Minnewater Park is home to the Lake of Love and Lovers Bridge. This destination is every bit as romantic and tranquil as it sounds. Minnewater is named after a popular legend.

The tragic legend recounts the tale of Minna, a young woman who was in love with a warrior of a neighboring tribe. Minna ran away from her father to avoid being forced to marry someone else. She ran into the forest and found her lover, only to die in his arms of exhaustion from her journey. The lake, bridge, and park are named in memory of Minna.

Legend says that if you cross the bridge with your partner, you will experience eternal love.

The lake is a reservoir and part of Brugge's canal system. Visitors can enjoy crossing the bridges in the park and enjoying the serene atmosphere. Minnewater Park is an excellent place for photos. Swans, which are Brugge's emblem, are usually present on the lake.

The park hosts various festivals and concerts throughout the year.

The Beguinage dates back to 1245. The Beguinage was a community of women who devoted themselves to poverty, simplicity and preaching. They operated under lay orders and not binding vows. Women working in the Beguinage could leave the community at any time.

Most of the buildings are newer and date to the 19th century. The last beguinage woman left in 1927. Since then, the area has housed a community of Benedictine nuns.

Visitors can enter the Beguinage over a bridge and continue through a 1776 gatehouse. A church has been on this site since 1245. However, the first church burned and was replaced in 1605. The church is dedicated to Saint Elisabeth of Hungary and received a Baroque update in the early 1700s.

The altar is dedicated to Saint Joseph. The chapel's most revered treasure is a gilded Madonna and child that dates to 1240.

A small museum on the ground depicts the living quarters of beguine. The Benedictine Sisters appreciate silence as they go about their work. The expansive lawn features beautiful poplars and is a wonderful place to appreciate the silence and reverent dedication of the sisters.

The Diamond Museum is located in the heart of Bruges. The art of diamond polishing was invented in the city. The Museum is dedicated to informing visitors about every aspect of diamonds and diamond jewelry.

The Diamond Museum was inaugurated in 1999. According to the historian, Ludo Vandamme, diamonds were polished and traded in Bruges as early as the 14th century, long before they became an important industry in Antwerp and Amsterdam. The museum is a teaching facility and offers special diamond polishing shows for schools and visitors. The museum shop sells different types of diamond souvenirs and diamond related books.

The permanent collection of the museum explains the role played by the precious stone in history, with a special focus on its evolution under the Dukes of Burgundy. There is a section dedicated to the development of the industrial diamond and its importance in manufacturing processes. A robot, called Boris, makes diamonds out of graphite in a few minutes and is a popular exhibit at the museum. Other displays include one of the best collections of diamond cutting tools in the world, interesting diamonds and diamond jewelry, the Brazilian collection and the displays of synthetic and industrial diamonds. The Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, like the 2009 show about the social history of diamond polishers in Bruges and the exhibition dedicated to the history of the diamond jewelry in 2008.

Located in the charming city of Brugge, The Bottle Shop stands out as the premier destination for beer enthusiasts. Known as the largest beer specialist in the city, it boasts an impressive collection of over 600 Belgian beers, making it a veritable paradise for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

The Bottle Shop is renowned not only for its extensive beer selection, which includes the celebrated Trappist beers and popular local brews like Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik but also for its array of lesser-known varieties. This enables patrons to explore the rich and diverse beer culture of Belgium, which is famous for producing more than 700 different types of beer.

Beyond just selling beer, The Bottle Shop enhances the beer-buying experience with its knowledgeable staff who are always ready to assist, advise, and share their passion for Belgian brews. They offer personalized service, ensuring that every visitor finds something that suits their taste. For those looking to take home a piece of Belgium, The Bottle Shop provides beautifully packaged gift packs. These include not only bottles of beer but also specially designed glasses branded with the names of your chosen beers, perfect for gifting or as a souvenir.

In a city famed for its chocolate and lace, The Bottle Shop offers a unique and delightful alternative with its focus on one of Belgium's most beloved exports-beer. Whether you're a seasoned beer lover or a curious tourist, a visit to The Bottle Shop is an unforgettable way to experience the best of Belgian hospitality and taste.

