I used my Brugge Museum Pass (purchased online and most cost effective when visiting 3 or more…read moremuseums/activities in 72 hours) and had the QR code scanned for admittance. If you have any backpacks or bags then you must store them in the free lockers due to the tight confines on the staircase. The climb was up 366 steps that first started with stone but later turned into narrower wooden steps making a tight staircase with two way traffic. If timed correctly then you may see and hear the carillon in action for a few minutes. That was the highlight of my visit but there are scheduled carillon "concerts" to enjoy when in Brugge. The views were nice as could be on that cloudy morning. Wire screens on all opening impacted some photos but one can capture most of the city. On the way down I took my time and finally stopped to view the exhibits on the bells, drum (programming for ringing the bells), carillon, the tower history, etc. Before exiting the staff will rescan your ticket. There was a small gift shop after the turnstiles.

I told myself that I am going to the top of Belfort even if it kills me…read more This is the center of Bruges. U just have to do this if u r here. From the outside looks like a medieval castle but it is a bell tower built in the 13th century, actually Bruges is a medieval city. It has 366 steps but felt like 1,000. Going up my heart felt like it was going to explode, on the way down does not affect ur cardio but hard on the knees. There is a thick rope on the right side to hold on too. Right of way goes to people going down. There are three levels u can take a break. One rest has the mechanical carillon which controls the music box, I was fortunate to be there when it was activated. This was physically brutal but I felt like I accomplished something big. I am physically strong however I realize I need to work on my cardio. Additionally, there was a Christmas Market in front of Belfort as well as others within walking distance. So much delicious food at the Christmas Markets. Belgian waffles are delicious, but they don't put syrup on them, they uses strawberries and bananas, powdered sugar or nutella. Hot wine is a thing, probably because it is about 40 degrees. The streets and businesses have lights and Christmas decorations, so festive. There was a celebrity chef Kurt Mortier there making delicious bratwurst, the line was long, he was very friendly, sausages are a big deal here. My favorite food discovery was chicken in mushroom cream sauce, where has this dish been all my life? This is the Christmas magic I felt as a child. There is a Santa Claus.

When I visited the beautiful medieval city of Bruges, I joined a tour that included a visit to the…read moreChoco-Story Museum. We were taken to the chocolate classroom, where the chocolatier explained the chocolate-making process, the history of cacao, and demonstrated the actual process of making chocolate. We actually tried the chocolate right after the chocolatier made it, and it was incredibly delicious. After the class, we walked through the entire museum, which featured many chocolate artworks, free chocolate tastings, and a gift shop. I purchased a chocolate box as a gift and discovered many interesting chocolate products in the gift shop. I really enjoyed the museum experience, especially seeing the various chocolate artworks.

I cannot believe more people do not give more stars to this place…read more Whoever made this museum ... no detail in the story of the history of chocolate is left unexplored. There are three or four floors chock full of exhibits on every possible aspect of the history of chocolate from the ancient Maya to ads to the Spanish conquistadors to the French royal family ... ancient artifacts and all the tools each successive era used to produce and consume chocolate ... honestly it's a great way to get some global history learning in on vacation. And, unlimited chocolate samples at the end plus an interesting free demonstration. Many disappointed tourists showed up and were turned away so be sure to get your tickets online the day before. €14 per adult.

Nice setup, with informative plaques. It's not crowded, and the museum takes you through the…read moreexhibition in a way that creates a good flow. It's well worth the money (9euros per person for adults). On the down side, it's not wheelchair or walkerframe friendly. Bonus tip: you can get tickets for the witch "museum" there too.. that too, is super cool, and right next to the torture museum

We loved the torture museum. Shocked at what was done thru the years. 20 euro for 3 adults…read more Probably spent 45 minutes here.

A museum dedicated to frites is an awesome idea, and the frietmuseum is a quirky museum filled with…read moreall things frites. It starts with the history of the humble potato and then goes through various exhibits on fries - cooking methods, fries overseas, fries from the past, models of frites shops, appliances, etc. The exhibits are well described but there ia lot to read so it could take some time if you read everything. The museum also has a frites shop in the basement but it closes early, which was a bummer. Overall, a fun experience although a bit pricey for what it is.

