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

Suggested addresses Bruges - Brugge

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
  • Airbnb experiences
  • Book a table
  • Activities & visits

Pictures Bruges - Brugge

More pictures

Discover Bruges - Brugge

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

Les villes européennes : où partir pour la Saint-Valentin ?

European cities: where to go for Valentine's Day?

Venice and Paris are usually at the top of all the most popular Valentine's Day destinations. It is true that these two cities inspire romanticism, but they are not the only ones! Petit Futé has therefore decided to offer you its own ranking of the best European cities to go with your beloved for Valentine's Day. Cultural, historical or atypical, they all promise an unforgettable stay, February 14 or not. Forget about flowers and paper ...

Read more about it
20 sites classés au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO en Europe à découvrir

20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe to discover

Each year, UNESCO's World Heritage List is expanded. These cultural or natural properties all represent a major interest in our common heritage and deserve to be preserved. This year, exactly 1,073 sites are on this list. Italy remains the country with the highest number of classified properties, while France is in fourth place, preceded by Spain. Through its history and culture, Europe is therefore one of the most represented continents: ...

Read more about it
10 destinations indémodables pour un city break réussi

10 timeless destinations for a successful city break

The city break is one of the most popular types of stay for travellers. For a weekend, it allows you to escape from your daily life and explore new horizons, just a few hours' flight from home. Easily accessible and always as exotic as ever, the destinations we have selected are among the most popular in Europe. From Rome to Lisbon to London, these cities are part of the essential baggage for all globe-trotters and are the guarantee of a ...

Read more about it
More articles
To discover on Petit Futé
Review