Basilica of the Holy Blood
Basilica of the Holy Blood: Our most recommended tours and activities
1. Bruges: Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour
Explore Bruges on a walking tour with a local guide. Learn about local history as you stroll through the heart of the city, then join a boat trip along the canals. Admire quaint homes and iconic landmarks from the water. Meet your guide in the Market for a guided tour of the city. Discover the narrowest street, the beautiful 12th-century basilica, and the golden statues on the impressive courthouse. Next, explore the old fish market surrounded by 126 columns. Your guide will show the highlights and a hidden garden of an almshouse. Then, embark on the second part of the tour. Board your boat at the quay for a cruise along the canals. Sail beside ivy-covered facades and under bridges as you learn about the beautiful sites from your captain. Admire the old trading houses at the former harbor and the Beguinage.
2. From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour
Meet your guide in the center of Brussels and relax on the 100-kilometer journey to Bruges. Upon arrival, discover the charms of "the Venice of the North" and see why the entire historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at highlights such as the Lake of Love (Minnewater Lake) and the 13th-century Begijnhof complex, founded in 1245 to house lay religious women. Go to Walplein Square, where the shady trees and cafes provide a perfect place to relax. Visit Stoofstraat on the site of the city's former Red Light District, and see medieval monuments such as the 11th-century Old St. John's Hospital. Look at the world's second tallest brickwork tower at the Church of Our Lady, and see other historic monuments such as Gruuthuse Palace, the Dijver Canal and the tiny piazza of Tanners Square (Huidenvettersplein). Go to one of the city's most photographed spots at Rozenhoedkaai, and admire the Belfry on Castle Square. Admire the facades of the Gothic-style Town Hall and the 12th-century Basilica of the Holy Blood. Visit Market Square (Grote Markt) to see the Bell Tower (Belfort) and Sint-Salvator's Cathedral. Then enjoy 1-hour's free time for lunch (at your own expense) and the chance to sample some of the city's delicious chocolates. Next, drive to Ghent, where the inhabitants have been popularly known as "noose-bearers" since the days of Charles V. Take a guided tour of the city's historic buildings, such as the Castle of Gerald the Devil and Saint Bavo Cathedral, where you can look at the painting "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by the Van Eyck brothers. Admire the Belfort (Bell Tower) and peculiar Gothic and Renaissance-style Town Hall. See one of the city's oldest monuments at St. Nicholas' Church opposite the unusual facade of the Masons' Guild House. Journey along the embankments of the medieval port of Graslei, and discover other highlights such as the majestic Castle of the Counts of Flanders, the charming Patershol neighborhood, the Great Butchers' Hall, the Old Fish Market, and Friday Market Square.
3. From Amsterdam: Day Trip to Bruges
Embark on a day out to Bruges from Amsterdam and discover the World Heritage Site. See the romantic Lake of Love, walk around the Burg Square, and enjoy some free time to taste the Belgium beers. Depart from the center of Amsterdam in a comfortable and airconditioned bus. Learn from your guide all about the historic center of Bruges and why it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your tour with an introduction to the history of Belgium and Bruges. See the Lake of Love and the Begijnhof, founded in 1245. Visit the historic city center, learn more about Belgium's world-famous beers and see the Church of Our Lady. Admire one of the most charming areas, around the Dyver canal. Continue your walk to Walplein Square, the Stoofstraat, Gruuthuse Palace, Burg Square with its Gothic Town Hall, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Grote Markt with the Belfort. The tour finishes in the Grote Markt, in the heart of Bruges. Get recommendations on where to eat, drink and shop during your 3 hours of free time in the city. Sit back and relax as you head back to Amsterdam, where the tour ends.
4. From Amsterdam. 12-Hour Guided Day Trip to Bruges
Discover the old-fashioned charm of Bruges on this guided tour from Amsterdam. Ride in a comfortable and air-conditioned coach and See sights like the Minnewater lake, Gruuthuse Palace, and the Grote Markt on a guided tour and have free time to explore the sights on your own. Depart Amsterdam and journey to Bruges to see the UNESCO World Heritage monuments with an English-speaking guide. Get an introduction to the history of Belgium as you visit attractions such as the "Lake of Love" (Minnewater) and 13th-century Begijnhof. Learn more about the beers of Belgium and admire the brick tower of the Church of Our Lady. Explore the charming area around the Dyver canal, and then stroll the cobbled square of Walplein. Wander the narrow lanes of the Stoofstraat and discover the Gruuthuse Palace, Burg Square, and Basilica of the Holy Blood. End in the Grote Markt and get 3 hours of free time for lunch or to visit the chocolate and lace shops independently.
