Bruges
Western Europe · Belgium
Did you know?
- The Belfry rewards a climb of 366 steps with city views.
- De Halve Maan is a brewery with tours and tastings.
- The Groeninge Museum focuses on Flemish art.
See also
Overview
Bruges has a well-preserved medieval centre threaded by canals. Its UNESCO-listed belfry gives historic walks a prominent landmark.
Languages: German, French, Dutch
Why go?
Bruges in Flanders is a well-preserved medieval city with a compact historic centre, canals, and a UNESCO-listed belfry. Once Europe's richest city, it now offers a mix of history, museums, and beer culture. Despite heavy tourism, wandering away from the main squares reveals quiet cobbled streets and hidden gems.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Bruges is well-connected by train from other Belgian cities: 30 minutes from Ghent, 1 hour from Brussels and Antwerp. The city's train station is a short walk from the historic centre.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The historic centre is walkable. Buses operated by De Lijn cover the city. Taxis from the market square to the station cost about €10. Bicycles are easy to rent, though cobblestones can be bumpy. A cheap shuttle bus (Centrumshuttlebus) runs from the tram station to the city centre for €3 per trip.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Bruges has a poor reputation for weather: colder and damper than London or Paris. Even in summer, average highs struggle above 21°C and rain is frequent (203 mm per month in July-August). Autumn is cool, winter damp and chilly. Summer is peak tourist season; winter (Nov-Mar) offers midweek hotel deals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget hostels like Snuffel (from €14) and Lybeer Travellers' Hostel, to mid-range hotels and B&Bs. Camping Memling is 3.2 km from the Markt. Many hotels near the station offer competitive rates. Reservations are advisable in summer.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Avoid restaurants on the Grote Markt, which are overpriced tourist traps. Instead, find affordable local eateries like Brasserie Medard (spaghetti for €8) or The Olive Street Food (wraps from €8.90). For beer, visit 't Brugs Beertje or De Garre with hundreds of Belgian beers. The Brewery De Halve Maan offers tours and tastings.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Climb the 366 steps of the Belfry for views of the city (€12). Take a canal boat tour (€10) to see hidden waterways. Visit the Groeninge Museum for Flemish art, the Basilica of the Holy Blood (free entry), or the Choco-Story Museum. Cycle to the nearby village of Damme.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
As of June 2022, Bruges has 4G from Base/Telenet and Orange, and 5G from Proximus/Scarlet.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include Damme (by bike or riverboat), Sluis (by bus), Ghent (30 min train), and Ostend (15 min train). Others include Ypres and De Haan.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Books & Brunch
An ideal combo of second hand book store and a brunch/dessert-eatery (but you can just have a cup of coffee or a tea too).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Brasserie Forestière
Nice and calm restaurant, good food, not too expensive. Good menu for vegetarians. Meal of the day (soup, main dish, dessert or coffee/tea) costs EUR
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Brasserie Medard
Huge deal for low budget just near the centre: a mountain of (tasty) spaghetti with tomato sauce, cheese, and mushrooms for EUR
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cambrinus
This is a very popular place, and for a reason. They have some of the best selection of Belgian beers, more than 440 in total. Some beers have really odd names like Satan, Lucifer, Nostradamus, or the Brunette. It's primarily a restaurant though, as all their hearty food are prepared with a special kind of beer. It's really delicious. Mains go for EUR
Recorded price: EUR
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cropains
Not much indoor seating, but delicious "croque monsieurs" (grilled sandwiches) and wraps, with vegetarian options.
Recorded price: €6-€8 for a grilled sandwich or wrap
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Curiosa
A good place for a lunch and a beer.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
De Bottelier
A favourite restaurant of many of Bruges' residents. Very reasonable prices and excellent food. Closed Sunday and Monday nights.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Den Gouden Harynck
Gastronomic restaurant which offers three course meals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
4G/5G available from most Belgian providers.
Food
Avoid restaurants on Grote Markt; seek local spots off main squares.
Money
Currency is euro. Budget accommodation from €14 per night, main meal €8-15.
Transport
Walkable centre; buses by De Lijn; shuttle bus €3 to centre from station.