Bruges Belfry

Bruges Belfry showing a city, horse riding and street scenes
Photo provided by Toerisme Brugge
Bruges Belfry featuring a church or cathedral and interior views
Bruges Belfry
Bruges Belfry which includes night scenes, a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture


Bruges' multi-aged bell tower dominates the skyline and is the city's most recognizable feature. Views from the top are stunning.

You can't miss the Belfort. The city's majestic belfry rises 272 feet (83 meters) above the historical center of Bruges. While it’s awe-inspiring to see from any angle, the Belfort itself offers incredible views of the rest of the city. You'll also pass fascinating features on the way up. Just make sure you are comfortable with heights.

Before you go up the Belfort, inspect it from below. The tower has a multifaceted history its lower portion dates back to the last half of the 13th century, replacing an earlier tower that had burned down. The octagonal section was added in the late 15th century and was crowned by a wooden spire on two separate occasions both were destroyed. The Gothic-style parapet has actually crowned the Belfort only since 1822.

Ascend the 366 stairs to the Belfort's viewing platform. Steps are narrow, and you will have to contend with two-way traffic. If you consider yourself unfit or uncomfortable with heights, it's best to relax with a coffee and Belgian chocolate to admire the tower from the ground upward while the rest of your party makes the climb.

If you are lucky with the weather, you'll be gifted with magnificent vistas of Bruges and the countryside that surrounds it. Even on a cloudy day, it is still worth a trip to the top. See the old treasury room, where the city's valuables were once sealed. Take a look at the intricate mechanisms of the belfry's huge clock face. The Belfort's 18th-century carillon contains 47 bells, which are pealed regularly throughout the day. Special carillon concerts are sometimes held too.

The Belfort is located on Markt 7 the closest bus stop is Brugge Wollestraat. The Belfort is open daily, and there's a fee to climb it. Long lines are common, especially in peak season. Children are allowed up the tower just ensure they're watched at all times.

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Gheestelic hof by CW Hotel Collection
Hotel Biskajer by CW Hotel Collection - Adults Only
Hotel Ter Brughe by CW Hotel Collection

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tab

Reviews of Bruges Belfry

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
152
" "5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
98
" "4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go early when it opens so you don't waste precious time queuing.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Too many people in May for comfort.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

go early to climb tower

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go early in the day to avoid queues, the stairways are horribly narrow so crossing people on the stairs at peak time would be a nightmare.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Martin's Brugge
Martin's Brugge
3 out of 5
Oude Burg 5, Bruges
Martin's Brugge
Dukes’ Palace – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection
Dukes’ Palace – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection
5 out of 5
Prinsenhof 8, Bruges
Dukes’ Palace – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection
Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges
Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges
4 out of 5
Hoogstraat 6, Bruges
Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges
ibis budget Brugge Centrum Station
ibis budget Brugge Centrum Station
1 out of 5
Marie Popelinplantsoen 4, Bruges
ibis budget Brugge Centrum Station
Grand Hotel Normandy by CW Hotel Collection
Grand Hotel Normandy by CW Hotel Collection
4 out of 5
Hoefijzerlaan 37, Bruges
Grand Hotel Normandy by CW Hotel Collection
Crowne Plaza Bruges, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Bruges, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Burg 10, Bruges
Crowne Plaza Bruges, an IHG Hotel
Martin's Relais
Martin's Relais
4 out of 5
Genthof 4, Bruges
Martin's Relais
Hotel Acacia
Hotel Acacia
4 out of 5
Korte Zilverstraat 5, Bruges
Hotel Acacia
Dukes’ Arches – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection
Dukes’ Arches – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection
4 out of 5
Hoogstraat 20, Bruges
Dukes’ Arches – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.