Belgium
Bruges
Bruges' old town has preserved its medieval appearance and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nicknamed the "Venice of the North," it offers picturesque views of canals winding through narrow streets.
Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
- Gateway airport
- Brussels Airport (BRU)
- Best season
- May–Oct
- Time zone
- Europe/Brussels
- Sights covered
- 44 places
Sights worth seeing
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Museums & galleries
Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady in Bruges is a Roman Catholic church with the tallest spire in the city, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Its brick spire, among the tallest in the world, is a striking sight to look up at.
Museums & galleries
Groeningemuseum
A municipal art museum in Bruges, built on the site of a former medieval monastery. It's a great stop to admire the collection while exploring the city.
Museums & galleries
Belfry of Bruges
A medieval belfry in the heart of Bruges and one of the city's iconic landmarks. In the past, it also served as a watchtower, storing treasures and documents and keeping watch for fires and other dangers.
Museums & galleries
Museum van het Heilig Bloed
A historic church in Bruges, originally built in the 12th century as the chapel of the Counts of Flanders. It houses a relic said to contain the Holy Blood of Christ, making it a place of deep religious significance.
Museums & galleries
Sint-Salvatorskathedraal
This is Bruges' Roman Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Holy Saviour and Saint Donatian. It's a historic church well worth visiting while walking through the city center.
Museums & galleries
Bruges City Hall
A late Gothic building on Burg Square in the heart of Bruges' old town. Built from the late 14th to early 15th century, it is regarded as one of the oldest city hall buildings in the former Burgundian Netherlands.
Parks & gardens
Markt
A roughly one-hectare square in the heart of Bruges, surrounded by the city's iconic belfry and historic buildings. It's a great place to also explore landmarks like the Provincial Court and Cranenburg House.
Museums & galleries
Frietmuseum
The world's first museum dedicated to French fries, located in Bruges, where you can explore their history and production process. It's a fun way to see one of Belgium's iconic foods from a new perspective.
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Getting around the city
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Guides by theme
Best value
Where to Stay in Bruges for the Best Value
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5-star & luxury
Where to stay in Bruges for a luxury and five-star trip
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Pool villas & resorts
Where to Stay in Bruges for Resorts and Pool Accommodations
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Family travel
Where to Stay in Bruges with Children: Family Neighborhoods and Lodging Tips
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Couples & honeymoon
Where to Stay in Bruges for a Couples Trip
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Central & near stations
Where to stay in Bruges for central sights and easy train station access
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Best time to visit
When is the best time to visit Bruges, Belgium?
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First-time guide
How to Plan Your First Trip to Bruges: Layout, Transit, and What to Avoid
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Getting around
How to get around Bruges and travel from Brussels Airport
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