Hansa Quarter (Jan van Eyck) Bruges
Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage city, enchants with its medieval charm, picturesque canals, and rich artistic heritage, offering a fairytale escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Hansa Quarter (Jan van Eyck) Bruges
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage city, enchants with its medieval charm, picturesque canals, and rich artistic heritage, offering a fairytale escape.
"Bruges is a fairytale city, one of the most charming and fairytale-like cities we've ever been to."
🚶♀️ Wander off the beaten path
Explore quieter streets in the northern part for charming, less-crowded views.
🍫 Taste the best chocolate
The Chocolate Line is highly recommended for its amazing, unique chocolates.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jan van Eyckplein
Jan van Eyckplein
A serene square honoring the Flemish master, with canals, bridges, and historic buildings like the Poortersloge.
Canal Boat Tour
Various departure points
See Bruges from a unique perspective, gliding past medieval architecture and hidden corners. Sit at the front to hear the guide better.
Belfry of Bruges
Market Square
Climb the 366 steps for breathtaking panoramic views of the city's rooftops and canals.
Choco-Story Museum
Close to Market Square
Indulge your sweet tooth with a fascinating history of chocolate, complete with unlimited samples at the end!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Bruges' Charm
Navigating Bruges: Beyond the Station
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wander off the beaten path
Explore quieter streets in the northern part for charming, less-crowded views.
🍫 Taste the best chocolate
The Chocolate Line is highly recommended for its amazing, unique chocolates.
🍺 Discover local brews
Try 't Brugs Beertje for an extensive beer selection and helpful recommendations.
🚫 Skip the horse carriages
Opt for canal boat tours instead; they offer better value and unique views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wander off the beaten path
Explore quieter streets in the northern part for charming, less-crowded views.
🍫 Taste the best chocolate
The Chocolate Line is highly recommended for its amazing, unique chocolates.
🍺 Discover local brews
Try 't Brugs Beertje for an extensive beer selection and helpful recommendations.
🚫 Skip the horse carriages
Opt for canal boat tours instead; they offer better value and unique views.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Cobblestone streets are beautiful but can be tough on your feet.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bruges for its incredibly picturesque and fairytale-like atmosphere, with its charming canals, medieval architecture, and delicious chocolate being major highlights. The city is often described as a must-visit for its beauty and romantic ambiance. However, some find it can get overwhelmingly crowded, especially during peak season, and a few mention that certain tourist activities, like horse-drawn carriages, can be overpriced.
"Jan van Eyckplein is a picturesque square in the heart of Bruges, Belgium, named after the renowned Flemish painter Jan van Eyck. The square is situated at the intersection of Academiestraat, Spiegelrei, and Spanjaardstraat, and is renowned for its historical significance and architectural beauty. At the center of the square stands a statue of Jan van Eyck, created in 1878 by sculptor Hendrik Pickery. This statue commemorates the artist's contributions to the Northern Renaissance. Surrounding the square are several notable buildings: the Poortersloge (Burghers’ Lodge), a late 14th-century building that once served as a meeting place for Bruges' elite merchants. It later housed the Academy of Fine Arts and currently hosts art exhibitions. The Tolhuis (Old Tollhouse) is a late Gothic structure dating back to 1477, originally used to collect tolls from goods entering Bruges. The building features a distinctive polychrome coat of arms and is now part of the city's architectural heritage. Jan van Eyckplein offers a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for leisurely walks and photography. Its blend of historical architecture and artistic heritage reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Bruges."
Tiago Camacho
"Jan van Eyckplein is a square off the tourist pathways in Brugge (Bruges). There are a red teal restaurants and cafes in the area and even a few benches in the square. Most notably there are a series of lovely canals and bridges originating from this square. Worth checking this peaceful square out"
Nanita
"The best Flemish painter at all time!"
Jigme
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bruges train station is about a 20-minute walk from the historic city center. You can also take a taxi or a local bus. If you have a lot of luggage, a taxi might be the most convenient option.
Yes, Bruges is very walkable! Most of the main attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. Just be prepared for cobblestone streets, so comfortable footwear is essential.
