Saint John’s Hospital (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Saint John’s Hospital?
What makes it 88% Couple-Friendly: Couples can share quiet time around medieval art, climb to the attic, then relax together in the orchard for photos; a compact 1–2-hour visit suits a romantic Bruges stroll.
Positives:
- Intimate medieval space: Small rooms tend to be quiet and less crowded than main Bruges museums.
- Nearby green retreat: The adjacent orchard lets you pause under fruit trees at no extra cost.
Challenges:
- Dim gallery lighting: Preserved rooms use low light; bring a small flashlight app if needed.
- Attic accessed by stairs: The oak roof trusses are up steps; elevator only reaches lower floors.
What is Saint John’s Hospital?
- A museum occupying an original medieval hospital complex dating from the 12th to the 17th century
- Preserves historic wards, a fully intact 17th-century apothecary and a collection of medical artifacts and decorative arts
- Showcases original works by Hans Memling, including the Holy Relic Box of Saint Ursula
What is so special about Saint John’s Hospital for couple trip?
- Explore four original Hans Memling artworks in restored medieval wards.
- Walk through a fully preserved 17th-century apothecary with original jars.
- Interact with audiovisual displays under historic oak roof trusses.
- Relax under fruit trees in the adjacent Sint-Janshospitaalpark orchard.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: 1-2 hours allows couples to see Memling’s masterpieces, the pharmacy, and stroll the nearby orchard without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Saint John’s Hospital
Admire Hans Memling’s masterpieces:
View original Memling paintings, including the Holy Relic Box of St. Ursula, in the medieval wards and chapel.
Tip: Head to the chapel first for softer light and smaller crowds.
Explore the 17th-century apothecary:
Walk through the preserved monastery pharmacy with its original cabinets and jars.
Tip: Use the display labels to learn about historic remedies.
Experience the Closer to Memling audiovisual:
Go to the attic to see Europe’s oldest oak roof trusses and interact with touch tables.
Tip: Bring headphones to enjoy the multilingual audio experience.
Stroll Sint-Janshospitaalpark orchard:
Relax on benches under fruit trees in the small hospital park.
Tip: Grab a take-away coffee from a nearby café and picnic on a bench.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Saint John’s Hospital
- Pre-book tickets: Purchase e-tickets to enter without waiting in line at the desk.
- Visit at opening hour: Arrive at opening to explore the wards before tour groups arrive.
- Pair with heart-of-Bruges tour: Join the guided “Bruges from the heart” walk to discover nearby hidden gems.
Reviews of Saint John’s Hospital
Daniel Barry
I was supported by kind staff during a sudden nosebleed, of which the volume could be demonstrated from the elevator scene from the shining. Regardless, the kind staff rescued me by fast tracking me to a neighbouring museum to access the toilet and sink. The museum was also worth visiting, with an excellent exhibition.
Berta Haskovcova
we visited the museum with my family and we highly recommend it. the atmosphere is authentic - a bit depressing but we liked it. the whole areal is beautiful. visited both the hospital and the pharmacy and it was splendid.
Heather Miller
The building was beautiful and hard to bel it was a hospital in it's day. More like a church (part of it was a monastery and the hospital was 'staffed' by nuns 100s of years ago. A lot of the displays were of art pieces from the time with a some amount of info relating to the care of patients. Well presented, though and an audio guide was available. Purchased a ticket that included the apothecar...
Ovidio Perez
We expected more a view of how the workings of a medieval hospital were. We got a beatifull collection of art connected to the medieval medicine and care of patients. It took us more than 3 hours to follow the exhibition
Uğur Emrah Altiparmak
The Old St. John’s Hospital in Bruges truly caught my attention with its fascinating history and unique architecture. It also houses a historic pharmacy museum, adding to its charm. This ancient hospital complex offers a captivating glimpse into medieval medical care
When is the best time to visit Saint John’s Hospital (Bruges, Belgium)?
Visit in spring or summer to enjoy blossoms in the orchard. The indoor exhibits run year-round without change.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Museum tickets for two adults | EUR 30 |
| Optional guided walking tour for two | EUR 24 |
| Coffee & pastry for two | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 64 |
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 Saint John’s Hospital
Address: Mariastraat 38, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Saint John’s Hospital (Bruges)?
About Saint John’s Hospital
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+32 50 44 87 4310 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities