Market Square: The Heart of Bruges

Name: Market Square
Address: Markt, Brugge, Vlaams Gewest, 8000, BE
Rating: 4.7

Home
Destinations
Bruges
Market Square: The Heart of Bruges

Overview

Market Square, known to locals as De Markt, serves as the central public square of Bruges, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the city. Spanning over 2.5 acres, this lively square is steeped in history and continues to play a key role in contemporary events. Originally a marketplace for trade and social gatherings, today it bustles with an array of restaurants, cafes, stores, and market stalls amid the beautifully cobbled streets. Surrounding the square are significant historical buildings, and visitors can experience a horse-drawn carriage ride while taking in the scenery. On Wednesday mornings, a vibrant market takes place here, offering local goods and delicacies. Iconic attractions nearby include the famous Bell Tower and the Dali Xpo Gallery featuring works by Salvador Dali. The charm of Market Square is accentuated by traditional Dutch architecture, including gable-roofed houses and the 19th-century Provincial Courthouse. At its center, a statue commemorates local heroes Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, celebrating the spirit of resistance from the year 1302.

Reviews

Yusuf Kadir

Turkey

The historic city center provides a charming look into the past. Horse-drawn carriages create a medieval atmosphere as they gently clip-clop along the cobblestone streets. This is the ideal starting point for your guided horse carriage tour. The sounds of bells enhance the ambiance, making for a truly unforgettable experience. There are also several cafes surrounding the square. A statue and a few flags are also present in the square.

Simon Knight

United Kingdom

It's a square featuring restaurants on two sides, some historic buildings on one side, and the Belfort on the other. Horse and carriage rides depart from here. A nice spot for people watching!

Sara Yildiz

Turkey

In this historic square, visitors can enjoy local cuisine and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the past. With horse-drawn carriages and unique architecture, immerse yourself in Belgium's rich culture. It's a fascinating experience! I also suggest ordering some snacks to pair with a glass of wine for a relaxing afternoon.

Iwan Davis

United Kingdom

I attended the Bruges Christmas market, and it was delightful here. The atmosphere was brilliant and not overly crowded. It was also quite beautiful and picturesque with many historical buildings surrounding it. Overall, I highly recommend visiting and truly enjoyed my time here.

Lara Rose

United Kingdom

I explored the Bruges Christmas Market in Market Square. It was very cute. I went during the afternoon and wasn’t sure what to expect, as pictures usually depict the night scene when everything is illuminated. It was still beautiful and enjoyable! The entire town had a very festive feeling, with many stalls serving delicious food and unique gifts.