Historic centre (Markt and Burg)
Ideal for: first visit, couples
At the foot of the belfry, among squares, canals and lanes, all on foot.
Bruges
Canals, medieval houses and a belfry: one of the best-preserved cities in Europe.
Plan your stay in Bruges
Best areas to stay in Bruges
Around the Minnewater
Ideal for: couples, quiet
Near the Beguinage and the 'Lake of Love', peaceful in the evening, minutes from the centre.
Near the station
Ideal for: arriving by train
Handy for train travel, about twenty minutes' walk from the centre.
Practical info about Bruges
The historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many visitors only come for the day: staying overnight lets you enjoy the city in peace in the evening and morning. Dutch is spoken, and English is widely understood.
What to see in Bruges
- The Markt and its Belfry (366 steps to the top);
- Burg square and the Basilica of the Holy Blood;
- the canals, on a boat tour;
- the Beguinage and the Minnewater (‘Lake of Love’);
- the Church of Our Lady, home to a Madonna and Child by Michelangelo;
- the Groeninge Museum and the Flemish Primitives.
Getting to Bruges
Bruges is about an hour from Brussels by train. The station is about twenty minutes’ walk from the centre, which is also served by bus.
All our tips for the country in Travel in Belgium.