Historic Centre of Brugge
Historic Centre of Brugge
5
About
The historic center of Bruges has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 thanks to its status as one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe and its enduring Gothic architecture. The Belgian city center is cited as a great example of a medieval historic settlement, even while it has evolved over the years.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • Brucestewart
    Livingston, United Kingdom10,155 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great to visit again although we got hopelessly lost trying to find our coach
    Brugge is one of our favorite cities, we have visited it 4 times in recent years. Our latest visit was in November 2022 when we were on a coach trip to some Christmas Markets in Belgium and the Netherlands. We were staying at a hotel in Ostend but our coach took us to Brugge for the afternoon and early evening of one day. We arrived at the coach park in daylight and walked into the centre of the city. However after having taken in the sights and eaten at the Cambrinus restaurant we got hopelessly lost in the dark making our way back to the coach park. Luckily we had the coach driver's mobile phone number and when we described where we were, we had taken a wrong turning, he was able to direct us to the coach park. We were very lucky to get there before he had to move the coach as he was almost at his parking time limit. We were somewhat pleased to see one other couple arriving back a couple of minutes after us so we couldn't really be accused to holding up the bus! I really think that the local authorities should erect some signs directing people to the coach park. We never sasw any.
    Visited November 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 4, 2023
  • Kay K
    Bradenton, Florida1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A MUST VISIT PLACE
    I absolutely love Bruges. I have been with my son and then again with my husband! Take all the tours…. Boat canal ride, horse drawn carriage, city tour. They are all excellent .the Basilica of the Holy Blood had such glorious music that you feel you must be in heaven. You must see the market Square with its cobblestone streets, we stayed both times, in the quaintest hotel on a canal just off town center, it is in one of the most photographed photos of Bruges. It is one of my favorite places in the world! Medieval architecture and cobblestones make you think you are back hundreds of years in time! FABULOUS!!
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 4, 2023
  • tk3232
    Sugar Land, Texas4,269 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chocolate, beer, lace and much more
    The city of Bruges is the pearl of Belgium. This city is a fairy tale, a city of historical scenery and at the same time lively, touristic, tasty and hospitable. It's a city with a thousand years of history, and its citizens preserve their buildings and carry on their traditions with pride. The historic center is absolutely adorable - here you can find the main square with a towering bell tower than shows off the Golden Age of the 1400s, we had a chance to admire of original statue of Michelangelo's "Madonna and Child" in Church of Our Lady, as well as other unique relic in Basilica of the Holy Blood - the tube with the blood of Christ, Begijnhof and Beguine's House museum, Groeninge Museum and much much more. After seeing the essential sights, we slowing down and savoring the city, whether it's getting lost on the back streets, away from the lace shops and waffle stands, walking along a quiet water canal and we enjoyed a boat ride. We stayed in Bruges for 5 nights and we did not have enough time to see and enjoy everything what this wonderful city offers.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 6, 2023
  • SMLikestoTravel
    Bengaluru, India391 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Picture postcard pretty and quaint
    We visited Bruge, Ghent and Leuven on a single day as a self planned day trip from Brussels. First, we took the train to Bruges at 8:30 am. At the Bruges station we bought a De Lign day pass from the Lignwinkel store. A quick ride on the bus dropped us near the historic centre. We skipped the museums due to lack of time and stuck to visiting other highlights- Markt, Burg, Rosary Quay, Basilica of Holy Blood. Overall, Bruges was very pretty and picturesque. We also did the canal tour and found it much better than the canal tour in Amsterdam. The canal tour in Bruges was way more scenic and enjoyable even though it was shorter in duration. Did some souvenir shopping and bought keychains with the famous lace work of Bruges. Finally, we ate bitterballen, fries and burger before going back to the train station to catch the train to Ghent.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 11, 2023
  • MCXV
    Curry Mallet, United Kingdom206 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Peaceful and clean
    Where was the graffiti? Where were the groups if kids hanging on at every street corner? Where was the litter? A lovely, historic and well kept city, with boat trips, cobbled streets and old buildings. Not everyone’s cup of tea - see In Bruges the film - but a weekend with the festival of lights and the Christmas market give for a great atmosphere.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 12, 2023
  • Bonni B
    Lymington, United Kingdom13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful place
    Bruges itself is absolutely lovely with lots to do. Tons of good places to eat and drink. We went at Christmas and the place was beautiful. The two markets themselves aren’t particularly big and were 50% food and drink. So if Christmas markets are your thing, these aren’t that special. We did 2 days, lots of walking, a boat trip, chocolate tour, beer tour, eating and drinking. Would defiantly recommend it (perhaps without the kids).
