The lovely city of Bruges is located in Flanders, northern Belgium. Although it is a small city, the former most prosperous city in Europe has become both cosmopolitan and bourgeois. Its most notable feature is its historical center, which draws over 400,000 tourists annually.
Learn some interesting and odd facts about the medieval Flemish capital before visiting the enigmatic city of Bruges. There are many secrets hidden among the meandering passageways and cobblestone streets. Moreover, they can go beyond myths and ghost stories.
There are many unknown facts to learn about Bruges. It will always surprise you when you will go in depth.
About Bruges
Bruges is a place of countless myths and legends. Bruges may be compact, but its more than 80 bridges make navigating the city and traversing the canals a breeze. Bruges is known as the “Venice of the North” because of the sheer number of canals and bridges that it has. It depicts the Bonifacius Bridge.
England has more castles per square inch when compared to other countries. Around Bruges are 50 of the 470 castles that make up Flanders. Bruges is said to be haunted and has numerous ghost stories. These stories will take your breath away for a moment. However, most people don’t dare to go to haunted places.
Language
The native tongue is Dutch (or, if you prefer, Flemish; it's the same). After that, they would rather communicate with outsiders in English.
Famous For
Bruges is recognized for making lace: Bruges is home to some of the most gorgeous and elegant lace in the world. To find out more about the origins of lace in Bruges, visit the Lace Centre or one of the many lace shops dotted about the city.
Climate
Even by Belgian standards, Bruges' climate has a poor reputation for its weather. Compared to other western European cities like London and Paris, Bruges has a colder and more humid climate. Daily highs rarely exceed 21°C (70°F), even in July and August. However, monthly precipitation totals are typically 203 mm (8 in). Rapidly dropping fall temperatures are followed by the bitter, wet winter.
It doesn't always get sunny and warm in Bruges throughout the summer. So, tourists should always be ready for rain. On a daily and monthly basis, the average high and average low temperatures don't vary by more than 9°C (or 16°F).
Top Tourist Attractions In Bruges
Bruges has a lot to offer its tourists. You can make some of the best memories of your life in those places. Therefore, here is a list of the top 10 tourist attractions.
1. Basilica Of The Holy Blood
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is regarded as one of the most sacred locations. It is breathtaking and contains two chapels.
- The higher level is more colorful and also has a Medieval touch.
- The lower level is very plain and has little decoration.
2. Salvador Dali’s Exhibition
Salvador Dali was a talented painter best known for his bizarre works. His works conveyed his personality and his ideas via his dynamic art. Take some time to admire his sculptures, drawings, and aquarelles.
The museum is housed in the Belfry. It is one of the most prestigious structures in Bruges. This permanent display of Salvador Dali's artwork and life is one of the most touching and unique experiences you will ever have.
3. Burg Square
Every nook and cranny of Bruges is full of surprises. The Burg square is one of Bruges' most impressive attractions. The city hall is the most well-known structure in Burg Square.
The Bruges City Hall is one of the largest buildings in the square. Bruges City Hall is famous for its
- Large statues of Flanders' monarchs
- Religious figures (kept as ornamentation)
4. Canals Of Bruges
A boat ride around Bruges' canals is one of the best ways to explore and enjoy the city. You can either join a boat tour or take a quiet stroll around the canals. Today, these canals will make an excellent backdrop for your Instagram story.
One of the city's most popular photo spots is at the intersection of Rozenhoedkaai and Pandreitje, immediately across from the Dijver Mansions. Don't forget to stop by the love bridge.
5. Bruges Market
Visit the famous Bruges Market, which is busy with visitors, pedestrians, and bicycles who are enjoying the wonderful vistas of the Bruges Market. A great place to start a conversation with nearly anyone while also learning about the architectural treasures of the small town.
6. Museums
In Bruges, there are various museums to visit that will provide you with a wealth of information about the city's rich history.
Here are a few museums that should be on your list of things to do in Bruges:
- Frietmuseum
- Historium Bruges
- The Chocolate Museum
- Museum van de Sint
- Folklore Museum Bruges
All of these museums are known to be distinctive in terms of what they have to offer. They all exhibit some of the most extensive collections of artwork, sculptures, folklore, chocolate, and other items.
