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Belgium/Things to Do in Bruges, couple trip

Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene) (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene)?

88%Couple-Friendly
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What makes it 88% Couple-Friendly: Couples can sit side by side on the swing, browse playful art installations, share a drink in the nave coffee bar, and book an atmospheric candlelight concert, creating a varied and romantic outing.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 531 reviews)

Positives:

  • Romantic swing moment: The 17 m-high swing creates a playful and memorable shared experience.
  • Unique art setting: The mix of neo-Gothic architecture and modern art offers unexpected contrasts.
  • Central location: Just a short walk from Bruges' main squares, easy to include in your day plan.

Challenges:

  • Coffee bar seating: Limited tables mean you may need to stand or wait during peak hours.
  • Audio guide fee: Donation amounts vary; ask staff before starting so you can plan costs.
  • Event tickets sell out: Candlelight concert tickets can sell quickly; book online in advance.
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🏖️ Explore Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene) with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene). Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene)?

  • A mid-19th-century Neo-Gothic church in Bruges dedicated to St. Magdalene, built on the site of a medieval Carmelite convent and retaining its original pointed arches and steeply pitched vaults
  • Characterized by a single-aisle nave, slender stone columns and richly colored stained-glass windows that exemplify Gothic Revival craftsmanship
  • Managed by the youth and art organization YOT, the building now houses contemporary art installations and a café within its preserved Gothic framework

What is so special about Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene) for couple trip?

  1. Share a playful 17 m-high indoor swing in a Gothic nave.
  2. Discover interactive contemporary art set against historic architecture.
  3. Relax at the cosy coffee bar after exploring the exhibits.
  4. Enhance your visit with a multilingual audio guide.
  5. Attend seasonal Candlelight concerts for an intimate evening.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: This allows time to try the indoor swing, explore art installations and pause for coffee without rush.

(View Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene) on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene)

Try the indoor swing:

Swing together on the 17 m-high installation in the nave.

Tip: Choose a quiet time to have the swing to yourselves.

Explore interactive art:

Wander self-guided through contemporary works and light installations.

Tip: Start at the back of the church and move forward to see each piece in sequence.

Sip at the coffee bar:

Order coffee or hot chocolate in the cosy bar set up in the nave.

Tip: Sit near the Kinderzone corner for extra room and a view of the art.

Use the audio guide:

Listen in your language to insights on ten key points around the church.

Tip: Ask at the bar if a small donation is required before you begin.

View the summer experience:

From July to September, see the annual exhibition of new installations.

Tip: Plan your visit after midday light to see how sunlight interacts with the artworks.

Attend a Candlelight concert:

Enjoy tributes to ABBA or Coldplay by candlelight in the neo-Gothic setting.

Tip: Book tickets in advance online to secure seats and confirm concert dates.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene)

  1. Visit early: Arrive right when the church opens to enjoy the swing and exhibits with fewer visitors.
  2. Check exhibit dates: Look online for the summer 'experience' schedule to align your visit with new installations.
  3. Combine with nearby sites: Pair your visit with a walk to the Dijver canal or the Groeninge Museum for a full artsy day.
🏖️ Tour Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene) like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene). Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene)

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Dimitris Zikopoulos

Dimitris Zikopoulos

Sep 2025

The exterior is perfect, but...its not a church, but a home for "installations" and new age stuff that do not have anything to do with Catholicism and/or tradition or art. I was guided to...the toilets which had an abstract....Madonna and child ... Its completely sad that in such a beautiful city with a tradition of centuries and nice museums this situation is accepted, but...welcome to Europe of ...

Irma Zandl

Irma Zandl

Sep 2025

If you're into contemporary art, this is a must-see spot. What I also found interesting is that this is NOT a decommissioned church. Instead, it is described as an "activity-based church" offering contemporary spirituality through art.

Caïna Verrin

Caïna Verrin

Feb 2025

I love these old churches and Brugge doesn’t disappoint with how many they have and their different states. This one is used more as a gallery space, which personally I think is fine. As it still allows you to worship and have meditation if wanted, just in a different non traditional way. The swing makes you feel like you’re almost floating and is really quite special. The people inside seemed ...

Hannelore Boonen

Hannelore Boonen

Nov 2024

What an unforgettable experience! Last night’s Candlelight concert in Bruges—a beautiful tribute to Adele—was truly mesmerizing. Surrounded by over a thousand candles in a stunning church setting, the atmosphere felt magical and intimate. The incredibly talented pianist, Michelle Lynne, brought Adele’s songs to life with such emotion and skill, creating an evening full of wonder and delight. Thank...

Jomin Neelikatt

Jomin Neelikatt

Jun 2022

One of the weirdest yet the nicest thing I saw in Brugges. From outside it appears as a normal church but inside... - artistic installations - a wonderful swing - a sand pool Outside there is a statue called "the homeless Jesus". I think that this is not a church anymore but more like an event venue. Absolutely recommended.

When is the best time to visit Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene) (Bruges, Belgium)?

Visit between July and September to catch the free summer 'experience' exhibition; in cooler months, enjoy a quieter atmosphere and the full swing experience.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Bruges on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Indoor swingEUR 0
Art installationsEUR 0
Coffee or hot chocolate (per person)EUR 2
Audio guide donation (per person)EUR 3
Total EstimatedEUR 10

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene)

Address: Stalijzerstraat 19, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

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About Heilige Magdalenakerk (Church of St Magdalene)

Opening Hours

Monday:1:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:1:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:1:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday:1:00 – 5:00 PM
Friday:1:00 – 5:00 PM
Saturday:1:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday:1:00 – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+32 50 33 68 18

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