The Short Story

Properly known as Begijnhof “Ten Wijngaerde” (the Vineyard), but just “The Begijnhof” by everyone, this nunnery is considered an essential sight of Brugge, so much so that it’s a stop on our 1pm photo tour. Filled with both enclosed landscapes and white-soaked buildings as a courtyard, it deserves no less.

Founded in 1245 for women of the faith in the Lowlands to co-exist (separately) with the male-dominated heads of the church, most of the houses inside  actually date from the 17th & 18 century. Confusingly enough, the entrance bears the date 1779, and we’re yet to find out why.

The modest 13th century baroque church was rebuild from a fire (1584) in 1609, and is still in use for services, it’s worth a quick look. As possible, focus manually, with practice it actually works better in the dark. Also, turn off the camera beep before you go in.

This space is a delight to explore with the camera, especially for some peaceful shooting. Although it’s a busy spot for both crowds and a small forest of trees, it’s not at all difficult to find spots to fill a small hour with in passing, as well as explore the nearby area of shops, food, and even the Lake of Love to take a proper rest in.

Sights to See

• Horse Carriages: By the bridge, horse-driven carriages await between rests & a hire. A photo opportunity even without going for a ride, look for the horse-headed fountain as the riders get their buddies a drink. Horses are  treated very humanely, please do the same with your flash.
• Minnewater (Lake of Love): After you’ve explored this most historic part of town, take in a quiet green space and mellow canals combined. Great for picnics, look for the path at left directly after you cross the bridge, otherwise the modern red bridge at left.
• Half Moon Brewery*: The last family-owned brewery in town. A tour includes a lively guide showing off the old brewery, a roof view that (in our opinion) beats the Market Belfry, and a beer(!)  in the terrace or bar, a bargain at 6.50€. Remember, Belgium = Beer. 
• Carpe Diem Bakery & Tea house*: Pop in and delight in the glory that is Belgian baking, or take a seat and have a coffee in this cozy café of tasty treats. Belgian patisseries are some of the best in the world, and give the French a run for their money.

* This advice is 100% unpaid and our opinion only. See our Honesty Advice policy.

Links & Map

• Wikipedia
• Tripadvisor
• Brugge.be

• 10am Photo Tour
• 1pm Photo Tour
• 4pm Photo Tour
• Private Photo Tours

Photos From This Area

Currently the best way to see photos is to visit the gallery or take the tour: 10am, 1pm, 4pm daily.

The Short Story:

One of the few privately owned churches in Brugge (the Basilica of the Holy Blood is another), the Jerusalem Church (Jeruzalemkerk) sits near the windmills of St-Anna, and is well worth a look both inside and out.

Founded in the late 1400s by Genoese merchant Anselm Adornes, the Jerusualem Church is based on the plans of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It’s notable that it retains its original design to this day, not common for most churches of Brugge.

Not only is the church itself one of our personal favorites of Brugge, but the area is a perfect example of the “typical” Brugge that sits around the tourist-filled sights. Be sure to explore the nearby windmills, the English Convent (Het Engels Klooster), not to mention that the Lace Museum is right around the corner.

Sights to See

• Stained Glass - The impressively ornate (and original) stained glass windows are worth a close look.
• Crypt of Christ – A replica of the crypt in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, found behind the alter.
• Adornes Tomb – On entry, you’ll see the final resting place of the founding family. It’s their church after all!
• Alter - With a distinct alter containing replicas of human skulls among other details, it stands out.
• Roof - Standing indoors, take a look (way) up and note the divine symmetry of the wood-beamed roof.
• Tower - An uncommon design for Brugge, this 8-sided tower supports a green globe representing Earth.

Links & Map

• Official Website
• Tripadvisor
• Wikipedia
• Brugge.be

• 10am Photo Tour
• 1pm Photo Tour
• 4pm Photo Tour
• Private Photo Tours

Photos From This Area

Currently the best way to see photos is to visit the gallery or take the tour: 10am, 1pm, 4pm daily.

