Bruges, nicknamed like so many others the "Venice of the North", thanks to its canals, is an essential stopover on any trip to Belgium. Located in West Flanders, Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) offers a fascinating journey through time. A tourist guide to Bruges will tell you: this small medieval Flemish town has retained its undeniable charm. Whether on the Burg or the Markt, the monumental buildings are worth a look, such as the Town Hall, the belfry, the Provincial Palace or the Basilica of the Holy Blood. It is a surprisingly quiet and restful city that lives to the rhythm of hordes of pedestrians and disciplined cyclists who criss-cross it in this flamboyant 14th century setting. In the cobbled streets resonates cheerfully the sound of the hooves of horses pulling horse-drawn carriages, tourist and romantic. To get the most out of the atmosphere, it is highly recommended to spend at least one long weekend there. Bruges will show up under different days depending on the time of year you visit, but this city will always be attractive. However, if you want to escape the crowd, your only chance is to go there in the fall or winter. As the Christmas season approaches, the illuminated city has a special charm, there are many activities, a large ice rink and a Christmas market are set up on the Grand-Place

The must-see places in Bruges - Brugge

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When to go to Bruges - Brugge?

The best time to go to Bruges is between June and September, when temperatures become more pleasant and rains less frequent. But December, even if it is cold and humid, can also be the subject of a few days getaway for Christmas markets and entertainment. Like any tourist city, remember to book your accommodation before your stay to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Check also the agenda of the festivities: visiting Bruges during the Carnival can be very exotic!

  • Weather forecast
  • Budget
  • Procedures
  • Health
  • Discovery
Weather at the moment
Weather all year round

Belgium's oceanic climate, influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream as well as prevailing westerly and southwesterly winds, is characterized by moderate temperatures and a rainfall rate equivalent to that of Normandy. The temperature differences between winter and summer are quite small and Flanders is one of the regions where the weather is the best all year round.

Budget

The currency in Bruges is the euro. As a European country, the rates (catering, accommodation, transport, etc.) are essentially identical to those charged in other tourist cities in Northern Europe (with the exception of the capitals). Moreover, beer (fortunately) is cheap: all the more reason to go there!

Procedures

For European Union nationals and Swiss citizens, a valid or expired identity card or passport less than five years old is sufficient to travel to Bruges; for Canadian nationals, a passport is required. Unaccompanied minors must be in possession of a permit to leave the country.

Health

With a real hospital overcapacity, Belgium enjoys excellent sanitary conditions. No high-risk diseases in Bruges and no vaccinations are required. However, check that your vaccines (DT Polio... are up to date). There are many pharmacies and you can get the same medicines there

How to go to Bruges - Brugge? Our advice & tips

  • Organised trips
  • Going alone
  • Moving around

Many travel agencies offer travel packages to discover Bruges. The most frequent ones are escapades (3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights) and long weekends. Apart from economic reasons, however, it is not very relevant to visit Bruges on an organised trip. The offers that combine Bruges, Ghent and Ostend, for example, are much more interesting.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

Getting to Bruges (by train or car) and visiting it alone is very easy. The city is safe (but be careful with pickpockets). Public transport and hotel facilities are abundant, you can make your choice. Bruges is a city that lends itself above all to romantic stays, so don't hesitate to bring your half!

The bus network is very well developed in Bruges and it remains the best public transport to get around the city. But it is on foot, or by bike (Bruges is THE city of bicycles) that you will discover this city on a human scale.

A short boat trip on the canals, or a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobbled streets, will allow you to visit the "Venice of the North" from a different angle

Prepare for your trip Bruges - Brugge

Transportation
  • Book a train
Accommodations
  • Find a hotel
  • Airbnb rental
  • Holiday rental
Stays
  • Tailor-made trip
Services / On site
  • Book a table
  • Activities & visits

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Practical information
When to travel?

The best time to go to Bruges is between June and September, when temperatures become more pleasant and rains less fr...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Belgium's oceanic climate, influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream as well as prevailing westerly and southw...
Read more about it

Budget

The currency in Bruges is the euro. As a European country, the rates (catering, accommodation, transport, etc.) are e...
Read more about it

Formalities

For European Union nationals and Swiss citizens, a valid or expired identity card or passport less than five years ol...
Read more about it

Health

With a real hospital overcapacity, Belgium enjoys excellent sanitary conditions. No high-risk diseases in Bruges and...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

Getting to Bruges (by train or car) and visiting it alone is very easy. The city is safe (but be careful with pickpoc...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Many travel agencies offer travel packages to discover Bruges. The most frequent ones are escapades (3 days and 2 nig...
Read more about it

Getting around

The bus network is very well developed in Bruges and it remains the best public transport to get around the city. But...
Read more about it

Featured articles Bruges - Brugge

Le luxe abordable.... en plein coeur de Bruges!

Affordable luxury... in the heart of Bruges!

The Hotel Prinsenhof is hidden behind the facade of a wonderful old mansion. In 1986, Mr. and Mrs. Soenen-Vandeputte decided to buy the building, renovate it and turn it into a comfortable hotel in the heart of Bruges. On August 1, 1986, the work was completed and the hotel opened its doors. After a long cooperation, their daughter Katrien Soenen and her husband Thierry Lemahieu took over the Hotel Prinsenhof. After 3 years of intensive ...

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