Bruges, Belgium was an extension of our trip to the Netherlands. We were traveling to Holland primarily to see the tulips at the Keukenhof Gardens. You can read about that experience here.

With our being so close, we thought it might be fun to extend our vacation to Belgium. We chose Bruges, a medieval town with cobblestone streets and plenty of charm. 

Upon arrival at the Hotel de Orangerie, we were greeted warmly and given a box of chocolates. Our bags were whisked up to our room and we were encouraged to relax in their common living space - a comfortable room with a large fireplace and windows that overlooked the canal. The chocolates were consumed immediately. 

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking a romantic getaway, Bruges has something for everyone. Here are the top 12 things to do in this enchanting city.

Explore the Market Square (Markt Square)

Surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the iconic Belfry of Bruges, this bustling central square is the perfect starting point. It is from this square that you can hop on a horse-drawn carriage, visit a museum, or grab a seat at one of the many outdoor cafes and watch the world go by. Every Wednesday, you’ll find local vendors selling vegetables, fruit, flowers and crafts. And if you are traveling in December, you won’t want to miss the Christmas Market located in the heart of the city.

Climb the Belfry Tower

If you’re up for the 366-step climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view. Along the way, you’ll learn about the tower’s fascinating history, see the carillon (a musical drum) responsible for the 47 bells that chime every 15 minutes, and view the clockwork mechanisms. But beware - the spiral staircase has narrow treads and the climb isn’t for everyone. 

Take a Canal Tour

Often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” canals are everywhere. In fact, due to the number of canals in Bruges, there are more than 80 bridges allowing pedestrians to easily traverse across. From the vantage point of the boat, you’ll sail past iconic landmarks like Saint John’s Hospital, the Church of Our Lady, the Rosary Quay, and Boniface Bridge. Seeing swans roaming around on the water and on the banks at the Bakkersrei is amazing. Cared for by the city staff, the swans are treasured in Bruges.

Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Located in Burg Square, easily found from the Market Square, this beautiful Catholic church houses a revered relic - a vial said to contain a cloth with few drops of Christ’s blood, brought to the city during the Second Crusade. According to Wikipedia, the Bible never mentions Christ's blood being preserved. However, the Acts of Pilate - one of the apocryphal gospels - relates that Joseph of Arimathea preserved the Precious Blood after he had washed the dead body of Christ. 

Learn about the History of Chocolate at the Choco-Story Museum

You’ll learn about the origins of chocolate, its journey to Europe, and how it became a Belgian specialty. Plus, there are tastings and you’ll meet a chocolatier who demonstrates the importance of tempering chocolate that gives it that shiny appearance and snap. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for chocolate craftsmanship as you later roam the streets of Bruges in search of the finest chocolate in the city.

Wander the Streets 

Walking is a great way to explore one of the best preserved examples of a medieval European settlement, and it’s a photographer’s dream. We found ourselves meandering the streets, crossing bridges over canals, perusing stores with handmade lace and tapestries, and even happening upon an outdoor fish market. Sometimes it’s best to go off the beaten path, as we did while wandering. Venturing off into an alley from the main road revealed treasures. We found the Rosary Quay, which as it turns out is a highly photographed instagram spot. We dined at Opus Latino, a delightful hidden gem where the owners sat with us a bit and engaged in friendly conversation, and we found 2BE (a.k.a. the Beer Wall) at the end of one side street. 

View the Michelangelo Sculpture at the Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady is an impressive gothic church that houses beautiful artwork, extremely ornate confessionals, and the 16th century tombs of Charles the Bold and his daughter, Mary of Burgundy, who ruled Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg until her death in 1482, at the age of 25 after she fell from her horse. It is at the Church of Our Lady that you can view the white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child created by Michelangelo in 1504. There is quite a story about it, as it is one of just a handful of Michelangelo’s sculptures to be found outside of Italy and was stolen twice; the last time by Hitler. It was recovered by the Monuments Men in 1945 during World War II.

Relax at Minnewater Park

A short walk from our hotel, we enjoyed a stroll through Minnewater Park at the southern end of Bruges. Lover’s Lake was serene with small boats of flowers and plants near the Minnewater Bridge. As the legend goes, when you cross the bridge with your partner, you’ll enjoy eternal love. The park was a quiet place to visit and to be surrounded by nature.

Sample Flemish Cuisine

A visit to Bruges is not complete without sampling some of the most well-known foods of the city. Mussels are best during their harvesting season, which is June to April. Smaller than those found in the Northeast of the United States, we enjoyed them steamed in a beer and garlic broth. They were served with frites (french fries). Historians claim that french fries originated in Belgium and were called french fries because American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I mistakenly called the fried potatoes “french fries” because the official language was French at the time. When in Bruges, one must try the Belgium waffle, a thicker version of a US waffle, made with brioche dough and caramelized on the outside with pearl sugar. The Flemish stew was the best beef stew I’ve ever had. We ate it twice! The most tender beef is cooked in beer rather than wine. 

Taste the Beverages of Belgium

And speaking of beer, I enjoyed my share of Brugse Zot throughout our trip. Belgium is renowned for their beer and a trip to Bruges is not complete without sampling some of the local varieties and visiting a brewery or two. Brouwerij De Halve Maan is one of the oldest family breweries in the city where you can take a tour. As mentioned earlier, 2BE or the Beer Wall, was fun to explore; though, a bit touristy. We enjoyed flights at Le Trappiste, a pub in a 13th century cellar and spent a cold and rainy afternoon at Bourgogne Des Flandres, which was right next door to our hotel. Even non-beer drinkers will find something to love in Bruges with unusual types - like cherry beer and chocolate beer. 

Indulge in Belgian Chocolate

If you like chocolate, Bruges is the place to visit with some of the best chocolatiers in the country and shops everywhere. My favorite shop was Dumon Chocolatier, which was tucked away in a small, picturesque building behind Market Square. They offered samples and the shopkeeper was so friendly, speaking with visitors in their language. She said she spoke five fluently and enough of three others to “get by.” It was at Dumon that I purchased most of the chocolate I brought home, but there were other great places with artisanal chocolate. The Chocolate Line and The Chocolate Crown were just two others.

Tour Museums

There are many museums to visit while in Bruges. Art enthusiasts will love the Groeningemuseum, which boasts an impressive collection of Flemish and Belgian paintings, including works by Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, and other masters. Historium Bruges is a great place to learn about what it was like to live in the medieval city in the Golden Age. Gruuthusemuseum houses tapestries, stained-glass windows, wood sculpture, and lace with each object telling a unique Bruges story. The Frietmuseum is devoted to the potato and history of Belgium french fries.

There is no shortage of things to see and do. This Belgian gem is a bucket list travel destination that will capture your heart. With its cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and serene canals, Bruges will leave you enchanted and yearning to return.