Here is everything we did in the 1.5 days we spend in Bruges:
1. Explore Grote Markt, the central square of Bruges.
2. Get a 360 view of Bruges.
Well, almost 360. You just need to climb 366 steps to the top of the Belfry. It’s a medieval bell tower located in Grote Markt. The bell blocks off some of the access at the top, but you’ll still get fantastic views. You can and should buy tickets online so that you can book a time slot for the climb. I recommend going as early as possible to avoid the crowds, especially since the stairs are very narrow.
3. Take a cruise on the canals of Bruges.
It reminded me a little bit of Amsterdam, but on a smaller scale. Most tours last about 30 minutes and cost €15. You can pre-book tickets online but honestly, it’s probably easier to just buy it at the kiosk. Since there are several companies, you can just purchase on the spot instead of looking for the specific tour company you booked it at. They all seem pretty similar.
4. Learn about beers of the world and have a beer tasting at the Bruges Beer Experience.
You can choose to get a ticket with or without the beer tasting. It’s a very interactive experience with plenty of photo ops. There’s a room that’s filled with beers on the wall, which was awesome!
5. Try some beers at the Brouwerij de Halve Maan (Half Moon Brewery).
They’ve been brewing beers for five centuries. You can tour the brewery and see where beers used to be brewed and transported using pipes. There are some areas during the tour that are narrow and require climbing a ladder-like staircase, so keep this in mind. If you can make it through, the views from the rooftop are amazing.
6. Admire the architecture of Bruges.
The style is mainly gothic and has brickwork from the Middle Ages. You’ll get a lot of medieval vibes.
7. Check out the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
It’s located in De Burg, which is another square in the city centre of Bruges.
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