Intro

It’s our pleasure to help you enjoy your stay in Brugge regardless of whether you joined our photo tour or not. In fact, visit the Brugge Tips section of Your Brugge for a selection of tips both local and photo.

Top of the list: Don’t let the small size of Brugge make your visit too short. We regularly hear of wishes for longer stays from our guests, so make sure you either plan enough time or plan the time you have wisely.

Use the blue tabs above to discover what Brugge offers beyond our humble photo tour…

Public Transport

Public transport in Belgium, if slightly expensive for single journeys. Trains run on time, everything moves fast and clean, and Brugge literally has the best buses in the world. Literally, as in they win awards.

Train – Coming from Brussels, look for a train to Oostende or Knokke/Heist. Be sure to have the correct ticket and class (there is a 0% tolerance policy on the rail), and beware of pickpockets at any train station. As you exit the station in Brugge, you’ll have taxis and buses directly outside.

If you’re exploring the country over time, consider a 10 journey Rail Pass, each journey is good for -anywhere- inside Belgium and can be shared between others with you.

Bus - The buses in Brugge are both high quality and efficient. There are both yellow-poled bus stops around town as well as 3 main overlapping stops (train station, ‘t Zand, Biekorf library). Be sure to signal the bus if you want them to stop, they come about every 10-20 minutes.

All buses in town go to and from the main train station, ask the hotel or the driver if you need to get there.

Driving – If driving in from a foreign country be sure you are familiar with the local road laws, we remind our British friends that in this country we drive on the “wrong” side of the road. If you are totally stuck for parking you can park in many areas of the outside ring road, take your valuables.

Bicycle – The best way to take in the city, local or not. See THIS ENTRY for details.

Going Out

Brugge is a food and drink lovers paradise, and worth an overnight trip alone.

As well as restaurants to show the large Belgian care for cooking, there’s also over 300 bars in Brugge, each with a charm (and drink!) waiting to be discovered.

We offer all our Brugge Tips without bias or payment from the businesses, see our Honesty Policy.

Shopping

• Tuyttens: Visit the family-owned electronics shop that gets photography. From replacement gear to emergency battery charges and replacements, they’re central and likely to have what you need. Top customer service. (website)
• LeeLoo: Okay, the photo shopping is done, now get to know LeeLoo, she is hoooot… Jurgen & Xavier have by far the funkiest shop in town for fashion past and future, the present is so passé darling... (website)
• Wafels: We like Laurenzino (website). Look also for the Italian ice cream shop Gelateria Da Vinci across the street, lekker.
• Panos: Shopping for a snack this time, Panos is a Belgian chain of fine standing for a typical belegd broodje or baguette sandwich. (website)
• Supermarkets: Included as you can pick up the “standard” chocolates, beers, and snacks at better value. Look out for the Smatch, Delhaize Proxy, or GB Express in town.

Security and Safety

Please take care of both yourself and your possessions in Brugge. While this town is known for it’s easygoing nature and low crime, be especially careful of pickpockets in season, there are not many but they are around.

General Safety

As always when travelling, take extra care of your surroundings and belongings. Fortunately Brugge has a quite low crime rate, although there are reports of theft and it never hurts to be aware. As well as the police (“Politie”) there is also the purple-shirted gemeentewacht, a secondary level of civil enforcement to keep Brugge safe.

Personal Safety

There is little to worry about as far as typical city crime in Brugge. Aside from the occasional fight usually involving very strong beer, there is little to no violent crime that would affect a visitor to Brugge. Saying that, please avoid pushing discussion on overly-sensitive topics (sex, religion, politics are the usual) should it cause aggression or discomfort, we are all out for a good time.

There have been isolated cases of women who’ve had too much to drink being taken unfairly advantage of, sometimes sexually attacked. We ask everyone to both drink and behave responsibly, and be a good person if you see someone in need.

If you’re at all suspicious of being followed or in imminent danger you’re advised to call the police (dial 101) or get to a public place of safety immediately.

Brugge is usually safe at night but also remember there are very few people around if something happens.

