Bruges, Belgium: A Cultural Hub in Flanders

Cosmopolitan and bourgeois, Bruges is one of the best preserved pre-motorized cities in Europe, and offers the kind of charming vacations that are rarely available elsewhere. Part of Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium, Bruges is a postcard perfect stop on any tour of Europe. With music, culture, and art festivals year-round, and a variety of museums and other attractions, there is always something going on in this cultural hub.

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Description

Although the Bruges region was already populated in Roman times, the city’s name appears for the first time in the 9th century, probably derived from the Old Germanic word ‘brugj’, which means ‘mooring’. Bruges has always had a special bond with the sea. After all, water played a crucial role in the city’s foundation. It was the place where several streams merged into a single river (the ‘Reie’), which flowed north into the coastal plain. This river was linked to the North Sea through a series of ‘tidal channels’, guaranteeing the city’s future welfare and prosperity.

Useful information

Population:

Inner city — 19,881 [2020] Greater Bruges — 118,610 [2020]

Currency:

Euro €

Emergency Info:

112 — This free number is used in all member states of the European Union to contact the emergency services: police, fire brigade or medical assistance. The number operates 24/7.

Police
General telephone number: +32 50 44 88 44
Emergency police assistance: 101

Opening Hours:

Cafés and restaurants have no (fixed) opening hours. Sometimes they will remain open until the early hours of the morning and other days they will close earlier: it all depends on the number of customers.

Highlights of Bruges

Almshouses — Charity Set in Stone

Villages within the city. That’s how you can best describe these residential centres, which originated in medieval times and are still occupied today by senior citizens. The almshouses were first foun... Read More

Beguinage — a Place for Quiet Contemplation

Some places are so beautiful that they leave you speechless. The Beguinage is just such a place. This is where the beguines — emancipated women who lived pious and chaste lives without taking holy ord... Read More

Burg — the Burg Square

The Market Square is the heart of Bruges, but the Burg Square is its soul. For centuries this has been the centre of power in the city, and Bruges city administration still occupies the 14th century G... Read More

Canals of Bruges — the Arteries of the City

The canals have for centuries been the vital circulatory system of the city, winding through Bruges and treating you to new magnificent views around every bend. Take a stroll or a boat trip and discov... Read More

Church of Our Lady in Bruges seen from a canal

Church of Our Lady — a Work of Beauty in Brick

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady), with its imposing 115.5-metre high brick tower, is not only a fine testimony to the skill of the Bruges master builders of yesteryear, but is also the s... Read More

Concert Hall — Culture with a Capital C

This tall and stately culture temple on ’t Zand gives the largest square of Bruges its own unique dynamism. In the soberly decorated auditorium, visitors can enjoy classical music and contemporary dan... Read More

Gruuthuse Museum — the Burgundian Splendour

Discover the Burgundian splendour at the site of the Gruuthuse Museum. In this luxurious 15th century city palace you can explore the 500 years of Bruges history through a rich and varied collection. ... Read More

Markt — the Market Square

The beating heart of Bruges has long been dominated by the Belfry, 83 metres high and the city’s most prominent building. Those who climb to the top of the Belfry are rewarded with a breath-taking pan... Read More

Romantic Hotspots

Beguinage

The 'Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde' with its white-coloured house fronts and tranquil convent garden was founded in 1245. This little piece of world heritage was once the home of the beguines, ema... Read More

Boniface Bridge

The very photogenic Boniface Bridge may be one of the youngest bridges in Bruges, but it sums up the city perfectly. A mysterious atmosphere, abundantly romantic and fabulous views that fight for your... Read More

Brugse Vesten — Bruges City Ramparts

With its 26 hectares and over 3000 trees, the Vesten form broad green ramparts around the city. A protected view of the city and the perfect place to stroll. Or admire the city’s treasures from the se... Read More

Groenerei

Each and every one of the city’s lovely canals is a jewel, but without doubt the loveliest is the Groenerei. One of the most charming spots in all Bruges. Framed by a beautiful skyline, surrounded by ... Read More

Gruuthuse Courtyard

This magnificent 15th century city palace was built to impress, and it’s been doing so in style ever since. The contemporary pavilion makes a striking contrast to the Gruuthuse Palace. On the right st... Read More

Jan van Eyck Square

Jan van Eyck Square was the Manhattan of Burgundian Bruges in the Middle Ages. A lively port where busy traders assembled from all over Europe, and you could hear every imaginable language. A tangle o... Read More

Minnewaterpark — Lake of Love Park

The city feels far, far away from the Lake of love park. This delightful park to the south of the historical centre is tucked between the green Ramparts and the graceful Lake of love. A short stroll a... Read More

Queen Astrid Park

Right in the heart of the city, near the Fish Market and Burg Square and in the shadow of Saint Magdalene’s Church, lies this glorious botanical park. And although Queen Astrid park is blessed with ma... Read More

Do & See

Adornes Estate & Jerusalem Chapel

The Adornes domain consists of the mansion of the rich Adornes family of merchants. The 15th-century Jerusalem Chapel (built by this family) and a series of adjacent almshouses. In the multimedia muse... Read More

