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Bruges, Belgium is a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage city and although it’s a fairly small town, there are so many wonderful things you can do. We visited during the offseason in November and our list includes the obvious things like waffles and the famous Belfry Tower, but it also features the not-so-typical things to do in Bruges as well. Here are the top 20 things you must check out in Bruges.

1. Admire Rozenhoedkaai

Bruges is surrounded by picturesque locations and Rozenhoedkaai is definitely one of them. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Bruges and it’s also one of the locations where you can start your boat canal tour. Get here early to snag that perfect photo.

2. Hang Out at The Markt

You can’t miss The Markt. It’s a huge square surrounded by historic buildings including the famous Belfry Tower. The square has been used as a marketplace since 958 and on Wednesdays, you’ll see the market overflowing with all kinds of stalls selling street food, flowers, produce and more.

3. Climb the Belfry Tower

Speaking of the Belfry Tower (or Belfort van Brugge in Dutch), you can actually climb up to the top to get a grand view of Bruges. Just be prepared to climb up 366 steps! Fun fact: the tower leans 87 centimeters to the east.

4. Take a Canal Boat Tour

One thing everyone must do in Bruges is a canal boat tour. There are five areas where you can board the boats and it’s about a half-hour trip that gives you a little history of the city and sights of the quaint city at a different angle.

5. Learn About Bruges on a Free Walking Tour

If you want to learn a little more about Bruges on foot, there are plenty of free walking tours in Bruges you can choose from. Make sure to bring some cash so you can tip your lovely guides.

6. View the City in a Horse Carriage

You’ll see horse carriages everywhere in Bruges (you can catch a ride at The Market) and it’s another great way to get a tour of the city. It’s also another option to see the city if you have trouble walking or get motion sickness easily. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and you can get a great overview of the city.

7. Try All the Belgian Waffles You Can - Especially the Liege Waffles

Belgium has the best waffles in the world and there are so many different types of waffles to choose from. The main ones being the Brussels Waffle and the Liege Waffle. Brussels Waffles are made with a smooth, light batter and in a rectangular shape. Liege Waffles are made with a dough batter and is much thicker in a round shape with uneven edges baked with sugar. Liege Waffles are amazing and the best ones are at Chez Albert.

8. Check Out Burg Square and Standhuis

Burg Square is right next to Markt Square and is home to Stadhuis, which is Bruges’ City Hall. There is a little museum within the gorgeous 14th-century building and you can learn about the history of Bruges and its governance over the centuries.

Burg Square is also a great place to relax on one of the benches and enjoy a waffle from the super cute waffle truck, Arlecchino by John Van Opdurp.

9. Enter the Basilica of the Holy Blood

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is also located in Burg Square and is a 12th century chapel which houses a vial containing cloth stained with the actual blood of Christ. The chapel is free to enter and there’s an additional museum for a small fee.

10. Make Your Own Hot Chocolate at Old Chocolate House

Bruges is known for its chocolates and at the Old Chocolate House, you can make your own hot chocolate from scratch. You’re given a big mug of warm milk with a whisk and you can choose from different types of chocolate to pour into the milk. The presentation was exquisite and the hot chocolate really hit the spot especially when it’s chilly outside. The cafe is located on the second floor inside the charming chocolate shop.

11. Visit the Beautiful Swans

There are many swans swimming in the canals of Bruges and most of them gather around Lover’s Lake. Seeing so many swans in one spot is quite a sight to see. You truly feel like you’re in a fairy tale surrounded by historic buildings in a romantic setting.

12. Have a Peaceful Moment at Beguinage of Bruges

Beguinage of Bruges (or Ten Wijngaerde) was founded in 1245 and was a sanctuary for unmarried or widowed women. Nowadays, the Sisters of the religious St. Benedic Order live here and at certain times, you can hear them sing beautiful melodies.

You can enjoy a peaceful walk around the area but make sure to keep your voices low out of respect for the tenants that live here.

13. Get Romantic at Minnewaterpark

Minnewaterpark is a romantic hotspot surrounded by tall trees and a beautiful lake called Minnewater or Lake of Love. Local legend says that you will experience eternal love if you walk over the lake bridge with your partner.

Admire the views of the lake from the bridge or one of the benches. The park is also a gorgeous area for a nice rest or a stroll.

14. Stop by Church of Our Lady

Church of Our Lady is a beautiful church from the 13th century. Its tower is 379 feet tall and is the second tallest brickwork tower in the world (the tallest being the St. Martin's Church in Landshut, Germany). 

The church is free to enter, but if you want to see the famous Madonna and Child sculpture by Michalangelo, you will have to pay a small fee of €5.

15. Take a Brewery Tour at De Halve Maan

Even if you don’t drink beer, this is a great tour to take in Bruges. You learn a lot of history about the city and how De Halve Maan Brewery survived the beer industry for so long. At the end of the tour, you’ll get to enjoy a complimentary glass of unfiltered tap beer which was actually quite good.

The tour costs €12 (~$13 USD) and runs hourly from 11am - 4pm and lasts about 45 minutes.

16. Indulge in Delicious Belgian Food

Belgium has some of the best food and we really enjoyed the Liege waffles and Flemish Beef Stew. One of the best places to try Belgian dishes is at Brasserie Cambrinus. Check out our top 8 restaurants you should visit in Bruges.

17. Enjoy a Free Harp Concert

Located inside the Sint-Jan Hospital Museum, this is a unique experience where harpist composer, Luc Vanlaere performs a free harp concert for 40 minutes. He not only plays the traditional harp, but various other string instruments as well. The music is so soothing that it can literally put you to sleep… it sure put Candy to asleep (in all fairness, Mr. Vanlaere warned the audience that this might happen).

The concert takes place Tuesday through Saturday three times a day all year round. This might not be for everyone but it’s a great opportunity to experience a local’s passion for music. The concert is free but donations are welcome. Make sure to bring cash for donations.

18. Watch Traditional Lace Making at Kantcentrum

Lace making originated in Bruges and Kantcentrum (Lace Centre and Museum) showcases the history and techniques of lace. In the afternoon, you can go upstairs to watch demonstrations of lace making - a 400-year-old technique. You’ll be fascinated by how fast these ladies can create beautiful lace.

19. Buy Souvenirs at The Chocolate Line

The Chocolate Line is known for its world-famous artisanal chocolate by Dominique Persoone. Out of all the chocolate shops in Bruges (there’s literally one around every corner), it’ll be great to buy some souvenirs here. It’s pretty expensive but worth it for “the #1 chocolate in the world”.

20. Watch Chocolate Being Made from Scratch

Another chocolate shop worth mentioning is the Chocolate Brothers. Unlike other chocolate shops in Bruges who get their chocolates pre-packaged and mass produced, these chocolatiers make their chocolate from scratch. You can watch them making the chocolate all day and check out their awesome chocolate creations on display.

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed at Crown Plaza Brugge and it was the perfect location central to everything. Located right in Burg Square and next to Market Square, there are numerous restaurants and shops nearby. It was a wonderful hotel in the heart of the city and we really loved staying here.

We hope you’ll get to experience everything on this list and let us know which experience was your favorite in the comments below. Happy Travels!