Escorted Tours to Bruges Belgium

Discover Bruges's Wonders

Cosmopolitan and bourgeois, Bruges is one of the best preserved pre-motorized cities in Europe, and offers the kind of charming vacations that are rarely available elsewhere. Part of Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium, Bruges is a postcard perfect stop on any tour of Europe. With music, culture, and art festivals year-round, and a variety of museums and other attractions, there is always something going on in this cultural hub.

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Description

Although the Bruges region was already populated in Roman times, the city’s name appears for the first time in the 9th century, probably derived from the Old Germanic word ‘brugj’, which means ‘mooring’. Bruges has always had a special bond with the sea. After all, water played a crucial role in the city’s foundation. It was the place where several streams merged into a single river (the ‘Reie’), which flowed north into the coastal plain. This river was linked to the North Sea through a series of ‘tidal channels’, guaranteeing the city’s future welfare and prosperity.

Useful information

Population:

Inner city — 19,881 [2020] Greater Bruges — 118,610 [2020]

Currency:

Euro €

Emergency Info:

112 — This free number is used in all member states of the European Union to contact the emergency services: police, fire brigade or medical assistance. The number operates 24/7.

Police
General telephone number: +32 50 44 88 44
Emergency police assistance: 101

Opening Hours:

Cafés and restaurants have no (fixed) opening hours. Sometimes they will remain open until the early hours of the morning and other days they will close earlier: it all depends on the number of customers.

Highlights of Bruges

Almshouses — Charity Set in Stone

Villages within the city. That’s how you can best describe these residential centres, which originated in medieval times and are still occupied today by senior citizens. The almshouses were first founded centuries ago for charitable purposes. Today, with their picturesque gardens, their white-painted gables and their perfect peace and quiet, they are amongst the most tranquil places in Bruges.

Beguinage — a Place for Quiet Contemplation

Some places are so beautiful that they leave you speechless. The Beguinage is just such a place. This is where the beguines — emancipated women who lived pious and chaste lives without taking holy orders — once lived together in harmony. This walled oasis of religious peace, with its delightful inner garden, wind-twisted trees and white-painted gables, can charm even the most cynical of souls with its deafening silence.

Burg — the Burg Square

The Market Square is the heart of Bruges, but the Burg Square is its soul. For centuries this has been the centre of power in the city, and Bruges city administration still occupies the 14th century Gothic Town Hall. This grand, majestic square is lined with monumental landmark buildings. These were built over the centuries, and reflect the building style of their age. A handy architectural guide assembled in a single square! From the Basilica of the Holy Blood through the Liberty of Bruges to the Deanery. Immerse yourself in the riches of Bruges.

Canals of Bruges — the Arteries of the City

The canals have for centuries been the vital circulatory system of the city, winding through Bruges and treating you to new magnificent views around every bend. Take a stroll or a boat trip and discover secret gardens, romantic bridges and medieval facades reflected in the water. Veiled in mist, a family of swans floats past: time stands still on the canals.

Church of Our Lady — a Work of Beauty in Brick

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady), with its imposing 115.5-metre high brick tower, is not only a fine testimony to the skill of the Bruges master builders of yesteryear, but is also the second tallest brick church spire in the world. Inside the church visitors will be moved by the magnificence of Michelangelo’s white marble Madonna and Child.

Concert Hall — Culture with a Capital C

This tall and stately culture temple on ’t Zand gives the largest square of Bruges its own unique dynamism. In the soberly decorated auditorium, visitors can enjoy classical music and contemporary dance in the best possible setting. During the day, you can explore this remarkable building by following the Concertgebouw Circuit, an original and entertaining experience route that ends with a fantastic view of Bruges from the roof terrace.

Gruuthuse Museum — the Burgundian Splendour

Discover the Burgundian splendour at the site of the Gruuthuse Museum. In this luxurious 15th century city palace you can explore the 500 years of Bruges history through a rich and varied collection. Particularly eye-catching is the intimate private chapel that connects the palace with the Church of Our Lady. In this way, the lords of Gruuthuse were able to follow the religious services in comfort and privacy. The church’s showpiece is the beautiful white marble statue of the Madonna and Child by Michelangelo, which leaves no visitor unmoved.

