If you’re keen to take a culture-filled cruise holiday, Bruges is one place that I definitely recommend you spend a little time in. Choose a cruise break that stops off at the Belgian city and you’ll uncover a wealth of amazing landmarks to explore.
Whether you’re interested in modern art or keen to find out more about Bruges’s past, I’m confident you will uncover astounding sights that provide a great insight into the city’s cultural heritage. Once you have found a cruise operator that offers a route that matches your requirements you can start planning which particular attractions to visit first.
To give you a helping hand, I’ve put together a list of five of the city’s attractions that I think particularly deserve your attention.
Belfry
Bruges’s vast array of medieval architecture is one of the things that really draws tourists to the city and, while there are dozens of buildings that you can explore, I suggest you make a beeline for the belfry.
As well as being regarded as a symbol of Bruges’s independence, this historic landmark provides you with the opportunity to take in some amazing panoramic views of the city. You’ll have to climb more than 350 steps to get to the tower’s viewing platform to do so, but I’m quite certain that you’ll find the effort has been worth it once when you get gaze out for miles around.
Historium
Going to museums and embarking on guided tours are fantastic ways to learn more about the city you’re visiting, but if you’re hoping to experience Bruges in a slightly different manner, you should visit the Historium.
This stunning attraction gives you an insight into what the city was like during the Middle Ages by taking you through a fictional love story told using multimedia exhibits. Historium is spilt across seven themed rooms and incorporates special effects, music and videos to provide a glimpse into the lives of members of the public, as well as historical figures such as painter Jan van Eyck.
Sint-Janshuis Mill
Windmills have been a major component of Bruges’s architecture for more than 600 years, with dozens of these being built following the construction of the outer city walls in the late 13th century. Only a few are remaining, however, so a trip to the Sint-Janshuis mill can help you imagine what life here was like hundreds of years ago.
Built in 1770, the mill continues to grind grain on a regular basis and the sight of its sailing turning around is sure to be something that you never forget.
Groeninge Museum
As I mentioned before, Bruges is one of Belgium’s largest cities so coming here gives you the chance to explore a number of fascinating museums and galleries. Among these is the Groeninge, which exhibits European art spanning from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century.
Numerous Baroque and Renaissance paintings and post-war art can be seen here, with Hans Memling and Paul Delvaux among the artists whose work is on show.
Choco-Story
Bruges is famous for producing chocolate, so if you want to learn more about how the sweet treat is made I recommend that you head to the Choco-Story museum.
Come here and you’ll get to find out how about chocolate has developed from being popular among the Mayan and Aztec people (who thought it was a gift from the gods) to featuring in drinks and confectionery bars that are loved the world over.
Not only will you get to take in exhibits that examine the history of chocolate, but you can ask local experts about how production techniques have changed over the years. If you’re looking to get a bit more hands-on, I recommend you join one of the workshops that provide visitors with the chance to make their own pralines and truffles.
Are you planning on spending some time in Bruges? If so, let us know which attractions you are looking forward to seeing the most by leaving a comment below.
