Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Bruges, Flanders

May 5, 2022 Matilde Konrad

What could be more romantic and inspiring than a place that looks like a backdrop for a fairy tale? The medieval overtones of Bruges’ cobblestone streets lead to countless historical, architectural and artistic wonders. Marvel at ornate houses lining intricate canals, and understand why this is a favorite destination for all types of travelers. The whole city emanates an appreciation of the past, a love of the present, and enthusiasm for the future. Don’t miss Hof Bladelin, Groeninge Museum, Church of Our Lady, and Belfry and Market Halls.
Restaurants in Bruges

1. Historic Centre of Brugge

Bruges 8000 Belgium https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/996
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17,556 reviews

Historic Centre of Brugge

The historic center of Bruges has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 thanks to its status as one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe and its enduring Gothic architecture. The Belgian city center is cited as a great example of a medieval historic settlement, even while it has evolved over the years.

Reviewed By Bubbles73uk - Weedon Bec, United Kingdom

I was just one day in Bruges and it was really really marvellous & so appealing. "The Venice of the North" is famous for its myriad canals, bridges & picturesque town square. Bruges is full of historic medieval buildings, old-style bars & cafes & speciality shops, soaring towers, historic churches, old whitewashed almshouses, chocolate & lace, quaint cobbled streets & the UNESCO World Heritage centre. If you have the opportunity to spend at least one day over there don’t waste it.

2. Basilica of the Holy Blood

Burg 13, Bruges 8000 Belgium +32 50 33 67 92 [email protected] http://www.holyblood.com/
Excellent
57%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,027 reviews

Basilica of the Holy Blood

This chapel contains a phial that reputedly contains Christ's blood brought back from the Crusades.

Reviewed By aline901 - Beirut, Lebanon

This is a beautiful Basilica that comprises two level churches. It is snugly located in a corner of Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood consists of a Romanesque lower chapel and a Gothic upper chapel The lower level church, a dark Romanesque structure, is so beautiful and has amazing statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The upper level church, connected by staircase, is amazing with modern and gothic style, houses the Relic of the Holy Blood. We were so lucky to visit on a Sunday morning when they held a mass and the Relic was on display afterwards for visitors to see it and get the blessings.

3. The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde

Begijnhof 24-28-30, Bruges 8000 Belgium +32 50 33 00 11 http://www.visitbruges.be/religieuserfgoed/begijnhof
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,840 reviews

The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde

Reviewed By TheSGB

I've always loved Bruges as it was the first place I stayed when inter-railing as a student in the 90s with a backpack, some Belgian Francs in my pocket and a bunk bed in a youth hostel booked. What I remembered most was that it was Springtime and the daffodils at the Beguinage were stunning. Many years later I returned to Bruges last month with my boyfriend (his first visit) and I made sure to come in late March, hoping to catch the daffodils at their best. We got lucky...a beautiful sunny week and the Beguinage was a stunning as I remember. A beautiful, peaceful place to stroll around and reflect...even for a non-religious person like me. I could probably have done without the tourists who were doing a sexy, pouty photoshoot in mini skirt and thigh high boots (not sure this is quite the location!) but each to their own!

4. Belfort

Markt 7, Bruges 8000 Belgium +32 50 44 87 43 http://bezoekers.brugge.be/en/belfort-belfry
Excellent
53%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
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2%
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4.5 based on 7,834 reviews

Belfort

The most important of Bruges' towers stands 83 metres tall. It houses, amongst other things, a carillon with 47 melodious bells. In the reception area, waiting visitors can discover all kinds of interesting information about the history and working of this unique world-heritage protected belfry. Those who take on the challenge of climbing the tower can pause for a breather on the way up in the old treasury, where the city's charters, seal and public funds were kept during the Middle Ages, and also at the level of the impressive clock or in the carillonneur's chamber. Finally, after a tiring 366 steps, your efforts will be rewarded with a breath-taking and unforgettable panoramic view of Bruges and her surroundings.

