The Belfry is the symbol of Bruges. Its tower has stood over the Markt since the thirteenth century, when the city’s charters, treasury and bells were kept inside as a statement of civic pride and independence, and it is part of the UNESCO listing of the belfries of Belgium and France. Today the climb is the classic Bruges experience. A narrow spiral staircase of 366 steps takes you up through the old treasury room and past the great clock mechanism and the carillon, whose bells still ring out over the square, to a viewing gallery high above the rooftops. From the top the whole medieval city spreads out below you: the gables of the Markt, the spires of the Church of Our Lady and St Salvator’s, the canals and, on a clear day, the flat Flemish countryside running to the coast. Visits are on timed tickets with a limited number of climbers per hour.
How it works: the Belfry is run by Musea Brugge, and visitor numbers are capped per hour, so book a time slot online in advance and arrive on time, because late arrivals can lose their slot. Tickets are sold for each slot, and the Musea Brugge Card covers the Belfry too, though you still reserve a time. Entry closes an hour before closing time, and the tower can shut at short notice in strong winds or storms. It is open on Mondays, unlike most city museums, and closes early on 24 and 31 December.
What to expect: the stairs are steep, narrow and shared with people coming down, so this is only for visitors who are reasonably fit and comfortable in tight spaces. There are landings to pause on, including the treasury room and the carillon chamber, where you can watch the drum that plays the bells. The top gallery is caged but open to the air, and it can be cold and windy in winter.
Making the most of it: book an early or late slot to avoid the busiest hours, and time your climb for the bells if you can. Afterwards, the Markt, the Historium and the Burg with the Basilica of the Holy Blood are all within a few minutes on foot. In December the Christmas market fills the square below.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided climb of 366 narrow steps on a timed ticket, with stops at the treasury and the carillon before the rooftop gallery.
Best time
The first or last slots of the day are the calmest, and clear winter mornings give the longest views.
How long
Allow about an hour, including the climb, the landings and the view at the top.
Tips
Book your slot in advance, arrive on time, wear grippy shoes and leave big bags at your hotel.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want the definitive view over medieval Bruges.
- Families
- Fit school-age children love the climb, but the steep stairs are not for toddlers or anyone carrying a child.
- Couples
- Climb late in the day, then stroll the lit Markt and the Burg together afterwards.
- Pair with
- The Historium on the Markt, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and a canal boat trip nearby.
- Time needed
- About an hour, plus time to linger on the Markt.
Good questions
How many steps does the Belfry of Bruges have?+
There are 366 steps to the top. The staircase is steep and narrow, so the climb is only recommended for visitors in good physical condition.
Do I need to book a time slot for the Belfry?+
Yes, the number of visitors per hour is limited, so booking a slot online in advance is strongly recommended. Arrive on time, because late arrivals can lose their slot.
Is the Belfry included in the Musea Brugge Card?+
Yes, the 72-hour Musea Brugge Card includes the Belfry. You should still reserve a time slot for your climb.
Is the Belfry open on Mondays?+
Yes, the Belfry is one of the few Musea Brugge locations that opens on Mondays. Check the official page for the current hours before you go.
Can the Belfry close because of the weather?+
Yes, it may close in gusty or stormy weather for safety reasons. On windy days, check the official page on the morning of your visit.
