Essential landmarks to visit in Bruges

Historic lake from medieval times, formerly believed to be inhabited by water spirits.

Gothic church with a 115.5-meter brick tower, the second tallest in the world. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, it contains a marble sculpture by Michelangelo.

Waterfront street along the canal where merchants sold religious items in medieval times. The stone buildings reflect in the water of the canal.

Historical religious community founded in 1245 where nuns lived in small houses around a central courtyard. The buildings display traditional white walls.

Waterways built in the Middle Ages connect different parts of the city through stone bridges and are used for tourist boat rides.

This square housed the first fortress of Bruges in the 9th century and contains the Gothic City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

Modern music venue with two performance halls for classical and contemporary concerts, featuring regular orchestra and chamber music performances throughout the year.

Historical dwellings built to accommodate elderly and poor residents, with inner courtyards and private chapels, featuring traditional Flemish architecture.

Museum displaying medieval arts, crafts and household items from 15th to 19th century in a restored Gothic palace of a merchant family.

Central square dominated by the 83-meter Belfry tower. The square contains many medieval buildings and hosts markets and city events.

12th-century church containing a relic of cloth with Holy Blood, displayed in annual procession on Ascension Day.

Museum of Fine Arts displaying Flemish and Belgian paintings from 15th century to present.

Center exhibiting lace crafting methods from the 16th century to modern day, with demonstrations by artisans and historical collections of Bruges lace.

Museum housed in former almshouses displaying West Flemish daily life traditions.

15th century church with a monumental crossing tower and gothic architectural elements.

Church built between 1611-1628 with baroque interior from 1657-1661.

15th century noble residence with L-shaped layout and square stair tower, built before 1452.

Religious complex from 1629 with church, cloisters and dome by architect H. Pulinx senior from 1736-1739.

Historic archery guild building from 1573 with polygonal stair tower.

19th-century neo-gothic provincial palace of West Flanders located on Market Square. The building serves as administrative center with ornate stone facade.

Nine centuries old cathedral with its stone walls, massive towers and pointed windows. Inside, medieval tombs and Flemish paintings adorn the walls.

Three-story museum explaining the history of Belgian beers, with displays of brewing equipment and a tasting room on the top floor.

Interactive museum presenting medieval Bruges through multimedia experiences and historical reconstructions showing daily life during medieval times.

Stone gate built in 1400, located at the eastern entrance to Bruges old town, with octagonal flanking towers and arched passage.

Stone bridge from 1739 connecting the Katelijne and Beguinage ramparts, with iron railings.

Gothic church built between 1851-1864 with a tall spire and pointed arches. This religious building stands among the first neo-Gothic churches in Belgium.

Lock house built in 1519 to control water levels on the inner canals, with pinnacles and stepped dormers.

Almshouse complex from 1613 with a central chapel and two wings of single-room dwellings.

Abbey founded in 1623 with a church from 1626 and a gate building from 1633.

Medieval tower 83 meters high with a carillon of 47 bells, located above the former cloth market.

Gothic monument built between 1376 and 1420 whose façade features six mullioned windows and 48 niches with historical statues of the counts of Flanders.

This fortified 13th-century gate was one of the four main entrances to the city's ramparts. Its stone structure includes loopholes and a bridge.

This 18th-century wooden windmill still produces flour. It is located on the city rampart and retains its original mechanisms.

This stone bridge built in the 13th century spans the canal connecting Augustinians street to Mariastraat. It is among the first bridges constructed in the city.