Reviewed By colinb977 - Peterborough, United Kingdom

272feet (83m) 366 steps to the top, but well worth the effort,because the view is marvellous, There are a couple of landings on the way up with interesting items to see, while you catch your breath. At the top the carilllion chimed while we were there, Get there at opening time 09.30hrs because when we got down loads of people were queueing,

5. Folklore Museum

Balstraat 43, Bruges 8000 Belgium +32 50 44 87 11 https://bezoekers.brugge.be/en/volkskundemuseum-folklore-museum
Excellent
51%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 444 reviews

Folklore Museum

These renovated 17th century, singleroom dwellings accommodate, amongst other things, a classroom, a millinery, a pharmacy, a confectionery shop, a grocery shop and an authentic bedroom interior. You can also admire a beautiful lace collection on the upper floor. Every first and third Thursday of the month (except for public holidays), those with a sweet tooth can attend a demonstration given by the 'spekkenbakker' (sweetmaker). You can relax in the museum inn, 'De Zwarte Kat' (The Black Cat) or in the garden, where you can try out traditional folk games on the terrace.

Reviewed By Liefhebber19 - Breda, The Netherlands

Very nice visit for young and old! The museum is located in renovated workers’ houses where you will discover more about daily life in Bruges during the 19th and early 20th centuries. There is a classroom, a tailor’s workshop, a pharmacy, a confectionary and a grocery store. The top floor is reserved for temporary exhibitions. Entrancefee is € 6,00. We visited Bruges several times, this was pre Covid.

6. Groeningemuseum

Dijver 12, Bruges 8000 Belgium +32 50 44 87 11 http://www.visitbruges.be/en/groeningemuseum-groeninge-museum
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,641 reviews

Groeningemuseum

The Groeninge Museum provides a varied overview of the history of Belgian visual art, with as highlight the world-renowned Flemish primitives. In this museum you can see, amongst other masterpieces, The Virgin and Child with Canon Van der Paele by Jan van Eyck and the Moreel Triptych by Hans Memling. You will also marvel at the top 18th and 19th-century neoclassical pieces, masterpieces of Flemish Expressionism and post-war modern art.

Reviewed By Aimee_Norfolk - Norwich, United Kingdom

We spent hours in here staring at beautiful medieval Flemish art, and we could have stayed longer. Luckily the museum provides folding stools which you can help yourself to and take with you around the museum, so you can stare at the paintings in full comfort. The audio guide is also a must, and it's included in the ticket price. As well as the famous Flemish primitives such as Memling and Van Eyck (which I found mesmerising), there is artwork from many centuries right up to expressionists and cubists. Large bags and rucksacks have to be left in the cloakroom at the entrance, although lockers are provided for free.

7. Adornesdomein & Jeruzalemkerk

Peperstraat 3, Bruges 8000 Belgium +32 50 33 88 83 [email protected] http://www.adornes.org
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 537 reviews

Adornesdomein & Jeruzalemkerk

The Adornes Domain is an authentic medieval estate, a unique religious site and a fascinating cultural heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. Having been in the hands of the same family for nearly 600 years, the history of the domain is not only truly remarkable but the site is also extremely well preserved. A visit takes about 45 minutes and includes a twelve minute film and historical explanations in the Adornes Museum (situated in the almshouses), the extraordinary Jerusalem Chapel (loosely inspired by the Holy Sepulchre Church of Jerusalem), and the Pieter's Gallery. The visit ends in the cosy and elegant Scottish Lounge were one can relax with coffee, tea, cake and soft drinks. There is also a well-stocked gift, souvenir and book shop. The domain also organises regular events including temporary contemporary art exhibitions, evening nocturnes and concerts (see website for info). Private guided tours of the estate and of the family house can be arranged by appointment only.

