Bruges In A Day
The Belgian city of Bruges has a spectacular old town that is listed as a World Heritage Site for the quantity and quality of its historic buildings. Discovering it with tranquility deserves more than a day of visit but, as we always travel with just enough time, now we are going to show you an itinerary to discover Bruges in one day.
The Grote Mark or Market Square in Bruges
Any tourist itinerary in Bruges has to start at the Grote Markt. It is the epicenter of life in the city and has been for centuries, it is something that can be appreciated as soon as we enter the square because all of it is a splendid and exquisitely well preserved vital artistic ensemble.
Without going into details, the overview is already captivating. In the same place, you can review the history of Flemish architecture, from Gothic art to the historicist forms of the 19th century. Any building deserves a photograph, although some stand out enormously.
The medieval bell tower or Belfort stands imposingly on one side of the square. Even if you run out of time, you have to spend some time climbing the 366 steps that lead up to its top and thus enjoy an aerial panoramic view of the square to complement the sensations of imagining yourself in a fairytale city.
Precisely the Belfort Tower rises above the Le Halle covered market, another attraction of the Grote Markt, since here you can evoke the medieval market that gave Bruges fame and splendor.
Burg Square
This square is a step away from the Grote Markt and is the second essential place in the city. It has a more official character than the previous one, since here are historical buildings such as the Town Hall, the Palace of Justice or the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
The first two are architectural jewels of different styles, the Gothic-style Town Hall and the Palace of Justice straddling the Baroque and Neoclassicism. Both can be visited and its rooms are worth visiting.
And as for the Basilica of the Holy Blood, in addition to its historical and artistic interest due to its medieval origins, it also has its religious interest. Since here a highly revered relic is kept, because it is supposed that in Bruges a cloth is kept with which Joseph of Arimathea collected the blood of Christ.
In short, only with the attractions of the Grote Markt and the Burg Square spend the morning. As we are in the most touristic area of the city, there is no shortage of bars and restaurants to have a drink and then continue this intense one-day tourist route through Bruges.
A mini cruise on the canals of Bruges
When you travel to Bruges, you soon discover why the Belgian city appears in many brochures, books and websites with the nickname “Venice of the North”. Its entire historic center is full of small canals that run between the magnificent buildings and under small bridges. These prints make Bruges one of the most appreciated romantic destinations in Europe.
These canals are navigable in tourist boats. There are different types of routes, as we are in a hurry, you can opt for a mini cruise of about 30 minutes that goes through the heart of Bruges.
A walk along the Marianstraat in Bruges
The Marianstraat street and its neighbors like Katelijnestraat are the most dynamic focus of Bruges. This entire area, of medieval origin and narrow streets, houses a multitude of businesses to make purchases in the city.
But in addition to those purchases, you can take advantage of it to discover other great monuments of Bruges. For example, the Cathedral of San Salvador, which attracts attention for its bell tower. Also in the area is the Church of Our Lady, where a sculpture of the Virgin and Child that the great Michelangelo carved is kept.
In short, the afternoon passes quickly walking through these streets and the day does not give for more. It would be necessary, at least another day to continue marveling at Bruges and places like the Beguinage, the Lake of Love or Minnewater or the Diamond Museum. But time is king. Maybe next time.
