Bruges (Belgium) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Bruges with descriptions, guides and maps.
City of Bruges (Belgium)
Bruges is a city in Belgium in the historical region of West Flanders. This is a city of amazing architecture and charm, one of the most picturesque in Europe. Bruges is located 20 km from the North Sea coast near the border with the Netherlands, so the Dutch influence here is felt especially strongly in the language, cuisine, and architecture. The city's heyday during the Middle Ages left behind remarkable architecture and many attractions. The city seemed frozen on the border of past and present. Walking around it, you catch yourself thinking that you are in some kind of historical film or find yourself in the real Middle Ages. Speaking of the film, the famous film “Lie Down in Bruges” takes place here, which only added to the city’s popularity!
Bruges is located between the cities of Ghent (the capital of East Flanders) and Ostend (the largest Belgian city on the North Sea coast) on a plain. Bruges is often called the “Venice of the North” because three large canals connect here, so deep that even some ships can navigate them. The origin of the city is associated with German word"Brücke", which means bridge. In the Middle Ages, fairs were held near the bridge. This name quickly passed on to the educated settlement.
general information
General information about the city of Bruges
- Population - more than 110 thousand people.
- There are 54 bridges in the city, 12 of them are made of wood.
- Language - Dutch, French, German
- Area - 138 sq. km.
Climate and best time to visit
The climate in Bruges is temperate. The distance from the North Sea is about fifteen kilometers. It is therefore not surprising that the city is heavily influenced by the sea. Usually there are fairly mild winters and moderate (not hot) summers. The weather is determined by the western and eastern fronts. Western Front, which predominates most of the year, brings clouds and rain. The eastern front brings dry and warm weather in summer and cold, but not excessive, winter, usually without snowfall.
It rains quite often in Bruges, so be sure to take umbrellas or raincoats (jackets). The driest months are February and April. The rainiest months are October and November.
When is the best time to go to Bruges? Probably at any time of the year. The city is beautiful in any season and weather. But Bruges is especially beautiful during the Christmas holidays. Great time to visit is late spring and summer.
Practical information for tourists
- In Bruges you can drink tap water.
- Not all museums allow photography and video recording. Also, in some places you cannot take pictures with flash.
- Tips are usually included in the bill. If you are satisfied with the service, you can leave an additional tip. It is enough to round the bill up.
- The language in Bruges is Dutch with a Flemish dialect.
- The main monetary unit is the euro.
- Payment by card is possible in shops and restaurants. There may be a fee for withdrawing cash. Also, in some places (especially markets and small shops) cards are not accepted, so it is better to have some cash with you.
- Bruges is a safe city. The only thing you really need to be wary of is pickpockets. Be alert and do not leave valuables unattended!
- Markets are usually open from 8.00-13.30.
- Tourist tax in Bruges is 2 euros per person per night.
- To go to the toilet, you can go to any cafe/bar and buy something. There are several public toilets in the historical center, which are free.
- In Belgium there is a ban on smoking in public places.
- Alcohol is not sold to persons under 18 years of age.
How to get there?
Brussels International Airport is located an hour's drive from Bruges by train or car. It is also quite easy to get to Bruges from any large city Belgium and the Netherlands. Unfortunately, not from Holland direct flight. You need to change planes in Antwerp.
Public transport
There is no tram line in Bruges, much less a metro. The main means of transportation, besides bicycles, are buses and trams. It is convenient and convenient for transportation to rent a bicycle or a horse-drawn carriage.
Food and drink in Bruges
Bruges has quite a lot of restaurants serving traditional and European cuisine, as well as famous fast foods. You should definitely try Flemish cuisine: stews, seafood, mussels. Beer lovers should pay attention to Brugse Zot and Kwak. The city has fine dining restaurants with Michelin stars, as well as fairly inexpensive pubs and cafes. It is clear that eating in the historical center will be more expensive than far from the tourist trails.
Saving money in Bruges
Bruges is not a cheap city. Prices become noticeably higher as you approach the historical center and popular tourist spots. This applies to accommodation, food, entertainment and parking. But here you can save a little. If you don't want to spend too much money on food and drinks, you can eat away from tourist routes or buy products at the market (or in large chain stores). If you want to save on getting around the city, you can walk or rent a bicycle. To save on accommodation, we recommend booking hotel rooms and hotels during the “lowest” tourist seasons - February, March, October, November.