Markt — the Market Square

The beating heart of Bruges has long been dominated by the Belfry, 83 metres high and the city’s most prominent building. Those who climb to the top of the Belfry are rewarded with a breath-taking panorama. In the Market Square itself, marvel at the imposing Provincial Court and the many colourful stepped gables, and maybe you’ll hop in for a carriage ride. This is, after all, the place where the coachmen wait, just to complete the picture.

Romantic Hotspots

Beguinage

The 'Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde' with its white-coloured house fronts and tranquil convent garden was founded in 1245. This little piece of world heritage was once the home of the beguines, emancipated lay-women who nevertheless led a pious and celibate life. Today the beguinage is inhabited by nuns of the Order of St. Benedict and several Bruges women who have decided to remain unmarried.

Boniface Bridge

The very photogenic Boniface Bridge may be one of the youngest bridges in Bruges, but it sums up the city perfectly. A mysterious atmosphere, abundantly romantic and fabulous views that fight for your attention. Should you gaze at the little canals and overhanging half-timbered houses, or should you tilt back your head to admire the stately Church of Our Lady, or the adjacent Gruuthuse Palace? A magical place at every hour of the day, and one that must be seen to be believed. Close at hand stands the Gruuthuse Bridge with the white-painted House Arents — the only bridge in Bruges with a building standing on it.

Brugse Vesten — Bruges City Ramparts

With its 26 hectares and over 3000 trees, the Vesten form broad green ramparts around the city. A protected view of the city and the perfect place to stroll. Or admire the city’s treasures from the secluded cycle path along the city walls during a pleasant circular ride around Bruges. Your route takes you past the Lake of Love, the Coupure marina, the Conzett Bridge and four medieval city gates. Perhaps you’ll take a break at the foot of the windmills? Walking or cycling, there’s plenty to see along its 7 km-long route.

Groenerei

Each and every one of the city’s lovely canals is a jewel, but without doubt the loveliest is the Groenerei. One of the most charming spots in all Bruges. Framed by a beautiful skyline, surrounded by enough greenery to unwind, and complete with a romantic little bridge. Take a relaxing stroll by the water or settle on one of the waterside benches to soak up the atmosphere.

Gruuthuse Courtyard

This magnificent 15th century city palace was built to impress, and it’s been doing so in style ever since. The contemporary pavilion makes a striking contrast to the Gruuthuse Palace. On the right stands the Church of Our Lady, while to the left is one of Bruges' loveliest canals. So knowing where to look first is a bit of a challenge. Take your time and discover the many surprising corners in this special courtyard. With a high wow factor!

Jan van Eyck Square

Jan van Eyck Square was the Manhattan of Burgundian Bruges in the Middle Ages. A lively port where busy traders assembled from all over Europe, and you could hear every imaginable language. A tangle of people loading and unloading pressed around the Toll House and the Rijkepijndershuis while citizens and merchants watched approvingly from the Burghers’ Lodge. Today, the square is dominated by the stately presence of the world-famous master painter Jan van Eyck, and from here you can set off to discover peaceful, quiet working-class neighbourhoods.

Minnewaterpark — Lake of Love Park

The city feels far, far away from the Lake of love park. This delightful park to the south of the historical centre is tucked between the green Ramparts and the graceful Lake of love. A short stroll away lies the hushed Beguinage. Or the place where the residents of Bruges relax with grass beneath their feet. With so many intimate garden spaces that you get the wonderful feeling of having the park all to yourself.

Queen Astrid Park

Right in the heart of the city, near the Fish Market and Burg Square and in the shadow of Saint Magdalene’s Church, lies this glorious botanical park. And although Queen Astrid park is blessed with many imposing trees, it contains numerous other treasures. From the pond with its fountain, through a colourful romantic kiosk to a large playground where Bruges’ little ones can push their limits. There are abundant benches and chairs where you can sit to enjoy all this beauty.

