Gentpoort Gate Bruges
A striking medieval city gate, the Gentpoort offers a glimpse into Bruges' historic defenses, especially enchanting when illuminated at night.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical ambiance
Gentpoort Gate Bruges
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking medieval city gate, the Gentpoort offers a glimpse into Bruges' historic defenses, especially enchanting when illuminated at night.
"This magnificent guard tower from the 1200s still holds a dominating presence!"
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Bruges is best explored on foot. Pack comfy shoes for cobblestone streets and extensive walking.
🌙 Evening Magic
Visit after 6 PM for fewer crowds and a more enchanting, less theme-park-like atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gentpoort Gate
Western edge of Bruges
A magnificent medieval city gate, beautifully lit at night. A testament to Bruges' historical defenses.
Canal Views
Throughout Bruges
Wander along picturesque canals, capturing the essence of Bruges' fairytale charm.
Historic City Center
Markt Square & Burg Square
Immerse yourself in the heart of Bruges, surrounded by stunning medieval architecture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Walkability
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Bruges is best explored on foot. Pack comfy shoes for cobblestone streets and extensive walking.
🌙 Evening Magic
Visit after 6 PM for fewer crowds and a more enchanting, less theme-park-like atmosphere.
Must-see/must-do/must-try things in Belgium as a first-time traveler to the country?
📸 Photo Hotspots
De Rozenhoedkaai and Minnewater are prime spots for stunning photos.
🍺 Local Brews
Try local beers at De Trappist or Cambrinus for a true taste of Belgium.
Visiting Bruges
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Bruges is best explored on foot. Pack comfy shoes for cobblestone streets and extensive walking.
🌙 Evening Magic
Visit after 6 PM for fewer crowds and a more enchanting, less theme-park-like atmosphere.
📸 Photo Hotspots
De Rozenhoedkaai and Minnewater are prime spots for stunning photos.
🍺 Local Brews
Try local beers at De Trappist or Cambrinus for a true taste of Belgium.
🚲 Explore Beyond
Rent bikes and cycle to nearby villages like Damme for a scenic countryside experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Gentpoort Gate as a magnificent historical landmark, especially when lit up at night. While you can't go inside, it's a key part of the Bruges ring tour. Some note the bridge can open frequently, causing minor delays. Overall, it's a well-preserved medieval structure offering a glimpse into the city's past.
"This magnificent guard tower from the 1200s still holds a dominating presence! Recommended to see at night as it’s so wonderfully lit up, just remember it is actively used so bikes and cars are going through and around it.
A shame you can’t go inside, but it’s a wonderful thing to go by as part of a tour around the ring of Bruges."
Caïna Verrin
"Beautiful place, don’t miss out, you can walk around the center in just 10 min walk and also free parking next to the ring road in 5/10min"
Rakel Calderer
"They can’t manage nada in this country. This bridge opens literally every five minutes…"
Li H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Trains are a straightforward way to reach Bruges. From Ghent, take a train from Gent Sint Pieters station to Brugge. The journey is about 25 minutes and costs around €7-€8. You can buy tickets at machines or from cashiers. Consider a 'weekend ticket' if traveling after Friday 7 PM for a round trip. +1
Yes, Bruges is a highly walkable city. You can easily get around on foot without needing public transport for most attractions.
Yes, there is free parking available near the ring road, typically a 5-10 minute walk from the center.
The Bruges train station is about a 20-minute walk from the old town center. Taxis or boats are also options if you prefer not to walk.
Yes, Bruges is a popular day trip destination, especially from cities like Ghent. However, it can get very crowded during the day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Unfortunately, you cannot go inside the Gentpoort Gate itself, but it's free to walk around and admire its exterior.
Wandering through the historic streets, along the canals, and visiting the city gates like Gentpoort are all free. The Wintergloed lighting walk is also free. +1
To avoid the peak day-tripper crowds, aim for early mornings or evenings after 6 PM. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
For most general attractions like walking around the city and seeing the gates, no advance booking is needed. However, for specific museums or popular tours, it's advisable to check their official websites.
The official websites managed by the City of Bruges are museabrugge.be/en and visitbruges.be/en.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic photo locations include De Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) for its classic canal view and the Minnewater (Lake of Love). The Gentpoort Gate is also striking, especially when lit at night.
Bruges is exceptionally beautiful for photography, with its medieval architecture, charming canals, and picturesque bridges. It's often described as a fairytale city.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful light. Evenings are also great for capturing the city's illuminated charm.
While not explicitly mentioned, many walking tours can be tailored to photography interests. The Wintergloed lighting walk can also offer unique photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the cityscapes and canals. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography in the evenings.
🍽️ 🍺 Food & Dining
House of Waffles is highly recommended for its delicious waffles with a perfect texture. Lizzie's Pancakes also serves huge, highly-regarded waffles.
For a local experience, try Bistro Den Amand or Lokkedize. Ribs 'n Beer and Boem Patat are good casual options. For a pub with many beers, consider De Trappist or Cambrinus. +1
De Halve Maan brewery offers tours and great beer. For pubs with extensive beer selections, De Trappist, Cambrinus, and De Garre are popular choices. +1
While specific recommendations are limited, many restaurants are becoming more accommodating. It's best to inquire directly with establishments about their options.
This is a traditional Belgian dish of beef stew cooked in beer, served with fries. It's a hearty and popular local meal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Walking around the city is generally easy with kids, but comfortable shoes are essential for everyone. For a unique family activity, consider a boat tour along the canals, which offers a different perspective of the city. Exploring the less crowded areas like the Vesten can also be more relaxed for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for affordable eats like fries from a 'frietkot' or consider picnics. Many of the best experiences, like soaking in the atmosphere and taking photos, are free. If you're traveling by train, look into budget-friendly ticket options like the weekend ticket.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To capture the best light, aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset. Evenings offer a magical ambiance with the city lights reflecting on the water. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the cityscapes and canals effectively.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Bruges' Medieval Gates
These gates, along with the remaining sections of the old city walls, are a testament to Bruges' strategic importance in medieval times. They served as crucial entry and exit points, as well as defensive structures. Visiting them provides a tangible connection to the city's past and offers a different perspective away from the main tourist thoroughfares.
For those interested in history and photography, exploring these gates and the surrounding ramparts offers a rewarding experience. The Kruispoort is another notable gate you might encounter. The Vesten also provide scenic walking paths, sometimes featuring windmills, adding to the picturesque charm of the outer edges of Bruges.
The Magic of Bruges After Dark
Experiencing Bruges in the evening allows for a more peaceful exploration of its charming streets and squares. It's the perfect time for a leisurely stroll, perhaps ending with dinner at one of the city's nicer restaurants. This quieter period offers a stark contrast to the bustling daytime energy and allows for a deeper appreciation of Bruges' fairytale ambiance.
For those looking to capture the city's nocturnal beauty, the evening hours provide excellent photographic opportunities. The reflections on the canals, the warm glow of streetlights on ancient facades, and the illuminated monuments create a photographer's dream.
Cycling Adventures Around Bruges
Cycling allows you to escape the city crowds and discover the picturesque Flemish countryside. You can enjoy scenic views of canals, fields, and charming rural landscapes. This is a great way to experience a different side of Belgium beyond the well-trodden tourist paths of Bruges.
This activity is particularly appealing for those who enjoy outdoor exploration and want to make the most of a longer stay in Bruges. It offers a refreshing change of pace and a chance to see more of the local culture and environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit