Bruges:

Funky Fact: The age of the city is hard to determine and old documents show its age is possibly from the 9th century.

1. Canal Stroll

2. Brugse Vrije

3. St Janshuis (Sint-Janshuismolen) Windmill

4. Koelewei Windmill

5. De nieuwe Papegaai Windmill

6. Sint-Janshuismill windmill

7. The Markt Square

8. Old Town Bruges

9. Kruispoort gate

10. Belfry of Bruges

11. Koningin Astridpark Park

12. House of Time

13. Fish Market

14. Kasteel Minnewater

15. Gruuthuse Museum

16. Minnewater Park Architecture

17. Half Moon Brewery

18. Papageno Statue

19. Church of Our Lady of Bruges

20. Dune Bridge (Ter Duinenbrug)

21. Decrottoir

22. Handcrafted Christmas decor

23. Horse Head Drinking Fountain

24. The Little Bear of Bruges Statue 

25. Canal Boat Ride

26. Swans of Love Lake

27. Depot D’o Antiquaire

1. Canal Stroll

Strolling the 12th century canals is a must when visiting the city. Plan on walking or renting a bike to navigate the charming lanes.

2. Brugse Vrije

This manor and stunning facade were actually an old assize court. Today it is home to the City Archives. Its stunning renaissance halls have 16th century charm. Visitors can marvel at the mammoth carved wood mantelpiece, sparkling marble and alabaster details.

4. Koelewei Windmill

Built in the 13th century this windmill is one in a chain along the banks of the outer wall of the city. It’d was originally uses to grind corn. This is a 1980 reproduction of the original.

5. De Nieuwe Papegaai Windmill

There were once 24 mills along the outer banks wall. Today only 4 remain. A curios note about this mill, there is a parrot placed on the weathervane. It was built in the 1790s as an oil mill and called ‘Hoge Seinemolen’.

6. Sint-Janshuismill windmill

The oldest remaining mill in the chain, was built in 1770. This mill still functions and grinds flour. There is also a museum inside that tourists can visit for a small fee.

7. The Markt Square

This medieval market square is the heart of the city surrounded by coffee shops and filled with horse drawn carriages to draw in tourist.

8. Niche Statue Architecture

Bruges stands as one of the best preserved Medieval cities in Europe. One unique architectural and historical detail in Niche Statues. One most street corner you’ll see remnants of the prevalence of Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity here. The Niches usually have a scene of Madonna with child or Jesus.

9. Kruispoort Gate

An incredibly preserved medieval city gate, it was built in 1297. The best feature of this castle like entrance to the city is that it still functions and car and bikes drive thought this perfect piece of history.

10. Belfry of Bruges

If your legs can handle the 366 steps to the top, the Belfry offers a stunning view of the city. This 13th century tower is a world heritage site and stands 83 meters tall.

Webpage and Information: Belfry of Bruges

11. Koningin Astridpark Park

This stunning garden is a refuge from the hustle of city noise, it was names after the beautiful Queen Astrid. It was once a monetary garden and is now a free city park with a pond, ducks, a gazebo, and cafe. Note: This park is bursting with flowers and tulip in the spring.

12. House of Time

This social-artistic project started by an architects’ collective ‘raumlabor.’ It an unusual plot next to the canal where a group of young artists can explore the concept of now. Theres a coffee shop, fire pits, outdoor art, gardens, tree houses, gallery, and amazing works of unusual creativity.

13. Fish Market

Vismarkt Brugge

Built in 1821 as a fish market. This stunning plaza retains every bit of charm from the early 1800s. Keep your eyes peeled around the plaza for stone carved fish and sculptures of fishermen that reference the markets history. The still offer market days where people sell, crafts and goods. In the Summer the plaza hold lively pubic dance classes and music and laughter of dancers fills the square.

14. Minnewater Lake and Kasteel Minnewater

Called ‘Lake of Love’ this stunning place is the site for many folktales including tragic lovers, and elves.

15. Gruuthuse Museum

This former 15th century palace has been converted to a museum. It houses artworks from the 15th-19th century. You can appreciate tapestries, stained glass, sculptures, and even bruges famous lace art. 

Webpage and Information: Gruuthuse Museum

16. Minnewater Park Architecture

This park was the former site of a gothic castle which was demolished in 1969. The lake (presumed to be man-made) acts as a reservoir to collect rain water and prevent town floods. The lake and surrounding gardens are criss-crossed with stunning modern architecture and bridges.

17. Half Moon Brewery

De Halve Maan has been brewing beer here for roughly 500 years. The town is sprinkled with half moon signs to show their love for the Belgium brewery. At the museum visitors can enjoy learning about beer and old brewing techniques.

18. Papageno Statue

The bronze statue stands outside the Royal Concert Hall. His name is Papageno, he is the bird catcher from an opera by Mozart. His character is said to be clumsy and comical, he carries a set of panpipes that can charm birds, then catches them in his cage.

19. Church of Our Lady of Bruges

Built in the 13th century, this stunning catholic church is a testament to the wealth, class, and divine passion of the city. Its also home to an original Michelangelo statue, the piece titled “Brugge Madonna”.

20. Dune Bridge (Ter Duinenbrug)

This was the old locations of the Dune Abbey, which is the namesake for the Dune Bridge. The little gem is one of a kind and the only wooden lifting bridge in the whole city.

21. Decrottoir

This charming adornment is a remnant from antiquity. A decrottoir is an eloquent name for a boot scraper. These are found all over the city and give you a peek into the world where horse drawn carriage and city strolls were a daily event.

22. Handcrafted Christmas decor

Bruges is the idilic city for winter cheer and elegant holiday decorations. The citys long history merchants hub makes the medieval village perfect for finding stunning gifts and Christmas decor. In late November the city set up magical wooded stalls in the city square and tourist can find nutcrackers, candles, manger scenes, hand toys, and some of the best chocolate in the world.

23. Horse Head Drinking Fountain

Taking a horse drawn carriage ride is a popular tourist attraction. This stunning sculptural bronze fountain is used by the coachmen to water their hardworking horses.

There are local city law makes it mandatory for working horses to be fed and watered regularly. They are also given 2 days at pasture for every working day pulling carriages.

24. The Little Bear of Bruges Statue 

Tiny details around Bruges unveil its long history. While wondering it stress you may notice a statue of a bear on the facade of Poortersloge (The Burghers’ Lodge). The bear is known as the oldest citizen of Bruges, referring to the folktale of the white bear. Theres a mediaeval story of the Count of Flanders killing a white bear in the woods (in what’s today, Bruges). It’s been a symbol of the city ever since.

25. Canal Boat Ride

A unique way to tour the city is by boat. It was in 1896, that King Leopold II reenergized the city by cutting a canal through 10 miles of countryside. The new canal connected Bruges to the open sea and prosperity flooded into the charming medieval city. Nickname The Venice of the North, there are 5 main boat landings along the canals, boat rides cost 8 Euro for a 30-35 min. ride.

26. The swans of Love Lake

The city is dotted with historical references to its folklore. One story of note is the tale of The Swans of Love Lake. It’s said that after a city administrator was murder in 1488. The Holy Roman Emperor, punished the city of Bruges. The emperor mandated the city to keep 52 swans in its lakes and canals forever. The family of the slain administrator had a white swan in its coat of arms.

27. Depot D’o Antiquaire

This place is a treat for the art and antique lover. Its curator sells authentic pieces and unique pieces from across the globe. You’ll find pieces from all different eras blended together, there’s hundreds of antiques, curiosities, lighting, tribal pieces, taxidermy, signage, and lots of art.

Webpage and Information: Depot D’o Antiquaire