While Bruges may be a relatively small city, its attractions cannot be fully explored in just one day. One of the first destinations that tourists seek out on a Bruges sightseeing map is the iconic Grote Markt square, home to the historic bell tower. This location gained worldwide recognition after the 2008 film "In Bruges." Nowadays, it's practically a rite of passage for every visitor to climb all 366 steps and capture a photo from this Bruges landmark. Hence, it's advisable to avoid bringing up this topic in conversation with the locals, as they tend to find such tourist remarks quite irksome.
If you want to earn the favor of the locals, showcasing your knowledge of the city's historical landmarks is a great approach. Take, for instance, the Convent of the Beguines, Bruges' renowned beguinage, established in the 13th century by Countess Jeanne of Constantinople. The beguines were women dedicated to serving God but refrained from taking monastic vows. They lived in communal settings, sometimes preached, and at times even married. Although the movement faded with time, the beguinages, comprising houses, churches, and abbesses' residences, now enjoy UNESCO protection.
If you peruse a guide to Bruges attractions, you'll discover that the local beguinage ranks among the most significant in the world. Any Bruges sightseeing map will guide you to the Gothic Basilica of Heilige Bloed, celebrated as the city's most exquisite. It stands in stark contrast to a Romanesque chapel.
In general, the majority of Bruges' notable attractions are religious buildings, including the Jerusalem Church, the Gothic Church of Our Lady, the Cathedral of St. Salvator, the churches of St. Gilles and St. Anne, St. Walpurgis and St. James, the Basilica of Saint-Saëns, and more. A Bruges sightseeing map in Russian will also lead you to other remarkable places such as the spacious pedestrian square Zand, the St. Janus Mill, the city hall, the ancient city gates, the Gothic ensemble of the Cloth Row, the Grüthuse Palace, and much more.
The city boasts numerous museums, featuring exhibitions on Hans Memling, fine arts, lace-making, French fries, chocolate, diamonds, and more. Keep in mind that most of them are closed on Mondays.
Another must-see attraction is the "Lake of Love," locally known as Minnewater. It was once a vast inland basin utilized by ships arriving via waterways. Today, it's a relatively small lake adorned with swans and surrounded by a charming park.
