Market Square (Markt) / Historic Center

The main tourist area with major attractions, plenty of English speakers, and active streets day and night. Prices are high but location is convenient and well-lit.

The Markt is Bruges' main square, dominated by the 83-meter Belfry tower and ringed with guild houses that now hold cafes and restaurants. Every tourist starts here, so it's busy from morning to evening with crowds, street performers, and horse carriages. Well-lit and active after dark. You'll see plenty of people eating alone or reading at cafes, so it's easy to blend in. It's touristy and priced accordingly, but convenient. Streets like Sint-Jakobsstraat nearby have better value while still being central. Restaurant staff speak English and you can get everything from waffles to sit-down meals. Watch your bag in summer crowds - pickpocketing happens when the square gets packed. Everything in Bruges is walkable from here.