Bruges (Belgium): what to see in one day


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What to see in Bruges, itinerary including the main monuments and places of interest, including the Belfry Museum, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Chocolate Museum.


Tourist information

The old city, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000, constitutes a medieval masterpiece and an open-air museum, where visitors can experience a concentration of Flemish architecture, art and history, tasting, during the visit intervals, the specialties local restaurants served in excellent restaurants.

At night Bruges is a very silent city, while during the day its cobbled streets crowd with tourists with cameras in tow to capture the medieval beauties present in every corner.


Carriage rides are also carried out which, passing through the main square, add an additional romantic charm to the city.

The bell tower, which represents the landmark of Piazza Markt, is the most popular attraction as it allows a spectacular view of the city.

The museums that contain many types of objects and masterpieces ranging from furniture to folklore also deserve to be visited.


Other tourist itineraries are boat trips along the canals of Bruges and walks around Burg Square, where the Basilica of the Holy Blood is located, which is said to contain the blood of Jesus Christ.

Also worthy of attention are the Chocolate Museum, the Friet Museum and the brewery in the old town.

What see

Belfry museum
In this museum, where the history of the city is represented, the climb to the top of the Belfry tower 83 meters high, from which to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding countryside, is noteworthy.


Very interesting is the clock mechanism with a carillon consisting of 47 bells, used in the past to organize life in the medieval village of Bruges and to warn citizens early about an advanced enemy.

Church of Our Lady
After the Belfry Tower, this 122 m high church dedicated to the Madonna is the most impressive construction in Bruges.

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Inside, visitors can admire an incredible art collection, including Michelangelo's famous Madonna and Child, the tomb of Mary of Burgundy and that of Charles the Fearless.

city ​​Hall
The council chamber located on the first floor of this palace, dating back to 1376, can be visited, with spectacular decorated ceilings and medieval sculptures.

Basilica of the Holy Blood
Located in Piazza Burg, this basilica boasts two beautiful chapels, the Chapel of San Basilio, which dates back to 1100, and the Chapel of the Holy Blood, containing the sacred blood of Jesus Christ kept in a cylinder probably taken on a crusade in Jerusalem in 12 Century, which is extracted every day to expose it to the worship of the faithful. The basilica also has a small museum which displays ecclesiastical finds.

De Halve Maan Brewery
Belgium is famous for its beer, and this family brewery produces a range of traditional beers. It is the only brewery left in the historic center, where a guided tour is held every day in various languages, ending with the tasting of a free beer. From the top of this brewery you can enjoy an excellent view that pays for the ticket price by itself.

Gruuthuse
Once owned by the wealthy Gruuthuse family, this namesake palace is now home to a museum, which includes tapestries, antique gold items and torture machines used in the Middle Ages. Hanging from the entrance is the effigy of Charles II, who stayed here during his exile from Great Britain in 1650.

Lace museum
This museum is dedicated to the art of lace and lace, demonstrations are held every afternoon regarding this ancient craft. It is also possible to participate in courses to learn this process. The visit to the lace museum also includes a visit to the adjacent Church of Jerusalem.

Choco Story
Dedicated to another great Belgian tradition, this museum traces the history of chocolate, starting from the times of the Maya and Aztecs up to modern production processes. The visit includes chocolate shop demonstrations and a shop to taste the products.


Groeninge Museum
It is a themed museum concerning the development of Flemish, Belgian and Dutch art over the centuries. The various collections include works by luminaries such as Jan van Eyck, Hieronymus Bosch and Marcel Broodthaers, as well as Renaissance, Baroque and modern works.

Hospital Museum
Dating back to the 13th century, San Giovanni Hospital is the oldest hospital in Europe. It has been transformed into a museum where you can admire the fantastic wooden ceilings of the rooms where hospital instruments of the time are exhibited.

Salvador Dali XPO
In this small gallery located under the Belfry Tower there is a fantastic collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures by the legendary surrealist Salvador Dali.

How to Spend the PERFECT Day in Bruges, Belgium (February 2024)


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