Basilica of the Holy Blood

The 12th century Basilica of the Holy Blood consists of a lower and an upper chapel, dedicated to Our Lady and Saint Basil. The lower chapel has preserved its original character and is therefore a rar... Read More

Beguinage

Belfry

The most striking tower in Bruges dates back to the 13th century. It is 83 metres high and is protected as a world heritage site. Anyone who climbs all 366 steps will be rewarded with a stunning view ... Read More

Belgian Fries Museum

This didactic museum sketches the history of the potato, belgian fries and the various sauces and dressings that accompany this most delicious and most famous of Belgian comestibles. The museum is hou... Read More

Bladelin Court

Pieter Bladelin, treasurer of the Order of the Golden Fleece, ordered the construction of this city palace in 1435. Before the end of the 15th century, a subsidiary of the Florentine Medici Bank was a... Read More

Brewery De Halve Maan

Brewery De Halve Maan in the centre of Bruges is a family business with a tradition stretching back through six generations to 1856. This is where the Bruges city beer — the Brugse Zot — is brewed: a ... Read More

Bruges Beer Experience

Discover in an interactive way everything you ever wanted to know about the raw ingredients of beer, the brewing process, food pairing, beer in Bruges, trappist and abbey beers, etc. Children follow t... Read More

Events

Airbag Festival — Accordion festival

This international biennial accordion festival is already into its ninth edition, this time with accordion virtuoso Philippe Thuriot as the curator. Performances will take place in the Royal City Thea... Read More

Budapest Festival

A music festival with concerts by the celebrated Budapest Festival Orchestra, conducted by Iván Fischer, who also wants to use this festival as a medium to introduce classical music to young children.

Cactus Festival

An atmospheric open-air music festival in the Minnewater Park, with a cocktail of contemporary music in all its diversity. Internationally famous, yet easy-going. A true people’s festival that stimula... Read More

Carillon concerts

Throughout the year, you can enjoy free, live carillon concerts in Bruges on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to noon. From mid-June to mid-September, evening concerts also take place on M... Read More

Cirque Plus

A free circus festival featuring artists from home and abroad in a unique location: the garden of the Major Seminary.

Film festival Mooov

This 10-day film festival, screened in Cinema Lumière and Cinema Liberty, shows the best new films from Africa, Asia and South America. The programme covers both artistically innovative movies and fil... Read More

GOLD — Polyphony festival

A polyphony festival that brings together all the beauty of Bruges in the Golden Age: the fascinating history, immovable heritage, art treasures and, above all, music. This second edition revolves aro... Read More

Iedereen Klassiek (Everyone Classic)

Classical music radio station Klara and the Concert Hall join forces to allow you to explore the beauty of Bach, Beethoven and Bruges. This festival is traditionally brought to a close with a performa... Read More

Dining

‘t Apertje

Halfway between Bruges and Damme you can unwind on the terrace of ’t Apertje, which hugs the famed and picturesque Damse Vaart. Other menu features traditional eel dishes, côte à l'os (club steak) wit... Read More

't Werftje

Half of Bruges regularly makes a pilgrimage to Zeebrugge to spend an afternoon or an evening in ‘t Werftje. In itself, this is a sufficient reason to take a trip to the seaside. Here you can eat outst... Read More

Assiette Blanche

This classic restaurant is located directly opposite the Burg, a trusted name where traditional Franco-Belgian dishes and many regional specialities are served with a warm and homely bistro-style atmo... Read More

Auberge De Herborist

It comes as no surprise that Auberge De Herborist has its own garden full of well-known, unknown, healing and edible herbs. And thanks to the abundant harvest the garden provides, Chef Alex Hanbuckers... Read More

Bar Bulot

Bar Bulot, run by chef Gert De Mangeleer from the concept restaurant L.E.S.S., opened in 2019 as a pop-up and quickly grew into a fully fledged luxury brasserie. The menu features contemporary takes o... Read More

Bistro Bruut

Situated by the idyllic Meebrug, this culinary newcomer is a ray of sunshine. An upper crust bistro, which equates to delicious food without all the fuss – relaxed and casual yet still excellent. Bist... Read More

Bistro Refter

To say you can eat well in Bruges is the understatement of the year. If you don’t feel like or cannot afford a Michelin-starred restaurant but still want a taste of the good life, then De Refter is th... Read More

Bistro Rombaux

The refined Bistro Rombaux is located on an elegantly laid out street corner in the Bruges suburbs of Sint-Kruis. A modern place, distilled down to the essence. The menu offers some five entrées and m... Read More

Cafés, Bars & Nightlife

't Brugs Beertje

't Brugs Beertje (which means 'lil bear from Bruges' in Flemish) is a paradise for beer lovers. Locals and tourists flock here to browse their menu of 300 Belgian beers — it is a thick book grouped by... Read More

’t Brugs Beertje

A paradise for beer lovers! The bar is where locals and tourists find each other and fraternize while tasting one of the 300 Belgian beers. It’s no coincidence that the cafe has been elected one of th... Read More

't Hof van Beroep

This new place to be is already a hit with Bruges’ inhabitants and in no time it has become the favourite spot to talk after football or to watch a match on TV. 't Hof van Beroep is neighbourly and fr... Read More

't Hof van Rembrandt

Another classic on Eiermarkt square is 't Hof van Rembrandt, blessed with a lovely sun terrace and an impressive beer menu. From trappist and abbey beers over fruit beers to the beer of the month. Mak... Read More

't Klein Venetië

All of Bruges' outdoor cafes are extremely popular, but 't Klein Venetië beats them all. It is an ideal spot to relax in the sun with a wonderful view of Rozenhoedkaai.