Theft & Pickpockets

Street theft is low in Brugge, but happens nonetheless. Usually, careless tourists are targeted, please don’t be one of them. Keep bags closed and in view, don’t leave personal belongings unsecured, and generally be aware.

Pickpockets are a minor problem in Brugge, especially during the busy tourism periods. Equally, if you’re out late at night you stand little chance of trouble, but take care nonetheless.

Our photo guests are reminded to keep a regular eye on thier equipment and other valuables, and that if shooting late at night company is recommended, last year a Scottish night shooter was relieved of at least 3000€ of camera gear at knife point.

Hotels and hostels owners and staff are near-universally considered secure and private, usually with facilities for secure storage on request.

The Short Story

Near to the windmills of the Kruispoort, the Kringloopwinkel (or “Kringloop”) is a Flemish second hand shop owned and operated by the state, and it’s full of funky stuff, whatever your taste.

From clothes to furniture to any “stuff and thing” you can think of, it only matters if it’s there that day. Not only a great place to pick up useful(?) items for the road, but you may even find a unique souvenir of your time in Brugge, from a funky hat to a genuine piece of lace or glasswork.

The Kringloop even does simple snacks and drinks that are actually both cheap and tasty, it is a very typical slice of local life. They even have a free toilet, which don’t forget is a privilege in Belgium as paying 0.20-0.50 cents is normal.

It’s a place that is very typically Brugge, and you have the chance to find treasure, with the camera or otherwise. Make sure to be familiar with your close up options, avoid flash photography, and explore the place for any hidden treasures. May the power and focus of a thrifty Jedi be with you.

Sights to See

• Basement: Head to the basement and pray that the jacket you searched your whole life for until now fits, and all other fabrics and textiles. Also in the basement are bags to backpacks, vintage lace on a good day, and toys for the kid in all of us.
• Main Floor: Mostly furniture, but if you have a way to get it home there are some excellent pieces on offer, and sometimes the price is very nice.
• Upstairs: Dig out a lost classic of literature in your language (hopefully), take home a vintage vinyl of Eddy Wally or Marc Moulin. If you’re really lucky you’ll find some Helmut Lotti to shake your head at him covering Elvis.
• Details:This is a place for your macro lens to go wild. Also, considering it’s mostly locals, you respectful street photographers may find even more than you bargained for by stopping by.
• A Simple Snack: Not only is the coffee good & the food filling, it’s cheap. Save your money for shopping…

Links & Map

• Official Website
• Brugge.be
• Wikipedia

• 10am Photo Tour
• 1pm Photo Tour
• 4pm Photo Tour
• Private Photo Tours

Photos From This Area

Currently the best way to see photos is to visit the gallery or take the tour: 10am, 1pm, 4pm daily.

The Short Story

From at least the 8th to 15th century, Brugge was defined by its’ network (at one time considered the most important port in Europe), did you know that the name “Brugge” comes from the old Norwegian word for landing port “Bryggia”? When the vikings came across Brugge, they skipped the usual plundering in favor of trade.

The spine of that shipping network was the stretch of canal generally known as the “Langerei ”. Going down the Spiegelrei from the Jan van Eyck plein, this canal leads all the way to the Dampoort, which leads to Damme (also built around the Brugge ship trade). This vital shipping route was an area to be on, with numerous mansions and Catholic facilities (churches, seminaries, housing) lining the way.

With 3 charmingly iconic bridges to choose from along the way and a full variety of styles and classes of architecture, it is well worth the walk. While we of course suggest you join a 10am, 1pm, or 4pm photo tour so we can show you the best route and some noteworthy details, it’s always a good walk to explore a huge-but-hidden corner of the city.