Housed in a 13th-century Gothic building that dominates the Burg Square, the Brugge City Hall is one of the oldest city halls in the entire Netherlands region. Built between 1376 and 1420, it was the first monumental structure to serve as a town hall in the Low Countries; its flamboyant opulence testifies to the city's economic and political power at a time when the population of Bruges is believed to have reached more than 37,000, or even 45,000 people.

The City Hall has an ornate gothic façade with the emblems of the cities and villages that formed part of the administrative area of Brugges engraved around the six original gothic windows. The 48 statues are of the Counts of Flanders and biblical figures. The highlight of the interior is the Gotische Zaal or gothic room found on the first floor. A large staircase leads from the entrance to this beautiful room.

The gothic room has a magnificent vaulted oak ceiling with scenes from the New Testament and murals that tell the tale of the glorious past of the city adorning the walls. Another room called "the historic room" has documents and paintings about the history of the city on display.

Why You Should Visit:
Easily one of the more impressive structures found in the city and once you enter inside, you will find yourself back in the 14th century.

Tip:
Audio guides are included in admission and if you're more inclined, there are many information cards throughout.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a significant Roman Catholic basilica located in Bruges. This historical structure, built between 1134 and 1157, was originally established as the private chapel for the Count of Flanders and elevated to a minor basilica in 1923. It is renowned for housing a venerated relic of the Holy Blood, which tradition holds was collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought from the Holy Land to Bruges by Thierry of Alsace, the Count of Flanders, particularly upon his return from the Second Crusade on April 7, 1150.

The basilica is composed of two distinct chapels situated on Burg Square. The lower chapel, dedicated to Saint Basil the Great, showcases dark, unchanged Romanesque architecture. It is one of the best-preserved Romanesque churches in West Flanders, and it houses several significant artifacts including a relic of Saint Basil brought back from Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia. Notable features include a 12th-century tympanum depicting the baptism of Saint Basil and several revered statues, such as the early 14th-century polychrome wooden sculpture of the seated Madonna and Child.

The upper chapel, initially built in Romanesque style, was transformed into Gothic style at the end of the 15th century and underwent a Gothic Revival renovation in the 19th century. This chapel is the repository of the Holy Blood relic and was once connected to the Counts of Flanders' original residence, now the town hall. Its aesthetic elements include the De Steegheere monumental staircase, rebuilt in the 19th century after being damaged during the French Revolution, and adorned with statues of historical figures such as Isabelle of Burgundy and Thierry of Alsace.

The upper chapel's stained-glass windows, dating back to 1845, depict the sovereigns of Flanders from Philip the Bold to Maria Theresa of Austria. The renovations in the 19th century provided the chapel with its current Gothic Revival appearance, featuring detailed mural decorations that add to its historic and religious significance.

Tip:
If you visit, the museum is the first thing you'll come to (and there is a small charge); however, the relic is not in there – it is, in fact, on show in the main church, which is free to view. It is also worth checking the official website for special events related to the Holy Blood - the page is well-constructed with 5 languages (English, French, Dutch, Spanish, and German).

The Belfry of Bruges, also known as Belfort, is a captivating medieval bell tower that stands in the historic center of Bruges. This towering structure, reaching 83 meters in height and leaning about a meter to the east, is not only a significant architectural landmark but also one of the city's most emblematic symbols.

Originally erected around 1240 in the main market square, the Belfry has played various pivotal roles throughout its history. In its earlier days, it served multiple purposes: it housed the city's treasury, safeguarded the municipal archives, and functioned as a vital lookout post for spotting fires and other potential dangers within the city.

The tower is renowned for its challenging ascent, featuring a narrow and steep staircase of 366 steps. This climb is open to the public for those willing to pay an entry fee, offering an immersive experience of the tower’s historical and architectural significance. Visitors are rewarded with several rest stops which include the old treasury where the city’s charters, seal, and public funds were securely stored during the Middle Ages, as well as the impressive clock level and the carillonneur’s chamber.

A significant addition to the Belfry was made in the 16th century when it received a carillon, equipping the tower with a hand keyboard that allowed the bells to be played manually. The carillon has evolved; originally comprising 35 bells crafted by Melchior de Haze of Antwerp in 1675, it expanded to 48 bells by the end of the 19th century. Today, the carillon consists of 47 bells, collectively weighing approximately 27.5 tons.

