporting sustainability and social projects. Visit to see (and taste) how their chocolate is made, plus how they give back.
2. Snap a photo at Quay of the Rosary (Rozenhoedkaai)
Architectural Landmark
![Bruges skyline with old buildings at twilight in Bruges, Belgium.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2a448e3.webp)
The Rozenhoedkaai – named after the rosaries that were once sold here – is vintage Bruges. Its painterly composition of reflective canals, ancient houses, a quaint bridge and the Belfry peeking out from the back, make it the most photographed spot in the city. Catch it at a golden hour if you can. Magical.
3. Visit the Belfry Tower of Bruges
Building
![Belfry of Bruges, the medieval bell tower against blue sky. The 83 meter high belfry or hallstower (halletoren) is Bruges most well-known landmark](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/trcam7.webp)
4. Soak up the Markt of Bruges (especially in winter)
Historical Landmark
The Belfry Tower and Cloth Hall overlook the Markt square, a space that dates back to 958CE. In medieval times, crowds would gather here for festivals, tournaments, uprisings – and even executions. By day, it’s a meeting spot for locals, tours and a place to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride. At night, the buzzy bars, restaurants and music venues come alive while ice skating and a Christmas market grace the square in winter months.
5. Immerse yourself at the Historium Bruges
Museum
![Belgium, Western Flanders, Bruges, historical centre listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, Grand Place, Provincial Palace or Provincial Palace and historium museum](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/we7hfg.webp)
6. Find space at the Beguinage
Park
7. Check out the Minnewater Park and Bridge
Natural Feature
![Bruges, Belgium, Minnewater lake panorama](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cwgr18.webp)
From the Beguinage, it’s a two-minute walk to the Minnewater Bridge, which sits above the Lake of Love. Legend has it that walking across with your partner will lead to eternal love. Head towards the verdant Minnewater Park for a view of the lovely Castle de la Faille with its soaring spires.
8. Admire masterpieces at the Groeninge Museum
Bridge, Church, Museum
![BRUGES, Belgium - Flemish and Belgian painting on display at the Groeningemuseum, a municipal art museum in Bruges, Belgium. The museum is famous for its collection of Flemish Primitive art, along with other masterpieces from other periods.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/dy5w57.webp)
9. Explore the windmills of Bruges
Architectural Landmark
10. Watch a concert at the Concertgebouw Bruges
Building, Concert Hall
![Concert hall and sculpture group with fountain at the square Het Zand in Bruges, West Flanders, Belgium](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/c66rw7.webp)
Read our guide and discover the most beautiful towns in Belgium.
This article was originally written by Nana Van De Poel and has since been updated.