10 Things to Do in Bruges

The Belgian city of Bruges got a real boost from the 2008 film “In Bruges” starring Colin Farrell and Ralph Fiennes. The historic city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I spent a night in Bruges in August 2012. However I’d recommend that you visit in lower season, as it was a bit too busy for my liking.

Here are my tips for ten things to do in Bruges:

Taste Some Belgian Chocolate

You have got to try some Belgian chocolate when you are in Bruges. You may, like me, find yourself casting lingering looks at the tempting window displays.

Visit St Salvator Cathedral

This building started life as a lowly parish church but has has grown into a cathedral.

Visit the Gruuthuse Museum

Gruut was a mixture of spices used in the brewing of beer in the Middle Ages. You’ll also find tapestries from the 17th century here.

Have a Nice Cup of Tea

There are quite a few tearooms on Bruges, but try to find one with a canal view.

Sample some of the Beers at the 2b Bar

There are around 1000 different beers on offer at this bar. You can also admire the Beer Wall.

Climb up the Belfry

The Belfry dates from the 13th century and there are 366 steps up the to the top. Be prepared for a long queue if you go there during busy periods.

Take a Canal Cruise

One of the best ways to see Bruges is a canal cruise. These usually run from the start of March to the end of November with various pick up points around the city.

Visit St John’s Hospital Museum

This canal side building was formerly a hospital. There’s a garden where the monks grew herbs to use a medicines and paintings by the Flemish artist Hans Memling.

Buy Some Lace

Some lace would make a good souvenir of your visit to Bruges. I spotted these shops behind the Belfry.

Ride in a Horsedrawn Carriage

You can take a ride in a horsedrawn carriage from Grote Markt. The horses seem to cope very well with the traffic around them.

Photo credits: Karen Bryan, Brian Snelson

As well as writing about travel, Karen Bryan offers tips on saving money, frugal living and how to live well on less, on her site Help Me To Save