It is only fair to say that the places that stir all your senses and that creep under your skin are extremely rare. These are the places that pluck your heartstrings, yet whose secrets you can’t unlock completely. Bruges happens to be such a unique place. Cultural and artistic, cosmopolitan, unashamedly Burgundian, mysteriously medieval, and a Unesco World Heritage site to boot. Strolling along Bruges’ alleys, picturesque canals and verdant ramparts you cannot but fall hopelessly in love with her elegant mysteriousness.
EURO € 1,00 = 100 cents
tel. 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 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Police
General telephone number: tel. +32 (0)50 44 88 44
Emergency police assistance: tel. 101
De Standaard
De Morgen
Cafés and restaurants have no (fixed) closing hour. 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.
On 1 January 2020, there were 19,881 inhabitants registered as living in the inner city of Bruges. The total population of Greater Bruges on the same date was 118,610.
TOURIST OFFICES
Markt (Historium)
Mon-Sun 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.
’t Zand (Concertgebouw)
Mon-Sat 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.
Sun and public holidays 10.00 a.m.-2.00 p.m.
Stationsplein (Railway Station)
Daily, 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.
Tel: +32 50 44 46 46
visitbruges@brugge.be
All tourist offices are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
www.visitbruges.be
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.
A favourable location
The golden century
Decline
Revival
Bruges today
A virtual exploration of Bruges in all its glory – a 360° tour of at least 25 locations in the heart of the city.
Bruges in 360°
The Beguinage was recognised as a world heritage site in 1998. One year later, the Belfry was also added to the world heritage list, followed by the entire historical city centre in 2000. After all, Bruges boasts a valuable structural heritage and is a fine example of an architecturally homogeneous city, particularly famous for its brick Gothic buildings. What’s more, the authentic and organically grown medieval city fabric has remained well preserved, while Bruges is also the ‘birthplace’ of the Flemish primitives. Reasons enough for UNESCO to grant Bruges the label of ‘world heritage city’, something the city and its people are rightly proud of.
But the city’s intangible heritage is also greatly valued. Since as far back as 1304, the relic of the Holy Blood has been carried around the city in the Holy Blood Procession on Ascension Day each year. This folk tradition involves everyone in the city and was recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. In November 2014, Belgian carilloneurs were also given significant international recognition when Belgian carilloneur culture - and all the people committed to it - was recognised as best practice in order to safeguard it as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The sound of the carillons can be heard all around Bruges throughout the year, but one of the best places to listen is on the Market Square or in the Belfry courtyard. In 2016, Belgium’s diverse beer culture was added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The historic city of Bruges boasts two breweries and a beer museum, and Bruges’ woodlands and wetlands is home to many traditional brewers who are passionate about their craft. There are also many cafes, bars and restaurants in Bruges where you can appreciate beer culture.
Beguinage
Belfry
Bruges’ historic city centre
The Flemish primitives
Procession of the Holy Blood
Bruges and the carillon, a shared history
Belgian Beer Culture
Visit World Heritage Bruges
You’ve only really seen Bruges if you’ve visited the classics. From the Rozenhoedkaai and the Market Square, through the Lake of Love and the canals, to the Beguinage, the almshouses and much more. Iconic sites that give the city its look and charm you instantly. Now centuries old, now dazzlingly young, but always exceptionally impressive. Not to be left off your to-do list!
Rozenhoedkaai, a typical city view
Markt (Market Square)
Burg (Burg Square)
Strolling through the old Hansa Quarter
The Flemish primitives: timeless beauty
Burgundian splendour
Quiet contemplation in the Beguinage
Minnewater (Lake of love)
Concert Hall or Culture with a capital C
Almshouses: charity frozen in stone
Swans on the canals, a maze of medieval streets, the clatter of hooves, hidden parks, charming courtyards... there are no jarring notes to disturb this historic picture. Whether you picnic in Koningin Astridpark (Queen Astrid Park), linger on the Boniface Bridge, or savour the peace of the Beguinage, in Bruges romance always hangs in the air. You’re sure to fall in love.
Rozenhoedkaai
Minnewaterpark (Lake of love park)
Begijnhof (Beguinage)
Bonifaciusbrug (Boniface Bridge)
Gruuthuse binnenhof (Gruuthuse courtyard)
Groenerei
Koningin Astridpark (Queen Astrid park)
Huidenvettersplein (Tanners Square)
Jan van Eyckplein (Jan van Eyck Square)
Brugse Vesten (Bruges' City Ramparts)
With Bruges it’s love at first sight! Bruges is mysteriously medieval and unashamedly ebullient. Though a city of human proportions, it takes a while to explore its wealth of treasures. The city owes its greatness to history and now wears its UNESCO World Heritage Site label with pride.
Hidden gems
Streets and squares full of stories
Green all around you
Some places are so special, so breathtaking or so unique that you simply have to see them. Bruges is filled to the brim with wonderful witnesses of a prosperous past, whether they be peaceful and picturesque, spiritual or, on the contrary, extremely entertaining.
