CityBuddy
Church of Our Lady Bruges
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light for viewing the marble details and fewer crowds. Avoid weekends if possible for a quieter experience.
Budget tips
Entry costs are modest with discounts for students and seniors; combining your visit with a city museum card can save money if you plan to explore more. Free entry days are occasionally offered during local heritage events.
Recommended for
Art lovers, History buffs, Architecture enthusiasts, Cultural travelers
Plan your visit
30-45 min
About
Quick facts: A striking feature of this church is its towering brick spire, which reaches an impressive height of about 115 meters. Among its treasures, a breathtaking marble sculpture named 'Madonna and Child' by Michelangelo stands out as one of the few of his works to have left Italy.
Highlights: Visitors can marvel at the life-size marble statue that was secretly transported from Italy in the early 1500s, a masterpiece that still captivates with its delicate detail. The church also shelters the tombs of notable European noble families, adding a historic aura to its grand interiors.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as some walking on cobblestones is required.
- The area near the altar provides great photo spots for capturing the statue with dramatic lighting.
- Try to visit during off-peak hours to avoid large tour groups.
- Skip the audio guide if short on time and focus on the main artworks and altars for a faster visit.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Brugge, Belgium, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
