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• Things to See in Bruges

Bruges is really one big attraction - a unique mixture of gabled houses, meandering canals, magnificent squares, and narrow cobblestone streets.

As well as all the architectural splendour, however, the Belgian town also features many more attributes that are well worth checking out. From the Groeinge Museum housing works of art from Flemish masters including Van Eyck and Bosch to the Diamond Museum treating the visitor to remnants of over five hundred years of diamond polishing you need never be short of something to fill your days.

Another must is a canal trip as Bruges is another city vying for the title of ‘Venice of the North’. Make sure to go on a canal trip before you go – you will see the city from a different perspective.

Bruges from a boat

Even though it's hard to think of a city as pleasant to walk around as Bruges, it is best seen from a boat on one of the city's canal tours. NV Stael's tours pass the Church of Our Lady, the Groeningemuseum, St John's Hospital and more of the city's landmarks. Tours depart every half hour between 10am-5pm; admission €6.50.

Attractions in Bruges

• Markt

  , Bruges, Belgium

  Bruges' main square, bordered by medieval buildings, dominated by a bell tower and populated by horse-drawn carriages, is one of Europe's most beautiful squares. This is the commercial heart of the city centre and where all day's sightseeing tend to begin and end.

• Burg

  , Bruges, Belgium

  Where Markt is Bruges' commercial centre, Burg is the city's administrative heart. Its best-known attraction is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, with a relic with the blood of Christ. It is where you will see gothic, renaissance and baroque style buildings.

• The Belfry

  Markt, Bruges, Belgium

  No matter where you are in central Bruges, the tower which dominates the skyline is that of the Belfry, the 83 meter high tower that dates back to 1240. Today you can climb the 366 steps, winding your way past tourists from all over the world, to the top of the tower for unrivalled views of this medieval city.
  
  Open Tues-Sun 9.30am-5pm; admission €5.

• The Church of Our Lady

  Mariastraat, Bruges, Belgium

  Also known as Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, the Church of Our Lady took almost two centuries to complete and is best-known for the many art treasures it houses. Of these, the most famous is Michelangelo's 'Madonna and Child' which was his only piece to leave Italy in his lifetime.
  
  Open Mon-Sat 9am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-5pm (4pm on Sat), Sun 1.30pm-4pm; admission free, €2.50 for museum.

• NV Stael Boat Trips

  Katelijnestraat 4, Bruges, Belgium

  Even though it's hard to think of a city as pleasant to walk around as Bruges, it is best seen from a boat on one of the city's canal tours. NV Stael's tours pass the Church of Our Lady, the Groeningemuseum, St John's Hospital and more of the city's landmarks.
  
  Tours depart every half hour between 10am-5pm; admission €5.70.