Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Top 10 Bruges

The best things to do in Bruges

1. Bruges is a Flemish city unlike any other, with its winding canals, cobble-stoned streets and rich history; since 2000, it’s even been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The current city boundaries still match those of the medieval city centre, and Bruges today is like a living museum, with lots to offer
2. CATCH your breath at the Minnewaterpark, home to outdoor concerts in summertime but nice for a stroll any season. The lake is named after Minna, a woman who according to legend died in her lover’s arms. Check out the 16th-century lock-keeper’s house on the north side of the lake, and the 14th-century watch tower. Nearby, the Begijnhof provides a good picture of its former residents, Catholic unmarried or widowed women known as ‘beguines’.
3. CLIMB 366 steps to the top of the Belfry tower, a proud symbol of the city’s independent spirit, for breathtaking views of Bruges and the surrounding countryside. En route to the top stop at the treasury where the town’s most important documents are kept alongside the 47-bell carillon. The Belfry is open every day from 9:30am to 5pm.
4. MARVEL at masterpieces on display at the Groeninge Museum (12 Dijver), where one could easily while away hours admiring mainly Belgian artworks from the Flemish Primitives through post-World War II modern art. Nor should art aficionados miss Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child at Onze Lieve-Vroustraat (Church of our Lady), one of his few sculptures outside Italy.
5. INDULGE your sweet tooth at one of Bruges’ many chocolate shops. Try The Chocolate Line (19 Simon Stevinplein) or the much more intimate Chocolates Dumon (6 Eiermarkt or 6 Walstraat). Further your chocolate education at the Choco-Story museum (7b Sint-Jinsstraat).
6. ENJOY a concert at the Concertgebouw, a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Paul Robbrecht and Hilde Daem, built in 2002 when Bruges was European City of Culture. Situated on ’t Zand, the town’s largest square, its main concert hall has seats for 1,300 lovers of music, theatre and the visual arts. There’s also a 300-seat chamber music hall and an on-site café. See concertgebauw.be for the programme.
7. TRAVERSE the town by foot, boat, or horse-drawn carriage, simply taking in the magical atmosphere. At night, when many day-trippers go home and the streets empty out, the ambiance is completely different. On foot, try the 7km walking route along the old city walls, known as the ‘Bruges Vetsen’.
8. TAKE a crash course in lacemaking at the non-profit Kantcentrum (Lace Centre) (3A Peperstraat) located in the beautifully restored almshouses founded by the Adornes family. In the afternoons you can observe the making of bobbin lace in the atelier, asking any questions you may have, or sign up for any number of courses.
9. SHOP till you drop. The main drag is Steenstraat, which runs from the Markt, the central square, to ’t Zand, with a number of international chains and department stores. Noordzandstraat boasts trendy boutiques, while Wollestrat is the place for lace. Or check out some of the outdoor markets – Saturdays on ’t Zand, Wednesdays on the Markt, or Tuesday to Saturday on the Vismarkt (fish market).
10. TOUR De Halve Maan (the half moon), Bruges’ only still functioning brewery which traces its origins back to the 16th century. Its signature brand is the fruity-accented Bruges Zot (translated as ‘Bruges lunatic’), a reference to a remark once made by Maximilian of Austria that Bruges is, “full of lunatics”. After your tour, enjoy a hearty meal in the cosy dining hall.

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