I went to Bruges by ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge with P&O Ferries. You can spend a day in Bruges on a typical mini cruise holiday, or extend your stay like we did and enjoy a short vacation in Bruges. I have compiled a guide on things to see and do in Bruges, and I hope you find it helpful.
Introduction to Bruges
Bruges is the capital and largest city of West Flanders, located in the northwest of Belgium. Like Amsterdam, it is a city filled with canals and is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North.'
The name Bruges has been recorded in history books since the ninth century. The name is likely derived from an old Dutch word meaning bridge. Bruges became an important trading port during the Golden Age (12th-15th centuries) and brought unprecedented wealth to the region. The Golden Age came to an end around 1500 with the silting of the Zwin canal or Golden Inlet. Today, Bruges is a meticulously preserved historic city. Wander through the cobbled corridors and immerse yourself in Bruges' medieval history.
Things to Do in Bruges
1. Basilica of the Holy Blood
Entry: Free
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is located in Burg Square and consists of two sections: the lower and upper chapels. This basilica, dating back to the 12th century, is architecturally divided into distinct lower and upper chapels. The lower chapel is dedicated to St. Basil and is a Romanesque structure. The upper chapel, built in Gothic style, contains a vial that supposedly holds the blood of Jesus, collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought to the city by the Crusaders. In the film 'In Bruges,' Brendan Gleeson visits the relic of the Holy Blood as the character Ken.
2. Church of Our Lady
Church entry = Free / Museum = €4 (Subject to change)
The Church of Our Lady in Bruges is a very old Roman Catholic Gothic Church. Built in the 13th century, it was later expanded in the 14th and 15th centuries. The church's tower is the tallest in the city at 377 feet.
The church houses many significant works of art, including Michelangelo's statue of the Madonna, the Crucifixion attributed to Anthony van Dyck, and Caravaggio's Supper at Emmaus.
The church is undergoing restoration, so entry to the church is free; however, there is a €2 entrance fee for the museum where Michelangelo's famous Madonna and Child statue is located.
3. Concertgebouw
Cost: €8 including building tour and roof access.
The Concertgebouw in Bruges is a modern structure that offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city. The concert hall can accommodate over 1200 people across three levels and also features several exhibition halls in the Lantern Tower that provide views of the city.
Architecturally, the building rises on thousands of columns. The concert hall is designed to provide excellent acoustics. The building facade is covered with distinctive red brick tiles, and the Lantern Tower is made of glass. This is definitely a modern structure that stands out from other buildings in Bruges' historic Old Town. The entrance fee is expensive, but I enjoyed the luxury of experiencing the rooftop view alone without waiting in line.
4. Groeninge Museum
Entry: €12
The Groeninge Museum houses six centuries of Flemish and Belgian painting in the area of the medieval Eekhout Monastery. Notably, the famous triptych The Last Judgment by Hieronymus Bosch, which is also featured in the film 'In Bruges', is exhibited here, where two hitmen discuss heaven and hell after seeing the painting. Other important artists displayed in the museum include Jan van Eyck and Marcel Broodthaers. Although it is expensive, visiting here will definitely be a worthwhile stop.
5. Minnewater Bridge
Minnewater Lake or Lake of Love is located in a wooded park in the south of Bruges. Over the years, a local legend has formed around the lake. According to the legend, the lake is the center of the tragic love story between Minna and her warrior lover Stromberg. The legend claims that if you cross Minnewater Bridge with your loved one, you will experience eternal love.
6. Sint Janshuismolen
Entrance fee: €4
This is a historic place unlike anywhere you have visited before. Sint Janshuismolen is one of the two remaining windmills in the city. The windmill has been grinding grain since 1770 and is open to visitors during the summer months. The charming wooden structure, located on a green hill, offers great photo opportunities.
7. Begijnhuisje
Entrance: Free
A beguinage is a complex created to house religious women living together without taking vows. Begijnhof Brugge is a carefully preserved beguinage, the only example in Bruges. Since 1927, beguines have not resided here, and the building now serves as a Benedictine monastery. This is a quiet and peaceful place. The tree-filled courtyard in the center is surrounded by about thirty white-painted houses dating from the 16th century and later. The original Beguine house at the entrance has been preserved as a museum and houses furniture and lacework from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as paintings.
Information Box
P&O Ferries operates frequent services between Hull and Zeebrugge. Among mini cruises, the Bruges mini cruise is quite popular. A short holiday from Hull, including a car and an inside cabin for two adults, starts at £129. For more information and offers, you can call 0800 130 0030 or visit www.poferries.com.
Bruges: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I get to Bruges?
You can travel using the Hull to Zeebrugge route with P&O Ferries. Mini cruises start at £129 for a short holiday, including a car and an inside cabin for two adults. You can take a day trip or extend your short holiday.
Q: What is Bruges famous for?
Bruges is the capital of West Flanders in northwestern Belgium. It is a city filled with canals, often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', with a meticulously preserved medieval old town dating back to the 9th century. It was an important trading center during its Golden Age from the 12th to the 15th centuries.
Q: What are the best free things to do in Bruges?
The Basilica of the Holy Blood in Burg Square, Our Lady Church (museum entrance €2), and Begijnhuisje, is a beautifully preserved beguinage that now serves as a Benedictine monastery and dates back to the 16th century.
Q: Where can I see the best view in Bruges?
Concertgebouw offers panoramic rooftop views of the city for €8, which has the advantage of being much less crowded compared to the Belfort tower.
Q: Is Bruges good for art lovers?
Absolutely. The Groeninge Museum (€12) houses six centuries of Flemish and Belgian painting, including famous works such as Jan van Eyck and Hieronymus Bosch's renowned triptych The Last Judgment. Our Lady Church also hosts Michelangelo's Madonna and Child.
Q: Is it possible to do something romantic in Bruges?
Minnewater Lake, known as the Lake of Love, is located in a tree-filled park in the southern part of the city. Local legend says that crossing Minnewater Bridge with your loved one guarantees eternal love.
Q: Are there interesting places to visit in Bruges?
Sint Janshuismolen (€4) is one of only two windmills remaining in the city, located on a green hill and grinding grain since 1770. It is open to visitors in the summer and is a perfect spot for taking great photos.
Disclaimer
I was invited by P&O Ferries for my mini cruise experience from Hull to Zeebrugge. I would like to thank them and Anne de Meerleer and the Visit Bruges team for their valuable tips and support during our visit to Bruges.
Although my travel expenses were covered by P&O Ferries, the views expressed here are entirely my own.
Comments
(9 Comments)