Bruges
- Sightseekr
- Oct 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 30
or is it Brugge?
A trip to Bruges can catch anyone off guard. It’s easy to expect a tourist trap full of crowds and souvenir shops, but what appears instead is a calm, neat little city that runs at its own quiet pace. Small enough to walk across in half an hour, yet packed with charm and character, it feels looked after without being fussy. The cobbled streets, old brick buildings and still canals give the place a steady pace that’s hard not to relax into.
Locals seem to mirror the city itself being tidy and polite. Nothing about Bruges feels loud or chaotic. The cyclists move smoothly through the narrow lanes, people speak softly, and even at the busiest times there’s an easy sense of order. The place manages to feel proper without ever drifting into over-poshness (if that’s even a word!).
Flemish is the local language, although English is spoken almost everywhere. A simple “dank u” or “goede dag” earns a smile, but communication is never a struggle. We were a little confused at first, as they also speak French and Dutch, so trying to decipher which one it is, lost us.
The city centre, especially the Markt, sits right at the heart of it all. The Belfry towers above the square, slightly leaning and endlessly photogenic. The climb to the top is steep, but the view of the rooftops and canals stretching out below makes the effort worthwhile. Down below, cafés and chocolate shops line the square, while horse-drawn carriages trot along the stones. There's also the historium.
Beyond the centre, Bruges opens up in a way that’s easy to miss at first. Following the canal east leads to the city’s old windmills, standing on grassy banks that look out towards the edge of town. The path carries on into wooded areas, where the air turns cool and fresh. It’s a good place for a slower walk, away from the main streets, with the sound of leaves and the occasional bicycle bell.
Of course, no visit to Bruges happens without a fair amount of beer. Belgium treats beer like an art form, and the city is full of places that show exactly why. The Beer Wall at 2be is a local landmark, a long glass wall filled with hundreds of bottles and their matching glasses, each one with its own label and story. The terrace out the back looks straight over the canal, perfect for sitting quietly with a drink while boats drift past.
The city’s oldest brewery, De Halve Maan, is still running right in the middle of town. Tours there explain the history of brewing in Bruges, ending with a glass of Brugse Zot, the beer that locals seem to treat as a bit of a pride and joy. It’s smooth, slightly sweet and deceptively strong. The brewery also has its famous underground pipeline, carrying beer from the brewing site to the bottling plant on the edge of the city, a very Belgian solution to a practical problem.
If this is all sounding like a lot to fit into your trip - and you don't even know where to start, why not check out our new travel planning service called MakeTheMost. We can create a personalised itinerary for your trip to Bruges with an interactive map included, so all the places that you want to visit are saved to your phone! You can read more about our service or enquire below.
Another good stop is Bourgogne des Flandres, tucked beside a canal with a peaceful terrace. It’s smaller, more relaxed, and ideal for watching the world go by with a dark ale in hand. Down a quieter street, Le Trappiste sits in an old vaulted cellar and feels like one of those places where time doesn’t really matter. There's also plenty of lovely wine bars such as Blend. Don't forget to grab a few more drinks at 'De Republik' or 'Bar Des Amis'.
Food in Bruges is the definition of comforting with stews, fries, mussels, waffles and plenty of chocolate. The chocolate shops are everywhere, each one like tiny works of art. Prices can sting a bit, but the quality makes sense of it. Speaking of Chocolate, we even did a chocolate truffle making class! It was so fun and we definitely recommend doing it whilst you're here!
The same goes for the cafés and restaurants; nothing feels cheap, yet everything feels properly done. Another notable mention, is Vera Cafe as a lovely Brunch Spot. If you're a fan of ribs, an amazing gem is 'Ribs n Beer' fir all you can eat ribs with a wide and sometimes strange collection of sauces and of course beers to wash it down with.
That’s Bruges in a nutshell really: proper. Everything from the service to the streets runs neatly. Evenings are especially nice, when the crowds fade and the canals reflect the warm light from the old buildings. The bells from the Belfry echo, the streets go still and there’s a gentle calm that settles over the city.
Bruges doesn’t try to overwhelm. It simply carries on being clean, polite and quietly confident. It’s not the cheapest city around, but it’s one of those rare places where the calm feels genuine and the care in everything shows. Walk the canals, visit the windmills, have a few beers, and slow down for a bit because that’s Bruges at its best. It's like York, but european (and even more beer!)
If we've inspired you to visit Bruges - here's some practical information you might appreciate on your trip!
How do I get to Bruges?
Bruges is easy to access by road or rail, as it doesn't have its own international airport. There are regular direct flights from several airports in the UK to airports in Brussels then a short coach or train can get you to Bruges.
Where should I stay in Bruges?
We stayed in Hotel Le Bois de Bruges which we couldn't recommend more. They were central to Bruges.
If you don't fancy this one, don't worry, there are plenty of other options for accommodation in Bruges. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget below:
Do I need a visa to visit Bruges/Belgium?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Belgium for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
The rules of entering Europe are changing. Take a read of our handy European travel rules post for more information.
What's the currency in Belgium?
The currency of Belgium is Euros. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency.
We found that almost everywhere takes both cash and card in Bruges.
What languages are spoken in Bruges/Belgium?
The official languages of Belgium are French, Dutch and Flemish, but English is widely spoken as it is a major tourist destination. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Bruges?
Bruges is close to the UK, and therefore can be windy throughout the year. It may be warm in the daytime in spring and Summer, but the temperature drops on an evening so be sure to bring a jacket.
Always make sure to check the forecast before your trip so you pack the correct clothing. This is the current weather in Bruges:
What's the time zone in Belgium?
Belgium is in the Central European Time zone, normally an hour ahead of the UK.
What are the best things to do in Belgium?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts but if you're looking for a more detailed, personalised itinerary, check out our MakeTheMost travel planning service.
Or, if you're just looking for an activity to fill another day, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Bruges with a provider like GetYourGuide.
