Travel Guide Bruges - Brugge
Bruges, known as the "Venice of the North", thanks to its canals, is a must-see on any trip to Belgium. Located in West Flanders, Bruges(Brugge in Dutch) offers a fascinating journey through time. A tourist guide to Bruges will tell you that this small medieval Flemish city has retained an undeniable charm. Whether on the Burg or on the Markt, the monumental buildings are worth seeing, such as the town hall, the belfry, the provincial palace or the basilica of the Holy Blood. It is a surprisingly quiet and relaxing city that lives to the rhythm of the hordes of disciplined pedestrians and cyclists that crisscross it in this flamboyant 14th century setting. In the cobbled streets, the sound of horses' hooves pulling tourist and romantic carriages resounds cheerfully. To get the best of the atmosphere, it is highly recommended to spend at least a long weekend here. Bruges will look different depending on the time of the year you visit, but it will always be an attractive city. However, if you want to escape the crowds, your only chance is to visit in the fall or winter. At the approach of the end of the year, the illuminated city takes on a special charm, there is a lot of entertainment, a large ice rink and a Christmas market are set up on the Grand-Place.
What to visit Bruges - Brugge?
Suggested addresses Bruges - Brugge
When to go to Bruges - Brugge?
The best time to go to Bruges is between June and September, when the temperatures become more pleasant and the rain less frequent. But December, even if it is cold and wet, can also be a good time to spend a few days for the Christmas markets and animations. Like any tourist city, remember to book your accommodation before your stay to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Also check the schedule of festivities: visiting Bruges during the Carnival can be very exotic!
Weather at the moment
Belgium's oceanic climate, influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream as well as prevailing westerly and southwesterly winds, is characterized by moderate temperatures and a rainfall rate equivalent to that of Normandy. The temperature differences between winter and summer are quite small and Flanders is one of the regions where the weather is the best all year round.
The currency in Bruges is the euro. As a European country, the prices (restaurants, accommodation, transport...) are about the same as in other tourist cities in Northern Europe (except for the capitals). Moreover, beer (fortunately) is cheap: all the more reason to go there!
For European Union nationals and Swiss citizens, a valid or expired identity card or passport less than five years old is sufficient to travel to Bruges; for Canadian nationals, a passport is required. Unaccompanied minors must be in possession of a permit to leave the country.
With a real overcapacity in hospitals, Belgium has excellent health conditions. There are no risky diseases in Bruges and no vaccinations are required. However, check that your vaccinations (DT Polio... are up to date). There are many pharmacies where you can get the same medicines.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Bruges - Brugge? Our advice & tips
There are many travel agencies offering packages to discover Bruges. The most common ones are getaways (3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights) and long weekends. However, apart from economic reasons, it is not very relevant to visit Bruges on a package tour. Offers that combine Bruges, Ghent and Ostend, for example, are much more interesting.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationGetting to Bruges (by train or car) and visiting it alone is very easy. The city is safe (but be careful with pickpockets). Public transport and hotel facilities are abundant, you can make your choice. Bruges is a city that lends itself above all to romantic stays, so don't hesitate to bring your half!
The bus network is very well developed in Bruges and it remains the best public transport to get around the city. But it is on foot or by bike (Bruges is THE city of bikes) that you will best discover this human-sized city.
A short boat trip on the canals, or a carriage ride through the cobbled streets, will allow you to visit the "Venice of the North" from another angle.