While you can see the highlights in a day, many visitors recommend at least two days to truly soak in the atmosphere and explore at a relaxed pace. A day trip might feel rushed, especially if you want to visit museums or enjoy leisurely meals.
Yes, it's very easy! Trains run frequently between Brussels and Bruges, taking approximately one hour. This makes Bruges a popular day trip or short stay destination from the capital.
While the city center is best explored on foot, local buses connect different parts of Bruges, including the train station to the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For popular attractions like the Belfry or Choco-Story, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues.
The Belfry typically opens around 9:30 AM and closes in the late afternoon, with the last entry usually an hour before closing. It's best to check the official Musea Brugge website for the most current hours.
Jan van Eyckplein itself is a public square and is free to visit. However, any museums or specific buildings within the square may have admission fees.
Wandering the charming streets, crossing bridges, and enjoying the canals are all free! The Jan van Eyckplein is also a free public space to admire.
You can usually purchase tickets directly from the boat operators at various points along the canals. Booking online in advance might be an option for some companies.
📸 📸 Photography
Jan van Eyckplein offers beautiful canal reflections and historic architecture. The canals themselves, especially around Rozenhoedkaai, are iconic.
Climbing the Belfry provides stunning panoramic shots.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and fewer crowds. Golden hour before sunset is particularly magical.
The statue of Jan van Eyck in Jan van Eyckplein is a key photo opportunity. The Groeningemuseum also houses several of his masterpieces, offering a chance to photograph his art (check museum policies on photography).
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both wide canal scenes and details. A wide-angle lens is useful for the narrow streets. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots or long exposures of the canals.
Yes, absolutely! Canal tours offer unique vantage points for photography. Just be mindful of the boat's movement and other passengers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Belgian waffles, fries (frites), chocolate, and beer are essential! For seafood lovers, try mussels.
House of Waffles is highly recommended for its delicious waffles with a perfect batter and sugar coating. The Chocolate Line also offers amazing treats, though it's primarily known for chocolate.
Yes, Jan van Eyckplein is surrounded by several eateries and cafes, offering a pleasant spot to dine. For specific recommendations, Gastro, Zwart Huis, and Toms Diner are mentioned by locals.
Le Trappiste and Rose Red are great for beer enthusiasts. Vlissinghe is a historic 500-year-old pub, and De Garre is popular with tourists.
Dining in the main tourist areas can be pricier. Exploring side streets or looking for local recommendations can help find more affordable and authentic options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to explore the charming streets and look for hidden details. The Belfry of Bruges climb might be challenging for very young children, but older kids will enjoy the sense of accomplishment and the amazing views.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for picnics with supplies from local bakeries and markets instead of eating every meal in restaurants.
🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
Don't miss the Church of Our Lady, which houses Michelangelo's 'Madonna and Child' sculpture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistic Legacy of Jan van Eyck
The square itself is surrounded by historically significant buildings. The Poortersloge (Burghers' Lodge), dating back to the late 14th century, was once a meeting place for Bruges' wealthy merchants and later housed the Academy of Fine Arts. The Tolhuis (Old Tollhouse), a late Gothic structure from 1477, served as a customs point for goods entering the city.
For art lovers, a visit to the Groeningemuseum is a must. It houses several of Van Eyck's masterpieces, alongside works by other Flemish Primitives like Bosch.
Experiencing Bruges' Canals
Beyond the organized tours, simply wandering along the canals is a delight. The area around Jan van Eyckplein is particularly lovely, with picturesque bridges and reflections of historic buildings.
While horse-drawn carriages are a traditional sight, many travelers advise opting for the canal boats for better value and a more immersive experience.
A Taste of Bruges: Chocolate, Beer, and More
No trip to Belgium is complete without sampling its famous beers. Bruges has excellent beer bars like 't Brugs Beertje, where you can get expert advice on choosing from an extensive selection.
Beyond sweets and drinks, Bruges offers hearty Belgian cuisine. Look for traditional dishes like mussels and frites, and don't forget to try a Belgian waffle from a reputable spot like House of Waffles.
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