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 19, 2023
  • Trek21169039164
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fairytale town
    What's not to love. The beautiful medieval city center is like walking in a fairy tale. Beautiful houses and buildings, very clean and so romantic. It's just a museum on its own. So peaceful to walk in and enjoy some quality time.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written December 23, 2023
  • Sarah P
    Brookline, Massachusetts101 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Brugge
    Brugge is a gem. So many beautiful buildings, quaint passageways, and fun shopping. It was teaming with people the week between Christmas and New Years. We toured ourselves around with a guidebook which seemed adequate for our brief stay. A fun city to see.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written January 1, 2024
  • Steven W
    Newport, United Kingdom205 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful city
    Beautiful city centre. Lots to do and see around the area. Many nice places to eat and drink. Try and avoid the main square near to the water as we found it over priced and the service poor. Try a boat trip it is a good way to see a lot of the architecture in a short space of time
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 7, 2024
  • Alex j
    Modesto, California48 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ghent Belgium day tour
    Amazing bruge Belgium city. You must visit Bruge if your in Belgium. We stayed in brussles and did a guided one day tour to Ghent and Bruge. Loved both cities as they are unique. I honestly would have loved to spend at least night or two in Bruge with its Beautiful canal ways, city center is amazing and Lots of restaurants to choose from.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written January 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles18,044 reviews
Excellent
14,215
Very good
3,360
Average
370
Poor
70
Terrible
29

R T
York109 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Yes Bruge is busy, Yes Bruge is touristy and No it isn't cheap but that's because Bruge is a beautiful. picture perfect city. I have been many times and still wouldn't hesitate to go back. Avoid eating on the main square but definitely have a drink there to watch the world go by and definitely think about making restaurant reservations in advance as a lot of the restaurants get quite full. Unlike others, I don't rate the Christmas market though - it's small, doesn't really change from year to year, busy and a bit on the tacky side of things. Does this stop me visiting in December/early January, no, but I wouldn't be going for the market anyway. There are a lot of things to see and do in Bruge and a lot that is close by to visit - rent a bike and get out of the city.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cargs101
Perth, Australia128 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
We visited Bruges for 4 nights over Christmas. This gave us time to enjoy walking the city once the day trippers have left. It is such a beautiful place to walk and enjoy the sights any time of day but at night with the lights and mist it is amazing.
At Christmas there are a number of markets in the central area where you can enjoy beer, food and trinket shopping. The markets are not as good as some of the German markets we have been to but they are still a nice place to spend an hour or so.
If you have the chance to spend time in Belgium then Bruges is a must visit and it should be more than just a day trip to enjoy it fully.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Belkys H
Oakville, Canada28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019 • Friends
Bruges – an unforgettable experience. From the cosmopolitan London arrived to the tiny Bruges via the Eurostar train, in just 3 hours. Bruges is the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium that is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Bruges is a treasury cove full of activity in spite of the weather. It is easy to explore and there are surprises at any corner. There are plenty of things to do there, whatever you do; it will be a Belgian experience. · The Historium: a great way to understand Bruges medieval heritage in 2 hours.
· The Groeningen Museum: this museum features great painting by the Flanders primitives Jan Van Eyck, Hieronymus Bosch, Gerald David and others great artist from the 1400-1500. · Church of Our Lady: Bruges has many churches, however only seeing this one is mesmerizing. The building itself is a masterpiece. It hosts a Michelangelo sculpture and medieval structures with fresco paintings, among other medieval pieces. I love the iron work and the arches in the ceiling.
· Saint Joseph Hospital or the Menlingae: it was hospital in medieval times, now it is a well elegant museum that hosts six painting of Hans Memling. The building is worth the visit and seeing 6 Memling at the same time made my day.
