5 things you need to know before visiting Bruges
- 12 minutes ago
- 6 min read
A quick guide with all the information you'll need about Bruges!
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Bruges is a city that might be on the smaller side, but is absolutely packed full of culture, history, and delicious food and drink. It’s not easy to have a bad experience in Bruges, this city is like something from a dream, with a relaxed, romantic atmosphere and so much to see and do.
But, there are definitely some pieces of information it’s useful to be aware of before you visit. So, here are our 5 main things to know before visiting Bruges.
For a full “all you need to know” guide, which also includes a digital map of the city and a full list of sightseeing stops, bar and restaurant recommendations and cultural information, see our Bruges Travel Toolkit.
Don’t expect a “big city” feel
Bruges, although it is a city, and one that attracts a large number of tourists every year, is small in size. You won’t get the built-up, big, modern city feel really anywhere in Bruges. Instead, you’ll feel more like you’re in a quaint old town, with medieval architecture and cobbled streets.
This makes Bruges a perfect destination for short visits as everything is within close walking distance, and you can get a feel for the city within a short period of time. It’s a relaxed, picturesque destination rather than an action-packed, bustling modern city.
If you’re craving more of a big-city feel, it’s less than an hour by train from Bruges to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. That means that you could easily visit for the day, or extend your trip and spend a full weekend in Brussels.
Despite being small, Bruges can become very busy during peak times & seasons
Bruges attracted over 8 million visitors in the year 2024, and tourism to the city continues to grow. For a small historic centre, with narrow streets, it can feel very very busy in the peak seasons and at peak times.
We highly recommend visiting outside of the main peak seasons, which are the height of Summer and around the Christmas Markets. The best time to visit is during shoulder season, where it isn’t too miserable weather, but it’s not absolutely packed with visitors either. This is around September-November or March-May.
Don’t worry if you’ve planned to visit during a peak season. Many visitors just go to Bruges for the day, so you can avoid the crowds by taking strolls and enjoying the sights of the city in the early morning or evening, then spending daytimes at quieter attractions, such as heading to the windmills, into museums or restaurants. You could even escape the busy streets by taking part in one of our recommended experiences from our Bruges Travel Toolkit, such as a chocolate truffle making class, or a beer tasting experience.
Weather can be unpredictable, and especially cold in Winter
One of the main things to know before visiting Bruges is the weather. As with many cities in Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, and France, the weather can often be grey, windy or rainy at a moment’s notice. It does get very cold in Winter, especially in the evening. You’ll want to comfortably wander through the streets, enjoying the architecture and the romantic atmosphere, so make sure you pack layers so you’re not shivering the whole time!
Saying this, you can get lovely bright weather outside of the summer season, even as late as November and December. It’s just luck really. Be prepared for the worst, and hope for the best!
Here’s the average high/low temperature for each month in Bruges, to give you a bit of an idea before you go. It can feel even cooler with the wind in Bruges too.
January: 7° / 3°
February: 8° / 4°
March: 10° / 5°
April: 12° / 8°
May: 15° / 11°
June: 19° / 14°
July: 21° / 16°
August: 21° / 16°
September: 19° / 14°
October: 15° / 11°
November: 11° / 7°
December: 8° / 5°
Always check the forecast before a visit so you can be prepared. Here’s the current weather in Bruges:
You’ll spend most of your time eating and drinking your way through the city
Bruges is a foodie heaven. Just think about the well-known Belgian favourites: chocolate, waffles, fries and beer. What’s not to love? The city is packed full of breweries, chocolate and gift shops, fresh food markets and beautiful restaurants. Also, to say Belgium is famous for its beer, there are a fair few lovely wine bars across Bruges too.
You can read our guide to food and drink in Bruges in our Bruges Travel Toolkit, where we share a list of the best bars, restaurants and cafes, local dishes you should try, and even pin everything to a digital interactive map, so you can find it on the go!
It’s not the most budget-friendly city
Is it possible to do Bruges on a budget? Yes, of course! We’re firm believers that there is always a way to travel and make it more affordable. But, saying this, the city isn’t really aimed at budget backpackers. From pricey attraction entry fees (e.g. the Belfry is €16), to upmarket restaurants, cafes and bars on every corner, you can very easily spend a small fortune in a day.
But, we will say that we felt we got a lot of value for all the money you spent. Yes, your dinner may be expensive, but it will be of incredible quality and atmosphere too. You never feel like you’re being ripped off.
We do have some specific tips on how to avoid tourist traps in Bruges, save money and immerse yourself in the city within our Bruges Travel Toolkit. Check out our digital guide to Bruges here:
We’ve included some other practical information below to help you out 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. The hotel was very accommodating and such a perfect, central location.
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 and our new 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 other things do I need to know before visiting Bruges?
We've included all the essentials in this short guide, but if you're looking for a deeper insight into the city, country, culture, and guides more focussed on specific sights to see or dishes to try, take a read of our Bruges Travel Toolkit.
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 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 Bruges?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts and 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.
