Travel to Bruges and its Area
The city of Bruges in Belgium is a beautiful medieval city, nicknamed the "Venice of the North" thanks to its winding streets around narrow canals that stretch throughout its entire length. The city is immersed in an abundance of greenery, which adds to its charm. Today, Bruges is considered one of the most visited cities in Europe. In the year 2000, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
♦ Recommended guided tours in Bruges for those arriving on cruise ships to its port Zeebrugge:
The historic part of Bruges extends between two central squares: Markt and Burg. The Markt square is surrounded by colorful guild houses. In the Markt stands one of the most impressive structures in Belgium: the Belfort en Hallen belfry tower, rising to a height of 82 meters. You can climb to its top via 366 steps and look out over the view of the charming little city.
♦ Recommended Hotels in Bruges
Hotel Navarra
- A 4-star, 94-room hotel set in an elegant 17th-century mansion, located a 3-minute walk from Bruges' central Market Square and Belfry. The hotel offers complimentary access to the spa area, indoor swimming pool, sauna, and gym.
Grand Hotel Du Sablon
- A 3-star hotel with 36 rooms centrally located between the Market Square and the 't Zand area in a vibrant shopping district. The hotel features rooms suitable for accommodating up to 4 guests.
B&B Filemon&Baucis
- A centrally located bed & breakfast in Bruges featuring 4 guest rooms designed for 2–4 people each. The property includes a swimming pool, gardens, and a terrace. Bicycle rental is available on-site.
Apartments House of Seasons
- A high-quality aparthotel offering 6 holiday apartments suitable for 4–6 guests. Located in the historic center of Bruges, the well-equipped apartments feature unique decor, bright spaces, high ceilings, and large windows.
Tours on Foot, by Carriage, and by Boat
The best way to visit the city is on foot through its alleys, among the historic buildings, the small bridges over the canals, and the chocolate and lace shops.
Here is a recommended 3-hour guided walking tour available to book on Viator: Bruges Highlights & Hidden Gems Private Tour with a Local
The most famous landmarks in the city are: the Basilica of the Holy Blood (Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed) and the adjacent City Hall, which houses the city's visitor center.
Those looking for pampering and romance can combine a tour in a horse-drawn carriage.
In addition, a boat cruise through the canals and the Lake of Love (Het Minnewater) is highly recommended, offering a different perspective of the city. The lake is the central converging point of the city's canals, where white swans—considered the city's symbol—swim peacefully.
The guided boat tour, which lasts about 45 minutes, operates daily between 10:00–17:30 from April until early November, departing every half hour. Several companies organize boat tours departing from multiple boarding points throughout the city center.
In Bruges, there are several small workshops where you can watch the production of wonderful chocolates, beer, and even diamond cutting.
The Chocolate Museum in Bruges
The museum explains and demonstrates all stages of chocolate preparation and tells the 2,600-year history of Belgium's national treat. The "Chocolate Fairy" guides you through the various exhibits. Children receive a treat as well as activity sheets with stickers to apply according to instructions during the visit. The venue also features a chocolate shop.
Admission fee applies. Children under 6 are free; discounts are available for children aged 6–12.
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Partially closed in January.
www.choco-story.be
Phone: 32-50-61-22-37
Address: Wijnzakstraat 2, Sint-Jansplein, Brugge 8000
Chocolate delicacies in various shapes:
Boudewijn Seapark
A combination of a dolphinarium and an amusement park. The park features large aquariums where you can observe dolphins, seals, and sea lions both above and below the surface of the water. The park also showcases an impressive bird exhibition along with shows featuring parrots, birds of prey, and dolphins. Among the park's rides and attractions, you will find a large roller coaster, a pirate ship, and a spacious play area for young children.
www.boudewijnseapark.be
Boat Trip to Damme
A scenic 30-minute cruise along the canal connecting Bruges with Damme, a small, picturesque town located 7 km north of Bruges. A series of windmills lines the canal. The cruise through this pastoral landscape takes place aboard a small vintage paddle steamboat.
Alongside the canal runs a well-paved bicycle path. It is highly recommended to rent a bicycle and ride along the canal from Bruges to Damme.
"Seafront" Maritime Theme Park
An interactive maritime museum spanning an area of 20,000 sq. meters on an old harbor pier, inside a building that originally served as the local fish market of Zeebrugge (approx. 16 km north of Bruges). Highlights include a genuine Russian submarine, a lighthouse, and numerous ship models. The museum also offers insights into the life and history of Belgian fishermen. On-site facilities include a modern pirate-ship-themed playground.
Serpentarium Reptile & Insect Zoo
A zoo entirely dedicated to reptiles and insects from various regions around the world, from tropical rainforests to deserts.
Fans of snakes, lizards, iguanas, crocodiles, scorpions, and spiders will thoroughly enjoy the experience.
Inside a reconstructed "dripstone cave," you can observe exotic bats and blind cavefish.
Located in Blankenberge, approx. 15 km north of Bruges.
Sea Life Marine Park
A large aquarium belonging to a major European aquarium chain with locations across the continent (see section: Germany and the Netherlands). The marine life is showcased in indoor display tanks and open lagoons.
Home to a wide variety of sea creatures, from tiny shrimp and penguins to large lobsters and massive sharks. The park features a turtle lagoon and a "Pirate" miniature golf course. The park is located in Blankenberge.
Knokke-Heist
A seaside resort town on Belgium's northern coast near the border with the Netherlands, located 17 km north of Bruges (about a 20-minute drive). The town is regarded as one of the most upscale holiday resorts in Belgium, and many Belgian diamond merchants maintain summer residences here.