Bruges is one travel destination you shouldn’t miss in Belgium. Every tourist, traveller, and photographer comes to the medieval city of Bruge to enjoy the historic sights and romantic vibes. Back in the medieval era, Brugge was blossoming with life as a trade centre in central Europe and gave way to iconic Flemish artists like Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling. While you’re sightseeing in Brugge and following along our city travel guide, you’ll stumble across so many traces of the city’s medieval past wherever you wander. There’s no better place to get lost!
A visit to Bruge isn’t complete without seeing all the major sights (and hidden gems). Everyone knows that Bruges is beautiful and it is undeniable - this city is not overrated! Some of the best sights to see in the city are the Rozenhoedkaai, the Basilica of Holy Blood, and the Bonifacius Bridge. While Bruges is known for its historic sights, the city also has plenty of things to do. Follow our Bruges travel guide on your trip and you’re guaranteed romantic vibes plus all the extras of an artsy culture, summer pop up bars, and unique museums.
One of the best places to go for a day trip, Brugge is easily reached on the train from London and Brussels. So where is Brugge in Europe? You’ll find Bruges in West Flanders in the beating heart of Belgium. Don’t confuse this Bruges with the Bruge in France! They’re totally different. The Belgian Bruges is known for its lace making, charming bridges, and medieval past. Take a trip to Brugge - trust us - you won’t forget this beautiful place. Bruge is one city every traveller needs to check off their list. Check out our recommendations for things to do and sights to see. Let’s get trip planning!
The Bruges Guide
This quaint medieval town will capture your heart! Not only perfect for couples on a romantic getaway, it’s full of picturesque, quaint sights to see, especially its 80 bridges. There’s something for every type of traveller in the city like an underground beer pipeline to the famous Basilica of Holy Blood. Travel the city by boat along the canals for beautiful views.
If there’s one thing everyone comes to Bruges for, it’s to enjoy the sights. Bruges is one of the most picturesque cities in Belgium. You can’t beat the romantic atmosphere. Stroll through the city to see medieval sights aplenty and cute architecture like the belfry and beguinage. Rozenhoedkaai is THE photo hotspot of Bruges and one tourist sight everyone visits at least once.
You can’t beat a canal boat ride through Bruges to soak up the atmosphere as a couple. We can’t think of a more classic romantic getaway than Bruges.
All those beautiful sights have a history to them. Bruges has a deep history, but is mostly known for its medieval past. Bruges was the heart of trade in Europe in the 15th century. Coming to Bruges on a family trip? The Bruges Historium is a must. See the medieval past of Bruges recreated in an interactive museum experience.
Bruges is famous for its lace. In the 1900s, there were almost 50,000 lace workers in Belgium and about 70% of those were right in Bruges. Lace was a part of life in Bruges and a major part of the industry. Kantcentrum, the lace museum, shows live demonstrations on how lace is made. You can buy lace at the museum or head over to the antique shop right across the street for the prettiest lace in the city centre.
Bruges is pretty all year round but spring sunshine does always bring a glow to the city!
it’s easy enough to get to Bruges in the car, but we don’t recommend going around the city in one. Park the car in the paid parking lots.
Easiest way to get here is via the train. Bruges Train Station, Stationsplein 5, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
International travelers are most likely flying into Brussels national airport (Zaventem) or if you’re flying on a budget airline, Brussels South Charleroi Airport.
Bruges is a small city. It’s easiest to go around on foot (seriously, you can walk from one side of the city to the next in 30 minutes) or by bike.
Bruges is cyclist friendly. There’s 6 bike-rental points in the city where you can rent a bike for an hour or for a whole day (1 bike for 1 day is around 15€). There’s electric bikes and tandem bikes to pick up too.
parking in the city is cheapest at Centrum Station and Centrum Zand. But you can always park for free just outside the heart of the city in one of the 7 free Park & ride car parks. P & R Boogschutterslaan is about a 30min walk away from the city centre, but buses come by here pretty often. There’s 100 car park spaces and 10 bike lockers.
Bruges has a decent bus system that is best used to get from the train station into the city centre. See De Lijin for ticket prices
By Taxi
You’ll find taxis in front of the Market and at the train station. Easy if you don’t feel like waiting for the bus to get into the city from the station.
By Boat
The boat tours available typically last around 30 mins. Tickets are usually around 6.90€ for adults, 3€ for kids, special discount rates available.
Information office Markt (Historium)
Address: Markt 1 8000 Brugge
Information office 't Zand (Concertgebouw)
Address: 't Zand 34 8000 Brugge
Information office Stationsplein (Station)
Address: Stationsplein 8000 Brugge
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +32 (0)50 44 46 46
Website: https://www.visitbruges.be/en