13 Photos of Bruges That Will Make You Want To Visit ASAP

Bruges, Belguim is absolutely adorable. It looks like it was taken straight from a fairytale. Hopefully, these pictures of Bruges, both from above and on the charming streets, will inspire you to make it your next destination ASAP.

Bruges from the Belfry

If you fancy climbing up about 400 steps in a spiral staircase, then consider visiting the Belfy in Bruges. From the top, you’ll see just how beautiful Bruges is, with its winding streets and orange rooftops. While we visited on a very foggy day, I still couldn’t help walking round and round the top taking in all the views.

Dating back to the 13th century, the Belfry is the most important tower in Bruges. At over 83 meters tall, it was an important status symbol in the Middle Ages. It formerly housed the treasury and city archives, in addition to a market for the town.

At the top of the tower, you’ll find a carillon—47 bells playable by hand with a keyboard—with bells ranging in weight from two pounds to 11,000 pounds. Historically, the bells were used not only to mark the passage of time but also to alert residents of fires, work hours, or important events. Today, if you visit at the top of the hour, you’ll get to experience the ringing of the bells.

On the streets of Bruges

Although Bruges was very touristy in my opinion, I did enjoy the cute little streets. The main thoroughfares were packed on the grey, misty spring day we were there, but we managed to find some quiet side streets that made me fall for Bruges.

Walking around, Bruges is really like a chocolate box town. Everywhere you turn you’re greeted with beautiful architecture, large plazas with waffle vendors, and side streets with chocolate shops all bearing signs stating that they sell the best chocolate in Bruges.

Stadhuis (City Hall) in Bruges

My favorite stop probably had to be inside of City Hall. We arrived during a wedding and were sent away but were able to enter upon a return visit later in the day, and I’m so glad we did!

Built in 1376, it is one of the oldest in the Low Countries and has been used as the seat of city government for over 600 years.

Inside City Hall is the beautiful Gothic hall. It was remodeled in the 19th century and decorated with beautiful murals and woodwork from floor to ceiling. The ceiling dates from 1385. The murals were painted in the 19th century and depict different people from Belgian history, including Jan Van Eyck, Brueghel, Rubens, and more. I could definitely see why someone would want to get married there!

Overall, we spent a day in Bruges, which was the perfect amount of time for me. I would love to return on a sunnier (warmer) day and explore the side streets a little more because I can only imagine they get cuter the more you wander around!

Have you been to Bruges?