Fun Things to Do in Bruges, Belgium’s Medieval City

Traveling through classical Europe, you will probably find yourself, well, doing all the classics. And by “classics” we mean capital cities. But let us tell you, there is more to Italy than Rome, more to France than Paris, and more to Belgium than Brussels, which is the reason for this article. The Belgian city of Bruges is known for its medieval buildings. The cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and abandoned houses feel like a different planet. What some people may not know is that Bruges is filled with hidden gems.

Yes to old lace, no to arsenic

One of the things that the city is known for is its incredible lace industry. Travelers are welcome to purchase luxurious lace that you can buy around stores in Bruges. Make sure to purchase from authentic sellers and don’t settle for cheap market knock-offs. These make for great souvenirs to bring back home.

Castles, castles everywhere

One thing that many people who love old cities will enjoy is the abundance of castles. Bruges has the most castles per square inch in the entire world. 50 of the 470 castles exist in Flanders alone. Sounds like the perfect location to live your royal fantasy.

Just don’t call them French fries

For the foodies, Belgian fries are a must-try. The deep-fried potatoes are soft and cooked in ox fat. This savory snack is a little contentious as the Dutch and the Belgians both claim to have originated it. Be it one or the other, fries are a local favorite and can be found in stands all over the city and scattered across Belgium.

A ghostbuster’s paradise

One of the intriguing things to do in Bruges is go on free walking tours and learn about the ghost stories behind them. “Den Noodt Gods” (haunted house) is one of the coolest places to visit during Halloween.

Connect with local lore

Countless legends and myths surround the city of Bruges. One of the most famous ones is the story of Minnewater Lake, also known as the Lake of Love. It’s a tale of a beautiful sailor’s daughter who died in her lover’s arms. Fans of unhappy endings will enjoy the myth, while everyone else can just enjoy the lake.