Things to do in Bruges

I visited Bruges hopping on a P&O Ferries Hull to Zeebrugge ferry. You can spend a day in Bruges on typical mini cruise break or could have the option of extending your stay and enjoying a short break in Bruges like we did. To help give an idea of what you can see and do in Bruges, I’ve compiled a guide on enjoying the best things to do in BrugesI hope you find it useful.

Introduction to Bruges

Bruges is the capital and also the largest city of West Flanders, situated towards the northwest of Belgium. Like Amsterdam, it is a canal based city and is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ along with other similar Belgian cities.

The name of the city, Bruges has been in the history books since the ninth century. The name in all probability derives from the old Dutch name for bridge. Bruges became an important port of trade during the Golden Age (12th-15th centuries) bringing unprecedented wealth to the area. The Golden Era subsequently dwindled around 1500 with the silting of the Golden Inlet or Zwin channel. Presently, Bruges is a meticulously preserved historic city. Amble down the cobblestone corridors and get lost in Bruges’ medieval history.

Things to do in Bruges

1.Basilica of the Holy Blood

Entry: €Free

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is located in Burg Square and consists of a lower and upper chapel. The 12th century Basilica is dissected into architecturally distinct upper and lower chapels.The lower chapel is dedicated to St. Basil and is a Romanesque structure. The upper chapel is built in the Gothic style and contains a phial apparently of the blood of Christ that was collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought to the city by the crusaders, namely Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders. In the film, ‘In Bruges’ Brendan Gleason in the character of Ken visits the relic of the Holy Blood.

2.Church of Our Lady Bruges

Church entry = €Free / Museum = €4 ( Subject to change )

The Church of Our Lady in Bruges is a very old Gothic Church of Roman Catholic denomination. It was built around the thirteenth century with later additions being made to the building during the fourteenth and fifteenth century. The tower of the church is the tallest in the city, standing at 377 feet.

The church is the repository of many notable works of art including a statue of Madonna by Michelangelo, the Crucifixion reportedly by Anthony van Dyck and the Supper at Emmaus, ascribed to Caravaggio.

The Church is undergoing restoration so entry to the Church is free while the museum with Michelangelo’s world-famous Madonna and Child has a €2 entry fee.

3.Concertgebouw

Cost: Guided tour of the building including access to the rooftop is €8.

The Concertgebouw or Concert building in Bruges is a modern structure that offers a great panoramic view of the city. The concert hall can seat upwards of 1200 people across three levels and also features several exhibition halls in the Lantern Tower that provides city views.

Architecturally the building rests on thousands of poles. The concert hall is designed to provide fantastic acoustics. The building facade is dressed in distinct red terracotta tiles and the Lantern Tower is made of glass. This is certainly a quite modern structure that stands out from the other buildings comprising the historic Old Town of Bruges. Entry fee is pricey but I enjoyed the luxury of not queuing and having the rooftop views to myself compared to the Belfort.

4. Groeninge Museum

Entry: €12

Groeninge Museum houses six centuries of Flemish and Belgian painting on the site of the medieval Eekhout Abbey. Particularly, it features Hieronymus Bosch‘s famous triptych The Last Judgement which also appears in the movie ‘In Bruges’ ,where the two hitmen have a discussion about heaven and hell after seeing the painting. Other notable artists who have works displayed in the museum include Jan van Eyck and Marcel Broodthaers. Despite it being pretty pricey, definitely worth making a pit stop here.

5. Minnewater Bridge

Minnewater Lake or the Lake of Love is situated in a leafy, green park to the south of Bruges. A local legend has evolved around the lake down the years. According to folklore the lake is the seat of the tragic love affair between Minna and her warrior lover Stromberg. The legend claims you will experience eternal love if you cross Minnewater Bridge with your sweetheart.

6. Sint Janshuismolen

Entry fee: €4

This is a historical location like no other you have visited before. Sint Janshuismolen is one of two existing windmills that remain in the city. The windmill has been reportedly grinding grain since 1770 and to this day it is open to visitors during the peak of summer. A quaint wooden structure perched on top of a green rolling hill – it makes for wonderful photo opportunities.

7. Begijnhuisje

Entry: €Free

A beguinage is a complex created to house beguines: religious women who lived together in a separate community without taking vows. The Begijnhof Brugge is a carefully preserved beguinage in Bruges, the only one of its kind in the city. Beguines no longer take shelter in the building, since 1927 it serves as  Benedictine convent. This is a quiet peaceful place. A grassy central tree studded yard is flanked by about thirty white painted houses dating back from the 16th century and later. The original Beguine house near the entrance way has been preserved as a museum and is the repository of paintings, 17th and 18th century furniture and lacework.

Factbox

P&O Ferries run frequent crossings to and from Hull to Zeebrugge. There are lots of choices of cruises, with the Bruges minicruise a very popular one. The mini cruises (based on a short break, car and two adults and an inside cabin) from Hull for £129. For more information and offers ring 0800 130 0030 or check out www.poferries.com

Disclaimer

I was invited by P&O Ferries to experience their mini cruises from Hull to Zeebrugge. I’d like thank them and also extend my gratitude to Anne de Meerleer and everyone at Visit Bruges for their invaluable tips and support during our stay.

While my trip was courtesy of P&O Ferries but the opinions expressed here, are entirely my own.