Shopping and purchases
Bruges is not only about interesting sights, museums and routes. This and great opportunities for shopping and shopping. There are many interesting shops here, as well as stores of famous brands. The main shopping street is Steenstraat. Other popular shopping areas are Noordzandstraat, de Vlamingstraat, de Katelijnestraat and de Geldmuntstraat. Bruges is also one of the chocolate capitals of Europe. Those with a sweet tooth should check out the Katelijnestraat and the market square de Markt. Since this is where most of the chocolate shops are located.
Hotels and accommodation
There are quite a lot of hotels in Bruges of different price categories. Of course, it is best to book hotels in the historical center of the city. Rooms in them, of course, will be more expensive, especially in the “high season”. Be careful, not every hotel has good sound insulation. Therefore, it is better to avoid renting rooms that face noisy and crowded streets and squares. It is better to look for accommodation in advance to have more options.
Museums of Bruges
Bruges is a city of museums. Here are the most interesting of them:
- Archaeological Museum - historical exhibitions related to the city and region. Address - Mariastraat 36 a, Brugge
- Beer Museum - all about the history and intricacies of Belgian brewing. Address - Breidelstraat 3, Brugge
- The Salvador Dali Museum and Gallery is a collection of graphic art by the famous artist. Address - Markt 7, Brugge
- Diamond Museum - exhibitions of diamonds, diamond polishing technology, etc. Address - Katelijnestraat 43, Brugge
- Groeningemuseum - overview of the history of Belgian art and the masterpieces of Flemish artists. Address - Dijver 12, Brugge
- Gruuthusemuseum - palace of famous lords, rich collection of tapestries, lace, furniture and silverware. Address - Dijver 12, Brugge
- The Torture Museum is an interesting collection of artifacts in one of the oldest prisons in Europe. Address - Wollestraat 29, Brugge
- The Lamp Museum is the largest collection of lamps in the world from antique to modern. Address - Wijnzakstraat 2, Brugge
Story
The founding of Bruges dates back to the ninth century AD. The settlement was granted city status in 1128. Bruges quickly became an important trading center Western Europe. This was facilitated by its advantageous strategic location at the intersection of northern Hanseatic trade and southern trade routes.
The city's golden age begins in the 12th century and continues until the 15th century. Bruges then had a population of nearly fifty thousand inhabitants, while Amsterdam was then a village of only about three thousand inhabitants. The presence of the Burgundian dynasty also had a huge positive impact on Bruges. A very important point was that the largest Flemish fairs were held here. Interestingly, the city authorities were quite enterprising. When old system fairs began to malfunction, Bruges traders began to use new forms of economic exchange - bills of exchange and letters of credit. The city has also always readily welcomed foreign traders.
The decline began in the 15th century, when the Zwin Canal, which literally cut off Bruges from the sea, began to silt up. The functions of the main port city were transferred to Antwerp. Attempts to restore the city to a dominant position in the 17th and 18th centuries were unsuccessful. Antwerp held its position firmly. The city's population declined rapidly from 200,000 inhabitants to 50,000 inhabitants by 1900.
Bruges failed to regain its position as the main shopping center Flanders, but it has become popular tourist place already at the beginning of the 20th century and remains so to this day! Yes, and the second one World War left almost no scars on the face of the city, so almost all historical buildings are original.
Sights of Bruges
Historical Center The city is the main attraction of Bruges. Walking around it, you get the impression that this is a museum under open air- ancient streets, charming squares and beautiful facades of buildings that seem frozen in the past. The sounds of horses that still walk the streets of Bruges and the small number of cars only enhance this feeling.
Another interesting attraction of Bruges are the famous canals. Thanks to them, the city is often called the “Venice of the North.” These waterways fit very organically into the architecture of the city, and the picturesque bridges and amazingly beautiful landscapes will definitely not leave you indifferent!
The most picturesque canals: Rozenhoedkaai, Groenerei and Minnewater.
