Amy Ockelford

Forget Brussels’ political clout and Antwerp’s fashion-forward cool: For many, Bruges is the Belgian city to see. With its charming cobbled streets, picturesque canals, centuries-old stone bridges and postcard-perfect façades, it’s no wonder the medieval centre has UNESCO World Heritage status. It almost feels too polished to be real, and its striking looks even earned it a starring role in cult film In Bruges. Beyond cinematic fame, the city is not only home to Gothic brickwork, but also world-class beer, and the legacy of the Flemish Primitives. Here’s your essential guide to Bruges, including a few places worth slipping away from the crowds for. What can’t I miss in Bruges? It’s hard to narrow down what you shouldn’t miss in Bruges because the real answer is this: you should see everything. But there are some non-negotiables that everyone has to make time for: that’s the Belfry Tower, the Markt Square, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Thankfully, this Flemish city is incredibly walkable, so you don’t really have to pick and choose: stroll along canals, wander through parks and soak up medieval history to your heart’s content. It’s all waiting.  📍 RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to visiting Belgium This guide was recently updated by Sarah Schug, a writer based in Brussels. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, w