About Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium, in the northwest of the country. The historic city centre is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO. Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam and Stockholm, it is sometimes referred to as The Venice of the North. Bruges has a significant economic importance thanks to its port and was once the chief commercial city in the world.[6][7] Bruges is well known as the seat of the College of Europe, an elite university institute for European studies regarded as “the EU’s very own Oxbridge.”

Plan and Book:

Overview

Brugge (in Flemish – it’s Bruges in French) is one of the most visited cities in Europe and is the number one destination for passengers on cruise ships calling at Zeebrugge. Visitors flock here, not for a specific museum or historical location, but to wander amidst the city’s stunning examples of Flemish and Renaissance architecture and immerse themselves in the vitality of the two main squares – Markt and Berg. There is always so much going on in Brugges – from flower and produce markets to rides for children, bustling cafes and restaurants and old-fashioned people watching.

Never mind that Brugge’s medieval appearance is largely a recent recreation. The city was rediscovered by 19th century tourists, mostly from England, heading to the site of the battle of Waterloo. Its growing popularity generated an interest to fix up the city following its downfall from one of the Hanseatic League’s most important trading cities. Cloth had been the main commodity; the English wool came by ship directly to Brugge until the waterways silted up in the 15th century. The city fell into disrepair as much of the population drifted away, but in the 19th and early 20th century, Brugge was rebuilt in the traditional styles.

From the two squares, lanes fan out to wonderful commercial and residential streetscapes, and many of the canals have fringing walkways. Perhaps one of the best views of the city is from a canal boat looking up at the historic buildings and stone bridges. The further you go from the center — and you don’t have to venture more than a few blocks – the more serene the city becomes. All you need is a walking tour map and alert senses to come away enchanted with Brugge as millions have before you.

Attractions and Activities

Grote Markt and Belfry Climb, Grote Markt (the big square). 09:30 – 17:00. Climb the 366 steps to the top of the 83-metre high tower. Excellent views of the city, Grote Markt and hear the bells ring up close.

Tour boats – It is essential to take a ride on one of the tour boats around the canals – the multilingual guides provide a potted history of the city in just a few minutes – at only a few Euros, it’s the best introduction to Bruges. A boat tour will show you places which are otherwise unreachable, as not every canal runs next to a street. Advisable to get there at opening time to avoid the crowds.

Horse drawn carts, Grote Market – Carriages can be hired for a romantic 30 minute trip around the old city of Bruge. Carts can carry up to 5 passengers.

There are many rental shops near the main square, shop around for the best prices. You can also rent right at the train station and get to the city center quickly; remember to return them by 7:30p. Cycle 5km to Damme, a picturesque village on the river with a windmill and excellent pancakes, and optionally follow on to the coast (another 15km).

If you are a runner, try running the 7km circle around the old center. Walk along the canal and see all of the medieval gates that used to control the traffic in and out of Bruges. Simply stunning!

Bruges Ballooning, Markt – Daily hot air balloon flights over the historic centre and its surroundings. The best way to enjoy the romance of Bruges — and its stunning views — from a few hundred meters up in a balloon basket.

Concertgebouw Brugge – One of Bruges’ culture temples with a world-class program in classical music and contemporary dance. The season usually runs from mid-September to June, but it also becomes a hub for the early music MAfestival each August.