Boniface Bridge is a surprisingly romantic place in Bruges. This small stone bridge, built at the beginning of the 20th century, is one of the youngest bridges in the city. It quickly gained popularity and became one of the calling cards of the city.
The Kruispoort city gate is an ancient gate from the early 15th century with two massive towers. The armies of Charles V and Napoleon passed through these gates.
The courthouse is a beautiful neo-Gothic building built in the late 19th century.
Tower of the Virgin - the 115.5 meter brick tower of the Virgin illustrates the skill of the builders of Bruges. The church displays a valuable collection of works of art: the world famous Madonna and Child by the brilliant Michelangelo, countless paintings from the 13th century, and the tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold are located here.
Market Square - business card Bruges. Beautiful ancient architecture and interesting sights attract many tourists to the square. The architecture is dominated by a high belfry.
Belfort Belfort The belfry or bell tower of Belfort on the market square is one of the most recognizable characters Bruges. This is an 83 meter tower built in the 13th century. There are 47 bells in the bell tower. To get to the top you need to overcome 366 steps. But it's worth it! From here you have a beautiful view of Old city!
Jan van Eyck Square is a charming square in Bruges that is named after the famous artist born in Bruges.
Other interesting sights:
- Town Hall is one of oldest town halls Western Europe, which has existed for more than 6 centuries. This is a beautiful Gothic building with beautiful halls.
- Right on the corner of Jan van Eyck Square there is a remarkable building with a striking tower, built at the end of the 14th century and used to serve as a meeting place for merchants.
- Prinsenhof is the palace of a favorite of the Burgundian court in the 14th century.
- Boechoute House is a 15th century building in the corner of the market square with a clock mechanism.
- The Barge Bridge is a striking example of asymmetrical architecture.
- St. Anne's Church is a simple 17th-century Gothic church that surprises with its rich Baroque interior.
- St Giles' Church is a fine example of Brick Gothic, built in the 13th century. The interior is made in neo-Gothic style.
- St. John's Mill is an ancient mill, the only one in Bruges that is open to the public and has retained its original location and can still grind grain.
- The Saint Sebastian building is the building of the archers' guild, whose history goes back 600 years.
- The seminary is a 17th-century Cistercian abbey, a unique green spot in the middle of stone Bruges.
- St James's Church - The modest chapel of St James, built in the 13th century, became a large church in the 15th century. The church is famous for its many art treasures received from the city's rich people.
Video about Bruges
Here is a map of Bruges with streets → province of West Flanders, Belgium. We study detailed map Bruges with houses and streets. Search in real time, weather today, coordinates
More details about the streets of Bruges on the map
A detailed map of the city of Bruges with street names and villages can show all the routes and roads of the province of West Flanders, where the street is located. Hoogstraat, which country, surroundings of the nearest settlement. Located near.
To view the territory of the entire region in detail, it is enough to change the scale of the online diagram +/-. On the page there is an interactive map of the city of Bruges (Belgium) with addresses and routes of the region, with directions and bypass roads. Move its center to find Wollestraat street now.
The ability to plot a route across the country and calculate the distance using the “Ruler” tool, find out the length of the city and the path to the center, addresses of attractions in the region, transport stops and hospitals (type of “Hybrid” scheme), see train stations and the borders of the province of West Flanders.
You will find everything you need detailed information o location of urban infrastructure - stations and shops, squares and banks, highways and highways.
What to see:
- Gothic Church of Our Lady
Accurate satellite map Bruges (Bruges) in Russian with Google search is in its own section, panoramas as well. Use Yandex search to show the desired house on a city map in Belgium/the world, in real time.
For those who are planning to visit the glorious city of Bruges, this post will be very useful. I’ll take a little break from personal diaries and do some socially useful work. Joke! But there is so much truth in it... In general, let's decide where and what attractions there are in Bruges, which route is best to take a walk, what you must see in Bruges, and what you can skip. And here many will find the answer to the question: “How many days to spend in Bruges?” I think the answer to another question like “Is it worth going to Bruges” has long been answered :)
As soon as we arrived in Bruges, a guidebook in Russian was purchased at the nearest souvenir shop - a necessary and vital thing for those who prefer to explore the sights on their own while traveling. We will not retell the text of the guidebook here, we must respect the work of the creators, I will say one thing - it is written quite interestingly, many colorful photos, full useful information. Author Simon Sauer, cost approximately 7 euros.
