schilderij Jan-Baptist Meunincxhove/Visit Bruges

History in a nutshell

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.

For centuries the canals of Bruges have linked the city to the sea, a guarantee of wealth and prosperity. International merchants built up Bruges into one of the largest Hanse cities. In the 15th century the city flourished as never before. Large parts of the medieval heritage remained practically intact. Therefore, it is only logical that Unesco designated the entire city centre as a world heritage site. Saunter along the enigmatic canals, the arteries of the city, and immerse yourself in Bruges’ Golden Century.

The economic affluence of the 15th century brought rich merchants to Bruges. They moved into majestic city palaces, packed with works of art. In the wake of the Burgundian dynasty, the great Flemish primitives, including Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling found their creative niches in Bruges. The fine arts reigned supremely and Bruges quickly became the meeting place and source of inspiration for many artists. The world famous masterpieces and other top collections can be seen today in one of the 30 Bruges museums.

In medieval Bruges, polyphonic chamber music and choral music reverberated vibrantly. Internationally renowned polyphonists had the run of the elegant city palaces of the rich Burgundians. Since the 19th century this tradition has been continued in the splendidly restored City Theatre, one of Europe’s best preserved city theatres. And also in the contemporary Concertgebouw (Concert Hall), a stone souvenir of Bruges 2002 when Bruges was the Cultural Capital of Europe, top productions follow one after the other.

At the grand parties in the princely palace of the dukes of Burgundy, romance was all the rage. This is where mysterious stories found their roots. The legend of the Bruges swans came about in the period after Mary of Burgundy’s passing. Pieter Lanchals, a name which means 'long neck', who was one of the town administrators belonging to the court of Maximilian of Austria, was executed in the Bruges market square. Legend has it that Maximilian punished Bruges by obliging the population to keep 'long necks', or swans, on their lakes and canals till eternity. To this day, proud swans guard the Bruges canals. This elegant image, the windy, mediaeval streets and cobbled squares turn Bruges into the most romantic destination.

Back in the early Middle Ages, Bruges was one of Europe’s most important sea ports. One hundred years ago, Bruges revisited this successful past when it turned the port of Zeebrugge into one of Europe’s most significant ports for container traffic and a considerable gas terminal for a large part of Europe. For cruise ships too, this port, right by the North Sea, is an excellent mooring place at a stone’s throw from the historic heart of the World Heritage city of Bruges.

When the Flemish cloth industry lost in importance in the 15th century, Bruges concentrated on the production of various luxury goods. Guilds and, later on, trade organisations, kept a watchful eye on, and protected, the creation of these quality products. Besides panel painting by the Flemish primitives, Bruges excelled in the goldsmith art, the production of illuminated manuscripts, diamond cutting and lace. Today, the World Heritage city is still an international centre of refined craftsmanship. Bruges is a leader in the field of calligraphy and letter sculpting. Moreover, two reputed colleges train culinary talent, allowing them to create gastronomic furore in Bruges and overseas. The capital of chocolate is the obvious place where you will find the cream of artisan chocolatiers.

Jan D'Hondt/Visit Bruges

Highlights of Bruges

The 10 classic places that no one should miss!

Jan D'Hondt/Visit Bruges

Do & See

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.

Jan D'Hondt/Visit Bruges

Romantic hotspots

Idyllic walks along misty canal banks; nostalgic rides in open carriages, wrapped up warm in cosy woollen blankets; all rounded off with a top class meal at one of the many gastronomic restaurants. In the crisp air of winter, the historic centre of old Bruges becomes even more romantic, more poetic, more mysterious. It is almost as if the World Heritage city waits for the coolest months, until the large mass of summer visitors has gone, to show its most charming side: a side reserved only for those in the know.

Jan D'Hondt/Visit Bruges

Dining

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.

Jan D'Hondt/Visit Bruges

Cafés, bars & nightlife

Looking for a cozy drink or a night on the town?
Discover the many cafés & bars in Bruges.

Visit Bruges / Jan D'Hondt

Shopping

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.

Bruno Gouwy/Visit Bruges

Events

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.

Musea Brugge / Inge Kinnet

Top event 2020: Flemish Masters

During the Late Middle Ages, comfortably installed in the palatial Princes’ Court in Bruges, the dukes of Burgundy commissioned numerous works from the most renowned Flemish artists of the day, such as Jan van Eyck. 2020 is the ‘Year of van Eyck’, in which Bruges will host two exhibitions, allowing visitors to experience the high-standard Burgundian society and the painting genius of the Flemish primitives.

The exhibition ‘Van Eyck in Bruges’ in the Groeninge Museum focuses primarily on two of his masterpieces: the Madonna with Canon Joris van der Paele and the Portrait of Margaretha van Eyck. Among the artists influenced by van Eyck was Hans Memling. You can discover how Memling in turn has inspired many modern artists during ‘Memling Now: Hans Memling in contemporary art’, in Saint John’s Hospital.

During the ‘Jan van Eyck year’ there are certain times when you can book the walk 'Meet & greet Van Eyck' that will allow you to follow in the footsteps of the great artist.

Jan D'Hondt/Visit Bruges

Accommodations

Whether you opt for a classy four-star hotel, a charming B&B, a cheap-and-cheerful youth hostel or an authentic holiday home, one thing is certain: in Bruges there is always plenty of choice and you will always spend the night in style.

Book a room in a cosy Bed & Breakfast or in one of our charming hotels.
Accomodation reservations can be made online via www.visitbruges.be or upon arrival in the information offices at Markt, 't Zand or Stationsplein.

Visit Bruges

Travelling to and in Bruges

Up-to-date information about access can be found on www.visitbruges.be.

Visit Bruges / Jan D'Hondt

Tourist Information