Getting started: About Bruges
- Bruges (Brugge, in Dutch) is in Belgium’s Flanders Region, approximately 16 kilometers south of Zeebrugge, the port facing the North Sea.
- According to World Population Review data, the city’s population is expected to reach around 119,000 in 2024. Bruges’ economy is largely based on tourism.
- Located in northwestern Belgium, Bruges captivates visitors with its scenic canals, stone-paved streets and fine examples of medieval architecture.
- Biking and organized walking tours are two extremely pleasant ways to see the city.
- With its diminutive passages and crowded squares, hot waffle vendors and the aroma of chocolate, Bruges can make you feel as if you’re in the middle of a fairy tale.
- You’ll find tasty cheese croquettes, stews and local drinks along with other Belgian specialties at restaurants and cafes.
- It’s easy to travel from Brussels to Bruges for the day – trains depart from Brussels throughout the day and the journey takes less than an hour. However, the early morning and evening hours in Bruges are quite charming.
When to visit Bruges
Bruges is pleasant throughout the year. Springtime is the city’s daffodil season, when the scent of daffodils infuses the air, while the summer months tend to be mild though crowded. Autumn is relatively more quiet; December is when the city takes on a picturesque aspect, with Christmas markets and sparkling holiday lights.
Things to see and do in Bruges
Boat trip on the canal
Before moving on to our list of places to visit in Bruges, let’s discuss boat tours on the historic canal. In this manner, you can see the city from a unique perspective and discover interesting buildings that are visible only along the canal. Boat tours are available at regular intervals throughout the day.
Belfry of Bruges
Our first stop is the Bell Tower. Erected in the 13th century, this medieval tower is an iconic symbol of the city and offers marvelous views from the top.
St. Salvator’s Cathedral
St. Salvator’s Cathedral is the largest church in Bruges. Though the cathedral took on its current form in the 19th century, the carpets inside date from 1731. St. Salvator’s Cathedral dazzles at night with its lights. Entrance to the church is free, but a ticket is required for entry into the private rooms.
Groeninge Museum
The Groeninge Museum’s collection contains important works that range from those of the Flemish Primitive school, influential in the Bruges area in the 15th and 16th centuries, to 20th century artists. The museum also features outstanding works by artists such as Jan van Eyck, Hieronymus Bosch, Hans Memling and Pieter Bruegel. Groeninge Museum is among the places to visit in Bruges, especially for art enthusiasts.
St. John’s Hospital
The former St. John’s Hospital dates to the 11th century and is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe. Now a museum, visitors can see the old hospital records, as well as objects related to the history of medicine and some works of art. If you are interested in history, you can add St. John’s Hospital to the list of museums to visit in Bruges.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Gothic- and Romanesque-style Basilica of the Holy Blood, thought to have been erected in 1291, houses a relic allegedly containing blood from Jesus Christ that was brought to Bruges by Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders. Entrance to the Basilica of the Holy Blood is free of charge, but a ticket is required to enter the museum section.
Burg Square
Burg Square, set in the center of Bruges, is home to several of the city’s magnificent buildings, including the famous City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Boutique chocolate shops add additional color to the square.
Minnewater Park
South of Bruges, the tree-lined Lake of Love and the adjacent Minnewater Park are spectacular places to visit. The Lake of Love has its own tale centered around the tragic story of Minna and her warrior lover Stromberg; according to this legend, if you and your partner walk across the bridge over the lake, eternal love awaits you. In winter, the lake becomes an ice rink; in summer, picnickers lounge on the shore while listening to concerts.
Staying in Bruges
Bruges offers a range of hotels, hostels and other accommodation suitable for various budgets. You can also check out Turkish Airlines Holidays, where you can book your vacation components in one package. We do have a few suggestions…
- In a quiet, elegant neighborhood, Hotel Van Cleef invites you to a neoclassical experience. Filled with artworks, the hotel has a convivial atmosphere. You can breakfast on fragrant waffles while relaxing on a terrace that features canal views.
- Another option in the heart of the city is Grand Hotel Casselbergh, offering a fine blend of the past and present. Consisting of carefully restored older buildings and a new annex, the hotel’s canal view rooms are especially preferred.
Dining in Bruges
Some local dishes are described below.
- First, the waffle. The famous Belgian waffles are served in cafes, restaurants and waffle houses throughout the city, as well as from street vendors.
- Belgium is renowned for its chocolate and there’s even a chocolate museum in Bruges called Choco-Story, The Chocolate Museum.
- Like chocolate, the fries (chips) of Belgium are also renowned – believe it or not, there’s also a museum of fries, the Frietmuseum.
- Sauteed mussels are often served with fries – moules-frites is a classic Bruges dish.
- Waterzooi was a popular cream-based seafood stew but is now usually made with chicken.
Getting around Bruges
Urban transportation in Bruges
Most of the tourist attractions in Bruges can be accessed by walking. To get a comprehensive view of the city’s important points, you can join free city tours. You can also take bike tour or a boat tour along the canal.
Getting to Bruges
You can reach Bruges by trains that operate regularly from Brussels. The journey takes about 55 minutes and costs 18-20 Eur.
