Best Bruges Travel Guide 202

Bruges Travel Guide Overview

Cobbled walks, old majestic towers, and historic churches are some of the sights you can expect to see in Bruges. The best time to visit this beautiful city is from June to September when the temperature is relatively warm at around 50 to 70 Fahrenheit. The weather is cool all year round so it’s hard to say the word “summer” here. April is a good month as the flowers, most notably daffodils, bloom all around the city. During April expect temperatures to be around 40 to 50. Hopefully, this Bruges travel guide will help plan your trip and give you inspiration on the best things to see and do around the city as well as give you some good tips going into your trip.

Bruges Travel Guide: How to Reach Bruges

Bruges is a province in the Western part of Belgium and easy to get to.

By Train

From Belgium’s capital Brussels, it would take just under two hours to reach Bruges. Tourists can research prices and buy tickets through websites like the SNCB official site. You can also go to the central station and the ticket booth for a direct ticket to Bruges.

By Plane

Major airlines all over the world have flights to Brussels and since there’s a train station in the airport, getting to Bruges by train, is the easiest option.

By Car
Driving will take just over an hour. You can leave your vehicle in one of the free car parks on the outskirts of the city center or there is paid to park close to the center. The paid parking can cost about 14 euros for four hours to give you an idea.

Bruges Travel Guide: Where to Stay

There are many options in terms of accommodations in Bruges itself and since it’s such a small town anywhere is fine, but for an added bonus, check out hotels and inns in Ghent, the city next to Bruges and is 30 minutes away. Ghent also offers many beautiful sites and architecture, and is also home to places where visitors can stay. Travelers wanting to stay in the center of Bruges can check the city’s tourism website www.visitbruges.be for different options and rates.

Bruges Travel Guide: Travel Tips

Don’t forget your ID. Drinking alcohol on a daily basis but in moderation is socially acceptable in Belgium. The legal age for drinking beer and wine is 16, but for cocktails and other liquors, it’s 18. Bars are everywhere so it’s important to keep IDs (with age) at hand just in case a bar staff requires you to show them first.

Don’t rush. Most tourist destinations in Bruges are located near each other and you can tour the whole area in just a day. For those who really want to experience the majestic city, spend at least two or three days and observe the culture and the locals.

Do talk to locals. While some people say that most Belgians are usually quiet, they are actually very polite. Don’t be afraid to ask them about directions, ask them about the nearest café, or ask for local advice.

Do your best to blend in. Hundreds of tourists visit Bruges every day. Blend in and don’t act like a fool.

Take a canal boat ride. Enjoy a different way of seeing Bruges by hopping on one of its canal boat tours. They are relatively short but it’s worth it to see Bruges from a different perspective. The charge for the boat ride is 8 euros and more information can be found here: http://www.boottochten-brugge.be/

Try the chocolates. There are a lot of stores selling Belgian chocolates in Bruges – even on the streets! A trip to the city won’t be complete without experiencing a Belgium waffle. Bruges has amazing waffles topped with delicious chocolate.

Bruges Travel Guide: Typical Costs

Price Range for Hotels

The entire city of Bruges seems to be taken fresh out of postcards. It’s really a one-of-a-kind experience, even for seasoned travelers. Bruges city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and being in the city is like traveling back in time to the medieval era. Even the Eat and Drinks and hotels carry that charm! Accommodation can be pricey depending on where you stay. Budget hotel prices start at €30 while nicer hotels with a strong “castle” vibe can cost about €95 and up. Orangerie is one of the most popular hotels and accommodation is at €110 & up.

Cost of Meal

Meals usually cost about €20 in Eat and Drinks. A fast food meal starts at €7 while beer costs about €4. I would be very careful of some Eat and Drinks in places of interest, especially in the city center, because the prices are more expensive and the food oftentimes isn’t as good.

Don’t forget to try the waffles which are being sold in the streets for about €5 to €7 and of course, Bruges chocolates for less than €1.

Cost for Commute

Bruges is a very walkable city so most sites you can just walk to from the Central Station upon arriving. If you want to commute, the best way is to ride a bus. The price per trip is €1.30. Or you can rent a bicycle for the day for €8-€12. There are horse-drawn carts in places of interest and renting it can be very expensive. It costs around €40 for less than an hour.

Where to Go in Bruges

Start at the Markt and the Burg, which sit about two minutes apart and anchor everything else. From there the churches and the Groeninge Museum are a short walk south, and the Beguinage is a quieter stop to save for later in the day. Allow a full day for the main sights, or stretch it over two if you want to linger in the museums.

Markt (The Market Place) is the central square, with the Belfry rising on the south side, and every route through the city radiates outward from it. Begin here to get your bearings before heading anywhere else.

Basilica of the Holy Blood stands on the Burg, a two-minute walk from the Markt, and draws visitors for both its architecture and the relic it claims to hold. It pairs easily with the Markt in a single morning.

Church of Our Lady is a Gothic church on Mariastraat that took until 1482 to finish, and it houses Michelangelo's marble "Madonna and Child." Its tower is a landmark on the skyline you will keep spotting as you wander.

Groeninge Museum sits on the Dijver canal and holds the city's best collection of Flemish Primitives. It is the one to prioritize if you have any interest in medieval painting.

Bruges Canal Tour is a short trip in a low wooden boat under stone bridges and past gabled facades. It shows you the city from a different angle and makes a good break for tired feet midway through the day.

Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde" is one of Belgium's oldest beguinages, a cobbled courtyard of whitewashed houses where the crowds fall away. Save it for the end of the day when you want somewhere calm.

FAQ

Is Bruges worth visiting as a day trip from Brussels?

Yes, Bruges works well as a day trip from Brussels because the train takes just under two hours and most major sights sit close together. You can cover the main area in a single day on foot. Staying two or three days lets you slow down, meet locals and see the canals, towers and churches without rushing.

Do you need a car in Bruges?

No, you do not need a car in Bruges because the center is compact and very walkable from the Central Station. Buses and day bike rentals cover anything farther. If you do drive, free car parks sit on the outskirts of the center, while parking closer in is paid, so check current rates before you go.

Is Bruges safe for tourists?

Yes, Bruges is generally considered a safe, relaxed city for tourists, and its small, busy center is easy to navigate. As in any crowded tourist spot, keep an eye on your bags and valuables. Locals are very polite, so asking for directions is fine. Carry ID, since bars may ask to check your age.

Is Bruges expensive?

Bruges can be pricey, especially for hotels and for meals in the busiest central spots, but it is easy to keep costs down. Walking is free, buses are cheap, and street waffles and chocolate are inexpensive treats. Eat a bit away from the main sights, where food is often better value, and compare hotel rates, including nearby Ghent.

Can you stay in Ghent and visit Bruges?

Yes, Ghent is about 30 minutes from Bruges, so you can stay there and still reach Bruges easily. Ghent has its own beautiful architecture and plenty of places to stay. Check current travel times and hotel rates for both cities, and see visitbruges.be for Bruges options, before booking.

Do people speak English in Bruges?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Bruges, especially in hotels, restaurants and shops used to international visitors. The local language is Dutch, so a few polite phrases go a long way. Locals are friendly to questions, so ask about directions or a nearby café if you are unsure, and do not worry if a smaller place has limited English.