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 Our Lady’s Church is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. With its 115.6-meter-high tower, the church has the second tallest brick tower in the world. After several restoration rounds, the interior shines brighter than ever. Make sure to visit Michelangelo’s sculpture “The Madonna with Child” inside. A beautifully refined sculpture carved from Carrara marble. Additionally, you can also visit the 15th and 16th-century tombs of Charles the Bold and his deceased 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 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
November 22nd 2024 - January 5th 2025
Winter Glow
A wonderful winter experience. A winter festival packed with fascinating experiences – that’s what Winter Glow is all about.
A new Light experience trail, ice skating with unique decor on the Minnewater (Lake of love), a cozy winter bar, two Christmas markets, shopping fun during the many shopping days and a lovely walking trail to wander through the historic center with its beautiful atmospheric lighting and Christmas decorations. In other words, there are more than enough reasons to stay in Bruges overnight and experience wintry Bruges at its most beautiful.
November 22nd 2024 - January 5th 2025
Light experience trail
Want to explore Bruges in the most magical way? Follow the Light Experience Trail!
For the sixth year in a row, Winter Glow brings sparkle to the city in an awe-inspiring trail of lights three kilomètres long. The new route takes you past ten unique light installations in unexpected and surprising places. Connected by the glow of fire and ice, you will find
yourself immersed in a different world at each installation, experiencing moments of emotion
and wonder.
November 22nd 2024 - January 5th 2025
Christmas Markets
The two Christmas Markets in the city center are back, beautifully decorated and embellished. The sales stalls, with a new warm finish, will welcome you with their atmospheric lighting in the typical Winter Glow style. These blissful winter hamlets with their cozy ambiance, packed with knick-knacks, will help you get into the Christmas spirit without any problems.
Did you know that each market also has a different character? On the Market you will find everything you can expect from a traditional Christmas market and on the Simon Stevin square the emphasis is on short chain and craft products.
December 6th 2024
Unicars Christmas Run
The Bruges Christmas Run will take place this year on Friday 6 December 2024 in the city center of Bruges. The run will visit all the most beautiful places in the city center, which are at their best at this time of year with their unique Christmas lights and with music and animation at 20 locations on the run. In combination with the Winter Glow event, this must be the most beautiful thing a running competition can offer. A fantastic run in a festively lit city.
The Christmas Run will donate 1 euro per participant at the start to the Warmest Week.
14 and 15 December 2024
Star Procession
On Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December, the Star Procession will once again pass through the city center of Bruges. Extras and many animals will portray the Christmas story. ‘Bus shakers’ will attract the shopping people of Bruges and tourists with their rattling cans. The Star Procession wants to point out to shoppers the need for solidarity during the Christmas period. The proceeds go to a social cause every year. This year it is ‘Mama Start’, a Bruges organization that works for mothers with young children and for pregnant women who are
struggling financially.
18 - 24 december 2024
The Warmest Week
This year, Bruges will become extra atmospheric and heart-warming during the week before Christmas, as this is when Bruges will become the warmest city in the country.
During De Warmste Week (‘The Warmest Week’), Studio Brussel and MNM will be putting out seven days of non-stop live radio from the ‘Warmest House’ at ‘t Zand Square.
Everyone is welcome at ‘t Zand Square, from Wednesday 18 December through Tuesday 24 December 2024, to soak up the atmosphere, request a record or enjoy the concerts for free.
December 31st 2024
Bruges New Year's Eve Celebration
The New Year’s Eve celebration is a mega-sing-along spectacle for young and old. At midnight there is a speech by the mayor, followed by a laser show.
This is followed by further singing by an occasional choir and by the audience.
May 3th 2024 - March 9th 2025
Body Worlds Vital
Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ Body Worlds Vital is a complete chapter of its own in the famous series of Body Worlds exhibitions (also known as Körperwelten). The multimedia exhibit explores how life-threatening diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease can be fought with a healthy, appropriate lifestyle. More than 200 anatomical preparations of real human bodies, plastinates, show the complexity, resilience and fragility of the body.
Discover The Best Restaurants In Bruges
1. Couvert
Enjoying a refined, contemporary seasonal cuisine in the interior of an authentic Bruges house with a stepped gable.
2. In The Mood
Enjoy the romantic atmosphere and surprising flavors of ‘In The Mood’ restaurant in the heart of Bruges in the beautiful setting of the Minnewater Park.
3. Gran Kaffee De Passage
A concept in Bruges and surroundings with a beautiful history. The chef and its family spoil you with delicious classic Flemish dishes, some
of wich also have an innovative international touch.
4. Brasserie Raymond
Contemporary luxury brasserie in the heart of Bruges with delicious French and Belgian dishes.
5. Breydel De Coninc
Located right in the heart of the historic city centre, Breydel De Coninc is a family restaurant with a long and distinguished tradition. For more than half a century local people and tourists have been coming here to enjoy the very best mussels and lobsters.
6. ZET’JOE
With an impressive career and a passion for refined gastronomy, ZET’JOE enchants his guests with a unique and sophisticated culinary experience.
7. Diligence
Restaurant Diligence is an authentic and cozy restaurant in Bruges, located in the heart of the city center. They represent an honest French-Belgian
bistro cuisine with a kitchen that is open until midnight.
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!
