By rail
Brugge, ~1 h from Brussels
Europe · Belgium
Bruges, Belgium
Medieval canals and lace
Getting there
By air
Brussels (BRU), ~1.5 h
Best time to visit
April to September; December for the markets
Don't miss
The Belfry
The Markt
The Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Begijnhof
Things to do
Canal boats
Climbing the Belfry
Chocolate shops
Where to eat
What to pack
Comfortable shoes
A quieter corner
The Minnewater lake at dusk
Questions travellers ask
How long does the train to Bruges take?
About 1 hour from Brussels to Brugge. From Brussels (BRU) airport, allow about 1.5 hours.
What should I do in Bruges?
Climb the Belfry, take a canal boat, and see the Markt, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Begijnhof. Wear comfortable shoes.
Is Bruges worth visiting in December?
Yes, for the markets. Otherwise, come from April to September — and at dusk, head to the Minnewater lake.
What treats should I try in Bruges?
Chocolate, waffles and Flemish stew — and browse the chocolate shops.
About Bruges
- Inland
Where it is
Bruges is the capital of the province of West Flanders in north-west Belgium, a canal city a short distance inland from the North Sea, linked by canal to its seaport at Zeebrugge.
History
In the Middle Ages Bruges was one of the great trading cities of northern Europe, linked to the sea by the Zwin, a tidal inlet, and home to merchants from across the continent. Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling lived and worked here in the 15th century, but from around 1500 the Zwin silted up, trade moved to Antwerp, and the city's long decline left its medieval centre largely intact; it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
People
The people of Bruges speak Dutch in its West Flemish form, and many also speak French and English. Lacemaking, brewing and chocolate-making are local crafts, and the Procession of the Holy Blood, held each year on Ascension Day, is on UNESCO's list of intangible heritage.
Known for
- The Belfry and the Markt
- Canal boat trips
- The Basilica of the Holy Blood
- Bobbin lace
- Chocolate shops and Belgian beers
Did you know?
The Bourse of Bruges, opened in 1309, was most likely the first stock exchange in the world, and in the 14th century it grew into the most sophisticated money market of the Low Countries.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.