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Square · Bruges, Flandres Ocidental
Markt
The central square of Bruges, lined with houses with stepped gables, overlooked by the Belfort and the neo-Gothic provincial palace. Starting point for nearly all walking tours.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Markt
For centuries the Markt was Bruges' market place and it remains the heart of the city's life. On one side rises the Belfort, the 13th-century tower that symbolizes the power of the old merchants. Opposite, the narrow-fronted houses with stepped gables house restaurants with outdoor tables.
On the east side stands the Provinciaal Hof, a neo-Gothic building that houses the government of West Flanders. In the middle of the square a statue honors Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, leaders of the Flemish uprising in the early 14th century.
Horse-drawn carriages leave the square for rides through the center, and the shopping streets Steenstraat and Vlamingstraat start there. The Burg is just a few steps away along Breidelstraat, making it possible to link the two squares on the same walk.
Because it's Bruges' most visited square, it fills up on summer afternoons and weekends. Early in the morning, while shops are still closing the previous night's doors, you can see the façades with few people.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour to walk around the square and see the façades; more time if combined with the Belfort climb.
Best time
Early in the morning, when it's quieter, or at dusk, when the façades and the Belfort are illuminated.
How to get there
From Brugge station it's about a 20-minute walk through the center, or a few minutes by the city buses that stop near the square.
Tip
To photograph the entire square with the Belfort, stand on the side opposite the tower, near the Provinciaal Hof.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Markt
Are the Markt and the Grote Markt the same place?
Yes. In Bruges the square is simply called the Markt; Grote Markt is the name used in other Flemish cities and by many visitors.
What is the distance between the Markt and the Burg?
A few minutes on foot via Breidelstraat. The two squares sit side by side in the city center.