Things to Do at Belfry of Bruges

The Belfry of Bruges is one of those medieval towers that genuinely lives up to the hype - a 83-meter Gothic brick giant that's been watching over the city since the 13th century. You'll spot it from pretty much anywhere in the historic center, and honestly, it's hard to miss given how it dominates the skyline. The tower has served as everything from a watchtower to a treasury, and these days it's probably one of the most climbed monuments in Belgium. What makes the Belfry particularly interesting is that it's not just a pretty face - it actually played a crucial role in Bruges' medieval prosperity. The bells you'll hear chiming were once used to signal market times, warn of fires, and call citizens to important meetings. The whole structure leans slightly (about a meter, if you're keeping track), which tends to make first-time visitors do a double-take, but it's been that way for centuries and isn't going anywhere.

The Belfry sits right in the heart of Bruges' Market Square (Grote Markt), so you'll likely walk past it multiple times during any visit to the city center. If you're coming from Bruges train station, it's about a 15-minute walk or short bus ride on lines 1 or 4 to the Markt stop. The historic center is largely pedestrianized, so walking is actually your best bet once you're in the area. There's limited parking around the square itself, but several paid parking areas within a few blocks if you're driving.