Bruges Historic Main Square
Bruges Belgium
My Friend and I visited Bruges on our last day of our trip to Netherlands and Belgium. Bruges,
Belgium offers a delightful experience with its rich history, picturesque canals, stunning
architecture, and charming atmosphere. Here are some of our highlights and things to do
while exploring Bruges:
1.Historic Center (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Bruges’ historic center is beautifully
preserved and showcases medieval architecture. We loved strolling through the
cobblestone streets, admiring the Gothic buildings, and visiting the famous Market Square
(Grote Markt) with its iconic Belfry tower
2. Canals and Bridges: Bruges is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” due to its
Historic Center (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Bruges’ historic center is beautifully
preserved and showcases medieval architecture. We loved strolling through the
cobblestone streets, admiring the Gothic buildings, and visiting the famous Market Square
(Grote Markt) with its iconic Belfry tower.
network of canals. This is a great town to take a boat tour to see the city from a different
perspective.
Beautiful view of a canal in Bruges
3. Belfry of Bruges: Climb the Belfry tower for panoramic views of Bruges. The 366-step ascent rewards
you with breathtaking vistas of the cityscape and surrounding countryside.
Bruges Belfry
4. Church of Our Lady: Visit the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk), which houses a famous sculpture of Madonna and Child by Michelangelo. This magnificent church is also notable for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere
Historic Church of Our Lady, Bruges
5. Chocolate and Gastronomy: Indulge in Belgium’s renowned chocolates and culinary delights.
Bruges is home to numerous chocolate shops and artisanal chocolate makers, offering a wide
range of mouthwatering treats. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties like waffles,
mussels, and Flemish stew. I loved the Mussels and French fries.
Mussels and Fries, Yum!
6. Bruges’ Museums: Explore the city’s diverse range of museums. The Groeningemuseum
showcases Flemish and Dutch art, including works by renowned artists like Jan van Eyck. The
Memling Museum exhibits the works of the Flemish painter Hans Memling. The Choco-Story Museum is
a delight for chocolate lovers, offering insights into the history and production of Belgian chocolate. Yummy.
Chocolate Museum
7. Markt (Market Square): The heart of Bruges, Markt, is a bustling square surrounded by impressive
historic buildings. Here you’ll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as the colorful
Wednesday Market, where you can browse local products and crafts. We just happened to go on a
Wednesday which was amazing as I love the markets.
8. Windmills: Today, only four windmills remain in Bruges, and they serve as iconic landmarks and
tourist attractions. Here are the four windmills you can visit:
Sint-Janshuismolen: This windmill, also known as the St. John’s House Mill, is the oldest surviving
windmill in Bruges, dating back to the late 18th century. It is a wooden post mill and is located near the
city center. The mill is occasionally open to visitors.
Koeleweimolen: The Koeleweimolen is a brick tower mill that was built in 1765. It has a white exterior
and a conical-shaped roof. The mill is currently not in operation, but it remains a beautiful sight in the
outskirts of Bruges.
Bonne Chiere: Bonne Chiere is a stone tower mill built in 1794. It is located near the Koeleweimolen
and has a distinctive appearance with its black and white color scheme. The mill is not open to the
public but can be admired from the outside.
Sint-Anna: Sint-Anna is a wooden post mill built in 1770. It is situated in the eastern part of Bruges and
has a thatched roof. The mill is currently being restored and is not open to the public.
These windmills are worth seeing up close and personal!
Here are some more pictures of just walking around town.
Historical building
Beautiful sites in Bruges
These are just a few highlights of visiting Bruges, a city that truly captivates visitors with its timeless
beauty and enchanting ambiance.
Toni Hodge loves traveling the world with her husband, Doug, Friends and Family. She is an agent with
Tailored Travel, a full-service travel agency with a team of agents ready to help you with unlocking the
world’s wonders-including this beautiful place. You can reach Toni at toni@tailoredtravel.vacations or
by calling 865.603.4542.
