Bruges
Bruges is located in Belgium and is the seventh largest city in the country in terms of population. It is located in the Flemish region in the north-west of the country. Bruges has a lot of medieval architecture, making it a very popular city for medieval festivals and events. The city is famous for its textile industry, which has even inspired several films.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 112 (fire and ambulance) 101 (police)
- Language: Dutch, French and German
- Currency: Euro
- Country Code: BE
- Travel Visa: None required
- Population: 118,467
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 112 for fire and ambulance services, and 101 for police.
Hospitals in Bruges
Tourist Offices
Travelling Around
Airports
Train Stations
Bruges Safety
What is the weather like in Bruges?
Bruges can be quite chilly year-round, so the best time to visit would be in the summer. Temperatures in the summer months ranger from 20-25°C, whereas in the winter they can drop to less than 6°C
Where can I keep up with local news?
What are some common crimes found in Bruges?
One thing to watch out for in Bruges is scam artists. Often posing as policemen and asking for passports in order to steal them to earn money. As long as you’re on guard and aware this shouldn’t be an issue.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Bruges Events
Winter Walk
Throughout January to March each year a winter walk is available to introduce you to the many inspiring sights of Bruges by a tour guide with keen knowledge on the area. These tours take place in Dutch, French or English and are available every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Summer Walks
Much like the Winter walks these introduce you to just a taster of what Bruges has to offer. These scenic sunshine laden tours take place between April and October and are available in Dutch, French or English every Saturday at 2.30 p.m and every Sunday at 10.30 a.m.
This festival takes place between Mid May and beginning of June with slight variations every year. It brings a nice balance of music and culture to the city with a series of festival events and a wide variety of concerts to suit all music tastes.
Bruges Highlights
What are some particular highlights?
Known as being one of the most photographed parts of Bruges and previously a mooring area for ships, this scene is located only a ten minute walk from the city centre. On looking on to the river and historic buildings it is no surprise that this sight is so famous. After a day well spent looking at all the attractions Bruges has to offer this is the place to be for a calm relax and a well deserved sit down with a loved one.
Part of the city since 1240 and originally built to regulate the lives of those inhabiting it, the Belfry of Bruges, ‘Belfort’, is known as the most important of Bruges bell towers and is easily accessible being located in the beautiful city centre. To reach the top of this historic symbol an impressive feat of 366 stairs awaits, but the rewards of stunning scenery is well worth it for the climb. As if you needed any more excuse to visit, the bell tower plays a prominent role in the 2008 film ‘Bruges’, one to watch.
The Belfry acts as a guard over the market square in the heart of the city. But once down on ground level you’ll be greeted by world famous fish and chip shops such as that of Frietkoten. After stopping off for a bite to eat the square boasts a statue of two of Bruges well known heroes, Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, as well as the Gothic revival style Provincial Palace. Both pleasing to the stomach and to the eye, all in all just a stunning place to visit.
What are some good days out in Bruges?
Bruges is well known for its chocolate and if you’re an avid chocolate lover this is the place to be. Located in the city centre and all taking place in a majestic large four floored house, this attraction allows you to be introduced into the history of the building and the history of cocoa, giving rise to particularly interesting facts such as how cocoa used to be used as a currency! Not to mention a cheeky few tasters along the way, how can you resist?
Located in the city centre and only open to the public on Saturday nights, this private house was known as a former Mansionic lodge and previously owned by a self proclaimed vampire. That alone should be enough to make you visit, if not for curiosity. But if you need more reasons to visit, the house boasts candle lit bars and rum cocktails to take your breath away all set to a background of Latin music. Be sure to get down early and ring the bell on entrance in order to avoid disappointment, there’s just too much not to miss out on. Truly unique.
Only a stones throw away from Choco Story in the city centre, this is the place to be. Famous from 1869 and inspired from the Paris Opera, culture lovers will love Stadsschouwburg, one of Europe’s best preserved city theatres. The theatre is host to various national and international plays and displays a variety of dance as well as concerts and traditional performances. The exquisite auditorium is known for being a sight not to miss, it’s sheer size accompanied by ‘The magic flute’ from one of Mozart’s operas on entrance is well worth a visit.