5. From Paris: Day Trip to Bruges with Seasonal Canal Cruise
Escape Paris for the day and cross the border to the capital of the West Flanders region of Flemish Belgium. The full-day tour, with round-trip transfers from central Paris, will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bruges, sometimes referred to as the "Venice of the North." Enjoy a guided walk of the historically rich center, admiring the gothic-style City Hall, the ornate Renaissance architecture of the Place du Bourg, and the 12th-century Basilique du Saint-Sang (Basilica of the Holy Blood), among other attractions. Free time will be allocated for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy Belgian specialties, such as traditional moules frites (mussels and French fries) and an extensive selection of Belgian beers. A visit to the Groeningemuseum, home to Flemish master painters, such as van Eyck and Hieronymous Bosch is a popular way to spend an afternoon in Bruges. Alternatively, shop for handmade lace and Belgian chocolates in the city's boutique stores. During the summer season, choose the guided option to enjoy a boat cruise along some of the most famous canals of Bruges, built as far back as the 12th century.
6. Bruges Private 2-Hour Walking Tour
You'll be welcomed by your guide at an agreed central Bruges location to begin your private tour that's priced for up to 20 persons. During the 2-hour guided tour of Bruges's UNESCO-listed historic center, you'll take in the most important attractions of the city. The following is a sample itinerary, departing from 't Zand Square, at the Concert Hall: Head along the main shopping street in the direction of the Market Square. Along the way you'll pay a visit to the St. Savior Cathedral. Visit the Market Place with the imposing 83-meter-tall belfry and continue to Jan Van Eyck Square, once the center of Hanseatic Bruges. From the 13th to the 15th century this area was the economic and financial hub of Flanders. See the impressive houses that are a reminder of the leading role Bruges played as a commercial center in those days. You will pass the city theater, the Saaihalle (1399), Huis ter Beurze (the first stock exchange), and the Toll House. A little further along you'll arrive at the Burg, one of the most charming squares in town. See the stunning Gothic City Hall, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Liberty of Bruges, once the city's courthouse, and today the Municipal Archives. Walk through the Fish Market, Tanners Square and the very picturesque Dijver. Pass St. Mary's Church and a little farther on, you'll make a brief stop at St. John's Hospital (one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe). The walk ends at the Minnewater and the Princely Béguinage.
7. Bruges Full-Day Guided Tour from Brussels
Discover the "Venice of the North" on a full-day guided tour of Bruges from Brussels. Depart the Belgian capital and transfer to the charming town of Bruges, located 100 kilometers northwest (and just 15 kilometers from the North Sea). Upon arrival, see why the entire historic center of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go to the Lake of Love (Minnewaterpark) to see a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Marvel at the 13th-century Begijnhof, which is covered in a carpet of daffodils in the spring. Continue to the quiet, paved square of Walplein, and stroll down the narrow Stoofstraat. See sights such as the 800-year-old St. John's Hospital, and the imposing façade of the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk). Learn the history of the opulent palace of Gruuthuse, and walk alongside the banks of the Dijver Canal. Other highlights include the charming canal-side houses of the Rozenhoedkaai, the tiny square of the Huidenvettersplein (Tanners Square), and the site of the 1st count's castle on Castle Square. Striking buildings on the square and nearby include the Basilica of the Holy Blood, City Hall, the neighboring Market Square (Grote Markt), a handsome Belfry (Belfort) tower. Then, enjoy free time for lunch and to explore the city as you please. Taste some of the exclusive chocolates of Bruges and pop into some of the legendary lace shops. Transfer back to Brussels, with an approximate 18:00 arrival time.
8. Bruges: Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour
Travel back in time to the golden days of medieval Bruges on this private walking tour through the historical heart of the city. Your guide will share stories of love, glory, and fortune, as well as tales of intrigue, war, and conflict. After meeting your guide on the main square of Bruges, walk through the medieval heart of the city that includes all the must-visit spots. The highlights include the Market Square, the Church of Our Lady, St. John's Hospital, the Gruuthuse Palace, the Minnewater (Lake of Love), the Beguinage, Half Moon Brewery, Fish Market, Burg Square, and many more. Make a stop at the Rosary Quay (Rozenhoedkaai), the most photographed spot in town, where you can take your own snapshots of this memorable spot. As you explore highlights and hidden gems, you'll get the perfect mix of history, funny stories, legends, and facts — everything you need to make your experience of Bruges authentic and exciting. By the end of the tour, you'll know more than a local and you'll have a better idea of where to go and what to do during your time in Bruges. As an added perk, you'll receive a booklet with discounts and gifts at local restaurants, museums, and shops.
