Market Square (Markt)

The Basics

This pedestrianized square is at the center of historical Bruges, and almost every visitor to the city passes through here at some point. Attractions on the Markt include the Historium Bruges interactive experience and the 12th-century belfry, which can be climbed for views over the city. Almost all sightseeing tours of the city, including day tours from Paris, London, and the Belgian capital of Brussels, stop at the Markt.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Markt is a must for all visitors to Bruges.

• Cafés—many with outdoor terraces—are dotted around the square.

• Bring a camera; the step-gabled houses around the square make a picturesque photo backdrop.

• The surface of the square is cobbled and uneven, so wear appropriate shoes.

How to Get There

The Markt is situated right in the heart of medieval Bruges, about a 20-minute walk from Bruges train station. Local buses services (2, 3, 4, 13, 14, and 90) stop nearby.

When to Get There

Come on Wednesday mornings to browse the traditional market, when vendors sell local produce, flowers, and crafts. Another good time to visit is during December, when the square houses a festive Christmas market.

Bruges’ Other Main Square

While in Bruges, be sure to stop by the city’s other main square: Burg Square. Just a 2-minute walk east of the Markt, Burg Square is equally photogenic, with several notable examples of historical architecture. Look for the Gothic-style Stadhuis (City Hall), which dates back to the 14th century, and the gold-adorned facade of the Palace of the Liberty of Bruges. Formerly a city courthouse, the palace is now the seat of Bruges’ city council.

What is the famous square in Bruges?

Market Square is the most famous square in Bruges as it is the city’s central square. It is known for its traditional brick houses that are designed with distinctive crow-stepped gables and for having many of the city’s most important landmarks. Film enthusiasts will recognize the square from the film In Bruges.

What are the must-visit attractions in and around Market Square, Bruges?

Popular Bruges attractions on Market Square that you should visit include the Belfry of Bruges, the Historium Bruges, and the Provinciaal Hof. One street from the Market Square, past the Bruges Beer Experience, you can find Bruges City Hall and the Basilica of Holy Blood on the smaller Burg Square.

Are there any special events or festivals held in Market Square, Bruges, that I should plan my visit around?

The Market Square in Bruges hosts events throughout the year, with its Christmas Market from late November to early January giving the square a festive glow. However, the square no longer hosts an ice rink as part of its Christmas Market, now found at the Minnewater. Market Square often also hosts concerts and music events, typically on weekends.

What day is the market in Bruges’ Market Square?

Market Square in Bruges holds a weekly market every Wednesday morning, with market stalls selling local produce, flowers, and handicrafts. Food sold at the market includes bread, meats, cheeses, and even rotisserie chicken. Markets are held on other days at other squares in Bruges, including the Saturday market on ’t Zand Square, which hosts the sprawling Zandfeesten flea market three times a year each summer.

How much does taking a horse-drawn carriage ride in Market Square cost?

The cost of taking a horse-drawn carriage ride from Market Square starts at roughly €70 for a 30-minute ride in a carriage that can carry five people. You will find coachmen waiting with their carriages on the square every day of the week, except on Wednesday when they relocate to nearby Burg Square because of the morning market.

What is the best time to visit Market Square to avoid crowds?

If you want to visit Market Square in Bruges without crowds of people around, try to visit before mid–morning or wait until the latter part of the evening. This will help you avoid the many people coming to Bruges for a day trip. During winter, you’ll find that the square is generally less busy at all times of day.