The Must-Visit Attractions in Bruges, Belgium

Very touristy, perhaps, but one of the best ways to see Bruges is from the water. Overhanging willow trees, lush gardens above the waterline and old bridges overhead create a fairytale setting. Floating on the canals provides an entirely different view of the city’s historic centre, affording you close access to some of the town’s most incredible sites that might otherwise go unnoticed. If you’re looking for a romantic date, this is it. Recommended by Hanna Clarys

The Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges is said to house the blood of Christ, collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought to Belgium from the Holy Land. It sounds deeply religious, and Christian visitors will feel that way. However, the basilica is also worth experiencing regardless of faith. Stunning in its simplicity, it has some masterly decorations and historic value. It consists of two chapels; the one on the lower level is austere with very little decoration, while the Gothic upper level is alive with colour and detail. Every day at fixed hours, visitors can queue up to touch or kiss the cloth with the holy blood on. Recommended by Hanna Clarys

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.

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.

Imagine yourself back in time, in a place of peace and tranquility. A beguinage is an architectural complex created to house lay religious women. This one, founded in 1245, still looks medieval, with tiny white plastered houses surround a courtyard where yellow daffodils bloom in spring and the occasional nun hurries towards the chapel when mass is about to begin. This pure, untouched part of Bruges is a perfect spot to unwind, leave behind the city’s buzz for one beautiful moment and become totally zen. Recommended by Hanna Clarys

The Belfry Tower is a medieval bell tower, first built as an 83m (272ft) high observation point for spotting fires and other dangers in and around Bruges. The narrow (and steep) staircase to the top has 366 steps and is open to the public for an entry fee. The views from the top are incredible, but it’s worth knowing the tower leans roughly a metre to the east – and the bells still chime to this day.

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.

The only sculpture that left Italy during Michelangelo’s lifetime, the Madonna with Child can be admired in the Church of our Lady in Bruges. It was carved around 1503 and bought by a Bruges merchant, who then donated it to the church. The marble sculpture is a small feature in the giant church, yet it attracts all the attention. It was removed by French occupiers in 1794 and later by the Germans in World War II, but has always found its way back. Nothing short of a miracle. Recommended by Hanna Clarys

Located in the Belfry, Bruges’s most prestigious building, this exhibition is an experience you won’t find elsewhere. An audiovisual spectacle with sensational and dramatic decor, it represents not only Dalí’s work but the character and vision of the artist’s life as well. A fantastic collection of graphic works, sculptures, aquarelles and drawings are on display, all bathed in a golden and pink light. Recommended by Hanna Clarys

For a fun, immersive history lesson, head to Historium on the square. The one-hour visceral experience will transport you to medieval Bruges using film, music and special effects. Walk between themed rooms led by an audio guide and find yourself standing in the middle of a banquet, battlefield or inside an artist’s studio with all the sounds, smell and visuals to make it feel real. Climb the tower to enjoy a 360-degree view over Bruges.

Bruges is gorgeous in winter when houses are covered with snow, the canals are frozen and the little alleys are alight with old lanterns. The yearly Ice Sculpture Festival adds to that fairy-tale feel, with an enormous exhibition of stunning ice sculptures, bathed in soft blueish and pinkish light. It is a paradise for children, who can wander around open-eyed, wonder-struck by the fantasy and magic radiating from the translucent sculptures. If you want to engage your little ones, bring them here. Recommended by Hanna Clarys

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.

The Groeninge Museum was built on the site of the medieval Eekhout Abbey. Here you will see six centuries worth of Belgian and historical European art in one location, from work by Flemish primitives, such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Gerard David, all the way to 20th-century modern art by René Magritte. You’ll also see significant works from renaissance and baroque masters all in one of the most beautiful and diverse art collections in the world.

Take a walk along the city ramparts to find four ancient windmills – all that remains of 25 to 30 such giants that once dotted the town walls. The remaining four can be found on the northeast side, with two of them – the Sint-Janshuis Mill and the Koelewei Mill – still dutifully grinding grain.

Concertgebouw Bruges is one of the rare contemporary attractions that can hold its own among the town’s parade of medieval landmarks. World-class acoustics attract world-class musicians and that’s exactly what architect duo Robbrecht and Daem had in mind when they designed the hall on almost 5,000 steel springs.

The city has always been famous for the handicraft of its lacemakers, traces of which are still to be found in 20-odd shops where lace is made and sold today. Rococo, which opened in 1833, offers the most extensive collection of old and contemporary pieces, selling the finest handiwork in romantic antique bobbin, needlepoint, ribbon lace and modern custom-made lace. Fun for children, and interested adults, are the demonstrations in its showroom – so you can see how these delicate works of art are created. Never again will you look at lace the same way. Recommended by Hanna Clarys