9. Bruges: 2-Hour Guided Tour
Your guide will meet you at the meeting point, just a few minutes from the central train station at 10:30 AM and begin this 2-hour tour. Experience the many charms of the Venice of the North and see why the historic center of Bruges was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the city tour you'll see the Lake of Love, the Begijnhof (founded in 1245), Walplein Square, the Stoofstraat, Old St. John's Hospital, the Church of Our Lady, Gruuthuse Palace, the Dijver Canal, Rozenhoedkaai, Tanners Square (Huidenvettersplein), the Burg Square with its Gothic Town Hall, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Market Square (Grote Markt) with the Belfort. At the end of the visit, inside the Beer Museum of Bruges, your guide will answer all your questions and recommend places for lunch outside the tourist area. The guide will also give you advice about Belgium's famous beer and about additional places to visit, including museums.
10. Bruges: City Highlights Exploration Game
Think you can solve challenges on your phone to discover the highlights of Bruges? It's time for a sightseeing exploration game. Play on your own and pause to stop at places you like, or race competitively against your friends to the Lake of Love. Start at 'T Zand information point, solving the challenges as the story unfolds. Follow exact directions on your phone to guide yourself to the next location.
Bruges: Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour
From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour
10 - 10.5 hours
From Amsterdam. 12-Hour Guided Day Trip to Bruges
From Amsterdam: Day Trip to Bruges
From Paris: Day Trip to Bruges with Seasonal Canal Cruise
Bruges: Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour
Bruges Full-Day Guided Tour from Brussels
Bruges Private 2-Hour Walking Tour
Bruges: 2-Hour Guided Tour
Bruges: City Highlights Exploration Game
Bruges: Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame
From Paris: Private Bruges Tour
Amsterdam: Private Day Trip to Bruges
Brussels: Small Group Discovery Tour of Bruges
Private walking tour with chocolate tasting: 3 hours
The Netherlands: Private Day Trip to Antwerp and Bruges
Top sights near Basilica of the Holy Blood
1. Choco-Story, Bruges
2. Belfry of Bruges
3. Frietmuseum
4. Historium Bruges
5. Jan Van Eyck Square
Top Attractions in Bruges
1 Frietmuseum
2 Church of Our Lady, Bruges
3 Beguinage
4 Belfry of Bruges
5 Burg Square
6 Lake of Love
7 Markt, Bruges
8 Gruuthusemuseum
9 Groeningemuseum
10 Halve Maan brewery
11 Stoofstraat
12 Sint-Janshospitaal Museum
13 Dijver, Belgium
14 St. Salvator's Cathedral
15 Grote Markt
16 Bruges City Hall
17 Walplein Square
18 Historium Bruges
19 Bonifacius Bridge
20 Huidenvettersplein
Things to Do in Basilica of the Holy Blood
1 Basilica of the Holy Blood Activities
2 Basilica of the Holy Blood Tours
3 Basilica of the Holy Blood Architecture
4 Basilica of the Holy Blood Day trips
6 Basilica of the Holy Blood Culture & history
7 Basilica of the Holy Blood Rainy-day activities
8 Basilica of the Holy Blood Outdoor activities
9 Basilica of the Holy Blood Museums & exhibitions
10 Basilica of the Holy Blood Night tours
11 Basilica of the Holy Blood Private tours
12 Basilica of the Holy Blood Romance & special occasions
13 Basilica of the Holy Blood Activities for couples
14 Basilica of the Holy Blood Family-friendly activities
15 Basilica of the Holy Blood Good for groups
16 Basilica of the Holy Blood Boats & yachts
17 Basilica of the Holy Blood Chocolate tours
18 Basilica of the Holy Blood Culinary & nightlife
19 Basilica of the Holy Blood Food & drinks
20 Basilica of the Holy Blood Entry tickets
Cities in Belgium
1 Brussels
2 Bruges
3 Ghent
4 Antwerp
5 Tervuren
6 Liège
7 Ostend
8 De Panne, Belgium
Other Sightseeing Options in Basilica of the Holy Blood
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What people are saying about Basilica of the Holy Blood
Such a great experience! So easy, getting driven to and from Bruges was comfortable and felt quick. The tour was great and we learnt a lot about the history of Bruges. It was great to get free time too to be able to explore on our own. Definitely recommend this tour for people unable to rent cars in europe but who want to explore different countries and cities close by.
From Amsterdam. 12-Hour Guided Day Trip to Bruges Reviewed by Chloe, 1/6/2023
Buen tour, el guía (Carlos) siempre fué informativo durante la visita, los lugares no decepcionaron, se logró apreciar en su mayoría lo que son las ciudades de Brujas y Gante.
From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour Reviewed by Daniel, 1/5/2023
We left at 8:30 from the meeting point and went to Bruges and then Ghent. The guide explained the essentials to us and then we had time to wander around the beautiful towns
From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour Reviewed by federico, 1/6/2023
We had a terrific guide, Martin, who was patient, knowledgeable and interesting. A great way to see a beautiful city.
Bruges: Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour Reviewed by Peter, 1/3/2023
Very good tour, our guide very good in explanations and doubts that we had and the place is very beautiful.
From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour Reviewed by Fabiola, 1/3/2023
Things to do in Bruges