Bruges (Flemish Brugge), the old capital of Flanders and an arch bishopric since 1559, is located on the little river Reie. Despite the addition of new buildings and the loss of its old town walls (all but four towers having been demolished since the mid 19th C. to make way for traffic), Bruges with its perfectly preserved medieval town center remains a tourist dream, a magnet drawing more than two million visitors a year. It is known as the Venice of the North making Bruges one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you imagine yourself to be in medieval times. A lot of people take day-trips from Brussels to Bruges, but there is to much to see here to fill only one day. The best way to visit Bruges is to spend at least one night in one of the many beautiful and cozy hotels. The wealth of museums is a striking image of this city's history.
Bruges is also home to contemporary culture, such as the new Concert Hall, which is one of the most prominent music complexes in Flanders.
The restaurants in Bruges which offer gastronomic cuisine and the exclusive hotels are a true feast for those who enjoy the good things in life.
Places to see...
Artistic works from the 15th to 21st century are grouped in the Groeninge Museum and the Arents House.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood - The relic of the Holy Blood, which was brought to the city during the First Crusade, is paraded every year through the streets of the city. More than 1,600 inhabitants take part in this mile-long religious procession, many dressed as medieval knights or crusaders.
The St Salvator's Cathedral - this imposing structure possesses many works of art that come from the demolished St Donatius Church. Among the most eye-catching are the beautiful wall tapestries which were woven in the Brussels weaving manufactory Van der Borcht in 1730.
The Canals - Because of its canals Bruges is often called 'The Venice of the North'. The canals are now exclusively used for tourist boats.
The Market - The market place (Grote Markt) has been free from traffic since October 1996. It has been completely refurbished and is now one of the most attractive parts of the city. The main monument is of course the belfry tower and the cloth hall.
The sides of the market are occupied by restaurants and shops located in former private houses as well as in guild houses.
Bruges Diamond House - Bruges Diamond House, situated in an elegantly restored listed building, "De Steur" (The Sturgeon), built in 1518, right in the heart of Bruges and only only 80 metres from the Market Place. It offers a large choice of diamonds and quality diamond jewelry in classical as well as modern designs. Surely the right place to treat yourself or someone special before you leave.
Getting here...
By Rail:
Traveling by train to Bruges is the best way to see the beautiful Belgian countryside. For Eurail Pass holders, it is also quite inexpensive. There are several connections to the main cities that will take you to Bruges.
The Belgian Railways will bring you from Brussels to Bruges in less then 1 hr, from Antwerp to Bruges in 1 hr and 20 mins.
The Thalys links Brussels and Amsterdam in 2 hrs and 35 min. Trains depart and arrive at the south station (Gare du Midi) in Brussels.
The Eurostar links London and Brussels, with the trip taking 2 hrs and 45 mins. Trains depart and arrive at the south station (Gare du Midi) in Brussels and depart and arrive at the London Waterloo Station. Eight to ten trains run a day.
By Air:
There are 3 international airports in Belgium:
Zaventem Airport-Brussels
Deurne Airport-Antwerp
Ostend Airport-Ostend
Zaventem Airport is about 1 hr and 30 mins from Bruges by train. Check the timetable for the Airport City Express on the Belgian Railways (SNCB/NMBS) website.
If you prefer to rent a car, there are many car rental companies at the airport. Make sure you get a road map as Belgian roads can be tricky at times.
The modern Antwerp (Deurne) Airport is ideal for international scheduled flights and general aviation. You will find frequent regular connections with London, Rotterdam, Manchester, Jersey and Milan.
By Bus:
Belgium is a densely populated country due to this they have extensive public bus routes, which are used often by locals. Check beforehand bus routes to avoid confusion, bus drivers are usually quite helpful.
There are 2 different kinds of tickets.
De lijnkaart (linecard): a ticket used for trips outside the city.
De stadskaart (citycard): a ticket used for trips only inside the city
By Car:
With it's small narrow streets taking your car into Bruges is really not
recommended. You can make use of the four main underground car parks that are designated for tourist use. Or park outside Bruges and walk over the bridge into the town itself.If you are renting a car to travel from England, you can visit Bruges via France if you prefer to take the English Channel tunnel which is located on the France side at the town of Calais.
