Dreaming of visiting Bruges but on a budget? Here are 13 ideas for free activities and visits to enjoy during your stay in Bruges!
A small, romantic medieval town, Bruges attracts tourists from all over Europe. Its proximity to the Belgian capital and easy accessibility make it an ideal weekend getaway. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beguinage and belfry, the Flemish city bewitches with its cobbled streets, Gothic churches and numerous canals. Built in the 9th century, Bruges is known as a stronghold of the County of Flanders. Its architecture and the number of historic buildings to visit bear witness to its age. As you stroll along the canals, you’ll be captivated by the charm of the stone bridges crossing the tiny waterways. Swans walking under weeping willows and the light reflecting off the river add to the magic of the place.
On a tight budget and wondering what to do in Bruges? Grab your camera and look up to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the architectural wonders of the city nicknamed the Venice of the North. Our guide to 13 free activities should help you make your visit to Bruges an unforgettable memory without breaking the bank.
1. Stroll around Grote Markt
Visiting Bruges starts with a trip to the city center, where the heart of the city beats: its main square. Tourists and locals alike flock to the Grand-Place, amid its ancient buildings, street performers and horse-drawn carriages. The historic buildings are magnificent. Just look up to see the old stone walls and the light reflecting off the windows.
Grote Markt is also home to the Belfry, overlooking the city. This tall medieval tower of weathered brick was made famous by the film Bons baisers de Bruges, which we recommend you see before your visit. Overlooking the city, the belfry promises a grandiose panorama over the Halle aux Draps, at a height of eighty-three meters. However, you’ll need to pay a few euros to get to the top.
Three neo-Gothic buildings complete the visit: the Provincial Palace, the Post Office and the Historium. The square is even more beautiful at night, when the surrounding monuments are illuminated and the restaurants come alive. If you’re lucky enough to visit Bruges on a Wednesday, don’t miss the local specialty market. Talk to the producers to find out more about regional products and how they’re made.
2. Stroll through cobbled streets
Photo Credit: Flickr – VISITFLANDERS
Immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of this town, built in the Middle Ages, as you wander through its historic streets. Along the way, admire the facades of centuries-old churches. Listen to the sound of water gliding along the canals – it’s a moment you’ll never forget.
Original boutiques and small cafés on every street corner are perfect places to stop and admire the work of craftsmen or taste local specialties, such as the famous Belgian chocolate. The sound of horse-drawn carriages transports you into a delightfully old-fashioned atmosphere. There are no horns or exhaust pipes to spoil the fun. As Bruges is a small town, it’s easy to get around on foot. Perfect for wandering freely without sacrificing your wallet!
3. Explore the fish market stalls at Vismarkt
Photo Credit: Flickr – visit bruges
For a long time, the Grand-Place market was home to fish stalls. The merchants were later banned from this area because of the unpleasant smell. Since 1821, Vismarkt has been home to the best fishmongers. Visitors can enjoy an open-air stroll among the fish stalls.
Nearby, craftsmen show visitors Flemish know-how. Here you can take beautiful photos of street scenes. The nearby canals also offer magnificent shots of medieval buildings reflected in the water.
4. Go on a night-time photo safari
Photo Credit: Flickr – Ron Kroetz
The buildings illuminated at night make Bruges well worth a stroll in the evening. But that’s not all: taking a stroll after dark, you’ll enjoy the mysterious atmosphere of the city, as the mist spreads over the water. For the perfect photographic journey, start by capturing the pink and mauve colors of the sunset over the city. This is when you’ll have the best chance of capturing the reflections of the houses in the water.
Then wander through the various squares, skirting the canals for increasingly enchanting photos as night falls in the dark alleyways.
5. Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Basilica of the Holy Blood, or Heilig-Bloedbasiliek in Dutch, is famous for its ornaments and a vial believed to be filled with the blood of Jesus. The faithful and visitors alike flock to admire the relic up close, when it is presented to the public during the day.