· The Christmas market: with many of the delicious treats from the region.

Bruges offers a great shopping experience as well; many local and international brands are found here. Belgian chocolate is everywhere! And of course the Belgian beer is a must. I tried Straffe Hendrik from the local Half Moon and it was amazing! There are many other things to see in Bruges, however only be there near the market would be enough to get a taste of this enchanted city.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sandro PB
Helmsange, Luxembourg192 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Even on a cold grey weekend in February Bruges is teeming with people. It is a beautiful city and you can wander among the old buildings along the banks of the canals and, better still, take a boat trip for 40 minutes at Euro 10 per head and get an understanding of the place from the commentary. Lots to see and do, beers and coffee to drink and good things to eat.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AtlanticTyger
London, UK1,000 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019 • Couples
My wife and I visited Bruges in October and even with high expectations, we were incredibly pleased by the historic beauty of this gorgeous Canal town. The old city is incredibly walkable and the autumn is a wonderful time to stroll in a leisurely manner in such a beautiful and relaxing setting. All I can add is that we would like to go back again soon.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Wiseolly
Llandudno, UK283 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
It was December 29th and the world and his wife were in Brugge. We have found a difference in a few years where we used to be able to walk around and seek out little spots to eat at a reasonable price but everything has become so commercial and overcrowded and expensive. The delight has gone from our love of Brugge. Locals were having to wheel their bikes, that have priority, and some were even carrying them. The weight of people were taking their toll as even at the church of the Holy Blood the general boise and disrespect on the stairs and in the church was incredable. Do the masses actually appreciate where they are these days.
Still a special city which was easily overwhelmed.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AnnPalmerUK
144 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
We were on a cruise that docked in Zeebrugge and went to Bruges for the day. The shipboard excursion was ÂŁ40 each, just for the coach travel to Bruges. The ship (P&O Aurora) laid on a complimentary shuttle bus from the dockside to Blankenberge station (20 mins). Here we paid 7 euros for 2 return rail tickets to Bruges (11 mins). Great value, but only one train an hour, so get to the station on time, to catch the train which leaves at 53 mins to the hour. 25 min walk from Bruges station to the old town, did a 12 euro boat trip round the canals, glorious weather, and the city was busy. Lots of places to eat. We walked back to the station (not well sign posted, so pay attention when you walk in) and caught the once an hour train back. This leaves at 55 mins to the hour to Blankenberge. An excellent day and great value.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tom S
2 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023
Brugge has a lot of history, and probably if you know where to look, you can get some interesting insights. For me, the art museum was quite unusual, as well as the art within the Eglise, and the privately owned Jerusalem Church was surprisingly moving and mysterious. The center of Brugge itself, however, is a bit of a nightmare. There are so many tourists that it is literally difficult to find space on the sidewalk to walk. Everywhere there are overpriced knick-knacks and meals, so it is like being in an upscale mall on the weekend. Even the boat tour, while worthwhile, felt like a Disneyland ride and midday you will have to wait in line for anything popular. Fascinating moments are yours for the finding, around the edges, but you need to search pretty hard, and meanwhile your purse will be substantially lightened.
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Blue
Henley-on-Thames, UK124 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Canals, cobbled streets, medieval buildings and the treat of less tourists but continuing Christmas market and Christmas decorations adding to the magical feel. Very early January is such a good time to visit.
as art lovers we were disappointed by our visit to the Groeningen Museum as we was enticed in by names like Jan Van Eyck, Hieronymous Bosch and Bruegel but there were only one or two of these. We were disappointed by the small number of first rate pieces and while some of those lesser known local artists were not without merit, most left us cold. Staff seemed bored and were rude.
The town is the star of the show and every day we walked and found delights around every corner. Belgian chocolate is everywhere and it's delicious as is the hot chocolate. The beer's good too!
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Heidi G
Belgium173 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
As we visited Bruges in August 2020 it was rather quiet (much less tourists) and I enjoyed the city centre much more then previous visits. We were also on our bikes, so you can get around the city easy. Also biking around the outer canal all around Bruges through the parks is recommended.
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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