For those awaiting their turn to ascend, the reception area offers a plethora of informative displays detailing the history and operation of this unique structure, now protected as a world heritage site. This enriching historical and cultural experience makes the Belfry of Bruges a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich heritage of this charming Belgian city.

Why You Should Visit:
Climbing the bell tower on a clear day is well worth it if you are not easily claustrophobic and you can manage the 350+ steps.

Tip:
Go and listen to the free bell-ringing concerts on Mondays & Wednesdays (9-10 pm). You can just sit in the square and listen or in a café with a drink. Programs are available from the Belfort website.

The Market Square is the largest square in Brugge. Market Square has been used as a marketplace since 958 and has hosted a weekly market since 985. The medieval Water Halls stood in this location. Commerical ships would unload products to covered halls here. The items would then be stored or sold at the market.

Market Square is home to the Belfry, Brugge's most admired landmark. The iconic Belfry was constructed in the 13th century and features a carillion with 48 bells. This ornate medieval belfry is Market Square's most striking attraction.

Cranenburg House is also located in the square. Emperor Maximilian of Austria was imprisoned in Cranenburg House in 1488. The 15th century Bouckhoute House is the oldest home in the square. Visitors can also check out the Historium, an immersive attraction that takes visitors back to the 15th century.

Today, Market Square is home to various banks and restaurants. It is primarily traffic-free, so pedestrians can freely walk through the square.

Market Day is held on Wednesdays. Visitors can shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and cheese. Stalls also sell fresh flowers. If you're already hungry as you shop the market, vendors have hot and cold snacks available. Vendors also sell traditional items and handmade crafts.

There are two impressive statues in the center of the square. The statues represent Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, who fought against the French in the 14th century.

Visitors who want to see the square at a different pace can go for a ride on a horse-drawn carriage around the square.

Tips:
Visit the Market Square at dusk as the square's lights come out. It's beautiful!

Stone Street (Steenstraat) is a vibrant and historic avenue in the heart of Bruges, known for its bustling atmosphere and rich history. Serving as a primary shopping destination, Stone Street offers a dynamic mix of retail experiences, from famous brand names to quaint local boutiques and cozy antique shops. The street is always alive with tourists and locals alike, exploring its diverse offerings.

As one of the oldest roads in Bruges, Stone Street boasts a deep historical significance. It is part of the ancient Zandstraat, a road network that predates the Roman era, initially connecting the towns of Oudenburg and Aardenburg and weaving through several villages. This route was later upgraded by the Romans, becoming an important Roman highway. Stone Street's name reflects its historical importance as one of the first paved streets in the city, a testament to its longstanding utility and significance.

The street stretches from the Grote Markt, Bruges' bustling market square, to the Saint Salvator's Cathedral. This Gothic cathedral, the oldest in Bruges, is renowned for its towering presence and houses an impressive collection of Flemish art, offering cultural enrichment to visitors.

Today, Stone Street is not only a top shopping destination but also a site of architectural and cultural beauty. The street is lined with an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing a lively and immersive cultural experience. Whether visitors are searching for high-end fashion, unique antiques, or a pleasant dining experience, Stone Street caters to a wide array of tastes and preferences, making it a must-visit location in Bruges for anyone looking to capture the essence of this historic city.

The De Halve Maan Brewery Museum is dedicated to the process of making one of the best known brands of beer brewed in Bruges. The De Halve Maan Brewery is an old family owned business located in the heart of the city.

The De Halve Maan or Half Moon brewery was started in the year 1564. At the time it was called Die Maene or The Moon. It was purchased by Leon Maes in 1856. The brewery still belongs to his descendants. Over the years, the family has adopted innovative and advanced methods of brewing to ensure that the finest products are sold to customers. Today, a daily tour is conducted showing visitors the brewing process, beer making utensils. The tour concludes with a beer tasting session.

Only a portion of the beer making process takes place at the De Halve Maan Brewery today. The building is used as a part brewery and part museum. Visitors can purchase tickets at the restaurant attached to the museum and join the 45 minute tour around the building.

Guides explain the process of beer making and there are many interesting exhibits like barrels, tools and machines used by the brewery in the past. The tour ends at the roof of the building that commands spectacular views across Bruges. A full glass of Bruges Zot beer, a specialty product of the brewery, is offered to the tour participants at the end of the tour.