Tips for Traveling to Bruges, Belgium - What to Know Before You Go
by Rebecca Hollman
updated November 5, 2020
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. The architecture and canals will leave you feeling like you have gone back to Medieval times. This charming destination has swans, canals, lakes, cobble stone streets, and waffles galore. Bruges is also commonly called Brugge (which is the Dutch version of the word). Learn tips for traveling in Bruges, Belgium like where to stay, where to eat, and what to do there below!
What to Know
LANGUAGE: Belgium has two languages - French in the South and Dutch in the North. Bruges is technically in the Flemish (or Dutch) region but has a good combination of both French and Dutch. English is VERY common throughout Belgium and in Bruges.
CURRENCY/BANKS/ATM: The currency of Belgium is the euro, which is the commonly used currency throughout the entire European Union. The US dollar is not commonly accepted so if you want to use cash, you will need to exchange it for euros. You will likely get a bad exchange rate in the airport so I would wait to exchange your money at a bank. Otherwise, almost everywhere takes major credit cards. Make sure to tell your credit card company that you will be traveling abroad and where so that they don’t flag your purchases. Also, consider signing up for a credit card that doesn’t have any foreign exchange fees. That 3% fee on every charge can really add up!
WEATHER: In Bruges, the summers are comfortable and partly cloudy and the winters are long, very cold, windy, and mostly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 36°F to 71°F and is rarely below 24°F or above 79°F. During the summer the average daily high temperature is 65°F while during the winter the average daily high temperature is 49°F. The best time of year to visit Brussels for warm-weather activities is from late June to early September.
GETTING AROUND: Getting around in Belgium is extremely easy thanks to it’s train system. Like any good European system, the public transportation system is robust and easy to use. Most things within Bruges are walking distance. And if not, an Uber ride will do the trick. There is absolutely no need for a car. If you want to go a little farther out or visit other cities in Belgium, a train ride is cheap and fast.
SAFETY: In Belgium, crime rates tend to be higher in the bigger cities than in rural areas, but serious crime in Bruges is low. However, petty crimes such as muggings, bag snatching, and pickpocketing are common in tourist areas, so it's important to use common sense when you're out and about. Realistically, Bruges is an extremely safe city and crime is essentially non-existent!
How to Get There
BY PLANE: Brussels is a major city in Europe and has a very large airport accommodating flights from all around the world. If you are flying into Belgium, you can fly into Brussels. From there, you will have to take the train or a private car to Bruges anyway. The train from Brussels to Bruges is an hour and 19 minutes.
BY TRAIN: If you are already in Europe, then getting from one European city to another is usually quite easy by train. High-speed trains are relatively cheap, easy to use and a common means for travel within the EU. Getting to Bruges from Belgium is extremely easy - hop on the train at Brussel-Centraal and get off at Brugge. The train is an hour and 19 minutes and very comfortable. Once in Bruges, everything is walking distance. You can also take the train to Bruges from other big Belgian cities like Antwerp and Ghent.
*Once you are in Bruges, everything is walking or biking distance from another. And if it is not, you can easily use the public transportation system or get an Uber/taxi. A rental car is entirely unnecessary in Bruges and will honestly make your life harder having to find parking for it. The only exception would be if you are doing a cross-Europe road trip and have your own car or if you already live in Europe and plan to drive to Bruges.
What to Do There
1. VISIT ROZENHOEDKAAI AND/OR TAKE A CANAL TOUR: Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) is centered around where the Groenerei and Dijver canals meet, making it a picture-perfect spot to see with the gothic buildings that surround it. The buildings lining the canal and reflecting in it make it a great place to enjoy a coffee or waffles. Early morning sunlight makes the buildings glow. Lots of boat trips start around this area, so it’s a great starting point to see Bruges by the canals.
2. CLIMB THE BELFRY OF BRUGES: The Belfry of Bruges is a massive and very historic bell tower that dominates the Bruges skyline. Built around 1240, the bell tower stands at 83 meters tall and houses 47 bells. You can climb the bell tower if you want to tackle 350 steps and pay 10-12 euros. It’s worth it for the panoramic views.
3. VISIT MINNEWATER LAKE: Located between the Bruges train station and downtown Bruges, this public green space is home to a pretty castle and beautiful trees. It is a great place to picnic, talk a walk over Lovers Bridge, or marvel at the flowers
4. HANG OUT IN BURG SQUARE AND SEE THE CITY HALL: Burg Square is Bruges’ central plaza and a great starting point for any day out in the city. The square is lined by the Belfry, the City Hall, a courthouse and neo-classical buildings. It is also surrounded by restaurants so it is a great place to sit down and enjoy some waffle or frites and people watch.
Where to Stay
Grand Hotel Casselbergh - It’s located right on the Burg Square. Three old mansions were joined together to create this hotel. It sits on the site of a former medieval palace. Fourteenth century cellars have been converted to a fitness room with Turkish bath.
Hotel Jan Brito - This hotel has got to be one of the most historic hotels in Bruges, but, surprisingly, it's also one of the best value places to stay in Bruges. The decor is medieval inspired with grand, French-style, four poster beds.
Anselmus Hotel - In a charming redbrick house close to the Groenighe Museum, you will find this budget hotel that offers triple and quadruple rooms. This is a great place to stay if you are traveling with a group.
Hotel de Orangerie - It's right on the canal — with boat trips leaving from just outside its tea rooms — and the rooms on this side have great views of all the action. This is a high end hotel located right on the canals and easy access to the Burg Square.
Where to Eat
Park Restaurant - A cozy, intimate restaurant known for its steaks, scallops, and handmade frites. The restaurant is located inside an old mansion house and has excellent service.
‘T Zwart Huis - ’T Zwart Huis is a unique, historical building that was built in 1482 in a late gothic style. While enjoying the music and the atmosphere of the place, you can also indulge in food, cocktails, and of course classic Belgian beers. ‘T Zwart Huis hosts blues and jazz musicians from all around the world.
Pomperlut - Pomperlut is a former farmhouse, which accommodates only up to 20 guests, and where the owner takes sole charge of the running of the restaurant. The vibes of the restaurant is 17th century fairytale.
‘T Brugs Beertje - Since 1983 ’t Brugs Beertje (Bruges’ Little Bear) has offered over 300 different types of beer. You can get platters of cheese and other snacks to have a bite while drinking your beer. More than a simple pub, ’t Brugs Beertje is a real beer tasting house.
Don’t forget to try pommes frites, Belgian waffles, Belgian chocolate and Belgian beer while in Bruges. These are some of the most classic Belgian foods and you can find restaurants selling these on almost any corner. There are even companies that do food and beer tours.
