Bruges (Brugge) is just one of those cities you have to see for yourself - It is a remarkable place distinguished by numerous canals, cobblestone streets and representations of the finest Medieval architecture in all of Europe. It also happens to have the best waffles we have ever tasted across our travels! (House of Waffles)

The most iconic landmarks include the Belfry of Bruges on Market Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood in the corner of Burg Square, the Groeningemuseum, the Vismarkt (fish market), the Church of Our Lady which has one of Michelangelo’s only sculptures outside of Italy, the Gruuthusemuseum and it’s beautiful courtyard, the swans on the lake at Minnewaterpark along with the Poertoren, as well as many others.

One of the lesser known gems we discovered was the Jeruzalemkerk (church) on the Northeast side of the city. It rests on a private estate, but is open for tour to the public during published hours. Along with a short film about the history of the family and their private chapel, this hidden spot includes phenomenal pieces such as the stone carved alter of skulls and bones, a replica of Jesus tomb as well as amazing historic artwork and architecture. We had this chapel to ourselves during our visit and it was a highlight of our time spent in Bruges.

Travel by Water

Riding along the canals in a small boat is likely one of the most famous tours one can take in Bruges & one we highly recommend! This is an idillic setting to take in the views of the small city as well as a great way to see most of the landmarks from a different perspective. Most canal tours last one hour and go from the South end of town past the swans at Minnewater Park to the Northernmost canal by Jan Van Eyck Square which showcases the Whale of Bruges sculpture made out of recycled plastics.

We purchased our tickets at a small kiosk on the West side of the Wollestraat bridge that crosses the canal next to the statue ‘Sanctus Joannes Nejpomucenus.’ This location was just outside our centrally located historic hotel, the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce. This hotel was featured in the film In Bruges and we could not recommend it highly enough! It is small, charming and sits right along the canal with views over the rooftops of the city. It also has a Matisse from 1936 hanging in the lobby.

Bruges is one of those cities that is an absolute pleasure to walk. You will see most of the locals zooming past you on their bicycles early in the morning and later in the afternoon, but we walked with ease to every location we wanted to visit. Just be careful when crossing the street as the bicycles are everywhere!

One item on our agenda was to climb to the top of the Belfry of Bruges to take in the panoramic views of the city below & it did not disappoint. It is 366 steps to the top and you can expect a bit of a wait prior to being allowed entrance to the belfry, but it was well worth the 15 minute wait that day. There are a number of levels where you can stop to read and learn about the history of the bell tower in various rooms as well as take a short rest if needed. It must be said that the final section of stairs approaching the very top of the belfry is fairly narrow, but ropes adorn the brick walls to help. We laughed a lot as we were met with other visitors making their way back down as we climbed higher. Luckily, very small platforms allow for ‘passing’ areas along the staircase.

Once at the top, the views are fantastic! I captured my best images using a long lens shooting at a wide aperture, as there is a screen of sorts for the safety of visitors that you must take your images through. The gaps in the screen were not wide enough for my lens barrel to fit through, so shooting wide open allowed for the screen to simply disappear from my images.

Bruges also has a vast number of small stone and brick bridges crossing the canals all over the city. These make lovely settings for an evening stroll or to take pictures. Some of our favorites included the Meestraat Bridge, the Mariastraat Bridge as well as the Koningstraat Bridge. Numerous compositions exist everywhere you turn in this breathtaking city.