Things to do in Bruges
Dive into history with only 10 minutes walks
Grand Hotel Normandy is perfectly located, just a stone’s throw from the heart of Bruges and all important tourist attractions.
Let`s explore “the Venice of the North” together!
Let's Go:
Boat tour on the canals
Discover the hidden gems of Bruges from a different perspective. Step on board and enjoy a fun boat tour on the Bruges canals for about half an hour. A must-do!
Brewery De Halve Maan
The De Halve Maan brewery recently renovated its visitor center. During the tour you can now discover the brewery in an interactive way using new tools. You enter a virtual world full of beer and receive a fascinating explanation about the underground beer pipeline that connects the brewery in the city center with the bottling plant on the outskirts of Bruges.
Our Lady's Church
The Church of Our Lady is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. With its 115.6 meter high tower, the church has the second highest wooden tower in the world. After several rounds of restoration, the interior shines more than ever. Be sure to visit Michel Angelo’s statue “The Madonna and Child” inside. A beautifully painful sculpture sculpted from Carrara marble. You can also visit the 15th and 16th century tombs of Charles the Bold and his unfortunate daughter Mary of Burgundy.
Beguinage
The Beguinage is the ideal place to relax during your stroll through Bruges. An oasis of peace surrounded by greenery with small, white-painted houses. In 1998, UNESCO recognized the Bruges Beguinage, along with 12 other Flemish beguinages, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bonifacius Bridge
Bonifacius Bridge, absolutely the most beautiful spot in Bruges. From this bridge, you have a magnificent view of the Our Lady’s Church and you can take unforgettable photos.
Bruges City Hall
The Bruges City Hall is one of the oldest in the Netherlands. For 600 years, the city has been governed from here. A must-see is the Gothic Hall with its impressive vault and 20th-century murals depicting the history of Bruges.
Groeninge Museum
The Groeninge Museum is housed in the Gruuthuse Palace, a beautiful Gothic building once owned by the influential Gruuthuse family. One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of Flemish tapestries. You will also find many other objects there, each telling their own unique Bruges story.
Museum Sint-Janshospitaal
The Saint John’s Hospital is one of the oldest preserved hospitals in Europe. One of the most remarkable features of the hospital is the medieval pharmacy that is still intact, housing a fascinating collection of medical instruments, pots, pans, and herb jars.
Gruuthusemuseum
6 centuries of Belgian painting, featuring the Flemish Primitives as the highlight. The magnificent works of Jan Van Eyck will forever be etched in your memory.
Historium Brugge
A very enjoyable, interactive, and accessible way to learn and discover Bruges from the 1400s. Definitely recommended for children!
The Old Chocolate House Bruges
Discover the sweet magic of The Old Chocolate House in Bruges! In the historic chocolate shop on the ground floor you can find chocolate in all its forms and various tastes.
On the first floor you enter the “Chocolate heaven”. A cozy tearoom where you have a choice of over 30 hot chocolates, coffee, tea and of course delicious homemade Belgian waffles.
Website: www.oldchocolatehouse.be
The Belgian coast
The Belgian coast is not just a destination; it’s a place where you can endlessly enjoy. Relax on the beach, take a long walk, do some shopping, and then be surprised in one of the many restaurants… There’s no shortage of choices! Discover the many seaside resorts at www.dekust.be
Enjoy The Best Events In Bruges
April 13-September 1 2024
Bruges Triennial 2024
Bruges Triennial 2024 (April 13-September 1 2024
Experience the 4th edition of the Bruges Triennial “Spaces of Possibility” where12 artists and architects from all over the world will transform underused or lesser-known parts of the city and showcase new ways to use spaces.
Discover more: www.triennalebrugge.be
May 9
Procession of the Holy Blood
The Procession of the Holy Blood has formed part of Bruges’ rich history since 1304 and is included on the Representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO World Heritage). Many hundreds of figurines and dozens of floats display various biblical scenes.
Discover more: www.bloedprocessiebrugge.be
July 12, 13 & 14
CACTUS FESTIVAL
Cactus festival is a popular open-air rock and pop music festival held in the picturesque Minnewaterpark. The festival attracts both local and international visitors. Headliners 2024: The War on drugs and Patti Smith.
August 10th
Move your legs @ Benenwerk Ballroom Brugeoise
Live bands and dj’s will bring out the best dancer in you at this free dance marathon. Dance the night away along 13 stages spread across the city centre of Bruges. Let’s dance!
August 24th
Pageant of the Golden Tree
The pageant of the Golden Tree narrates the rich history of Bruges and the County of Flanders. Following the tradition that started in 1958, this 14th edition once again focuses on the wedding of Margaret of York and Charles the Bold in 1468.
November 22-January 05
Wintergloed
Experience the magic of winter at Wintergloed. A captivating winter festival offering a light experience trail, instagrammable ice skating on the Lake of love (Minnewater), cozy winter bars, shopping fun and 2 charming Christmas markets.
More events on: www.visitbruges.be
Discover The Best Restaurants In Bruges
1. Assiette blanche
Sophisticated cuisine complemented by French-Belgian classics and various regional dishes.
2. Couvert
Enjoying a refined, contemporary seasonal cuisine in the interior of an authentic Bruges house with a stepped gable.
3. Brasserie Raymond
Contemporary luxury brasserie in the heart of Bruges with delicious French and Belgian dishes.
4. Pieter Pourbus
Cozy restaurant housed in a historic building dating back to 1561. The interior is typically Bruges with two open fireplaces. Very diverse menu: choice between à la carte & seasonal dishes.
5. Patrick Devos
Enjoying everything that Mother Nature has to offer... Fresh dishes where many local farmers play an important role. Enjoy a culinary experience in a splendid mansion in the center of Bruges.
6. Bistro Christophe
Bistro with Belgian-French cuisine in the heart of Bruges where you can also dine later in the evening. Open kitchen and dining in a cozy setting.
7. Orfeo
Excellent Italian cuisine and a very warm welcome. Be sure to try the homemade Limoncello!
Discover The Best Restaurants In Blankenberge
1. Brasserie Montmartre (CW Hospitality)
Friendly and professional staff, and a nice warm interior. Everything supper tasty and fresh and served hot.
2. Bel’Air
Wonderful place, freely accessible with smooth service. Very friendly staff!
