CityBuddy
Market Square
Best time to visit
Visiting early morning or late afternoon lets you enjoy softer light for photos and fewer crowds, plus the market buzz peaks on Saturday mornings.
Budget tips
Entry around the Belfry tower is modest, with discounts for EU residents and youth; enjoy the market and square for free. Opt for combo tickets including other city museums to save a few euros.
Recommended for
History buffs, Food lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Cultural explorers
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: Market Square buzzes with energy from over a hundred outdoor cafes surrounding the grand Belfry tower. Local markets here once dictated Brugge's medieval economy with merchants trading cloth, spices, and silks.
Highlights: Spot the fascinating horse troughs near the Belfry, remnants of a medieval transport system. On Saturdays, the market spills vibrant stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, and artisan goods, turning the square into a feast for the senses.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as cobblestones can be uneven and slippery when wet.
- Capture the best photos of the Belfry tower from the edge of the Grote Markt looking up.
- Avoid weekends outside market hours to beat the largest crowds.
- Try a Belgian waffle from a market vendor for an authentic and budget-friendly snack.
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.
