Bruges Tourist Information

How to get to Bruges center?

Coming from the train station, you can either take a bus (there are several buses that take you to the market square) into the old center of Bruges, a taxi (around 10 euros I paid last time*) or walk. Especially if it’s a sunny day, it’s a nice walk into the center. You can walk by the ‘Minnewater’ (Lake of Love).

10 must sees according to the tourist information:

Rozenhoedkaai
Burg Square
Beguinage
The former Hanseatic Bruges
Church of our Lady
Concertgebouw,‘t Zand
Market Square
The Flemish Primitives
Almshouses
Explore the veins of the city on the water

I have to admit, I`ve been to Bruges a few times and still haven`t done all of the above. I`ve seen Burg Square, the Beguinage, the Church of our Lady, Concertgebouw and the Market Square. I`ve been up in the Belfry (366 steps people!) and I`ve seen a few of the museums.

If you`re not so into boats you can also take a ride with a horse and buggy. Don`t forget about the many shops in Bruges. Not only souvenirs, clothes, … but chocolates too! My personal favorite is ‘The Chocolate Line’. You just have to go in, if only for the chocolate aroma or see the window display.

Don`t forget Bruges is a popular destination, so it can become very touristy and crowded at some times.

Accommodation

I stayed once at Martin’s Hotel. I thought the rooms were nice & clean and the location is great, just behind the Belfry. If you`re looking for something more upscale, find out 5 reasons to stay at the Hotel Heritage in Bruges. Or find more hotels in Bruges.

Personal Tip

If you want to buy Belgian chocolates (and you should 🙂 keep this in mind. You can buy the packages of chocolate of the brand Cote d’Or in a supermarket a lot cheaper than in the chocolate stores. Leonidas has very good pralines, for a reasonable price.

For more tips from a local, check out Best of Bruges.

Places to visit around Bruges

Oostende (29 km/18 miles) ~ Gent (52 km/32 miles) ~ Ieper (57 km/ 35 miles) ~ Brussels (85 km/53 miles) ~ Antwerp (96 km/60 miles)

How to travel to Bruges?

Train from Brussels Airport to Bruges (via Brussel-Noord): 110 km/68 mls: 1.30 hrs. There are no flight to Bruges. Brussels Airport is the closest international airport.
Train from Amsterdam to Bruges (via Antwerp): 253km/157 mls: 3.15 hrs
Eurostar from London St.-Pancras to Bruges (via Lille): 2.40 hrs
Thalys from Paris to Bruges (via Brussel-Zuid): 296 km/184 mls: 2.30 hrs

Bruges Tourist Information offices

Concertgebouw, ‘t Zand
`t Zand 34 ~ Opening hours: Mo-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sundays & public holidays 10 am – 2 pm (closed 25.12 & 01.01)

Station, Stationsplein
Opening hours: Mo-Fr 10 am – 5 pm // Sa-Su 10 am – 2 pm (closed 25.12 & 01.01)

Historium (Markt)
Markt 1 ~ Opening hours: daily from 10 am – 5 pm (closed 25.12 & 01.01)

You can find more information on Bruges at the official website: www.brugge.be. See more of Belgium and learn some DUTCH phrases.

*Prices and other info was accurate at time of publishing