Do & See

Adornes Estate & Jerusalem Chapel

The Adornes domain consists of the mansion of the rich Adornes family of merchants. The 15th-century Jerusalem Chapel (built by this family) and a series of adjacent almshouses. In the multimedia museum, you step back in time to explore the life of Anselm Adornes and the Burgundian world in which he lived. Also enjoy a pleasant break in the elegant and familial atmosphere of the Scottish Lounge.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

The 12th century Basilica of the Holy Blood consists of a lower and an upper chapel, dedicated to Our Lady and Saint Basil. The lower chapel has preserved its original character and is therefore a rare example of Romanesque architecture in the coastal region. The Neo-Gothic interior of the upper chapel is home to the relic of the Holy Blood and boasts a treasury with numerous valuable works of art. Owing to the special veneration attached to the relic, the church was elevated to the status of a basilica in 1923.

Beguinage

Belfry

The most striking tower in Bruges dates back to the 13th century. It is 83 metres high and is protected as a world heritage site. Anyone who climbs all 366 steps will be rewarded with a stunning view over the city and its surroundings. On your way up, you can pause at the treasury, which held the city’s charters, seals and coffers during the Middle Ages. A few steps further on you will see the impressive music drum that operates the carillon and the keyboard used by the city carillonneur to play the tower’s 47 carillon bells. Bruges’ Belfry has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.

Belgian Fries Museum

This didactic museum sketches the history of the potato, belgian fries and the various sauces and dressings that accompany this most delicious and most famous of Belgian comestibles. The museum is housed in Saaihalle, one of Bruges’ most attractive buildings.

Bladelin Court

Pieter Bladelin, treasurer of the Order of the Golden Fleece, ordered the construction of this city palace in 1435. Before the end of the 15th century, a subsidiary of the Florentine Medici Bank was already housed here. The stone medallion portraits of Lorenzo de’ Medici and his wife, which are among the first Renaissance works of art in Bruges, decorate the atmospheric inner courtyard. Reverend Leon de Foere established his lace school here at the beginning of the 19th century and expanded the domain by adding a chapel in the Classical style. He also had paintings (late 16th/early 17th century), replicas from the Raphael Rooms in the Vatican, hung in one of the halls.

Brewery De Halve Maan

Brewery De Halve Maan in the centre of Bruges is a family business with a tradition stretching back through six generations to 1856. This is where the Bruges city beer — the Brugse Zot — is brewed: a strong-tasting, high-fermentation beer based on malt, hops and special yeast. In 2016 a unique underground beer pipeline, some 3 km long, was laid from the brewery to the bottling plant in the suburbs. Guided tours and beer tastings is are offered.

Bruges Beer Experience

Discover in an interactive way everything you ever wanted to know about the raw ingredients of beer, the brewing process, food pairing, beer in Bruges, trappist and abbey beers, etc. Children follow the Kids Tour, which tells the story of the Bruges bear. Would you just like to sample some beers? The bar and its 16 different kinds of beer is open to everyone and has a great view over the Market Square.

Events

Airbag Festival — Accordion festival

This international biennial accordion festival is already into its ninth edition, this time with accordion virtuoso Philippe Thuriot as the curator. Performances will take place in the Royal City Theatre, the Magic Mirrors marquee and various other venues spread throughout the city.

Budapest Festival

A music festival with concerts by the celebrated Budapest Festival Orchestra, conducted by Iván Fischer, who also wants to use this festival as a medium to introduce classical music to young children.

Cactus Festival

An atmospheric open-air music festival in the Minnewater Park, with a cocktail of contemporary music in all its diversity. Internationally famous, yet easy-going. A true people’s festival that stimulates all senses, both onstage and off, with a large selection of culinary treats.

Carillon concerts

Throughout the year, you can enjoy free, live carillon concerts in Bruges on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to noon. From mid-June to mid-September, evening concerts also take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 pm to 10 pm. The inner courtyard of the Belfry is a good place to listen.

