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Belgium/Things to Do in Bruges, solo trip

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

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

83%Solo-Friendly
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What makes it 83% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can ride the 17-metre indoor swing, study contemporary art at his or her own pace, grab a low-cost coffee, and reflect quietly; no schedule or partner is required to enjoy the site.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 531 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free Entry: You can explore all art installations without an entrance fee.
  • Accessible Interior: The flat nave has no steps—easy to move around and find a quiet spot.

Challenges:

  • Restroom Access: Nearby public toilets cost €1 and open limited hours on weekends and holidays.
  • Limited Seating: Coffee bar seating fills up quickly on weekends and during concerts.
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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 solo trip?

  1. Free entry into a transformed neo-Gothic church
  2. Try the 17 m-high indoor swing alone
  3. Browse self-guided interactive art installations
  4. Relax with a coffee inside the nave
  5. Pick up an audio guide for deeper insight
  6. Plan for Summer Experience shows and Candlelight concerts

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: This gives you time to swing, browse the art, use the audio guide, and enjoy a coffee without rushing.

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

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

Indoor Swing:

Take a turn on the 17 m-high swing suspended in the nave.

Tip: Visit right at opening to avoid a line and capture clear photos.

Interactive Art Tour:

Explore contemporary installations spread throughout the church.

Tip: Pick up or download the audio guide for context on each piece.

Nave Coffee Bar:

Order a local coffee or hot chocolate inside the restored church interior.

Tip: Sit near the art installations to people-watch and relax.

Summer Experience Exhibition:

View the annual outdoor and indoor art show held July–September.

Tip: Check dates on the official website before your visit.

Candlelight Concerts:

Attend a tribute concert by soft candlelight in the nave.

Tip: Book tickets (€18–19.50) online in advance for solo seats.

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

  1. Arrive Early: Get here at opening to use the swing alone and grab a seat at the coffee bar.
  2. Check Online Schedule: Confirm exhibition dates and concert listings on the official website before visiting.
🏖️ 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)?

From July to September, don’t miss the Summer Experience installations. In cooler months, watch for evening Candlelight concerts on the venue calendar.

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

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Coffee at the barEUR 3
Audio guide or donationEUR 2
Candlelight concert ticketEUR 19
Total EstimatedEUR 24

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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