Hotels near Markt Square and Belfry of Bruges

The Markt is Bruges's main square - a huge cobbled rectangle ringed by Gothic step-gabled merchant houses, the neo-Gothic Provincial Court (Provinciaal Hof), and the 83-metre Belfry (Belfort) that has dominated the skyline since 1240. The whole Bruges historic centre is UNESCO-listed and the Belfry is the most-photographed building in Belgium.

Climb the Belfry's 366 steps to a viewing platform over the city's red-tile roofs and the carillon of 47 bells that play hourly Flemish folk music. Entry is EUR 16 with a timed slot - book online via Visit Bruges. Allow 60-90 minutes to climb, view, and descend. The Markt itself is free; horse carriages and frites stalls trade here all day.

Pro Tip: Climb the Belfry at the 9am opening - by 11am the queue stretches across the Markt. The carillon plays a free concert on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11am from June to September - sit at a Markt cafe and listen rather than climbing during a concert.