What to do in Bruges?

1. Visit the city on foot

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: This may seem surprising put like this, but many people forget to explore the city where they stay during their holidays. We often tend to rush towards museums, medieval monuments, important squares... Of course, you must do all these activities, that goes without saying. But first of all, why not get lost for a few hours in this charming city that is Bruges? And it must be said, the place is well worth the detour on foot! We particularly recommend its historic center, a real gem for all its buildings to see. What's interesting is that every street, every path you take, will lead to a historic monument. For example the "Belfry", this tall medieval tower that rises nearly 83 meters high. Discover its history, and learn more about the city of Bruges. Not forgetting that during your day, you can have lunch at noon in an excellent restaurant, serving local specialties.

2. Discover the different museums

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: If there's one thing that Bruges doesn't lack, it's museums. Yes, notice to all history lovers and naturally curious people, it's in this particular city in Belgium that you'll have the opportunity to wander through corridors, exhibiting pieces and objects, sometimes of inestimable value, but above all unique in the world. A few museum ideas? The "Groeninge" museum, open since 1930, is known for housing a large collection of Flemish primitives. During your visit, you'll go back in time up to six centuries before our era, admiring paintings by Jan Van Eyck, Hieronymus Bosch, or Lancelot Blondeel. Not forgetting that the museum has some historic paintings by the famous Jacob Van Oost. We also recommend the "Gruuthuse" museum, dating from the 19th century, in 1876. This one is particular, because it's located in an old hotel dating from the 15th century. By itself, it traces 500 years of Bruges' history, and Belgium in general.

3. Visit the city by boat

Category: €€/Cultural/Unusual

Description: If you want your dose of romance, mixed with a slight hint of thrill, then visiting Bruges by boat on the canals is for you. It's possible to register at any time, for a walk with schedules varying from 10am to 5pm. Although it's perfectly possible to explore the city on foot, or by bike, certain places, including its fairly narrow arteries can only be visited by boat. So, embark aboard a splendid ship and let yourself be gently rocked by the waves towards a sensational experience, where Bruges will appear from a completely different angle. Your guide will be happy to explain everything you need to know as you go along your journey, passing by historic squares and monuments: for example, "Place Jan Van Eyck", or the "Béguinage". Little extra? Visitors loved the passage to the fish market, this one is surrounded by 126 columns, and passing over it on water proved to be frankly fantastic!

4. Participate in a cooking workshop

Category: €€/Gastronomic

Description: If Belgium is known for its delicious creamy waffles, know that it's in Bruges that you'll have the opportunity to put your cooking talents into practice. Why not participate in a workshop to learn how to make real local waffles? Here's a fun and gourmet activity, which will know how to excite your senses, and make your taste buds quiver. For this, go to the "Ezelstraat" district. There, while being in a nice welcoming setting, you'll explore each step that contributes to the good realization of a Belgian waffle, from choosing the right ingredients to cooking. Before moving on to tasting (our favorite step), you can of course garnish your waffle with any topping that makes you want: speculoos, chocolate, jam, honey, red fruits... Little extra that's nice, if you're subject to allergies or dietary restrictions due to a diet, no worries, the workshop has everything planned and will surely have the ingredients you need.

5. Stroll along the Rosary Quay

Category: Free/Sporty

Description: Are you looking for a quiet place to walk? The kind of place where you can walk in peace, by pressing "play" on your favorite playlist? The Rosary Quay is one of the most beautiful in the region: here's a nice little walk that will allow you to walk along the canals, while capturing the best shots of your stay in Bruges. It's best to go there at the end of the day, when the sun takes its bow. Indeed, seeing it gradually evaporate, in orange, yellow and red tones, while gradually letting the darkness settle into the night, constitutes a soothing activity, which gives balm to the heart. Taking a photo at this precise moment amounts to obtaining a very beautiful contrast with a striking play of reliefs and lights. Little anecdote: the Rosary Quay was originally the old salt port of Bruges. Merchants came to exchange their goods, and rosaries were also sold there during the 18th century. Today, it's one of the departure points for many boats.

6. The Basilica of the Holy Blood

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Located on Burg Square, this religious building is known for its magnificent artifact, making its reputation, as well as the pride of its inhabitants. The two chapels, one Romanesque and the other neo-Gothic both have interesting architecture, which will only delight our history lovers and fond of ancient architectures: the Saint-Basile chapel (Romanesque style) is the only chapel of this kind in Flanders, while the Holy Blood chapel (Gothic style), has impressive architecture whose robust walls testify to the power of the building. Every Friday, the vial of Christ's blood brought from the Holy Land by the Count of Flanders during the second crusade, is shown to the public. You can visit the place every day from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, and from 2 pm to 5 pm. Except Wednesday afternoon when it remains closed. A fascinating activity that will allow you to learn even more about the city of Bruges.