7. Church Of Our Lady
The ‘Church of Our Lady’ is one of the tallest structures in Belgium. This exquisite sculpture is located near the south aisle altar. Many other stunning pieces are displayed in the church, including The Cavalry on the High Altar, Adoration of the Shepherd, and the famed Transfiguration of Christ.
8. Rococo Lace Store
Bruges is famous for its magnificent lacework. It is created by the city's lacemakers. There are still several stores in the town that continue to produce and sell lace. Since 1833, Rococo's Lace Store has been producing lace.
On a trip to Bruges, taking the kids to Rococo's Lace Store is a fascinating activity that shows them how lace is made.
9. Halve Maan Brewery
The Halve Maan Brewery, which dates back to 1856, is a must-visit if you enjoy drinking beer. One of the oldest breweries in Belgium is the Halve Maan Brewery, commonly called The Half Moon Brewery.
BrugseZot and Straffe Hendrik Beer are two of their most famous brews. They are still renowned for their flavor. The brewers are generally quite engaging and entertaining.
10. Chocolate Shops
Visit the Old Chocolate House in Bruges if you enjoy chocolate as much as we do. Don't pass up the opportunity to stop by any local chocolate store along the trip and sample some of the specialities.
Belgium is famous for producing the world's most delicious chocolates. You can visit several well-known chocolate stores, including
- Oliver's Chocolate
- The Chocolate Line
- The Old Chocolate House
Popular Food Items
Belgian cuisine is frequently described as having French quality and German serving proportions. It is because it incorporates components from the nearby French, Dutch, and German eating traditions.
You won't be disappointed when you get off the coach at Bruges because it has many of the most famous dishes and beverages, even though many of the recipes are localized.
Here is a list of 5 fantastic foods to try in Bruges
- Waffles
- Chocolates
- Beer
- Frites
- Hearty Savoury Dishes (Mussels cooked with onions and celery, traditional slow-cooked meats served with roasted vegetables, and a beef stew made with beer)
Best Hotels
The top hotels in Bruges are chosen by U.S. News & World Report. It is based on an analysis of accolades received by the industry, hotel star ratings, and client feedback. Accommodations in the top 10% of the Best Hotels in Europe received a Gold badge. Accommodations in the top 30% of the Best Hotels in Bruges received silver badges.
- Hotel Dukes' Palace Bruges
- Hotel Heritage
- Hotel De Orangerie
- The Pand Hotel
- Hotel Prinsenhof Bruges
- Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges
- Academie Hotel
- Hotel Navarra
- Flanders Hotel
- Hotel Van der Valk Brugge-Oostkamp
How to reach Bruges?
There are several ways to reach the beautiful city. You can choose from the below-mentioned options according to your time and budget.
- By Plane
Ostend and Bruges share a single airport (OST IATA). The Ostend-Bruges International Airport's lengthy runway and waterfront position make for a lovely approach.
The majority of its passenger traffic consists of seasonal flights to vacation locations. As a significant hub for freight carriers, it may be of interest to planespotters.
- By Rail
The easiest way to go to Bruges is by rail. It makes sense to take advantage of Belgium's first-rate rail network to go to Bruges. During the day, trains to and from Brussels depart from 1 Brugge station. It takes around an hour to go to Bruges from Brussels.
It is also possible to travel from Brussels-Central or Brussels-North on the same line. If your ticket says “Any Belgian Station,” it might be covered in your fare if you're using the Eurostar that day.
If not, purchase a ticket when you arrive at the station. Be careful that trains to and from Bruges are frequently crowded, especially during rush hours.
- By Car
In the city center, buses and camping vans are not permitted. On the south side of the city, there is suitable parking available for them. A freshly constructed gangway will direct you to the center of the town.
In general, driving inside is not advised due to the restricted parking and challenging navigation. The city center is a five-minute walk from multi-story car parks.
- By Ferry Or Cruise Ship
- If you like the sound of water and want to take an adventurous ride to your destination, then you may go via ferry or cruise ship.
To Sum Up
Are you curious or excited to visit Bruges? Then, you must read the points above to get some information about the city.
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