Bruges (or Brugge) is one of Europe’s loveliest cities, with its network of canals, its classical Flemish architecture, and its spectacular Market Square (Markt)—little wonder that its historic center has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Easily accessible from Brussels, the city is small enough to see in a weekend but enchanting enough to linger in. Top things to do in Bruges include exploring traditional restaurants serving Belgian beer, museums housing works by Jan Van Eyck, tempting chocolate shops, and cozy Christmas markets in the festive season.
Bruges looks lovely all year round, but the city is especially charming with a fresh coat of snowfall and frozen-over canals. Its cozy taverns and indulgent chocolate shops seem tailor-made for winter, and its Christmas markets illuminate the festive season. But if you’d rather escape the cold weather than luxuriate in it, the early autumn shoulder season lets you soak up the warmth (and take advantage of Flanders’ Open Monuments Day in September) with fewer crowds to navigate than in the summer high season.
The Bruges train station connects the city to other nearby destinations like Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp. Numerous bus lines operate in the city itself and link the station to downtown, while canal boat tours offer another perspective on the Venice of the North. That said, the city center very much exists on a walkable scale, and exploring on foot (or by bicycle) is an excellent way to see its sights.
The Belfry of Bruges—the UNESCO-listed medieval tower that overlooks the Markt—is far and away its top attraction. Given its enviable views, it’s no surprise that there can be a long wait to ascend. For your best shot, arrive right when it opens to beat the crowds. Alternatively, head to the nearby Historium Brugge museum, whose own tower offers similarly appealing views.
