The heart of every city is its main square. For 10 centuries, the heart of Bruges has been beating on the Markt (or "Market Square"), comprising modest and solemn architectural buildings, traditional middle fairs, and many souvenir and grocery stores. The range of local producers will not leave anyone hungry: cheeses, sausages, patés, vegetables, fruit, waffles, lollipops, and, of course, chocolate. You can also buy souvenirs, like handmade tapestry pillows, which have been produced here since the 13th century.
Buildings along the perimeter of the square are real gems of its architectural ensemble. A red brick station, colorful "gingerbread" houses (former cloth shops) with stepped pediments, a provincial court building, a history museum (it also houses a tourist office), a post office, the famous Cranenburg House, the Neo-Gothic West Flanders Provincial Court, and, of course, the 83-meter bell tower or belfry. It is better to climb the observation deck (366 steps) in the morning when there is no queue and crowd on the narrow spiral staircases.
The center of the Markt is a monument to Pieter de Coninck and Jan Breidel, a butcher and a weaver who rebelled against the rule of France at the beginning of the 14th century. In winter, the monument is surrounded by an ice rink, where you can ride for free. Also, at the monument to the national heroes of Flanders, citizens hold free tours on certain days of the week (in English and Spanish, starting from 11 a.m.). The Markt is a start point of all city sightseeing tours, both walking and bus. If you want something special, you can rent a bicycle or even a horse-drawn carriage to feel like a Belgian Cinderella. If you are hungry, there are food and drink stalls, eateries, and restaurants. Speaking of restaurants! Be wary of barkers: the check may turn out to be much higher than you expected. It may include water, bread, and even a candle, lit kindly to illuminate your table in the evening.
There are narrow medieval streets running from the Markt, where it is so pleasant to get lost, immersing yourself into the daily life of provincial Bruges.