Cirque Plus

A free circus festival featuring artists from home and abroad in a unique location: the garden of the Major Seminary.

Film festival Mooov

This 10-day film festival, screened in Cinema Lumière and Cinema Liberty, shows the best new films from Africa, Asia and South America. The programme covers both artistically innovative movies and films with a social conscience.

GOLD — Polyphony festival

A polyphony festival that brings together all the beauty of Bruges in the Golden Age: the fascinating history, immovable heritage, art treasures and, above all, music. This second edition revolves around the Lucca Choirbook.

Iedereen Klassiek (Everyone Classic)

Classical music radio station Klara and the Concert Hall join forces to allow you to explore the beauty of Bach, Beethoven and Bruges. This festival is traditionally brought to a close with a performance by the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dining

‘t Apertje

Halfway between Bruges and Damme you can unwind on the terrace of ’t Apertje, which hugs the famed and picturesque Damse Vaart. Other menu features traditional eel dishes, côte à l'os (club steak) with béarnaise sauce and veal kidneys in mustard sauce, as well as seasonal dishes and a genuine bistro menu. Chef Leo Callewaert

't Werftje

Half of Bruges regularly makes a pilgrimage to Zeebrugge to spend an afternoon or an evening in ‘t Werftje. In itself, this is a sufficient reason to take a trip to the seaside. Here you can eat outstanding classic fish dishes. These range from home-made shrimp croquette with a salad or quick bites, to huge seafood platters. Your fellow diners will include fishermen, dock workers, tourists and gourmets.

Assiette Blanche

This classic restaurant is located directly opposite the Burg, a trusted name where traditional Franco-Belgian dishes and many regional specialities are served with a warm and homely bistro-style atmosphere. It makes perfect sense that Assiette Blanche was awarded Bib Gourmand status. Chef Stefaan Timmerman.

Auberge De Herborist

It comes as no surprise that Auberge De Herborist has its own garden full of well-known, unknown, healing and edible herbs. And thanks to the abundant harvest the garden provides, Chef Alex Hanbuckers manages to put together an inspirational menu each and every time. Feeling moreish? Then book a place for a cooking lesson or a guided tour of the garden.

Bar Bulot

Bar Bulot, run by chef Gert De Mangeleer from the concept restaurant L.E.S.S., opened in 2019 as a pop-up and quickly grew into a fully fledged luxury brasserie. The menu features contemporary takes on classics from Belgium's rich culinary tradition. The exceptional quality, impeccable service and hard work for which the establishment has become known are now paying off, as Bar Bulot has since been awarded its first Michelin star. A bright and tasty future awaits!

Bistro Bruut

Situated by the idyllic Meebrug, this culinary newcomer is a ray of sunshine. An upper crust bistro, which equates to delicious food without all the fuss – relaxed and casual yet still excellent. Bistro Bruut has recently launched its own house gin. Chef Bruno Timperman.

Bistro Refter

To say you can eat well in Bruges is the understatement of the year. If you don’t feel like or cannot afford a Michelin-starred restaurant but still want a taste of the good life, then De Refter is the place for you. A contemporary restaurant owned by the Michelin three-star chef Geert Van Hecke, where you can get great food in a pleasant setting at reasonable prices. You couldn’t ask for more.

Bistro Rombaux

The refined Bistro Rombaux is located on an elegantly laid out street corner in the Bruges suburbs of Sint-Kruis. A modern place, distilled down to the essence. The menu offers some five entrées and main dishes, amply demonstrating that only the freshest quality ingredients have been selected, from squabs (young pigeons) and calf’s sweetbread to oysters and Atlantic cod.

Cafés, Bars & Nightlife

't Brugs Beertje

't Brugs Beertje (which means 'lil bear from Bruges' in Flemish) is a paradise for beer lovers. Locals and tourists flock here to browse their menu of 300 Belgian beers — it is a thick book grouped by region. Non for nothing was it selected as one of the world's 20 best beer bars! Families, couples, students, older people — everyone is welcome.

