The Belfry of Bruges at a glance
The belfry stands at Markt 7, on the main square of the old town. You climb it by a narrow stairway inside the tower, and the view at the top covers the roofs of the old town. This independent guide explains what the visit costs, when the tower is open and how to avoid a wasted trip.
Closed for maintenance: the belfry is closed to visitors from 19 to 22 October 2026. If you travel in that window, plan the climb for another day and check the current opening notice before you go.
Belfry tickets and opening hours in 2026
Adult prices and hours as published for 2026. Children and teenagers pay less.
| Season | Dates | Adult ticket | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 1 April to 2 November | €16 | Daily 9–20 |
| Winter, Monday to Friday | 3 November to 31 March | €15 | 10–18 |
| Winter, weekend | 3 November to 31 March | €16 | Sat 9–20, Sun 10–18 |
| Christmas week | 26 to 30 December | €16 | 9–20 |
Younger visitors
Visitors under 18 pay €14 in summer and €13 in winter. Children under 7 enter free.
Holidays
On 24 and 31 December the tower is open 9–16. It is closed on 25 December and 1 January. On Ascension Day it closes at 12:30.
Last entry
The last entry is one hour before closing. In summer, that means you should be at the door by 19:00.
Our picks: tours around the Belfry
Guided walks through the old town around the Markt; no Belfry climb is included.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Walking tour with chocolate tasting and canal boat ride
A guided walk, a chocolate tasting, a canal boat ride and a QR code with recommendations. The listing shows no exclusions.
Check availability →
Small-group walk to the chapels and churches of the old town
Includes the Holy Blood Chapel, Saint Basil's Chapel, the Church of Our Lady with a short look at Michelangelo's Madonna, the Door to Narnia and a Belgian truffle.
Check availability →
Guided city walk with optional boat ride and beer tasting
A guided walk with a local guide. The boat ride and the tasting of four beers come only with the matching option.
Check availability →Bruges tours that pass the belfry
Guided walks, boat rides and tastings that start on or near the Market Square, with current prices and availability.
Climbing the tower: what to expect
The staircase is steep and the tower is not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Wear flat, closed shoes and leave large bags at your hotel. Allow time for the descent as well, because people going up and down share the same stairs.
The climb earns you a look at the red roofs of the old town from above. It also helps you place the canals, churches and squares you will visit later.
Book a time slot
Online booking of a time slot is recommended, especially in high season and on weekends. If you hold a Musea Brugge Card, reserve a slot too. The card does not replace a booked time. See our museums guide for what the card includes.
When to go
Pick a clear day, since the view is the reason to climb. Winter weekdays have shorter hours, and the summer opening runs until 20:00. For temperatures and rain by month, see the Bruges weather guide.
Getting to the Market Square
The station for the historic center is called Brugge. From the station car park it is about a 20 minute walk to the Market Square. De Lijn buses 1 and 2 run from the station and serve stops such as ’t Zand, the Sint-Salvator Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady and the Dijver. Check which stop is nearest before you board. The Brussels to Bruges guide covers trains and parking.
A photo from the water
The belfry also appears behind the Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay), a canal corner in the old town, as the picture shows. Boats leave from a jetty on the Rozenhoedkaai too. Read about prices and jetties in the canal boat guide.
Market Square (Markt) below the belfry
The Market Square is the central square of the old town. The belfry stands on it, and so does the Provinciaal Hof (Provincial Court). Visiting the square costs nothing. A belfry ticket is only for the tower, so you do not need one to walk around the square.
Do not confuse the Market Square with the Burg. The Burg is a separate square with the town hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Read more in our guide to the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
The Christmas markets of winter 2026/2027 run from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The details are in the Christmas market guide.
More to see near the belfry
Pair the tower with one of these.
Belfry of Bruges: frequently asked questions
How many steps does the belfry have?
366. The stairs are steep and narrow, and the climb is not accessible for people who cannot manage stairs.
How much is a belfry ticket in 2026?
An adult ticket costs €16 from 1 April to 2 November and €15 from 3 November to 31 March. Weekends cost €16 and so does 26 to 31 December. Visitors under 18 pay €14 or €13, and children under 7 are free.
Is the belfry open now?
It is closed for maintenance from 19 to 22 October 2026. Outside that window it follows the regular hours in the table above. Check the current notice before you go.
Do I need to book a time slot?
Online booking is recommended, and card holders are asked to reserve a slot too. It is advice for busy times, not a rule for every day.
Do I need a ticket to see the Market Square?
No. The square is open to everyone. The ticket is for the tower only.
What time is the last entry?
One hour before closing. In summer, the tower closes at 20:00, so the last entry is at 19:00.