Bruges. The Markt Square and the Burg both located in the center of the Old Town are great places to start your tour. The Markt is the main town square in Bruges. This colorful area is surrounded by shops and restaurants. The Grote Markt, or Market Square in Bruges. This square was used as a marketplace since 958, and a weekly market was held here from 985 to August 1983--almost a thousand years! Today the large square is ringed by banks (with ATMs), a post office, and many guild houses converted into outdoor restaurants. The Markt is filled with pedestrians and bicyclists, and is a good place to start or end a walking tour of the city. The Belfry (bell tower) stands guard at the south end of Market Square in Brugge.