Sights to See

• Bridges, Bridges, Bridges: With 3 bridges on the route you’ll certainly have a chance to catch that timeless shot of walkways crossing water. Cars also cross, so keep an eye out to keep them out of your shot.
• Houses, or “which side?”: Rows on rows of buildings, take your pick and savor the space of the canal providing a clear view. Sunny or cloudy, keep the light falling in front of you, with bridges to cross over as needed.
• Details: Being a mixed area of classes and styles, that applies to the details when looking close. Anything goes, and while much of it is humble, there are stunning examples of complexity, especially by the very large gray church after the 3rd bridge.
• Swans: Keep an easy eye out for swans on this route. As well as having city-supplied feeding areas and their own nests, they travel regularly through this canal. If taking photos,  use the “+/-” button to adjust the light meter for dark water for best results.
• Supermarket: at the 2nd bridge (on the other side of Hotel Medici), you’ll see the supermarket “Carrefour Express”. Everything you’ll need for a snack to continue on, and of course the pastries are wonderful.

Links & Map

• 10am Photo Tour
• 1pm Photo Tour
• 4pm Photo Tour
• Private Photo Tours

Photos From This Area

Currently the best way to see photos is to visit the gallery or take the tour: 10am, 1pm, 4pm daily.

The Short Story

The Jan Van Eyck Plein is the spot of the former inner-city port and business square of Brugge. Now a public square with a dominating statue of Jan Van Eyck himself, it’s also notable as a strangely overlooked spot by many short-stay visitors. Pity, it’s a great space to explore and enjoy.

During the mid 1100s to late 1300s , this area was a flurry of activity, business, and life. With goods to move and money made, it was certainly a spot of opportunity, proven by the world’s  earliest stock exchanges (1309) about a street away. You can see by the quality of preserved buildings nearby that the wealth of the city was centered in this area (it’s an affluent area to live in even now),  making the architecture a real delight to discover.

The main statue of painter Jan Van Eyck (1385–1441) was installed in 1878 and made by Henry Pickery, replacing a  similar marble statue from 1856. The inauguration was presided over by King Leopold II, a tasteful reminder of one of Brugge’s most famous residents.

A great spot to stop before exploring the nearby canal network (as we do on our 10am and 4pm tours), get your photos of the square as you rest, but also look out for some candid people shots (street photography), it’s one of those spots.

Sights to See

• Poortersloge: Not a church but looks a lot like one, this was a hall for the wealthy merchants, clergy and noblemen, also the port guardhouses. Great for details and challenging for a clear wide shot without modern signs.
• Bear of Brugge: A definitive Brugge detail on the Poortersloge, the legendary Bear of Brugge, an icon of the city second only to the Lion. For a good view, cross the Academiestraat (the main road) and look at the building from the side, standing at the corner of the pizza shop.
• Jan Van Eyck statue: Worth viewing from multiple angles, both isolated from and mixed in with the surrounding buildings. See if you can find the “golden antlers out of the head” shot for a laugh.
• Toll House: Looking at the Poortersloge from the statue, head towards the grayer but equally detailed building, the former toll house (where boats paid fees to dock). From the small details of time past to the overall elegance of the building, a sight worth a quick walk up to.

Links & Map

• Wikipedia

• 10am Photo Tour
• 1pm Photo Tour
• 4pm Photo Tour
• Private Photo Tours

Photos From This Area

Currently the best way to see photos is to visit the gallery or take the tour: 10am, 1pm, 4pm daily.

The Short Story

Brugge has a mixed history with class divide. You can just look at the Battle of the Golden Spurs for past conflict, as well as current tension over the high price of housing in the city.

While the presence of the Catholic Church at the time was somewhat to blame, it also offered compassion to the community. One of their successful efforts was to offer safe and dignified housing for the elderly widows of the area. They took it seriously in Brugge, and there are still 46 active “Godshuizen”, or Almshouses, in Brugge.

Now owned by the Flemish state and still used for social housing, usually elderly widows but no longer women-only. They could be said to be one of the crown jewels of the Belgian social system, even with quite high taxes to live with there is a very healthy redistribution, from these houses to trains to affordable medicare and education for all.

For photos there are two things worth keeping in mind. First and foremost, although there is much local character, remember that people live there and therefor you’re pointing a camera at their private space, so shoot respectfully. Second, considering the closed spaces of many of these locations, a wide lens (if not a very wide lens) will serve you well, while thinking about isolating details when shooting closer.

