The summit panorama
Bruges' red roofs and canals to the sea.
Jean-Pol GRANDMONT — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Giles Laurent — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Giles Laurent — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Giles Laurent — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Belfry is Bruges' symbol and first landmark: a thirteenth-century medieval tower 83 metres tall rising above the Cloth Hall on the Markt, UNESCO-listed among the "Belfries of Belgium and France" — symbols of civic liberties in the trading cities of Flanders, where charters and privileges were kept in its treasury. It leans slightly (about a metre) and has for centuries. The climb is 366 narrow spiral steps (no lift) with stops: the old treasury, the carillon chamber with 47 bells and its huge drum mechanism that plays automatically every quarter hour, then the top: a panorama over Bruges' red roofs, the canals and the Flemish plain to the sea on clear days. The carillonneur gives regular concerts heard in the square. Entry is limited to a set number at a time (70 people), so queues form — book a timed slot online. Bruges' most famous photo is taken from the square below it, and its most famous view from above it.
Bruges' red roofs and canals to the sea.
47 bells and a huge drum playing every quarter hour.
Where the free city's privileges were kept.
Markt 7, 8000 Bruges
Markt (Market Square)The Markt is Bruges' great square and its beating heart since the tenth century:1 minute walk4.6
Historic Centre of BrugesThe historic centre of Bruges is the most complete surviving medieval city in no1 minute walk4.7
Historium BrugesThe Historium is an immersive experience on the Markt that returns you to Bruges1 minute walk4.2
Burg SquareThe Burg is Bruges' second and oldest square: here the Count of Flanders built h2 minutes walk4.8
Basilica of the Holy BloodThe Basilica of the Holy Blood is two churches one above the other in a corner o2 minutes walk4.7366 spiral steps, very narrow at the top (climbers and descenders pass with difficulty), no lift — it needs reasonable fitness and does not suit claustrophobia. The stops at the treasury and carillon give rest. The view is absolutely worth it. If you cannot: the windmill viewpoint or the Church of Our Lady's tower from outside are alternatives, and the square itself is the finest view of the Belfry.