Standard Ticket (Weekend, Summer & Christmas)€16.00
Valid during weekends, summer, and the Christmas period (26–31 December) Advance online booking recommended
Climb this historic 83-meter medieval tower to explore its preservation rooms, including an old treasury, and marvel at a functioning 47-bell carillon before reaching the top observation platform for panoramic views.
A UNESCO-listed 13th-century tower featuring 366 steps, a medieval treasury, and an active 47-bell carillon.
The Belfort is an 83-meter-tall medieval tower in Bruges that stands as a soaring symbol of civic independence. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 13th-century monument offers visitors a memorable architectural journey. A challenging climb of 366 steps takes you past a historic treasury to a chamber housing a massive, active carillon of 47 bells.
The Belfort stands prominently on the Markt, located in the Historic Centre of Bruges. As a towering 13th-century landmark in this central square, this UNESCO-listed belfry is an ideal reference point for visitors exploring the surrounding Steenstraat Quarter and West Flanders region. Its central placement makes it highly accessible for anyone discovering the historic city on foot.
Markt 7
8000 Bruges
Historic Centre, Steenstraat Quarter, West Flanders, BE
When planning to visit the Belfort in Bruges, booking your reservation in advance is highly recommended to secure entry. Located in the Historic Centre, this landmark is easily accessible on foot, with public parking options available nearby. Be sure to budget enough time in your itinerary to comfortably climb the tower and take in the panoramic views.
Visitors to the historic Belfort in Bruges encounter a soaring symbol of medieval civic pride that defines the city's skyline. This 13th-century UNESCO-listed belfry tower climb leads guests up a challenging spiral of 366 stairs. Along the ascent, stopovers reveal a medieval treasury room that once secured the town's seals and public funds. Further up, the tower's carillon chamber houses forty-seven bells, which a city carillonneur still plays during scheduled performances. Reaching the eighty-three-meter summit rewards climber efforts with panoramic views across the historic center.
First established on the Markt around 1240, the Belfort in Bruges served as a symbol of medieval civic power. After a fire destroyed the upper tower in 1280, the structure underwent centuries of rebuilding, including the addition of its octagonal upper stage in the late 15th century. A musical carillon was introduced in the 16th century, and after another fire in 1741, the tower was reduced to a height of 83 meters. The historic landmark is preserved as a **UNESCO World Heritage site**.
The Groeningemuseum in Bruges is hosting a special presentation featuring two historic paintings originally from the same workshop. Previously separated for over a century, these depictions of Saints James and John are being shown together in Belgium for the first time following a collaborative exhibition in Tokyo.
BRUSK is set to launch an innovative exhibition program featuring 'High Tide,' a unique dialogue between fashion and contemporary art exploring the power of water. Visitors can also look forward to special presentations of the Groeninge Collection and an installation as part of the Bruges Triennial 2027.
Visitors planning to explore the museums of Bruges can now enjoy an updated Musea Brugge Card. The pass now includes access to the new BRUSK art gallery, alongside the existing range of historical sites and monuments. Please note that the ticket price has been adjusted to reflect this expanded coverage.
Visitors should note that Jan van Eyck's iconic 'Portrait of Margareta van Eyck' will be temporarily moved from its usual location at the Groeningemuseum. The masterpiece will be featured in the upcoming 'Bigger Picture' exhibition held at the BRUSK art gallery in Bruges. This change is effective from late March through early September.
Musea Brugge concludes its two-year Apprentice-Master II project, which explored the artistic journeys of 19th-century students from the Bruges Academy to Rome. The initiative combined academic research, drawing masterclasses, and public collection archiving to bridge historical art studies with modern audiences.
Starting April 1st, 2026, visitors should note changes to the weekly closing days for both the Groeningemuseum and the Gruuthusemuseum. These adjustments include specific shifts for each location to streamline operations during both summer and winter seasons. Planning your visit in advance is recommended to ensure your preferred museum is open.
The Belfort carillon is undergoing its biennial retuning, meaning the automatic music will be silent from March 5th to April 4th. Starting on Easter Sunday, visitors can enjoy four newly programmed melodies. During the silent period, live carillon concerts will still take place on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.
The Groeningemuseum is now hosting a significant 15th-century Flemish artwork, 'Scenes from the Life of Saint Joseph,' on long-term loan from Hoogstraten. This monumental panel painting will be available for public viewing until January 2027 while its home church undergoes restoration. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to view a recognized Flemish masterpiece that is typically housed in a less accessible location.
Visual galleries of the Belfort capture its imposing 83-meter-tall presence rising above the historic Market Square in Bruges. Images showcase the tower's Gothic brick facade, octagonal upper level, and clock faces from scenic vantage points along canals and cobblestone streets. Visitors can preview the intricate bronze carillon mechanism inside and the panoramic city views waiting at the top.
Locate venues highlighting Flemish art and medieval heritage.
Match your personal interests with historical institutions throughout the city. Identify cultural attractions that showcase centuries of craftsmanship, artistic expression, and historical significance in Bruges.
