Bruges: Belgium's gay-friendly romantic destination

Apr. 13 2013

by Marc Dedonder

Discovering Belgium is not done without a trip to the north to Bruges. There are reasons to call Bruges the Venice of the North.

The city of Bruges has conquered tourists over the years with its culture, architecture and heritage that have set it apart from other Belgian cities.

Even today, the city of Bruges has preserved all its architectural masterpieces and Flemish art. The cobbled streets are a discovery and a tourist attraction in themselves.
The gastronomic classics of Belgium are very well represented in Bruges. You won't be able to resist a fresh homemade chocolate with a nice cold local beer.

The Market Square
The Market Square (Grote Markt) is located in the heart of the city of Bruges. as you enter this medieval center, you will see the famous heroes of the city of Bruges. Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninc who fought the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302 when a Frenchwoman from Belgium was forced to recognize the Flemish emancipation.

On the south side of the Market Square, you will discover the medieval style architecture. Their unique roofs and colors make this place charming. on the west side of the square, you can observe the Provincial Court with its neo-gothic style. This marvel indicates the change of style that Bruges took at the turn of the 19th century.

Further north, the Belfry Tower will show you where the best restaurants and hotels of Bruges are located. Between mussel fries and beers and doughnuts, the place becomes magical.

The Gruuthuse
The Gruuthuse museum is located in a magnificent manor house where the family of the same name lived for many years. It is one of the richest collections of old Flemish art. The collection ranges from works of art to paintings and pottery. The house of the Gruuthuse still hides mysterious secrets well preserved.

St. John's Hospital
Built at the end of 1188, St. John's Hospital (Hospitaalmuseum) has become over the years the place for pilgrims and passers-by in need of medical care. People wish to be healed or to help heal a loved one. St. John's Hospital has been transformed into a museum with collections of the greatest Flemish artists from the past to the present.

St. John's Mill House and the Koelewei Mill
The Mill House of St. John's and the Koelewei Mill (Sint-Janshuismolen and Koeleweimolen) are two of the four windmills located along the park and the river that encircles the city of Bruges. Located at less than 15 minutes walking distance from any point in the historical center of Bruges, you will have a great time having a picnic there and watching the little mounds.

Built in 1770 and 1765, the mills had the purpose of the good functioning of the grains. Today, the two mills have been transformed into museums that can both be visited. You can see a beautiful view of the city when you are at Saint John's Mill House.

t Zand
The 'T Zand square could well be classified as one of the most surprising tourist attractions of Bruges. This little corner of the city is home to a strange modern building in red. This is where theBruges Tourist Office is located, your starting point for planning your trip.

Bruges cannot be visited in a few hours. If it's only five points to discover, there are just as many others to do and visit. Experiences like renting a bike and getting out of the center of Bruges will make you discover some very charming little corners.