’t Brugs Beertje

A paradise for beer lovers! The bar is where locals and tourists find each other and fraternize while tasting one of the 300 Belgian beers. It’s no coincidence that the cafe has been elected one of the world’s 20 best beer cafes!

't Hof van Beroep

This new place to be is already a hit with Bruges’ inhabitants and in no time it has become the favourite spot to talk after football or to watch a match on TV. 't Hof van Beroep is neighbourly and friendly. Great food, everything made from scratch or by friends of the bar owner.

't Hof van Rembrandt

Another classic on Eiermarkt square is 't Hof van Rembrandt, blessed with a lovely sun terrace and an impressive beer menu. From trappist and abbey beers over fruit beers to the beer of the month. Make your choice!

't Klein Venetië

All of Bruges' outdoor cafes are extremely popular, but 't Klein Venetië beats them all. It is an ideal spot to relax in the sun with a wonderful view of Rozenhoedkaai.

't Risico

You can find 't Risico in a peaceful neighbourhood far away from the throng of tourists. It is an authentic neighbourhood pub where the locals still come together to share the latest news. Don’t worry though — non-locals are welcome, too.

't Zwart Huis

At 't Zwart Huis, a listed monument dating from 1482, you kill two birds with one stone. On the first floor you can have a bite to eat, and below cocktails are served at will. A place where you never be bored.

27B flat

In this jazz and blues bar you can have a snack, drink a glass of something, share some nachos and do all of this to cool jazz or bluesy tunes. If that's not enough, you can also make yourself comfortable in the fantastic courtyard garden. Enjoy the feel of the grass, right in the centre of the city. This place is a hidden gem!

Shopping

Art and Antiques

For lovers of centuries-old objéts d’art, unique manuscripts, 17th century paintings, more modern artistic creations and contemporary photography, Bruges is a veritable paradise — and not just in the city’s museums! Let the #ArtandAntiques map lead you to some of the finest and most reputable art galleries and antique stores, where you can make your acquaintance with the unique and high-quality offer that has something to suit every taste and budget. Pop in to one of our tourist offices and pick up a free copy of the #ArtandAntiques map (or download a pdf version and use it on your device).

Handmade in Brugge

Bruges is full of passionate and highly motivated creative people, who day after day prove that craftsmanship has a future and that Bruges’ craftsmanship is timeless. Modern-day artisans who produce their wares locally and by hand are recognised with the award of the Handmade in Bruges label. The Handmade in Bruges guide (available in Dutch, French, German and English and available for free from the tourist offices) bundles together these ‘makers of things’, putting them both literally and figuratively on the map, allowing you to find your way with ease to one of their many stores or workshops selling handmade goods. And once you are there, you are almost certain to leave with an original, handmade gift — either for yourself or for your family and friends at home. Make sure you also visit De Makersrepubliek at Academiestraat 14, an open house for Bruges craftsmen, young entrepreneurs and start-ups. The home to Handmade in Bruges is situated Sint-Jakobsstraat 36.

Local Love — A Fine Selection of Authentic Shops

Visit Bruges has lovingly prepared a selection of Bruges shopping venues with local character and neatly assembled them on one map. No mass production — only specialist businesses spread across the city, each offering top quality and each run for more than five years by a passionate local entrepreneur or a creative Bruges craftsperson. Their specialities are many and varied: delicatessen shops, interior design, original fashion stores, rare books and manuscripts. If you are looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary and are prepared to leave the beaten track to find it, shopping in shops where the locals also love to go, then the Local Love addresses are ideal for you. Sounds like your cup of tea? Pick up a free Local Love map from one of the tourist offices.