For this post, I borrowed two hiking maps from the guidebook. excursion routes on the sights of Bruges, I think the authors will not mind much, given my reviews :)
So, two different routes. The first can be considered a “mandatory tourist program”, the second is optional. We were in Bruges for three days, we had enough time to explore both routes and still have time to visit the museums.
The first route “Famous Bruges” starts from the Markt and ends there.
However, if you came to Bruges for just one day, and even by train (central station, point 26 on the map), then start exploring the Cathedral of Sint Salvador (27) and beyond. The route will end right at the station. However, everything is clearly visible on the map (the picture can be enlarged):
Second route “Little-known Bruges”:
We also walked along the second route, which, perhaps, evokes less enthusiastic feelings, but nevertheless is also interesting and leaves a lot of impressions.
Well, now you know what to see in Bruges and which routes are worth walking along. How long to spend in Bruges? From one day to the rest of your life :) I would personally recommend coming for at least a couple of days.
Update! Continued: Walk along the canals and the Belfort watchtower
, Belgium: description, photo, where it is on the map, how to get there
Bruges historic city center- a unique example of a medieval settlement, the most important part of the city’s identity. Bruges is not just one of the most beautiful historical cities in Belgium, but also a city that was once a trading and cultural capital Europe. It is included in 1000 popular places in the world according to our website.
This charming city with medieval buildings attracts tourists like a magnet.
Geographically, it is located approximately 100 km from Brussels. Trains depart from the capital's airport every 30 minutes to Bruges. Travel time is about 1.5 hours.
The architectural monuments of Bruges mean a lot both for Belgium and for the whole of Europe. Sometimes this city is called the “Second Venice”. It does not have the notorious skyscrapers, modern highways or shopping centers. Filled with fairy-tale houses reminiscent of Flemish lace, it seems frozen in the 15th century. Numerous canals and narrow streets run along its perimeter.
Outwardly, it seems that the whole city is sleeping peacefully, except for the center. In the very heart of the city, life is in full swing. There are interested tourists, medieval horse-drawn carriages, lively fairs on the Grote Markt, and annual festivals. Geographically, the historical center of Bruges is divided into two parts: Markt and Burg. If one of them contains shopping malls, then the other contains objects of national importance.
One of the most interesting sights of the city is the Belfort watchtower (XIII century), to observation deck which leads up to 366 steps. Another popular attraction is the ancient Church of Our Lady, which seamlessly combines ancient elements with modern technology. It is noteworthy that the development of Flemish painting is closely connected with Bruges.
Photo attraction: Bruges historical center
Bruges historic city center
Bruges historic city center
Belfort Bell Tower
The historical center of Bruges on the map:
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Bruges on the map of Belgium
City of Bruges, look where it is Bruges, West Flanders, Belgium on a map of Belgium. Use the search to look at another city on the world map.
Bruges is a quiet Belgian tourist town with beautiful canals and a Flemish spirit. Here you can easily plunge into Belgian provincial everyday life and get lost among the medieval narrow streets, escape from Brussels for a couple of days from European institutions, listen to a special dialect, taste delicious beer and be surprised by the friendliness of the local residents - and they are actually most often indigenous, unlike Brussels. We tell you how to get there, where to live and how to have fun in a mini-guide to Bruges.
Transport
The first step is to get to Belgium. You can fly to Brussels from Vilnius by Ryanair. If you buy tickets in advance, you can count on € 20. It flies from there AirBaltic(from € 158 return). You can fly from Warsaw on Ryanair for €9, if you're lucky. All these low-cost airlines fly into Charleroi, “South Brussels”. The most optimal transfer now is flibco.com: to Brussels - € 14, directly to Bruges - € 17, but there are nice promotions up to € 5. No one canceled Blablacar, very lucky coincidences happen, the price is halved. Trains run constantly from Brussels, your option is Go Pass tickets (up to 26 years old) with a 50% discount, to Bruges costs only € 6. By the way, on weekends you can get everywhere for half price. The road from Bruges to Brussels takes only 1 hour; in addition, you can visit Ghent with one ticket, but that’s a different story.
