best photo spots in bruges
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Bruges or Brugge (in Flemish) is a stunning medieval town in the west of Belgium (map). Founded around the 9th century AD, Bruges quickly became a prominent trading hub due to its strategic location along the North Sea. During the Middle Ages, Bruges thrived as part of the Hanseatic League and enjoyed economic prosperity and cultural influence. The city’s iconic canals and well-preserved medieval architecture, such as the Belfry and the Church of Our Lady, reflect its golden age. Over time, Bruges declined in importance, but its historical charm was preserved. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a tourist magnet, captivating visitors with its stunning heritage buildings and picturesque canals. Bruges is certainly one of the most photogenic towns in the world. I’ve listed below beautiful photo spots in Bruges for visitors and photography enthusiasts.

bruges photo spots
Picturesque Bruges

Bruges walking route

The best way to explore Bruges is to walk. You’ll soon discover that the word ‘quaint’ was probably invented here! The lovely centuries-old buildings, cobblestone streets, enchanting squares, picturesque canals and gorgeous step-gabled houses will transport you back to an almost surreal medieval world (if you can block out the droves of day-trippers!). A visit to Belgium would not be complete without spending at least two days in Bruges. I recommend joining a guided walking tour + canal cruise, or this guided walking tour that includes two iconic Bruges products, chocolate and beer!

The pins in the map below denote my favourite photo spots in Bruges. It also includes a suggested Bruges walking route.

When to visit Bruges

Bruges can be visited all year round. Summer is the busiest season. I prefer early-spring or autumn. Bruges is also absolutely enchanting during the winter festive season, with its lights and Christmas markets. My photos below were taken during various summer, autumn and winter trips to Bruges.

Photos of Bruges from a walk around the old town

Rozenhoedkraai

Rozenhoedkraai, or Rosary Quay, is one of the popular departure points for boat tours in Bruges. It’s also one of the most photo-worthy spots, with the 13th century Belfry tower as a splendid backdrop.

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Rozenhoedkraai is one of the most popular photo spots in Bruges.
best bruges spots
Rozenhoedkraai in winter

Bruges is famous for its beer and one of the most beautiful breweries, Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery, is located a short walk from from Rozenhoedkraai. This brewery is open for visits/tastings.

Braambergstraat & Vismarkt

Stretching from the Rozenhoedkraai is the Braambergstraat, a lovely street full of shops and cafés. Around the corner, you’ll also find the Huidenvettersplein, a beautiful square packed with restaurants and cafés. A stone’s throw away stands the Vismarkt, the old fish market which is now an art market.

where to take best photos in bruges
Braambergstraat
bruges attractions
Vismarkt (the old Fish Market) is now an artisanal market.

Groenerei

Groenerei is arguably one of the most photogenic canals in Bruges. Lined by gorgeous medieval buildings on one side and a tree-lined cobblestone street on the other, it’s an absolutely gorgeous canal.

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Groenerei canal
bruges in winter
The Groenerei in winter
visit bruges in winter
Another gorgeous winter view
bruges bridge
Blinde Ezelbrug (Blind donkey bridge) crosses the Groenerei canal.
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Blinde Ezelstraat (Blind donkey street)
beautiful bruges houses
A beautiful row of step-gabled houses in Meestraat.



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Burgplein

This large square is home to the Bruges City Hall (Stadhuis), De Brugse Vrije (the old court building) and the ornate 13th century Basilica of the Holy Blood.

bruges architecture
The ornate Bruges City Hall
things to do in bruges
De Burg is one of the departure points for horse-drawn carriage tours.
top sights in bruges
Inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Grote Market & the Belfry

The Grote Markt (Market Square) is the pulsating heart of Bruges. Surrounded by various hertiage buildings, including the towering Belfry, the Grote Markt is a busy yet incredibly photogenic place.

places to visit in bruges
Grote Markt
top landmarks in bruges
The iconic Belfry
bruges gabled houses
A row of gabled houses at the Grote Markt.

Spiegelrei

Another beautiful area in Bruges is the Spiegelrei canal. In this area, you’ll also find the atmospheric Jan van Eyckplein (square), Chocolate Museum (Choco Story) and Belgian fries museum (Frietmuseum). A fun thing to do in Bruges is to join a chocolate-making workshop at Choco Story.

Bruges street
Spiegelrei
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A beautiful bend in the canal
 

Boniface bridge

The Boniface bridge is another of my favourite photo spots in Bruges. The bridge crosses a quaint canal lined by charming medieval houses. In this area, you’ll also find the Gruuthusemuseum, a museum in a former palace.

beautiful spots in bruges
Boniface bridge
historic buildings in bruges
Gruuthusemuseum

St. John’s Hospital

The historic Sint-Janshospitaal or St. John’s Hospital is a short walk away. This hospital was founded around the 12th century and is nowadays a fascinating museum.

medieval bruges
St. John’s Hospital

Begijnhof & Minnewater

The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde or Begijnhof is a 13th century beguinage in Bruges. Its whitewashed houses form a stark contrast with the brown brickwork of many other buildings in Bruges. A short stroll from the Begijnhof is the Minnewater park, a green oasis with a beautiful lake.

top sights in bruges
Begijnhof
sightseeing in bruges
The whitewashed houses of the beguinage
bruges photo spots
Begijnhof seen from the Wijngaardplein

At the end of this walk, treat yourself to a beer at the nearby Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, a family-owned brewery that produces the well-known Brugse Zot beer. Enjoy!

bruges beer
Enjoy a Brugse Zot!

How to get to Bruges

Bruges is located in western Belgium (map), about a 3-hour drive or train ride from Amsterdam, and about a 1-hour drive or train ride from Brussels. You can also opt for a guided day trip from Amsterdam, Brussels or Paris.

If you’re visiting Bruges, I can also recommend dropping by in nearby Ghent, another gorgeous, slightly lesser-known medieval town. Read about things to see in Ghent.

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A leisurely canal cruise in Ghent.
 

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