You want to visit Bruges while spending as little as possible? Then follow this Top 10 of free visits, museums and activities to do in the little Belgian Venice that I created for you to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Table des matières
Visit the Grand Place in Bruges
The main square of Bruges, which is also the nerve center of the city, is without a doubt the Markt Square, a must visit in Bruges.
Always very lively, tourists and locals mingle there between horse-drawn carriages, stores and street artists.
In addition to being an excellent spot for souvenir photos, you will see many old buildings, each more beautiful than the next. Don’t forget to visit the foot of the statue and of course admire the magnificent belfry.
Made famous by the movie “Bon Baisiers de Bruges”, which you must see before you leave – which you should definitely see before you go if you haven’t already – you will unfortunately have to pay to get inside the tall medieval tower that tops the Cloth Hall, but the view you’ll get from the square of this architectural marvel is just as grand (in my humble opinion).
Top free things to do in Bruges: Stroll through the beautiful streets of the city
This is without a doubt one of the favorite free activities of all tourists who pass through Bruges, simply strolling through the incredible streets and alleys that look like they came straight out of the Middle Ages.
Let your instincts guide you and lose yourself in this idyllic and mysterious setting.
On every corner you will find small independent stores, cafés, and of course chocolate vendors.
Follow the canals where the water flows peacefully and you will come across centuries old churches, beautiful buildings erected by talented craftsmen and don’t be afraid to get lost, in this tiny city you will always find your way back.
You’ll have a lot of fun pounding the pavement on pedestrian streets where you won’t hear horns or have to be bothered to let a car pass.
To be honest, in Bruges you don’t even need to take public transport.
Everything is easily accessible on foot, so wandering around in this medieval atmosphere will allow you to escape and have an incredible experience while staying on a tight budget!
Explore the meandering fish market
In the area known as Vismarkt, you’ll find the open-air fish market and a few stalls that keep the tradition alive.
You can also admire the stalls of local artists and other craftsmen as you stroll through the market’s alleys. A great way to spend a morning without spending a euro.
From the market, you can also enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the nearby canal.
If you’re a photo enthusiast, don’t forget your camera, you can take some amazing shots with the centuries-old buildings reflected in the water.
Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges for free
The Basilica of the Holy Blood (in Dutch: Heilig-Bloedbasiliek) is one of the most famous religious buildings to visit for free in Bruges, especially because you can see a vial supposedly filled with the blood of Jesus.
Presented to the faithful and the curious several times a day, you can see the vial up close if you wish.
Otherwise, you can simply admire the ornaments of the basilica and marvel at the work of the craftsmen of the time.
Stroll around the Place du Bourg
The Burg Square is the second largest square in Bruges, just after the Markt Square, and it is only a few blocks away from the Markt Square.
Again, don’t forget to take your camera with you to capture the beauty of the sublime buildings that surround it, but this walk is also an opportunity to do like the locals who, with their berets screwed on their heads, watch people go by while sitting on a bench enjoying a waffle or two!
When I visited the square, I was lucky enough to find a free photo exhibition going on at the Bruges Vrije, so feel free to pop over to this space to see if there are any other free activities and things to do nearby.
Shop at the Wednesday market
It’s impossible to talk about Bruges’ biggest squares without mentioning the famous Wednesday market held at the Central Market.
Located on the Grote Markt, you can stroll between the stalls and discover the local food and specialties offered by the merchants. This is probably one of the most fun free activities in the city.
If you really want to discover the local cuisine, don’t hesitate to go outside and talk to the local producers.
Admire the Cathedral of Our Lady of Bruges
The Church of Our Lady of Bruges is a Gothic-style Catholic church building that began construction in 1220.
It took more than 200 years to complete, so take a tour of the cathedral and admire the ornaments and other architectural details and you’ll quickly see why.
Even if the visit to the museum inside will cost you a few euros, contemplating the sublime vaulted ceiling of this huge church will not cost you a penny.
Take a walk around the lovers’ lake
The Minnewater, also known as the “lovers’ lake”, is one of the most beautiful places to see in Bruges. If you’re lucky enough to make the trip as a couple, take a walk along its shores and watch the majestic swans fly by on the calm waters, you’ll enjoy a simply magical sight!
It’s also a great place to take pictures, as the weeping willows sway in the wind over the water where you’ll also see the reflection of the magnificent stone bridges that span the canals, a real fairy tale atmosphere.
At night, when the lights come on, you will see the magic work again… An unforgettable magical vision!
Free visit of a monument: the cathedral of Bruges
Located along one of the main shopping streets of Bruges, the visit of the St. Savior’s Cathedral (in Dutch Sint Salvators
Kathedraal) is still free at the time of writing, and as such, it is certainly one of the best free monument tours not to be missed in Bruges.
To say the least, this huge place of worship is impressive. Once inside, you’ll get a sense of serenity that really contrasts with the hustle and bustle outside.
Admire the windmills of Bruges for free
A little away from the center of Bruges, in the charming suburb of St. Anna, the city’s four remaining windmills remind you how close you are to the Dutch border.
St. Anna is a beautiful Flemish suburb that you can explore on your own.
You’ll find beautiful houses lining cobblestone streets and churches and statues on almost every corner.
Along the canal, you can see two of the windmills that are still in operation and stop at the café that bears their name, De Windmolen, the perfect place to have a cheap drink without breaking the bank!
Otherwise, you can simply enjoy a walk along the canal and pass by its iconic giants to take some souvenir photos.
To conclude this article, I can tell you that Bruges is a city where there is a multitude of things to do, even for visitors with a tiny budget who are looking for free activities and things to do.
Feel free to leave me a comment if you have more and don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends if you liked it! Enjoy your stay in Bruges!
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