Using public transport in Bruges is difficult, as the city is compact and easier to get to on foot or by bike. Especially if you are staying in the old part of the city. Moreover, one trip on a city bus will cost € 3 (this is more expensive than a good glass of Belgian beer!), with the same ticket you can transfer to another route within an hour.
You can rent a bike from €6 to €15 per day. Cheapest service Deketing (Gentpoortstraat 23 te 8000 Brugge) , 5 minutes from central square, check the return time, they close early. In addition, you can find another provider near the station Bruges Bike Rental (Niklaas Desparsstraat 17) .
Housing
Cheap housing in Belgium is difficult, so you can try to fit in with couchsurfing.com, don’t have high hopes: the city is small, but there are a lot of tourists. But airbnb.com developed very well, prices range from €50 to €100 for an excellent apartment, so for traveling with a group this is probably the best option.
But if it doesn’t work, then there are still a couple of options left. Hostel prices start from €15.
Snuffel (Ezelstraat 42)- the hostel is located in the central part, the atmosphere is youthful, parties are organized in the bar, locals also drop in, there are beer tastings, and they rent out bicycles.
Lybeer (Korte Vulderstraat 31) - typical atmosphere of the city of Bruges: an authentic house with all the medieval features, a small number of rooms, 5 minutes from the central square - you get the feeling that you are in another dimension.
Charlie Rockets (Hoogstraat 19)- an excellent hostel for a large company, many places, a great party, a large bar with billiards and live music. So if you get bored, you can just go to a party and even go to a screening of a rock film.
For those who love comfort, you can stay in Ibis (Katelijnestraat, 65 A) . A chain hotel with all modern facilities at an average price near the station.
And for big movie fans and Colin Farrell fans, it’s worth mentioning Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce Hotel (Wollestraat 41-47). It was in this hotel that he ate, slept, had breakfast overlooking the canal and jumped from the window in the film “Lie Down in Bruges.” True, the price for such pleasure is a bit steep (€ 265 per night). Although you should just approach: the view of the hotel is considered the most photographed place in the city.
Cultural program
Bruges - provincial tourist town and a great place for a relaxing holiday. It’s hard to find a party place here, but you won’t be able to avoid the Flemish architecture, quiet pubs, nice locals and peace. The historical part is included in the UNESCO list. Here you can make several walking routes, get lost in romantic parks, and climb one of the mills. You can start exploring the city during Free Walking Tours in Bruges .
Although a boat ride along the canals seems like a rather trivial activity, it is worth it. The streets look completely different. It is advisable to choose a better time so that the boat is not too crowded; there are really a lot of tourists in the city, especially on weekends. The pleasure costs €8, but the view is mesmerizing. In the very center you can find a pier Boottochten Brugge (Nieuwstraat 11) .
If after all the walks you are still drawn to history, it’s worth visiting the history museum Historium Bruges (Markt 1). It was just updated, so there are plenty of interactive things. He will tell you about Bruges, its surroundings and Belgium. An additional bonus is one of the most picturesque streets on which it is located.
IN Groeningemuseum (Dijver 12) you can find paintings by Jan van Eyck, a native of Bruges, the same inventor of oil paints and an artist of the early Renaissance - the locals are very proud of him.
If you're tired of history and silence, go to the Skate Park or youth center De Comma (Binnenwag 4). There are very interesting events on the schedule, as a bonus an additional opportunity to get to know the local crowd.
After long walks, you can lie on the grass or play Frisbee in one of the parks. Minnewater-Lake or Lake of Love is very close to train station, so you can brighten up your waiting time for the train. And Astridpark appears completely unexpectedly among the narrow streets.
If you have a little time left, don’t miss the opportunity to breathe in the sea air, the North Sea is just a stone’s throw away. The easiest option is to take the train to Ostend (Oostende), it will take no more than 20 minutes. A more interesting option: ride a bike to Zeebrugge (Zeebrugg), a port city with sand dunes, is 20 km away. Or an equally attractive option is to visit the “resort” Knokke(Knokke-Heist)- Belgian Monaco, in the same 20 km. You can meet famous Belgians on the streets, expensive cars And interesting houses. Due to the “resort” nature of the town, prices in establishments are inflated (you should prepare in advance), but, for example, you can warm up in Restaurant Cezanne (Lippenslaan 98, 8300 Knokke-Heist) . The tea room has excellent homemade desserts.