With a free tour of the church building, you can learn more about the Holy Blood processions, listed as an intangible cultural heritage site by UNESCO. Dating back to the Middle Ages, they take place every year on Ascension Day. For the occasion, extras, musicians, floats and animals parade through the streets of Bruges.
6. Strolling around Place du Bourg
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – rene boulay
Just a stone’s throw from the Grand-Place is the Place du Bourg, another highly interesting place to visit in Bruges on a tight budget. The city’s second-largest square, it’s no less charming for its beautiful buildings and the people sitting on its benches. The Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Provost’s Office, the Town Hall and the former Civil Registry surround the square.
Free exhibitions are sometimes held at the Bruges Vrije cultural center. Ask at the tourist office.
7. Admire Bruges’ Notre-Dame Cathedral
Photo Credit: Instagram – marc_assaf
Located next to the former St. John’s Hospital in Bruges’ historic center, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Bruges is one of the tallest brick buildings in the world, reaching a height of one hundred and fifteen meters. The spire alone measures fifty-four metres!
Founded in 1220 in Gothic style, Notre-Dame de Bruges is a Catholic church that took over two hundred years to build. Its architectural details, such as the majestic vaulted ceiling inside, can be admired free of charge.
8. Stroll along the banks of the Minnewater
Photo Credit: Flickr – Alain Rouiller
Among the must-do activities in Bruges, there’s one that’s sure to please every couple: a tour of the Lac d’Amour. The Minnewater is undoubtedly one of the city’s most romantic spots. A stroll along its banks to admire the swans swimming under the weeping willows is a must. The lake’s charm also lies in the stone bridges spanning the canals.
Once again, there’s plenty of great photography to be had at Minnewater, day and night!
9. Visit Saint-Sauveur Cathedral
Photo Credit: Instagram – leonardogoncal7
Built in the 10th century, St. Saviour’s Cathedral, or Sint Salvatorskathedraal in Dutch, is the oldest church in Bruges. Located along one of the main shopping streets, you can visit it free of charge. The church building is impressive for its scale and interior ornamentation. Enjoy the serenity of this unique place of worship as you tour the city’s bustling streets.
A Gothic brick building, the cathedral is flanked by a seventy-nine-meter high tower, the crowning touch of which was completed between 1846 and 1849.
10. Bruges windmills
Photo credit: Flickr – Tristan Schmurr
Still looking for free things to do in Bruges? A stroll away from the city center takes you to Sainte-Anne, a charming Flemish suburb. By bike or on foot, it’s easy to explore Bruges’ four remaining windmills, two of which are still in operation. Along the way, admire the beautiful mansions and stop off at Café De Windmolen.
11. Take a free guided tour
Photo Credit: Instagram – famoushostels
Bruges by night has had the good idea of offering tourists a free guided tour of the medieval city. Meet daily at 8 p.m. opposite the Grote Markt statue. Along the way, your guides will reveal many legends and mysteries about Bruges and its canals.
The icing on the cake is a complimentary beer at the end of the tour at the Bauhaus hostel. This tour really is one of the best free things to do in Bruges!
12. Walking along the Quai du Rosaire
Photo Credit: Flickr – visit bruges
The Quai du Rosaire, the city’s former salt port, is certainly the most photographed spot in Bruges, and it’s easy to see why. Bruges’ nickname as the Venice of the North takes on its full meaning here. The spot is charming: the canal is wide enough for the architectural wonders that surround it to be reflected in the water.
13. Find locations from the film « Bon baisers de Bruges ».
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Marc Ryckaert
Following in the footsteps of the film Bons baisers de Bruges is another excellent way to visit Bruges. To prepare for this themed walk, go to the tourist office for a brochure on the film’s locations. You’ll pass by the city’s must-see sites, such as the Belfry and Lake of Love, as well as Queen Astrid Park and the statue of Jan Van Eyck, the famous Flemish painter.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Bruges,be