Groeninge Museum
Saint John´s Hospital
Gruuthuse Museum
Belfry
City Hall
Church of Our Lady
Beguinage
Saint Saviour’s Cathedral
Basilica of the Holy Blood
St. Magdalene’s Church
St. Anne’s Church
St. Giles’s Church
St. James’s Church
St. Walburga's Church
Concertgebouw Circuit
Bladelin Court
Sacred Books | Secret Libraries
Adornes estate – Jerusalem Chapel
Lace Centre
Brewery De Halve Maan
Bruges Beer Experience
Choco-Story/Chocolate Museum
Bruges Diamond Museum
Belgian Fries Museum
Historium Bruges
Lumina Domestica/Lamp Museum
Museum-Gallery Xpo Salvador Dalí
Xpo Center Bruges
Discover Bruges
Bruges by boat
Bruges by horse-drawn carriage
City Tour Bruges
Bruges from the heart
Bicycle carriages
Sights
Activities
To savour and to feast, that’s what Bruges is all about. A land of plenty for lovers of the finest delicacies. Nowhere else will you find so many appetising culinary delights in such a compact area. Indeed, the citizens of Bruges themselves are mightily fond of authentic food and drink.
De Jonkman
Zet'Joe
Sans Cravate
Den Gouden Harynck
Goffin
Auberge De Herborist
Bistro Bruut
L.E.S.S. Eatery
Patrick Devos
Rock-Fort
Floris
Tête Pressée
Le Mystique
Bistro Refter
Bonte B
Franco Belge
Hubert Gastrobar
Tanuki
Assiette Blanche
Bistro Rombaux
Cantine Copine
De Mangerie
Goesepitte 43
Komtuveu
La Buena Vista
La Tâche
Lieven
Réliva
Laissez-Faire
The Blue Lobster
Tom's Diner
Tou.Gou
't Werftje
Award-winning restaurants
Bar Bulot
Looking for a cozy drink or a night on the town?
Discover the many cafés & bars in Bruges.
27b Flat
Bar des Amis
Bar Salon
Bauhaus
B-In
Blend wijnbar
’t Brugs Beertje
Café De Reisduif
Café Rose Red
Café Vlissinghe
Cambrinus
Charlie Rockets
Concertgebouwcafé
Craenenburg
Cuvee - Bar à vin
Delaney's Irish Pub & Restaurant
De Garre
De Lokkedize
De Republiek
Du Phare
L´Estaminet
Groot Vlaenderen
´t Hof van Beroep
´t Hof van Rembrandt
Joey´s Café
´t Klein Venetië
Li O Lait
Punta Est
´t Risico
Vino Vino
Wijnbar Est
´t Zwart Huis
De Goezeput
Although Bruges is often associated with the virtuosity and mastery of craftsmen from the past, today’s city is still a breeding ground for creative entrepreneurs of all kinds. Here you can find dozens of authentic shops, each offering that little something extra, while often nestling alongside the more traditional and reputed art galleries and antique emporia. Shopping in Bruges is a veritable voyage of discovery, ranging from original and trendy newcomers, through vintage addresses that exude nostalgia, to classic establishments that have been run by the same family for generations.
Market days
Where to shop?
When to shop?
#LocalLove - A fine selection of authentic shops
Find your own art treasures with #ArtandAntiques
Handmade in Brugge
There is no better way to fraternise with the townspeople of Bruges than to immerse yourself in the infectious ambiance at the innumerable events that sweep through the whole city.
Procession of the Holy Blood
Mind the Artist
Kookeet (Cook-eat)
Triennial Bruges 2021
Carillon concerts
Winter Glow
After an action packed day, discover Bruges by night to really get to know the city. Breathe in the historical silence and experience the city as it gradually wakes up and stretches sleepily in the morning sun. There are plenty of accommodation options – choose from smart hotels, small and cosy family hotels, charming B&Bs and unique rentals just for you. What are you waiting for?
Enjoy our hotels
Wake up in our guest rooms
Our holiday homes as a base
Our youth hostels for young and old
Camping
Camper van overnight parking area
Up-to-date information about access can be found on www.visitbruges.be.
By car / coach / ferry
By train
By plane
International coach services
Taxi
Public transport
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 (0)50 45 21 11
A.Z. St.-Lucas: tel. +32 (0)50 36 91 11
St.-Franciscus Xaveriuskliniek: tel. +32 (0)50 47 04 70
» Poisons Advice Centre: tel. +32 (0)70 245 245
Police
» General telephone number: tel. +32 (0)50 44 88 44
» Emergency police assistance: tel. 101
» Working hours
Monday to Friday: 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. and Saturdays: 9.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. you can contact the central police services at Kartuizerinnenstraat 4
» After working hours
you can access the police station on 3, Lodewijk Coiseaukaai from Monday to Thursday, between 7 am to 9 pm and continually from 7 pm on Friday to 9 pm on Sunday. For urgent matters, the police station has a 24-hour telephone service.
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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) travelers 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.
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Post office
bpost
You can also 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.
Address: Smedenstraat 57
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Language
Dutch
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