Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Inhabited by Benedictine nuns, the Begijnhof courtyard (free, daily 6:30-18:30) almost
makes you want to don a habit and fold your hands as you walk under its wispy trees and
whisper past its frugal little homes. For a good slice of Begijnhof life, walk through the
simple Beguine's House museum.
Cost and Hours:
€2, Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 14:30-17:00, shorter hours off-season,
English explanations, museum is left of entry gate.
Just south of the Begijnhof is Minnewater, an idyllic world of flower boxes, canals, and
swans.
As you walk from the Begijnhof back to the town center, you might detour along Nieuwe
Gentweg to visit one of about 20 almshouses in the city. At #8, go through the door marked
Godshuis de Meulenaere 1613
into the peaceful courtyard (free). This was a medieval form
of housing for the poor. The rich would pay for someone's tiny room here in return for lots
of prayers.
Belgians are Europe's beer connoisseurs, and this handy tour is a great way to pay your
respects. The brewery makes the only beers brewed in Bruges: Brugse Zot (“Fool from
Bruges”) and Straffe Hendrik (“Strong Henry”). The happy gang at this working-family
brewerygivesentertaining andinformative 45-minutetoursintwolanguages. Avoidcrowds
by visiting at 11:00.
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Groeninge Museum
Top-notch collection of mainly Flemish art.
Hours:
Tue-
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Bell Tower
Overlooking the Markt, with 366 steps to a worthwhile view and a
