After a morning spent exploring the history and architecture of Ghent, we headed west toward the city we had been anticipating most—Bruges. Looking back, trying to visit both cities in a single day was probably too ambitious for our family. There was barely enough time to scratch the surface of either place, and we found ourselves wishing we could slow down and explore at our own pace.
Even so, Bruges was the place I had been most excited to see in Belgium, and the moment we arrived I understood why. Often called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Bruges combines canals, medieval architecture, and centuries of history into a setting that feels almost too picturesque to be real. We were determined to make the most of our time and soak in as much of this remarkable city as we could.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear why Bruges is considered one of Belgium’s most beloved cities. But even being surrounded by such a beautiful city, there was something bittersweet about knowing this was our final stop on the trip.
Exploring Bruges
- The History of Bruges
- Gunpowder Tower & City Gates
- The Beguinage: A Quiet Medieval Community
- Medieval Life & the Old Hospital
- Exploring the Canals of Bruges
- Basilica of the Holy Blood
- Church of Our Lady & the City Skyline
- Bruges Town Square & the Belfry
- FAQ: A Day in Bruges
The History of Bruges
Bruges has a long and layered history, with early mentions of the settlement dating back to between 840 and 875 AD. Over time, its name appeared in various forms—including Bruggas, Brvggas, and Brvccia—before eventually becoming Bruges.
The name is believed to come from an old Dutch word meaning “bridge,” a fitting origin for a city defined by canals and crossings.
Gunpowder Tower & City Gates
One of our first stops was the Poertoren en Minnewaterbrug, also known as the Gunpowder Tower.
Built in 1397, this defensive structure was one of two towers that once guarded the entrance to the city. Over time, it was repurposed to store gunpowder, which is where it gets its name today.
Standing near the water, it was easy to imagine how important this entrance would have been when Bruges was a thriving medieval port city.
The Beguinage: A Quiet Medieval Community
We then visited the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde, a peaceful complex along the water that immediately felt different from the busy city center.
Founded in 1240, the Beguinage was home to a community of religious women who lived independently from formal convent orders. Many of the women who joined were unable to marry or support themselves elsewhere, and this community provided a place of safety, structure, and belonging.
In 1299, Philip the Fair granted it the title “Princely Beguinage,” and today it remains the last surviving Beguinage in Belgium. Since 1927, it has functioned as a convent.
Walking through its whitewashed buildings and quiet courtyard felt like stepping into another era entirely.
Medieval Life & the Old Hospital
Not far from the Beguinage, we also saw one of Bruges’ historic hospital buildings.
In medieval times, hospitals were not places of recovery in the modern sense. Instead, they were often places where people went for care, comfort, and end-of-life support. Conditions were difficult, and disease was common, but they offered shelter, food, and basic care in a time when options were limited.
It was a sobering reminder of how different life once was in these beautiful cities we were exploring.
Exploring the Canals of Bruges
One of the most charming parts of Bruges is simply wandering its streets. The sound of horse hooves on cobblestones and the stillness of the canals made the city feel almost dreamlike.
Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through the cobblestones, and small shops sell delicate handmade lace that reflects centuries of local tradition. The craftsmanship is incredibly intricate, and it is easy to see why lace-making remains such an important part of the region’s heritage.
Of course, no visit to Bruges would be complete without experiencing the canals themselves. We purchased tickets for a boat tour and stepped aboard for a guided ride through the city’s waterways.
Our driver placed us right at the front and pointed out landmarks along the way. He also made sure to point out the baby swans to our daughter, which she absolutely loved. While the adults admired the medieval buildings and centuries of history along the canals, she was far more interested in spotting the fluffy gray cygnets gliding through the water. Watching her excitement over something so simple became one of my favorite memories of our time in Bruges.
Seeing Bruges from the water offered a completely different perspective. The reflections of medieval buildings, arched bridges, and quiet gardens made it feel like we were floating through history itself.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
After our boat tour, we visited the Basilica of the Holy Blood, one of Bruges’ most unique religious sites.
The original church was built in 1134 by Thierry of Alsace, and according to tradition, a relic containing the blood of Christ was brought back from the Holy Land after the Second Crusade. The chapel was later renamed in honor of this relic.
Inside, narrow staircases lead up to a richly decorated upper chapel filled with vivid colors, stained glass, and ornate detail. Over the centuries, the basilica has undergone many renovations, blending Gothic and Gothic Revival styles into the structure seen today.
Church of Our Lady & the City Skyline
We also visited the Church of Our Lady, one of the tallest structures in Bruges and a defining part of the city skyline.
Dating back to the 14th century, the church was built during a period of great wealth and influence for Bruges. Its tower rises above the city, and the surrounding trees—trained into woven horizontal lines—create a striking and almost surreal approach to the entrance.
Like much of Bruges, it reflects a time when art, religion, and commerce were deeply intertwined.
Bruges Town Square & the Belfry
Our day ended in the main square, surrounded by some of the most iconic architecture in the city.
The Town Hall and the Belfry of Bruges rise above the square, surrounded by guildhalls and historic buildings that once represented the city’s economic and political power during the Middle Ages.
Even today, the square feels like the heart of Bruges—vibrant, historic, and beautifully preserved.
FAQ: A Day in Bruges
- Is Bruges worth visiting?
Yes. Bruges is one of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval cities, known for its canals, architecture, and walkable historic center.
- How many days do you need in Bruges?
One day is enough to see the main highlights, though staying overnight allows you to experience the city after the day-trippers leave.
- Can you visit Bruges as a day trip?
Yes. Bruges is a very popular day trip from Brussels and can be reached by train in about an hour.
- What is Bruges famous for?
Bruges is famous for its canals, medieval architecture, Belfry tower, lace-making traditions, and well-preserved historic center.
- What is the Beguinage in Bruges?
The Beguinage was a community of religious women who lived independently. Today it is a peaceful convent and one of the most historic sites in the city.
- Is a canal boat tour in Bruges worth it?
Yes. A canal boat tour offers one of the best perspectives of Bruges’ medieval buildings and bridges.
While we enjoyed visiting both Ghent and Bruges, trying to see them in a single day felt rushed. If we return, we would spend a full day—or even several days—in each city to experience them at a slower pace.
What makes Bruges so special is not just its canals or its architecture, but the way all of its layers come together—history, commerce, religion, and everyday life blending into one cohesive cityscape.
It was the perfect final stop on our trip through Belgium.
Bruges had long been on my list of places I wanted to visit, and it lived up to everything I had hoped for. Beyond its beauty, it offered a deeper look into the history of a city that once held great influence in medieval Europe.
As we left, I felt grateful that our journey ended somewhere so memorable.
It was, in every way, an incredible way to close out our time in Belgium.
Bruges was part of our wider Belgium journey, along with visits to Brussels and Ghent after spending time in Paris.
Thank you for coming along on this visit to the beautiful city of Bruges. May a place leave you breathless with wonder and awe.
Follow along for more adventures near and far!
Leave a Reply