Explore Bruges Belgium with kids
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Bruges has got to be one of our favorite cities in Belgium. It is one of the most beautiful places, and you will totally feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Bruges is the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, and is distinguished by its canals, cobblestone streets and medieval town square.
Since there are two main languages spoken in Belgium, (French and Dutch), you get two ways of spelling the city name-Bruges or Brugge. Either way, they’re both correct.
Since Bruges has survived both World Wars, most of its medieval architecture is still intact, making it one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Bruges is definitely one memorable city. On the blog, I will show you how to explore Bruges Belgium with kids, so you can book that family vacation to Belgium.
Where to stay in Bruges
During our visits to Bruges, our favorite hotel to stay is the Novotel Brugge Centrum. This hotel is located in Bruges city center and with everything just a short walk away. The best part is the onsite parking and the kid friendly hotel lobby.
Recommended Hotel:
Booking.comBruges main attractions
Explore Bruges on a stroll around the city
One of the best ways to explore Bruges is to stroll around the city, and just get lost in the many picturesque streets.
Be prepared to take lots of photos as Bruges is just so picturesque. There are so many side streets and alleyways to explore and they’re all just so beautiful!
Here is a list of some of the must see places when planning a visit to Bruges.
Admire the views from the Rozenhoedkaai
One of the best things to do in Bruges is to visit one of the most photographed area in Bruges.
The Rozenhoedkaai or (Quay of the Rosary) is one of the most picturesque places in the city.
Take in the views of the canal and the beautiful buildings and take the post card shot.
You can also get on one of the boat tours from here, or just have a seat and admire the gorgeous views.
There are also quite a few cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a glass of Belgian beer and admire the city views!
BOOK A TOUR HERE:
Visit Burg Square
Another picturesque place to see in Bruges is Burg Square. Burg Square is one of the the earliest inhabited places in the city, with a mix of buildings with a variety of architectural styles from the Gothic to Rennaissance to Neo-Classicist.
One building that stands out is the Stadhuis (Town Hall), which was built in 1376. You can go one a tour of the building and admire the beautiful interior.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is located right next door to the Town Hall and is one of the smallest buildings on the Square.
Make sure to visit the church and see the vial which purportedly contains a small piece of cloth said to be stained with Jesus’ blood, which was so interesting.
It was said to have been brought to the city after the Second Crusade by Thierry of Alsace, and is paraded every year through the streets of the city.
Don’t miss one of the cutest passageway that links Burg square to the Vismarkt.
The Blonde Ezelstraat (Blind Donkey) is a cute little passageway under an Arch next to the Town Hall that you can’t miss.
This narrow cobblestone passageway is a great photo-op in Bruges surrounded by brick buildings and a cute vaulted room that connects the Town Hall to the building next to it.
Visit the many churches in Bruges Belgium
One of the most interesting places to visit in Bruges are the churches. There are so many churches to see and they’re all so interesting.
I’ve mentioned the Basilica of the Holy Blood earlier, but there are so many others worth visiting. One in particular is the Church of our Lady, with it’s 122 meter brick steeple.
One of the highlights of the church is the marble Madonna and child sculpture by Michelangelo, which was so amazing!
Climb the Belfry in Bruges
One of Bruges most famous landmark is its 13th-century belfry, housing a municipal carillon comprising of 48 bells.
The Belfry towers over the Old Market Square and once housed a treasury and served as an observation post as well.
Climb the 366 step for the most amazing panoramic views of the city. Tickets to the Belfry costs (14 euros for adults), (youth up to 25) is 12 euros, while (kids up to 6 are free).
People watch at the Markt Square in Bruges
On your Brugge sightseeing tour, make sure to explore the Markt square.
Located in the heart of the city, the Market square in Bruges is the perfect place to people watch and just admire the beautiful architecture.
There are so many beautiful guild houses to admire, and the beautiful Belfry is located here as well.
The Bruges Market Square is the city’s meeting place, and is where fairs and festivals are held, including a marketplace that has been going on since 985!
Theres always something going on here, and you will always find many street performers, including the balloon man, which the kids will absolutely love.
Don’t forget to sample some of the yummy street foods, such as frites, which is Belgium’s version of French fries.
Of course you can’t miss eating some Belgian waffles, and some chocolate, you’re in Belgium after all!
BOOK A TOUR HERE:
Go on a horse carriage ride in Bruges
One of the best things to do in Bruges with kids that they’ll absolutely love is a horse carriage ride.
