Belfry Museum
An absolute ‘must' for visitors to Bruges - a climb to the top of the 83m- (272ft-) high tower past the clock mechanism and a carillon of 47 bells, which also offers stunning views over the city and surrounding countryside. The tower was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.

Markt 7
Tel: (050) 448 743.

City Hall
The City Hall dates from 1376. Its gothic council chamber on the building's first floor is open to the public, and features spectacular ceilings decorated with medieval carvings. An adjoining chamber houses displays of documents and works of art.

Burg 12
Tel: (050) 448 743.

Lace Centre
Dedicated to Bruges' best-known industry, this museum is housed in restored 15th-century almshouses, and offers lace-making demonstrations most afternoons - the adjacent Jerusalem Church is also worth a visit, with its fine stained glass.

Peperstraat 3
Tel: (050) 330 072.
Website: www.kantcentrum.com  

Basilica of the Holy Blood
Featuring two chapels - the ground floor St Basil's Chapel dating from the 1100s and the ‘upstairs' one housing the Relic of the Holy Blood. Includes a museum, whose centrepiece is the bejewelled gold and silver Shrine of the Holy Blood.

Burg 15
Tel: (050) 336 792.
Website: www.holyblood.com  

Groeninge Museum
Flemish, Belgian and Dutch art over the centuries is the theme of this gallery, whose collections include works by such luminaries as Jan van Eyck, Hieronymous Bosch and Marcel Broodthaers, as well as Renaissance, baroque and modern works.

Dijver 12
Tel: (050) 448 743.