Reviewed By Golfing-Steve - Lewes, United Kingdom

A car in Bruges is a liability. There are two ways to see the city properly, either on foot or by bike so ditch the car in the nearest garage for the duration, as you will only get lost in the medieval street layout, and set off to explore with a decent map. And do try to get away from the crowds that pack the Market and Burg areas. One place that is an absolute belter is in the quiet St.Anne’s district of the city due northeast of the Market. The whole site is known as the Andornesdomain estate and includes an impressive mansion, gardens and almshouses but what we are here to see is known locally as the Jeruzalemkerk. Incredibly this small chapel is still in the same family hands as it was in the early 15th century when the powerful Adorno clan from Genoa founded it. Bruges, like Genoa, was a great trading city back then so it was only natural that there would be powerful family connections. The Adorno contributed six doges to the Republic of Genoa but it was Obizzo Adorno, a crusader in the forces of Guy de Dampierre, Count of Flanders, who first established the family in Bruges. His grandsons, Giacomo and Pietro Adorno, founded the Church of Jerusalem, a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in 1427, including Christ’s tomb, including a life-size naked body of the Saviour, having returned from a pilgrimage. The chapel is every bit as spooky and quirky as it is impressive. The main star of the show that we learn about on the video film and exhibits laid out in the alms houses is Anselmo, son of the second Pietro, who became treasurer of Bruges, and also travelled on a pilgrimage to Syria and Africa. His work load was huge being also ambassador to Iran for Charles the Bold, duke of Burgundy, and as counselor to King James III of Scotland when governor of the guild of Scottish wool traders. He was also knighted by the King of Scotland. The interactive model of his pilgrimage is something to marvel at taking so many months to travel by land and sea to the Holy Land whilst avoiding warlike natives in Africa and areas of plague that included Venice as well as crossing mountains and deserts. Sadly Anselmo’s pilgrimage did not bring him any blessings from the Almighty for, despite having moved to Scotland, King James’s enemies murdered him in 1483. His body lies there still in St Michael’s Church, Linthlithgow in West Lothian. His heart, however was brought back to Bruges, and was placed in the black marble tomb we see today alongside his wife, Margaretha. The effigy has a sword hilt in his ribs to show the violent death he suffered, although at his feet lay a lion and a dog signifying courage and devotion. As well the Adornes’ tomb there is a fragment of the Holy Cross in a gilded, silver cross and a macabre altar with carvings of the skulls of Golgotha and three tall and imposing crosses. After all this darkness and proximity to death, stepping outside into the daylight comes as welcome relief as does an excellent small café and a souvenir shop, staffed by an extremely helpful lady. For somewhere off the main tourist drag this is a splendid way to spend an hour or more and learn about both the city and the Adorno family, who still own the property, although their name has become Adornes in Flemish, some 17 generations after the founding of the estate. Unspoilt and virtually unchanged this is a compelling venue in a marvellous city.

8. Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie

Potterierei 79, Bruges 8000 Belgium +32 50 44 87 11 https://bezoekers.brugge.be/en/onze-lieve-vrouw-ter-potterie-our-lady-of-the-pottery
Excellent
51%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 106 reviews

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie

The current museum is housed in the old infirmary and displays the eclectic collection accumulated by nuns down the centuries. The oldest pieces date back to the 14th century. Many miracles have been attributed to the white limestone statue of Our Lady of the Potterie in the baroque church. These are detailed in stained-glass windows, wall tapestries, and a miracle book. The 13th century statue is one of Bruges' oldest preserved statues.

Reviewed By apol225 - Oldenburg, Germany

This site is somewhat off the beaten tourist track and takes some finding when walking along the canal side. The name of this spot is a little bit misleading as it seems to referring to a pottery. As a matter of fact it’s an impressive church respectively a hospital attached to the church. All in all a very interesting place which is well worth a visit. By the way a good reason to go for a walk through this more calm but beautiful part of Bruges with its beautiful old houses.

9. Stadhuis

Burg 12, Bruges 8000 Belgium +32 50 44 87 11 https://www.visitbruges.be/en/stadhuis-city-hall
Excellent
52%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,210 reviews

Stadhuis

Bruges' City Hall (1376) is one of the oldest in the Low Countries. It is from here that the city has been governed for more than 600 years. An absolute masterpiece is the Gothic Hall, with its late 19th-century murals and polychrome vault. The adjoining historic hall calls up the city council's history with a number of authentic documents and works of art. A multimedia exhibition on the ground floor illustrates the evolution of the Burg Square.

Reviewed By Damme1971 - Damme, Belgium

Take the inside tour ( 10+ languages ) worth a visit. Its located on the Burg square near the Holy blood chapel and market square

10. Minnewater Lake

Bruges 8000 Belgium +32 50 44 46 46 [email protected] http://www.visitbruges.be/en/minnewaterpark
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,567 reviews

Minnewater Lake

Looking for a scenic place to take a romantic daytime or evening stroll? Minnewater Lake offers urban nature lovers a perfect setting regardless of the season or time of year.

Reviewed By 721mariand - Dublin, Ireland

Very pretty lake set in well laid out and beautiful park close to the city centre in Bruges. A place to enjoy a very pleasant stroll away from the hustle and bustle

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