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Bruges

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Bruges
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Bruges Travel Guide

  • About Bruges

Often dubbed the ‘Venice of the North’, the photogenic waterways and fairytale architecture make Bruges one of the prettiest cities in Belgium.

Bruges’s stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town is a medieval masterpiece, like an open-air museum where visitors can experience a rich concoction of Flemish architecture, art, history and food. Immortalized in the movie In Bruges, it has become immensely popular, and its streets throng with camera wielding tourists throughout the year. They are here for good reason: magical sights are found around every corner, and the sound of horse-drawn carriages riding cobblestones only adds to the city’s romantic allure.

The landmark Belfry Tower on the central Market square is probably the foremost attraction, as the views from the top of this 15th-century masterpiece are stunning. Don’t miss out a boat ride down Bruges’s iconic canals either, remembering to visit Burg Square, where you’ll find the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which claims to possess the blood of Jesus Christ himself.

The city is replete with museums that showcase everything from furniture to folklore. The Chocolate Museum and Beer Museum are self-explanatory, while the Friet museum is where visitors can learn why French fries should really be called Belgian fries.

Gourmands won’t be disappointed either. Bruges is bursting with restaurants where local Belgian cuisine reigns supreme. Those on tight budgets might wince at some of the prices, but it’s hard to hold that against this city this pretty.

In many ways, Bruges has become a victim of its own popularity. Old Town property prices have been pushed beyond the reach of most locals and many of the quaint, canal-side dwellings are being used as second homes by part-time residents. Consequently, Bruges can feel like a bit of a ghost town in the quieter seasons and even the summer when visitors have gone to bed. If you’re looking for hedonism, look elsewhere.

Still, visitors will be galvanized by Bruges’s historic beauty, which is largely unspoilt by progress. Preserved in a time long-forgotten, it makes the city the perfect cultural mini-break or a great stopover for travellers exploring Europe.

  • Bruges History

Pint-sized Bruges has been punching above its weight for centuries. The diminutive Flemish city has achieved great things economically and culturally and remains one of the most popular destinations in Europe as a result.
Its achievements have largely been attributed to its links with the sea, which have been exploited since the 2nd century AD when Gallo Roman settlers began using them to trade with Britain and the rest of Gaul.
The Franks took over the region in the 4th century and plied their trade through the port, which was raided by the Vikings in the 9th century. Bruges got off lightly thanks to its sturdy Roman fortifications and the port quickly resumed trading. It was around this time that the name Bryggja first came about, which means ‘Landing Stage’ or ‘Wharf’ in the Old Norse language.
After successive centuries of growth, Bruges entered a golden era and by the 15th century it had become the most important trading centre in Western Europe. As Bruges prospered, the Royal House of Burgundy took up residence in the city. It also became an artistic hub, with painters such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling finding their creative niches in the city, helping the fine arts scene flourished.
But when the Burgundians left in 1482, the city declined and lost much of its business to Antwerp. Luckily, the city was thrown a lifeline in the 17th century courtesy of the lace industry.
During this time, Charles II of the UK used the city as a base for his court in exile. However, this brief period of prosperity was a false dawn; the recovery stalled and Bruges became impoverished and lost three quarters of its population.
In the end, it was a novel that revived the city’s fortunes with Georges Rodenbach’s 1892 book Bruges-la-Morte sparking international interest in what had become a long-forgotten backwater.
As visitors flocked to Bruges, the city reclaimed its past glories with the development of a new port at Zeebrugge in 1907, which continues to expand today.

  • Did you know?

Bruges is home to the world’s oldest stock exchange.

The city’s Old Town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Madonna of Bruges was the only sculpture made by Michelangelo to leave Italy during his lifetime.

  • Weather in Bruges

Bruges has a mild climate and is generally warm and temperate. There isn’t really a bad time to visit Bruges; even a dark, brooding sky seems to accentuate the city’s gothic good looks.

Spring (March to May) sees temperatures gradually increase from 2°C (35.6°F) in March to 18°C (64.4°F) in May. Most tourists arrive in the summer months, so visit in spring for a less-crowded city to explore.

Summer (June to August) is the peak season for visiting Bruges. Visit in July if you’re looking to take part in musical festivals. However, if you have an aversion to jostling for space with other tourists, avoid the peak season.

Autumn (September to November) is typically rainy. The average temperatures in November are around 7°С (45°F) and 12°С (53°F). Believe it or not, but it has been said that September is one of the sunniest months of the year.

Winter (December to January) is made even colder by the cold winds that come from the coasts. But don’t be disheartened, the Christmas Market in Old Town and December Dance festival will lift your spirits and keep you warm inside.

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