15 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Bruges

Looking for the best and most unique things to do in Bruges? Ahead of a trip to the medieval city, these fun facts will help inspire your itinerary. The cobbled streets and winding walkways of Bruges hold many secrets, and it’s not just all ghost stories and myths. What is Bruges most famous for? From the city’s potato obsession to countless castles and tasty local chocolate, check out these fun facts you probably didn’t know about Bruges…

Looking for a hostel in Bruges? Check out The Bauhaus

1. BRUGES IS FAMOUS FOR ITS LACE MAKING

Bruges crafts some of the most luxurious lace in the world. Pop into one of the lace shops dotted around the city to buy a lace souvenir, or better yet visit the Lace Centre to learn more about the history of lace in Bruges. Beware of the "made in China" lace throughout the city (you won’t find any in the Lace Centre, so buy your lace from here if possible).

2. BELGIUM HAS 3000 CASTLES AND MANY ARE IN AND AROUND BRUGES

There are more castles in Belgium per square kilometer than any other country in the world. About 50 of the 470 castles in the Flanders region are based around Bruges. 

3. THE BELGIANS INVENTED FRIES, NOT AMERICANS

French fries, or ‘frites’, and mayonnaise is a local favourite and a iconic food staple in Bruges and the rest of Belgium. Head to one of the two green carts in the Markt square for your fix (or there’s even a Frietmuseum!)

4. THERE’S A WHOLE BAR DEDICATED TO POTATOES

The Potato Bar, as the name suggests, screams potatoes. Even the bar is made from potato crates. Selling delicious Bruges frites as well as homemade croquettes filled with authentic fillings such as eel and asparagus, this place is definitely worth a try. Who can resist carbs when they taste as good as these…

5. BRUGES IS HAUNTED

Looking for free things to do in Bruges? Take a free walking tour at night to hear about the ghostly legends and darker side of the city. 

From the Old Bursary, the Ghost House of Bruges to the oldest bar in Belgium, spend 2 hours learning about all the hidden gems and monuments. The passionate local guides will take you off the beaten track to discover the mysteries of the medieval town – and you’ll finish the tour with a complimentary beer in the Bauhaus. Just make sure to secure your spot online. 

Check out the tour

6. THERE ARE MORE THAN 80 BRIDGES IN BRUGES

Bruges may be small, but it has over 80 bridges making it easy to navigate the city and get from one side of the canals to the other. Due to the sheer amount of canals and bridges, Bruges is known as ‘Venice of the North’. Pictured is the Bonifacius Bridge.

7. THERE ARE COUNTLESS MYTHS AND LEGENDS

One of the most famous legends took place at Minnewater Lake, also known as the Lake of Love’. Legend goes that a beautiful sailor’s daughter Minna died in the arms of her star-crossed lover, the young warrior Stromberg, at this very spot.

8. GET CAUTIOUS WHEN IT COMES TO CHOCOLATE

Not all chocolate shops in Bruges are truly made in the city. To make sure you’re buying the real stuff, look for a sign saying ‘handmade’ in the shop window. Check out the best chocolate shops in the city.

9. A LOT OF PEOPLE RECKON THE BELFRY TOWER IS SLIGHTLY LEANING

Go and see it for yourself to make an informed judgement…

To reach the top of the Belfry Tower, you have to climb a whopping 366 steps.

Find out more

10. BRUGES IS LESS THAN ONE HOUR FROM BRUSSELS BY TRAIN

Why not kill two birds with one stone?

11. VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING IS CLOSED IN BRUGES ON SUNDAY

If you’re visiting Bruges, try and avoid Sunday’s as almost everything is closed.

12. GET THE LINGO RIGHT

Locals understand French but are offended when tourists assume that Bruges' native language is French, it is actually Flemish/Dutch!

13. DE HALVE MAAN IS A BREWERY THAT MAKES BRUGSE ZOT – A BEER MADE ONLY IN BRUGES

De Halve Maan is a beer lover’s dream. De Halve Maan is a 16th century brewery, owned by the same family since 1856 and is without a doubt one of the best Belgian beer tours you’ll find in Bruges.

Find out where to get the best beer in Bruges

14. THE OLDEST WINDMILL IS BRUGES IS THE ONLY MILL STANDING IN ITS ORIGINAL POSITION

Sint-Janshuismill windmill was built in 1770, the oldest windmill in Bruges. Sint-Janshuismill still grinds flour to this day, and it’s the only windmill in Bruges that is open to the public with a museum inside. It’s also the only mill in Bruges standing on its original position.

15. THERE’S A BIG BLUE WHALE MADE OUT OF TRASH

Just opposite the Jan Van Eyck statue, you’ll see an enormous blue whale hauling itself out of the canal, 4 stories high. Don’t be alarmed – it’s made of plastic! A powerful statement made by STUDIOKCA, the designers, as a reminder of the 150,000,000 tons of plastic waste in our oceans.

Want more? Check out the 20 Most Instagrammable Spots in Bruges