Fun and kind of funky museum about the history of fries and potatoes. It has a lot of memorabilia…read morefrom different countries that we can all relate to and fun. The history of the potato is very important in the development of the world. It fueled many countries and provided low cost and nutrition to many who could work in the Industrial Revolution and it continues to be a vital staple today.

Fabulous experience. Very much a highlight of our short stay in Bruges. Luc is a genius and a mad…read morescientist of all things harp. You will leave with a smile.

Wow! This harp concert was so freaking amazing and definitely worth checking out if you have an…read morehour to spare. Follow the signs at Site Oud Sint-Jan. Luc plays at 3:00PM, 5:00PM, and 6:30PM. Please show up on time and stay for the entire performance (total, it's about 50 minutes). Don't be rude and ruin the experience for everyone. If you do come in slightly late, please take a seat during the short pause between songs. It's in a small room that seats about 40 people, and Luc does a quick 2-minute introduction, plays for the majority of the time, and gives a 5-7 minute explanation about the instruments he played after he's done. It truly is "Harps around the World," a one-man show. He only plays his own compositions, which are amazing. He controls the lighting (including different colored lights), and he's not offended when you fall asleep. He knows his music can be relaxing, but just don't snore!! The music is soothing and beautiful. I definitely fell asleep...because the concert was so great!!! Luc is a harp master, passionate about his craft. He switches between multiple harps, including Grand Concert Harp, Celtic Harp, Harmonic Sound Harp (a self-made contraption made of sound harps usually only used for music therapy!), traditional harps from China, Japan, India, cymbals from Tibet, Nepal, and Japan, gongs from China, a steel harp, and a Lyre de Ur. The last one is a replica of an ancient instrument from 200BC that was excavated, and one that he spent 2 years making! And he only finished it a couple months ago, so check it out now. Nothing like it. He even shows you a video of the process. Finally, this concert is free, as in donation-based, but you can purchase CDs as support as well. Please support him if you have the means to do so. Luc himself keeps it free because he believes that $$$ should not be a barrier to cultural and arts enrichment. I obviously loved the performance, and hope you choose to check it out!

Small museum in the former town residence of the first Belgian queen (who also died here). The main…read moresubject is the port and the fishing business of Ostend through the centuries. Some nice replicas of old boats and interesting paintings. With some more support, this place could become an attractive spot.

This building is the biggest and most prominent on the Bruges main square. Go inside on a rainy day…read moreto do the VR experience or history experience, or simply go up to the top level's beer bar for a quick drink and view of the square from above (no cost to just walk up). The VR experience was included in the ticket we chose and actually pretty cool to see that there was once a canal going under the building for board and commerce in Bruges. The history experience throughout the building was a little strange -- like an animatronic story where you walk in room after room. I liked how interactive and Disney-like it was, but the story in general is just a little random (?). You follow a pretty girl in a red cloak through the markets and there's a bird and a painter and people looking for her or something? I would've loved to learn more about actual Bruges which is why I wouldn't consider it a must-do for visitors. We brought our toddler with us through it, but I wouldn't recommend for kids under 15 ish... it's dark and there's a room with women of the night portrayed so it just kind of leaves you wondering who this general exhibit is for as most of it would be great for kids but then there's that dropped into it for no reason. The beer bar and view is cool though! PS: The shop inside could be improved as it has a lot of junky merch and the main manager lady is not friendly... she got upset at one of her employees and we felt bad for them because she hadn't been nice to us either.

Overpriced, low-budget experience with little historical relevance to Bruges. The VR Virtual…read moreReality film feels two decades old. The story of Jacob is uninteresting and focuses on a lost bird as you meander through 8 rooms with plastic decorations. I would love to see the IQ test results from anyone who rated this 5 stars. Seems to be targeted at people who don't get outside much. They upsell you on the tower climb which only accommodates 6 people at a time, leading to long wait times. Staff is hapless, and the supervisor is a condescending prick. They got our 62 euros though, so I guess they win.

This place is a-OK…read more Listed as a museum, but it is also a restaurant. We had the croquettes and they were fabulous. Service left a little to be desired, but they were attending to a wedding. Come here to take in some history, pair it with a beer and light snack while you're at it :)