The Belfort rises 83 metres above the Markt, Bruges's central square. Built in the 13th century as part of the market halls, it served as both a watchtower and a symbol of civic pride — the city's treasury and archives were kept inside. The 47-bell carillon still plays, and you can hear it across the old town every quarter hour.
Climbing the 366 narrow steps is the main event. The staircase spirals past the old treasury room and the massive clock mechanism before emerging at the top, where the view stretches across the rooftops, canals, and flat Flemish countryside in every direction. Go early to avoid queues — the tower limits the number of visitors at any time, so waits can be long in summer.