The half hour carriage ride takes you along Bruges historic streets, and makes a brief stop at the Beguinage where you can hop off and explore the area.
The tour comes with commentary with your coachman guide and is the ideal way to get to know Bruges.
The price per carriage is 55 euros, with a max of 5 people and picks up right at the Market Square.
Payment must be made directly to each carriage driver. No credit cards are accepted.
Go on a boat tour of the canals in Bruges
One of Bruges most popular attraction is a boat tour along the canals. Known as the Venice of the North, the canals here are just so gorgeous.
A boat tour in Bruges is the best way to learn more about the the cities history, and see it from a different perspective.
You will also get to see more of the Bruges you normally miss on a walk. This was definitely one of the highlights of our Bruges family holiday.
Enjoy the weekend Antique Flea Market
Every weekend from about March to November, you can expect to find an antique flea market located along the Djiver close to the Rozenhoedkaai.
The antique market goes from 10am-6pm and it’s the perfect place to find your Bruges souvenir.
Our little one found some antique porcelain dolls, while we enjoyed perusing the many stalls in search for treasure.
Visit the Old Saint Johns Hospital
One of the most interesting places in Bruges is the Old Saint John’s hospital.
Founded in the mid-12th century, the Hospital of St. John was a medieval hospital in Bruges.
Located next to the Church of Our Lady, the premises contain some of Europe’s oldest surviving hospital buildings.
During the Middle Ages, it was a place where sick pilgrims and travellers were cared for. Today, it is now a museum, and you can visit and learn more about Bruges history.
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Visit the Beguinage in Bruges
One of the most beautiful and serene places in Bruges has got to be the Beguinage.
The Beguinage, with its white-colored house fronts and tranquil convent gardens was once the home of Beguines.
Beguines were a group of single or widowed women who lived a pious and celibate life outside the walls of a convent or monastery.
Today the beguinage is inhabited by nuns of the Order of St. Benedict, but you can still visit the beautiful buildings in the area.
In the spring, the convent gardens bloom with yellow daffodils and they are just so beautiful! it’s definitely a must see when visiting Bruges.
We loved how peaceful it was here, and the beautiful daffodil gardens were just stunning!
Relax at Minnewater Lake in Bruges
One of the best places to visit in Bruges is Minnewater Lake. Located just outside the Beginjhof, Minnewater Lake is a tranquil little spot within the confines of the city.
It’s a serene and peaceful place to relax with the family while you recharge for more sightseeing in Bruges.
Take a stroll along the Minnewaterpark, or enjoy the scenery from the lake bridge, which is also called the “Lovers Bridge”.
There is a legend behind Minnewater Lake that tells the story of two lovers Minna and Stromberg.
Forced to marry another man, Minna decides to escape into a forest, but dies of exhaustion in her lovers arms.
The lake was named after her, and the bridge was named the “Lovers Bridge” in her honor. It is said that if you walk over the bridge and kiss your loved one, it will become eternal love.
Admire the Historic Windmills in Bruges
One of the most unique spots in Bruges are the historic windmills. Take a stroll outside the city walls of Bruges and admire the historic windmills.
You normally don’t think Belgium being known for windmills, but Bruges has a few that are worth visiting.
These historic windmills have been present since the 13th century, and today there are four still standing.
One of them in particular is the Sint-Janshuis Mill, built in 1770 and still occupying its original site.
It is the only mill still grinding flour and the only mill open to visitors. There is also a great park for the kids to run around, and a canal to take a leisurely stroll.
Explore one of Bruges medieval city gates
Another one of Bruges tourist attraction are the medieval city gates. The Kruispoort in Bruges is one of the remaining city gates.
The gate is part of the second city wall dating from 1297. Built in the early 15th century, this is the best-preserved of Brugge’s four remaining city gates.
Sample the amazing food in Bruges
One of the highlights of our visit to Bruges is getting to sample the amazing food!
You can’t miss tasting the Frites (Belgium fries). They are different from American fries, and tasted so yummy dipped in Mayo!
Make sure to sample the Mussels, it’s one of the areas main dish and they are pretty much served everywhere. It was so delicious and is something we ate all the time.
Of course you have to try a Belgian waffle and chocolates! It’s synonymous with Belgium.
BOOK A FOOD TOUR HERE:
Explore Bruges Belgium with kids, and fall in love with this amazing city! It’s one of the most family friendly cities in Belgium, and so many fun activities to do.
If you can only visit one city in Belgium, then I highly recommend Bruges. Plan that family trip to Belgium, and get to know this wonderful city, you will feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
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