Our 10am, 1pm and 4pm photo tours feature these essential locations of Brugge, and we’re even happy to show you more on the map for later.

Sights to See

• White Walls: A Godshuis in Brugge is made easier to spot as they’re almost always painted white
• Madonnas: Most of the Godshuizen have a Madonna above the entrance, otherwise over a main archway in the interior.
• Water: There is always a water pump or two, and often a well with an ornate iron dressing. Find it and remember that we didn’t always have the water company.
• Personal Details: Be sure to catch personal touches that define the personalities that live there.
• Flowers & plants: Belgians love to garden, and it’s a feature that shows off some of the individual residents’ personalities.
• Shoot respectfully: Consider the peace and privacy of residents when shooting and looking around. Don’t take photos in occupied windows, even if the local custom of an uncovered front window is a big temptation. If you must have the shot, consider hiding the persons’ face with an object or different angle, using a slower shutter speed is also an easy way to blur a face and increase the feeling of motion and life.

Since this is a general feature of Brugge, we recommend asking at your hotel for the nearest almshouse to see.

However, we’ve included on the map the almshouse ‘De Meulenaere‘ closest to the Begijnhof area. This location is included on our 1pm photo tour.

• Wikipedia
• Brugge.be

• 10am Photo Tour
• 1pm Photo Tour
• 4pm Photo Tour
• Private Photo Tours

Photos From This Area

Currently the best way to see photos is to visit the gallery or take the tour: 10am, 1pm, 4pm daily.

The Short Story

The construction of the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) was begun in the 13th century, fully complete in the 15th century. Spanning a height of 122.3 meters, the tower is the tallest structure in the city and the 2nd highest tower of brick in the world. It’s tall, and our favorite of the 3 main towers of Brugge.

It’s centrally located and easily accessible, providing both a free and paid section (6€- 4.50€), the latter housing the famous Michelangelo statue and the tombs of Charles the Bold & Mary of Burgundy.

From a photography standpoint it’s almost worth a full day for both interior and exterior, and even a lens-crazy pro could use up his entire collection taking photos of this monumental sight. Add it to your wide landscapes along with the other towers, explore it’s outside up close and with creativity, and then have the tripod handy as you set up inside for the wealth of interior shots and details.

Sights to See

• Exterior: The outside of this building, and its view from around the city is a multiple-catch situation. With a very high tower to challenge (and liberate) and details up close, don’t be afraid to put aside some time for this one. Remember the light changes over the day, if you’re with tech you could download an app that tells you where the sun will be.
• The Smallest Bridge: Behind the road side of the church, look for a path that leads into a pathway garden with Brugge’s smallest bridge. Busy spot with posing tourists and crowds, also look for the yearly-removed Love Padlocks currently assaulting bridges everywhere.
• Interior: Just do not stop on those isolated shots, especially on the interior. See the “Church of our Lady in LoFi” gallery for ideas. Busy much of the day in season (March-October), but late afternoons tend to be better for no-crowd wide shooting & HDR.
• Madonna & Child by Michelangelo: Certainly the top reason for visitors. One of the very few artworks by Michelangelo to leave Italy during his lifetime (circa 1504), it was bought by two Brugge merchants (the brothers  Mouscron), and donated to the church in 1514. Twice removed (and recovered) by looting, French revolutionaries circa 1794 & Nazi Germans in 1944.
• Tomb of Charles and Mary: Behind the high altar are the gilded bronze tombs of Charles the Bold and his daughter, the Duchess Mary of Burgundy.  Both father and daughter rest on beautiful polished slabs of black stone. Both wear crowns, with Charles represented in full armor and wearing the decoration of the Order of the Golden Fleece.

Links & Map

• Official Website
• On Tripadvisor
• Wikipedia
• Brugge.be

• 10am Photo Tour
• 1pm Photo Tour
• 4pm Photo Tour
• Private Photo Tours

Photos From This Area

Currently the best way to see photos is to visit the gallery or take the tour: 10am, 1pm, 4pm daily.