Markt Square
With its multitude of cafes and restaurants, Markt Square, at the heart of the city, is a lively and fascinating place where you can enjoy a coffee or a drink and watch the daily comings and goings.
The market square is the medieval commercial centre of the city. Some of the city's most impressive monuments are the Belfry and Cloth Hall and on the north side, the Provincial Court. The rest of the square is occupied by restaurants and cafes located in guild houses. The Markt lives up to it’s name by hosting a street market every Wednesday morning.
Belfort (The Belfry)
The belfry is the main attraction on the Markt. It’s probably the city's most famous landmark, and parts of it date back to the 13th century.
It towers 263 feet above the square, and it’s well worth climbing the 366 steps to the top to enjoy the superb views over the city. While you’re up there, be sure to wait around until the clock strikes (which it does every 15 minutes) - a remarkable sound created by 47 bells and a logic-defying array of pulleys and wires.
Burg Square
The city’s other main square, the Burg, is the historical centre of Bruges and some of the city's most splendid buildings are to be found here.
Most notable are the Stadhuis, the oldest town hall in the country, the Court of Justice, the impressive Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Renaissance Recorder’s House
The Groeninge Museum
Contains a superb collection of Flemish art dating back to the 15th century. Bosch, Hans Memling and Bruegel are all there, but the star is Van Eyck’s powerful Madonna with Canon van der Paele. Closed Mondays. Dijver 12.
The Chocolate Story Museum - a slick, four-floor museum dedicated to chocolate. Open daily 10am – 5pm. Visit www.choco-story.be for more information.
Canal Cruise
During a roundtrip on the picturesque city canals you will discover Bruges from quite a different view point. Tours normally run daily, from 10am through to 6pm and last about half an hour. Generally no tours are organized during the months of January and February.