Very close national park Zwin with a variety of bird species, including flamingos. A place for nature lovers and sea air, and there are also interesting interactive things in the exhibition hall. The best way to get there is by bus from Knokke.
Where to eat
Bruges, as a typical tourist town, pleases with an abundance of small and very cozy places with a pleasant atmosphere. The prices are Belgian: the lunch menu averages from €12, but the portions are excellent.
Start your morning at a coffee shop Li O Lait (Dweerstraat 30), very tasty pastries, interesting coffee mixes and unforgettable hot chocolate with honey and Maltesers. You can connect to Wi-Fi and admire the beautiful drawings on the walls.
For more serious food you can go to Sanseveria Bagelsalon (Predikherenstraat 11)
. The best burgers in town, delicious salads and huge portions.
Royal Frituur & Eetboetiek (Langestraat 181 A)‒ local high-quality fast food, suitable for lovers of vegan food. For example, a large Belgian potato (you can get kicked out for the phrase French fries) with spring roll and homemade mayonnaise will cost only € 6. The place is more of a takeaway, but the very nice owner Anna can rent a blanket for a mini-picnic, which guarantees additional piquancy for the cool sets After all, just a stone's throw away is the lawn near the Kruisvest mill, a picturesque view of the city and a place for youth hangouts. Frisbee teams gather here on weekends, and in winter you can go downhill.
In the very center it’s worth stopping by for lunch Brasserie Forestiere (Academiestraat 11). The lunch menu costs € 12.5, there are days with mussels and very tasty fish soups.
You can spend the evening in an authentic Flemish place Cafe Vlissinghe (Blekerstraat 2). Despite the fact that this is the oldest cafe in the city, operating since 1515, the quality is top level with very reasonable prices. There are very few seats, old large tables where several groups can crowd together at the same time, delicious beer and a pleasant atmosphere.
You can find cuisine from all nations of the world in Stoepa (Oostmeers 124). Close to train station and Minnewater-Lake. In summer, a beautiful terrace with interesting events is organized in the courtyard.
Bars
Bruges, like the rest of Belgium, is famous for its beer. This is where beer flows through the water pipe, it's not a joke, Google it! Don't chase after popular places, trust your intuition, just look into the nearest bar. Talk to the locals and find out what they like and recommend. If you meet a big connoisseur, they will add a couple of drops of essential oil to your beer, and in one glass you will try 2 different high-quality beers, so don’t shy away from experimenting. But if you are still afraid of making a mistake, here are a couple of proven places.
"Anti-tourist" bar Cafe "t Stokershuis (Langestraat 7). It is not customary to make noise here, and friendly leisurely conversations over a glass of beer are encouraged. One gets the impression that nothing has changed here since the 50s: the bar counter is faithfully guarded by a cat, the menu is handwritten and the best, rare beers are available. It’s not difficult to win the host’s favor, but it’s better to immediately say that you are a tourist and the place was recommended by a local friend.
All types of Trappist beer (not only from Belgium) can be tasted in Cafe Rose Red (Cordoeanierstraat 16) . This is a very touristy place next to the hotel, but there are always free places. Cozy atmosphere, fresh roses on the ceiling and interesting offers. For example, every month there is special kind beer, the recipe of which will not be saved in the future.
For a creative atmosphere, check out Republiek (St-Jakobsstraat 36) .
Spacious youth bar with guys from Lumière Cinema‒ cinema of alternative films.
You can have a big party in a Belgian chain Bar des Amis (Eiermarkt 19). Loud music, a lot of young people, there are concerts with local bands on the weekends.
The above does not mean that wine lovers will have nothing to do in Bruges. A quality wine bar isn't too hard to find. One of the best Wijnbar EST (Braambergstraat 7). To say that the guys understand wines is an understatement. The choice is large, from ordinary glasses to exquisite bottles, and any choice is accompanied by a detailed story. It feels like I attended a master class at a famous winemaking school.
Popular place with delicious tapas
