Bruges Market Square Vacations

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Due to coronavirus (COVID-19) travel advisories, some destinations may be unavailable for certain dates. Find out more.
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Grote Markt

The historical heart of Bruges is framed by guild buildings and the Provincial Court. Presiding over the square is the imposing Belfort.

Since 958, the Grote Markt has been at the center of Bruges life. Once packed with merchants and buyers, today the Markt is a hub for tourism. Put aside some time to experience the restaurants, cafés, gift shops, guided tours and enchanting architecture of this lively part of the city. 

Though it covers only 2.5 acres (1 hectare), there is much to see in Bruges' Grote Markt. First, climb to the top of the majestic Belfort and take in the spectacular views. With your feet back on the ground, take pictures of the Markt's quaint fairy tale-style architecture; the 1887 neo-Gothic Provincial Court building is especially impressive. The row of gabled guild houses adds charm and color.

Stop to view the statue in the center of the square. It pays tribute to Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, who led the Bruges Matins, a violent uprising against the French in the early 14th century.

If possible, come to the Grote Markt on a Wednesday morning. This is when the weekly market sets up to sell local fruit, vegetables and other edibles. Take a break at one of the many eateries and cafés around the square; it's a good idea to check the prices before you take a seat. After mid-November the Wednesday market moves to Burg square to make way for a public skating rink and Christmas stalls.

The Grote Markt is essential to any Bruges itinerary, but it can get very busy with tourists. After having a look around, avoid the crowds by branching off down one of the many adjoining cobblestone streets. Also be sure to make a visit to the neighboring Burg square and its Basilica of the Holy Blood. When your sightseeing is finished in the square, climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage tour for an enjoyable and lazy way to enjoy the rest of Bruges.

Guide to Exploring around Bruges Market Square

Minnewater

The “lake of love” is a gorgeous spot for a scenic stroll or waterside picnic, a relaxing haven from the busy streets of Bruges' historical center.
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Begijnhof

Step from the busy market square into a tranquil, centuries-old commune inhabited by nuns blessed with the singing voices of angels.
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Groeningemuseum

Six centuries of Belgian and Flemish art are displayed in one of the country's foremost galleries.
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Belfort

Bruges' multi-aged bell tower dominates the skyline and is the city's most recognizable feature. Views from the top are stunning.
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Choco-Story, The Chocolate Museum

Acquaint yourself with the history of chocolate before seeing it being crafted by hand. There are several varieties to taste at the end of the tour.
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Heilige Bloed Basiliek

The blood of Christ, preserved for over 2,000 years, is the focal point of this 12th-century church, drawing reverent pilgrims from all over the world.
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Best Lodging Options Near Bruges Market Square

See all 979 Properties near Bruges Market Square
Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges $126

Per night/room

Sep 6 - Sep 7

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Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges

Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges

Hoogstraat 6, Bruges
     
    4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

    Located in Historical Center Bruges, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Palace of the Liberty of Bruges and Bruges Market Square (Grote Markt). Burg and Bruges Town Hall (Stadhuis) are also within 5 minutes. Bruges Station is 19 minutes by foot.

    Aragon Hotel $109

    Per night/room

    Aug 17 - Aug 18

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    Aragon Hotel

    Aragon Hotel

    Naaldenstraat 22, Bruges
       
      4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

      Located in Historical Center Bruges, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Bladelin Court and Bruges Market Square (Grote Markt). St. James's Church and Friet Museum are also within 5 minutes. Bruges Station is 21 minutes by foot and Bruges-Saint-Peters Station is 26 minutes.

      Hotel Dukes' Palace Bruges $166

      Per night/room

      Aug 23 - Aug 24

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      Hotel Dukes' Palace Bruges

      Hotel Dukes' Palace Bruges

      Prinsenhof 8, Bruges
         
        5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

        Located in Historical Center Bruges, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Chocolate Line and Bruges Market Square (Grote Markt). St. James's Church and Dali Xpo Gallery are also within 5 minutes. Bruges Station is 17 minutes by foot and Bruges-Saint-Peters Station is 29 minutes.

        Novotel Brugge Centrum $99

        Per night/room

        Aug 16 - Aug 17

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        Novotel Brugge Centrum

        Novotel Brugge Centrum

        Katelijnestraat 65b, Bruges
           
          3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

          Located in Historical Center Bruges, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Diamond Museum and Bruges Market Square (Grote Markt). De Vos Almshouse and De Halve Maan Brewery are also within 5 minutes. Bruges Station is 12 minutes by foot.

          Academie Hotel $95

          Per night/room

          Aug 16 - Aug 17

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          Academie Hotel

          Academie Hotel

          Wijngaardstraat 7-9, Bruges
             
            4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

            Located in Historical Center Bruges, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Diamond Museum and Bruges Market Square (Grote Markt). De Halve Maan Brewery and De Vos Almshouse are also within 5 minutes. Bruges Station is 11 minutes by foot.

            Hotel Bourgoensch Hof $74

            Per night/room

            Aug 18 - Aug 19

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            Hotel Bourgoensch Hof

            Hotel Bourgoensch Hof

            Wollestraat 39, Bruges
               
              3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

              Located in Historical Center Bruges, this hotel is steps from Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres and Bruges Market Square (Grote Markt). Absolute Art Gallery and Groeningemuseum are also within 5 minutes. Bruges Station is 17 minutes by foot.

              Lodging de Passage $65

              Per night/room

              Aug 16 - Aug 17

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              Lodging de Passage

              Lodging de Passage

              Dweerstraat 26, Bruges
                 
                2.0 out of 5.0 Stars

                Located in Historical Center Bruges, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of St. Salvators Church and Bruges Market Square (Grote Markt). 't Zand Square and Sint-Salvador Cathedral are also within 5 minutes. Bruges Station is 13 minutes by foot.

                Hotel Central $72

                Per night/room

                Aug 16 - Aug 17

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                Hotel Central

                Hotel Central

                Markt 30, Bruges
                   
                  2.0 out of 5.0 Stars

                  Located in Historical Center Bruges, this hotel is steps from Historium and Bruges Market Square (Grote Markt). Bruges Belfry (Belfort) and Dali Xpo Gallery are also within 5 minutes. Bruges Station is 18 minutes by foot and Bruges-Saint-Peters Station is 28 minutes.

                  See all 979 Properties near Bruges Market Square