The 13 free activities and visits to Bruges

You dream of visiting Bruges but you have a small budget? Here are 13 free activities and visits to Bruges!

A small romantic medieval town, Bruges attracts tourists from all over Europe. Its proximity to the Belgian capital and its accessibility make this destination an ideal getaway for a great weekend. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its crushing and belfry, the Flemish city ensorcelles with its paved streets, Gothic churches and numerous canals. Bruges, whose construction dates back to the 9th century, is known as a strong place in Flanders County. Its architecture and the number of historic buildings to be visited testify to its ancientity. Walking along the canals, you will be conquered by the charm of stone bridges through the tiny streams of water. Swans walking under the weeping willows and the light reflected on the river participate in the magic of the place.

Your budget is limited and you wonder what to do in Bruges? Gather yourself with your camera and raise your eyes so that you don’t miss the architectural wonders of the one that is surnamed Venice of the North . Our guide to 13 free activities should help you make your visit to Bruges an unforgettable memory without ruining you.

1. Walking around Grote Markt

Visiting Bruges begins by going to its center, where the heart of the city is beaten: its main square. Tourists and locals rush to the Grand Place in the middle of ancient buildings, street artists and carriages. Historical buildings are beautiful. Just lift your head to observe the old stone walls and the light that is reflected on the windows of the facades.

On Grote Markt is also the belfry overlooking the city. This medieval tower of patinated bricks was made famous by the film Good kisses from Bruges you are advised to watch before your stay. Overlooking the city, the belfry promises a magnificent view over the Halle aux Draps, at eighty-three meters high. However, you will have to pay a few euros if you want to go to the top.

Three neo-Gothic buildings complete the visit: the provincial palace, the post and The Historium . At night, the place is even more beautiful, when the monuments around it are illuminated and the restaurants are animated. If you are lucky to visit Bruges on Wednesday, don't miss the local specialities market. Talk with producers to learn more about regional products and their manufacture.

2. Flip into the paved streets

Dive into the medieval atmosphere of this city built in the Middle Ages by losing you in its historic streets. On the way, admire the facades of centuries-old churches. Listen to the water that slides along the channels, this moment will remain engraved in your memory.

At every corner of the street, original shops and small cafes are pretexts for stopping to admire the work of artisans or taste local specialties, such as the famous Belgian chocolate. The walk to the sound of the horses of calèche takes you in a deliciously over-year atmosphere. Here, no klaxons or exhaust jar to spoil your pleasure. With a modest size, visit Bruges is easily on foot. Perfect to walk freely without sacrificing your wallet!

3. Explore the fish market stalls in Vismarkt

For a long time, the Grand Place market housed the fish stands. The merchants were then banned from this place because of the embarrassing smell. Since 1821, it has been to Vismarkt find the best fishermen. The opportunity for visitors to walk outdoors in the middle of the stalls.

Nearby, artisans present to visitors the Flemish know-how. You can take beautiful pictures of street scenes. The nearby canals also offer magnificent catches of medieval buildings reflected in the water.

4. Leave in safari night photo

The buildings illuminated at night largely justify walking in Bruges at night. But that’s not all: when you swing at night, you’ll enjoy the mysterious atmosphere of the city, when the mist spreads over the water. For an ideal photographic journey, start by capturing the pink and purple colors of sunset on the city. It is at that time that you will have the best chance to capture the reflections of the houses in the water.

Then walk through the different places, line the channels for more and more enchanting photos as the night takes place in the dark streets.

5. Visit Saint-Sang Basilica

Saint-Sang Basilica or Heilig-Bloedbasiliek in Dutch is known for its ornaments and its measles that we assume filled with the blood of Jesus. The faithful and visitors rush to admire the relic closely, when it is presented to the public during the day.

By visiting the religious building for free, you will learn more about the processions of the Saint-Sang, which are listed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Dating from the Middle Ages, they take place every year on Ascension Day. For the occasion, musicians, chariots and animals march on the streets of Bruges.

6. Walking around Place du Bourg

Just a few steps from the Grand Place, is the Place du Bourg another highly interesting place to visit in Bruges when you have a tight budget. Second place of the city by its size, it remains no less charming, with its beautiful buildings that surround it and its inhabitants sitting on its benches. The basilica of the Saint-Sang, the prevôté, the city hotel and the former civil registry surround the square.

Sometimes free exhibitions take place in the cultural space Bruges Vrije. Learn at the tourist office.

7. Admire Notre-Dame de Bruges Cathedral

Located next to the former Saint John hospital in the historic centre of Bruges, the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Bruges is one of the highest brick buildings in the world, culminating in a hundred and fifteen metres high. On her own, the arrow is fifty-four meters!

Founded in 1220 in a Gothic style, Notre-Dame de Bruges is a Catholic religious building whose construction lasted more than two hundred years. His architectural details, such as the majestic ceiling vaulted inside, were admired for free.

8. Walking on the banks of the Minnewater

Among the essential activities to be done in Bruges, there is one that should particularly please all couples: the tower of the lake of Love. The Minnewater is undoubtedly one of the most romantic places in the city. Walking along its shores to admire the swans swimming under the weeping will be a must. The charm of the lake is also attached to the stone bridge over the canals.

Once again, beautiful pictures are to be made in Minnewater, day and night!

9. Visit the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur

Building from the 10th century, the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral or Sint Salvatorskathedraal in Dutch is the oldest church in Bruges. Located along one of the main shopping streets, you can visit it for free. The religious building is impressive by its size and ornaments inside. Enjoy the serenity of this unique place of worship in the middle of your visit to the vibrant streets of the city.

A brick Gothic building, the cathedral is flanked by a tower of seventy-nine metres, whose crowning was completed between 1846 and 1849.

10. Browse the Bruges mills

Are you still looking for something to do in Bruges for free? A walk from the centre of the city leads you to Sainte-Anne, a charming Flemish suburb. Whether by bike or by foot, it will be easy to explore the last four Bruges windmills, two of which are still operating. On the way, admire the beautiful cossced dwellings and stop at the café Windmolen .

11. Enjoy a free guided tour

Bruges by night had the right idea to offer tourists a free guided journey in the medieval city. Meet each day at twenty hours in front of the statue of the Grote Markt. On the way, your guides will reveal many legends and mysteries on Bruges and its channels.

Cake icing: a beer is available at the end of your visit to the Bauhaus hostel. This tour is really one of the best free activities to do in Bruges!

12. Walk along the dock of the Rosary

The dock of the Rosary, a former port of salt in the city, is certainly the most photographed place in Bruges and we quickly understand why. The nickname of Bruges like the Venice of the North Takes all its meaning here. The spot is charming: the canal is wide enough so that the architectural wonders around it are reflected in the water.

13. Retrouver les lieux du film « Bons Kisses de Bruges »

Follow the footsteps of the film Good kisses from Bruges is another great way to visit Bruges. To prepare this thematic walk, go to the tourist office to get a leaflet on the scene of the film. You will pass through the city’s must-see sites, such as the Beffroi or the Lake of Love, but also the park of Queen Astrid or the statue of Jan Van Eyck The famous Flemish painter.