Overview to Bruges: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
- Bruges Information
- Eating & drinking in Bruges
- Night life in Bruges
- Getting around in Bruges
- Things to do in Bruges
- Where to stay in Bruges
- Bruges street map
The tiny city of Bruges owes its pristine condition to the silting up of the Zwin Estuary several centuries ago. Trade and commerce stopped overnight, and with it any future modernization. As a consequence, it still looks much as it did in the 16th century.
And it is absolutely stunning. The street plan, a network of twisting streets and alleyways broken up by canals and waterways, is one of Europe’s most fascinating. Getting lost in a city as compact as Bruges allows you to really feel you’ve got to know the city intimately.
The ‘Markt’, which stands at the heart of the city, is a wonderful Gothic square. At its best on market days when it brims with all manner of activity, it’s one of the country's most attractive urban spots.
Nearby, the intricately decorated Stadhuis and the soaring tower of the Belfort (belfry) are two of the city’s more impressive buildings. The climb to the top of the Belfort may be hard work, but the stunning panoramic views from the top are definitely worth it.
Another smaller, but no less picturesque, square called The Burg is tucked in between the Belfort and the Standhuis. Just across the main canal is yet another market – the Vismarkt. Here, fishmongers selling their world-renowned mussels (and other seafood) make for a fascinating spectacle.
For such a small city, Bruges has a good number of museums. And, of these, the most interesting is arguably the Groeninge Museum on Dijver Street, which has a number of works from the Flemish master Jan Van Eyck.
But just standing on Peerdenbrug Bridge and watching the boats pass slowly down the canal, or wandering the streets as it gets dark, it's easy to get a feel for the sights, sounds and attraction of this captivatingly romantic destination.
