Things to do in Bruges
There is no end to Bruges's charms, as visitors can have fun simply wandering the streets between attractions, enjoying the swans floating in the canals, and the restored medieval buildings lining the cobbled lanes. The winding streets are flanked by gorgeous facades and churches, and among them are a collection of museums housing some of the country's finest art, notably the Stadhuis and the Groeninge Museum.
A must-see for visitors to Europe, the entire historic centre has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bruges is also known as the 'Venice of the North' and, as such, attracts many romantics to its intimate streets and canals; the graceful ambience of its ancient buildings provides the perfect backdrop for a special weekend away. For a spectacular view of Bruges over the red-tiled roofs, the more energetic can climb the 366 stairs of the central bell tower.
Choco-Story Museum
Chocolate lovers can't take a holiday to Bruges without stopping at the Choco-Story Museum, which details the history of chocolate dating back to the Aztecs and Mayans in 250 BC, a…
Choco-Story Museum
Chocolate lovers can't take a holiday to Bruges without stopping at the Choco-Story Museum, which details the history of chocolate dating back to the Aztecs and Mayans in 250 BC, and also demonstrates how the raw ingredients of cocoa are turned into the sweet treats everyone loves. Of course, each tour includes a tasting session and plenty of time in the gift shop. It's tempting to buy right then and there, but visitors should keep in mind that Bruges has more than 40 chocolate shops throughout the city. Guests are sure to leave the museum with a deep appreciation for where chocolate originally came from, and what the secret of great chocolate is.
Website www.choco-story-brugge.be/en/
Bruges Diamond Museum
Bruges has a long history of diamond polishing, going back to 1450 when local goldsmith Lodewijk van Berquem invented the modern technique of using diamond powder on a rotating dis…
Bruges Diamond Museum
Bruges has a long history of diamond polishing, going back to 1450 when local goldsmith Lodewijk van Berquem invented the modern technique of using diamond powder on a rotating disk. The Bruges Diamond Museum's (Diamantmuseum Brugge) variety of exhibits cover the history and techniques of diamond cutting and polishing, mining, setting diamonds and the evolution of the diamond trade over several centuries. Visitors can view live polishing demonstrations each day and the institution often hosts temporary exhibitions of famous stones and jewellery. The gift shop stocks rough and synthetic diamonds, as well as more reasonably priced souvenirs.
Website www.diamondmuseum.be
Groeninge Museum
Considered one of Bruges's best museums, the Groeninge Museum houses a large collection of fine art going back to the 15th century, including works by famous Flemish painters Jan v…
Groeninge Museum
Considered one of Bruges's best museums, the Groeninge Museum houses a large collection of fine art going back to the 15th century, including works by famous Flemish painters Jan van Eyck, Hieronymus Bosch, Rogier van der Weyden and Hans Memling. Though some of the works are from recent years, the museum's collection focuses exclusively on works with classical techniques and has some exquisite pieces for visitors to marvel at. Many of its paintings are looked on as milestones in the history of European art. For fans of classical art and those wishing to gain an insight into Belgian and European life in the past, this museum is certainly not to be missed.
Website bezoekers.brugge.be/nl/groeningemuseum