Market Days

Mondays, 8am–1:30pm — Onder de Toren — Lissewege | miscellaneous items Wednesdays, 8am–1:30pm — Markt — food and flowers Fridays, 8am–1:30pm — Market Square — Zeebrugge — miscellaneous items Saturdays, 8am–1:30pm — ’t Zand — miscellaneous items Sundays, 7am–2pm — Veemarkt, Sint-Michiels — miscellaneous items Wednesday to Saturday, 8am–1:30pm — Vismarkt — seafood Daily, during the period from 15 March to 15 November: 9am–5pm; during the period 16 November to 14 March: 10am–4pm— Vismarkt — artisanal products Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and bridge days from 15 March to 15 November, as well as Fridays from June to September, 10am–6pm— Dijver — antiques, bric-à-brac and other crafts

Traffic-free Shopping

Following the marvellous trend of making the city more pedestrian-friendly, Bruges city council has decided to ban all traffic from several shopping streets on Saturdays and on Shopping Sundays (every first Sunday of the month) between 1 pm and 6 pm. On Zuidzandstraat (except for De Lijn buses), Steenstraat, Geldmuntstraat and Noordzandstraat motorised traffic will not be allowed at those times. The city will remain easily reachable and accessible for everyone.

When to Shop?

Most shops operate from Monday to Saturday, opening at 10 am and closing at either 6 pm or 6:30 pm. But even on Sundays you don’t need to leave Bruges empty-handed — many specialist stores are open on Sundays as well. On ‘Shopping Sundays’ — the first Sunday of the month, from 1 pm to 6 pm, except on public holidays — they are joined by many of the other shops. There is restricted access for traffic on Saturday afternoon and ‘Shopping Sundays’ (from 1 pm to 6 pm) in the following shopping streets: Zuidzandstraat, Steenstraat, Geldmuntstraat and Noordzandstraat.

Where to Shop?

Since Bruges is pedestrian-friendly and the main streets are all close to each other, shopping here is a relaxing experience. The most important shopping streets run between the Market Square and the old city gates: Steenstraat, Simon Stevinplein, Mariastraat, Zuidzandstraat, Sint-Jakobsstraat, Sint-Amandsstraat, Geldmuntstraat, Noordzandstraat, Smedenstraat, Vlamingstraat, Academiestraat, Philipstockstraat, Hoogstraat, Langestraat and Katelijnestraat. There is also a shopping centre, the Zilverpand, between Noordzandstraat and Zuidzandstraat. In Steenstraat, you will find the famous brand names, whereas Langestraat boasts many little second-hand and bric-à-brac shops. Large hypermarkets are located just outside the city centre.

Tourist Information

Passport / Visa

Belgium can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Climate

Bruges enjoys a mild, maritime climate. The summers are warm without being hot and the winters are cold without being freezing. During spring and autumn the temperatures are also pleasant and there is moderate rainfall throughout the year, with the heaviest concentrations in autumn and winter. So remember to bring your umbrella!

Electricity

In Belgium, types C and E are the official standards. The electrical plugs are compatible with type F plug with two round pins. The standard voltage is 230 Volt and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Emergencies

European emergency number: tel. 112. This general number is used in all countries of the European Union to contact the emergency services: police, fire brigade or medical assistance. The number operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Medical help » Doctors, pharmacists, dentists and nursing officers on duty: tel. 1733 » S.O.S. Emergency Service: tel. 100 » Hospitals: A.Z. St.-Jan: tel. +32 50 45 21 11 A.Z. St.-Lucas: tel. +32 50 36 91 11 St.-Franciscus Xaveriuskliniek: tel. +32 50 47 04 70 » Poisons Advice Centre: tel. +32 70 245 245 Police » General telephone number: +32 50 44 88 44 » Emergency police assistance: tel. 101 » Working hours Mon–Fri 8am–5pm and Sat 9am–6pm you can contact the central police services at Kartuizerinnenstraat 4 » After working hours you can access the police station on 3, Lodewijk Coiseaukaai from Mon–Thu 7am–9pm and continually from 7 pm on Friday to 9 pm on Sunday. For urgent matters, the police station has a 24-hour telephone service.

Post Office

bpost You can make use of one of the post points (advice, dispatch, stamps, etc.) or stamp shops (stamps only) that you can find in several of the shopping streets.

Telephone

Country code: +32 Area code: (0)50

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