If it’s your first trip in Bruges, you’ll most likely want to visit Rozenhoedkaai, Historic Centre of Brugge, and Markt, but don’t overlook Belfry and Church of Our Lady.
1. Rozenhoedkaai
Rozenhoedkaai, or Quay of the Rosary, is a scenic place where the Dijver and Groenerei canals meet. It is one of the most photographed areas in Bruges. Relax and appreciate the magnificent canals, historic buildings, and delightful pubs, restaurants, and hotels.
2. Historic Centre of Brugge
Brugge’s Historic Centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. According to previous visitors, the historic center is among the first locations you should see in Bruges since it is one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval European village. Explore the cobblestone walks or take a boat trip along the canals that lead to the Gothic and neo-Gothic structures that make up this ancient city. This neighborhood was formerly a thriving commercial city as well as a center for the Flemish Primitive art style.
3. Markt
The Markt, Bruges’ center, is filled with stores, cafés, horse-drawn carriages that clip-clop through cobblestone streets, and numerous architecturally significant buildings, such as the Belfry, which you can climb to the top for spectacular city views. The Markt, according to reviewers, is a wonderful starting place for exploring Bruges, and while it may become crowded, it’s definitely worth a visit. Others, on the other hand, complained about excessive traffic from vehicles, carriages, and pedestrians.
4. Belfry
It turns out that Bruges has its own leaning tower, albeit it is not as prominent as the one in Pisa, Italy. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed 13th-century Belfry is one of the earliest specimens of medieval urban and public architecture. It is 272 feet tall, and tourists may climb the 366 stairs to the summit for panoramic views of Bruges. Along with its stunning views, the tower has a carillon with over 40 bells. Bells are rung from 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
5. Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady, which dominates the Bruges skyline, has the world’s second tallest brick tower (about 400 feet tall) and is home to Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture, among other masterpieces. Several graves and 13th-century sepulchres are also housed in the Gothic construction.
