8 most instagrammable places Bruges: Day trip to Bruges,Belgium

A few months ago I wrote about how Brussels is a fantastic city break option in Belgium (read all about it here!) And if you have a couple of days in hand in Belgium, then Bruges is a great option to visit for a day trip. Frozen in time, Bruges is a beautiful medieval city. It presents a fantastic opportunity to relish some of the most historic and beautiful architecture.

As always in this post, I will share with you some of the most instagrammable places in Bruges and my top things to see and do in the city.

Here are the best things to see in Bruges Belgium

1. Poertoren (Gunpowder Tower)

Just a 5 min walk from the Bruges train station is Poertoren which is also known as the gunpowder tower. The tower was built in 1401 and was part of the walls around the city. Back in the day, the tower was used to store gunpowder hence the name. This landmark photo spot is connected to the rest of the city via a bridge which is so pretty and is definitely Instagram-worthy.

It’s certainly less busy than the rest of the city, so it’s worth spending some time taking in the scene. It’s such a nice way to be introduced to this city.

2. Minnewater lake

From the bridge next to the gunpowder tower, you can take in the beautiful views of Minnewater lake. Surrounded by a castle and some lovely public gardens this whole area is a nature lover’s dream.

3. Houses at Minnewater Street

Straight from Minnewater park, right behind the Minnewater lake are these beautiful and characteristic row of houses. This was one of my top-rated streets in Bruges for pictures. I would rate it highly in terms of Instagramability.

4. The Markt

Bruges’ main market square is home to festivals, craft fairs, shops, and lots of eateries and pubs. These brightly coloured buildings in the pictures are some of the most photographed buildings in Bruges.

It is also a great place to catch a horse carriage ride and see Bruges.

There are plenty of opportunities all over this lovely city to have waffles, drink beer and have some delicious Belgian chips but you must visit the beautiful cafes and restaurants on the square to have the full experience. I would highly recommend

5. Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary)

With spectacular views of the canals, the Rozenoedkaai area is one of the most instagrammed spots in Bruges.

A lot of the boat trips start around here so this is a great place to get a boat ride and see this city from the water. I would highly recommend taking a boat tour.

6. The Belfry of Bruges

Built around 1240 the bell tower stands 83 meters tall and harbours 47 bells. It’s also one of the best things to see in Bruges. You can head to the top of the tower after climbing roughly 366 steps and relish the views. The tickets are about 12 to 14 Euros per person so if you do want to give it a miss, then I recommend sitting in the courtyard and observing the bell ring.

Since 1999 the Belfry has been recognised as a UNESCO world heritage-listed building.

7. Bruges City Hall 

Bruges city hall is situated right next to the market square and is one of the oldest city halls in the region. The building boasts of the most incredible gothic architecture. The main hall inside is magnificent. There’s also a museum on the ground floor that is a great option to see.

8. Basilica of the Holy Blood

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a Roman Catholic basilica and a major landmark in the city. It is right next to the city hall and gets quite busy. The building dates back to the 12th century and is loaded with history.

9. Take the famous boat cruise in Bruges

Discover the charm of Bruges and see its major historic attractions on a lovely guided tour with an expert guide and take a boat tour through the canals of the “Venice of the North” – Bruges. I highly recommend doing this as this is a great way to see the city and its beautiful nooks and crannies!

Here are some of the best boat trips you can book in Bruges

Bruges is the crown jewel of Belgium and I would highly recommend it as a day trip. With great connectivity by trains, you can’t really miss this beautiful city and its atmosphere.