Sarah Schug

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

Brussels may not always get the spotlight, but beneath its rough exterior lies a city full of character and quirky charm. It might not be as glamorous as its neighbours London and Paris, but look closer and you’ll find a city bursting with personality: Jaw-dropping Art Nouveau architecture, lively markets, vibrant art and food scenes, and laid-back, welcoming locals. From grand squares to tucked-away neighbourhoods, Brussels invites you to explore beyond the usual clichés. Here’s your guide to the city’s must-see sights and hidden gems that prove there’s more to it than meets the eye.   📍 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, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

Brussels may be Belgium’s capital, but Antwerp has style. Arriving at the art nouveau splendor of its central station sets the tone: this is a city that knows how to impress, both with history and creative expression. Long known for its docks and diamond trade, Antwerp became a fashion cradle when the Antwerp Six designers shook up the global scene. This city is full of surprises, just waiting to be explored. RECOMMENDED: 💐 The best things to do in Brussels🍻 The best things to do in Bruges Sarah Schug is a writer based in Brussels, Belgium. 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, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more, see our affiliate guidelines. 

What is the Belfort Tower? Rising proudly from the Markt, this 13th-century bell tower is Bruges’ most iconic landmark - and it has the UNESCO status to prove it. Built as a symbol of independence and wealth (less fortunate towns had to borrow church towers), it once housed city charters and the treasury. Its bells weren’t just for show either: they set the rhythm of daily life and warned of danger. Is it worth visiting?  Between the history, the striking Gothic architecture, and the 366-step climb rewarded with panoramic views, it ticks all the boxes. Bonus: the 47-bell carillon. Changing its tune is so complex it’s only done every two years. For the full experience, visit on Wednesdays, Saturdays, or Sundays to hear it in action. Tickets, accessibility and booking No elevator and steep, narrow steps make this a decent workout with an exceptional reward. Unfortunately not ideal for those with mobility issues. A regular ticket costs 15€. What about its surroundings? Right at its base is the Grote Markt, Bruges’ buzzing central square. Come on Wednesdays for the local market: think produce, flowers, cheese, and fresh Belgian fries. It’s also the backdrop for seasonal events such as Winter Glow and the Christmas market. Address: Markt 7, 8000 Bruges Opening hours: Summer season is from 9am-8pm, and winter is from Sunday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 9am-8pm    📍 Discover more great things to do in Bruges

What is the Groeninge Museum? This museum holds a knockout collection covering 600 years of Belgian visual art. Back in the 15th century, Bruges was one of Europe’s major powerhouses: not just for trade, but also for artists. The museum captures that golden age and what came after. Is it worth visiting? Absolutely: This is a cornerstone of Belgian art history. Bruges was the cradle of the influential Flemish Primitives, and Groeninge Museum is where you’ll find masterpieces by Jan van Eyck (including his celebrated “Madonna with Canon Van der Paele”) and Hans Memling. The collection moves chronologically through time, including striking works from the Renaissance and 20th-century Flemish Expressionists. Who’s it for? Art lovers, of course, but also anyone curious about Bruges’ creative heyday. Even if you’re not a museum person, the dramatic portraits and rich altarpieces might just win you over. Tickets, accessibility and booking The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. A regular ticket costs 15€.   📍 Discover more great things to do in Bruges  

What is Bozar?  Perched on Coudenberg Hill since 1928, Bozar is Brussels’ leading cultural venue, designed by Belgian architecture legend Victor Horta (one of the founding fathers of Art Nouveau). The vast Art Deco complex spans 33,000 square metres and houses everything from concert halls to galleries. It’s one of the capital’s most important cultural institutions - and a beautiful one, too. Is it worth visiting?  Definitely. Bozar’s lineup is refreshingly all over the place, so odds are there is something for you. One day you’re catching a David Hockney retrospective, the next a Damon Albarn gig, a Beethoven recital, or a contemporary dance performance. It hosts exhibitions, screenings, lectures, festivals, club nights, and literary readings, all under one beautiful roof. Bonus points for the design-forward museum shop, great for browsing art books or picking up an original souvenir. What else is nearby? The Cinematek is right next door if you’re after a deep-dive into film history. Cross the street to refuel at cosy-cool Café Boudin, or head to Mont des Arts for a postcard view of the city. Also only a stone’s throw away is the Musical Instrument Museum, so if you’re short on time, this pocket of Brussels delivers all you could wish for. Tickets, accessibility, opening hours and booking Ticket prices and opening hours vary by event. Check online for details and accessibility info. 📍 Discover more great things to do in Brussels

What is Bozar?  Perched on Coudenberg Hill since 1928, Bozar is Brussels’ leading cultural venue, designed by Belgian architecture legend Victor Horta (one of the founding fathers of Art Nouveau). The vast Art Deco complex spans 33,000 square metres and houses everything from concert halls to galleries. It’s one of the capital’s most important cultural institutions - and a beautiful one, too. Is it worth visiting?  Definitely. Bozar’s lineup is refreshingly all over the place, so odds are there is something for you. One day you’re catching a David Hockney retrospective, the next a Damon Albarn gig, a Beethoven recital, or a contemporary dance performance. It hosts exhibitions, screenings, lectures, festivals, club nights, and literary readings, all under one beautiful roof. Bonus points for the design-forward museum shop, great for browsing art books or picking up an original souvenir. What else is nearby? The Cinematek is right next door if you’re after a deep-dive into film history. Cross the street to refuel at cosy-cool Café Boudin, or head to Mont des Arts for a postcard view of the city. Also only a stone’s throw away is the Musical Instrument Museum, so if you’re short on time, this pocket of Brussels delivers all you could wish for. Tickets, accessibility, opening hours and booking Ticket prices and opening hours vary by event. Check online for details and accessibility info. 📍 Discover more great things to do in Brussels