't Risico

You can find 't Risico in a peaceful neighbourhood far away from the throng of tourists. It is an authentic neighbourhood pub where the locals still come together to share the latest news. Don’t worry... Read More

't Zwart Huis

At 't Zwart Huis, a listed monument dating from 1482, you kill two birds with one stone. On the first floor you can have a bite to eat, and below cocktails are served at will. A place where you never ... Read More

27B flat

In this jazz and blues bar you can have a snack, drink a glass of something, share some nachos and do all of this to cool jazz or bluesy tunes. If that's not enough, you can also make yourself comfort... Read More

Shopping

Art and Antiques

For lovers of centuries-old objéts d’art, unique manuscripts, 17th century paintings, more modern artistic creations and contemporary photography, Bruges is a veritable paradise — and not just in the ... Read More

Confisserie Zucchero (recognized with the award of the Handmade in Bruges label)

Handmade in Brugge

Bruges is full of passionate and highly motivated creative people, who day after day prove that craftsmanship has a future and that Bruges’ craftsmanship is timeless. Modern-day artisans who produce t... Read More

Local Love — A Fine Selection of Authentic Shops

Visit Bruges has lovingly prepared a selection of Bruges shopping venues with local character and neatly assembled them on one map. No mass production — only specialist businesses spread across the ci... Read More

Market Days

Mondays, 8am–1:30pm — Onder de Toren — Lissewege | miscellaneous items Wednesdays, 8am–1:30pm — Markt — food and flowers Fridays, 8am–1:30pm — Market Square — Zeebrugge — miscellaneous items Saturdays... Read More

Traffic-free Shopping

Following the marvellous trend of making the city more pedestrian-friendly, Bruges city council has decided to ban all traffic from several shopping streets on Saturdays and on Shopping Sundays (every... Read More

When to Shop?

Most shops operate from Monday to Saturday, opening at 10 am and closing at either 6 pm or 6:30 pm. But even on Sundays you don’t need to leave Bruges empty-handed — many specialist stores are open on... Read More

Where to Shop?

Since Bruges is pedestrian-friendly and the main streets are all close to each other, shopping here is a relaxing experience. The most important shopping streets run between the Market Square and the ... Read More

Tourist Information

Passport / Visa

Belgium can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or ... Read More

Climate

Bruges enjoys a mild, maritime climate. The summers are warm without being hot and the winters are cold without being freezing. During spring and autumn the temperatures are also pleasant and there is... Read More

Electricity

In Belgium, types C and E are the official standards. The electrical plugs are compatible with type F plug with two round pins. The standard voltage is 230 Volt and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Emergencies

European emergency number: tel. 112. This general number is used in all countries of the European Union to contact the emergency services: police, fire brigade or medical assistance. The number operat... Read More

Post Office

bpost You can make use of one of the post points (advice, dispatch, stamps, etc.) or stamp shops (stamps only) that you can find in several of the shopping streets.

Telephone

Country code: +32 Area code: (0)50

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Bruges?

The best time to visit Bruges is during the spring (April to June) or early fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Spring offers beautiful blooms and pleasant temperatures, while early fall provides a cozy atmosphere with fewer tourists.

How many days should I spend in Bruges?

A stay of two to three days is ideal for exploring Bruges. This allows you to visit major attractions like the Belfry of Bruges, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Groeningemuseum, as well as enjoy leisurely strolls along the canals and sample local cuisine.

What are the must-see attractions in Bruges?

Bruges is renowned for its medieval architecture and charming canals. Must-see attractions include the Belfry of Bruges, the Markt square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Groeningemuseum. Don't miss a boat tour on the canals for a unique perspective of the city.

What is the best way to get around Bruges?

Bruges is a compact city best explored on foot or by bicycle. The city center is pedestrian-friendly, and renting a bike offers a convenient way to see more of the city and its picturesque surroundings. Public buses are also available for longer distances.

Are there any local dishes I should try in Bruges?

Bruges offers a variety of traditional Belgian dishes. Be sure to try moules-frites (mussels with fries), carbonnade flamande (beef stew), and local chocolates. For dessert, sample a Belgian waffle or speculoos, a spiced shortcrust biscuit.

What cultural events or festivals take place in Bruges?

Bruges hosts several cultural events throughout the year. The Bruges Beer Festival in February celebrates Belgian beer, while the Procession of the Holy Blood in May is a historical and religious event. The city also hosts the Cactus Festival, a music festival, in July.

Where is the best area to stay in Bruges?

Staying in the historic city center is recommended for first-time visitors to Bruges. This area offers easy access to major attractions, dining options, and charming streets. Accommodations range from luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, catering to various preferences.

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