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WORLD ▫ EUROPE ▫ BELGIUM ▫ BRUGGE


Brugge


Cosmopolitan and bourgeois, Bruges (official name in Dutch: Brugge, ) is one of the best preserved pre-motorized cities in Europe and offers the kind of charms rarely available elsewhere.
Part of Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium, Brugge is a postcard perfect stop on any tour of Europe.


Get in


By train
Travelling to Brugge on Belgium's excellent rail system is a natural choice. Trains to and from Brussels leave every 30 minutes during the day, and if you are travelling on the Eurostar that same day, there is no cost. Otherwise, buy a ticket when you get to the station. For more information on schedules and prices, visit the website of the NMBS/SNCB.

By car
If you are planning a bus-tour: be aware buses and camping vehicles are not allowed intra muros. There is a perfect parking place for them on the south side of the city with a newly designed gangway bringing you directly into the heart of the town. It is in general a bad idea to venture inside with a car, as parking is limited and finding your way difficult. There are multistorey car parks a five minute walk from the city centre. Nice city mini-buses cruise the town with high frequency, and in any case, the historical centre must be traversed on foot, by bicycle, by horse-drawn carriage or by boat to enjoy it.

Get around


The historical center is not so big and thus quite walkable. The only mode of public transport inside city is bus. Buses are operated by the Flemish public transport company De Lijn. Taxis on the market place and station cost about 10 euro.

Talk

The official language is Dutch, but everyone can speak English & French.

See


Once over the circling canal and inside the city walls, Bruges closes in around you with street after street of charming historic houses and a canal always nearby. In recent years, the city has turned so much towards tourism the locals sometimes complain they are living in Disney-land. The newly cleaned houses should however not confuse you; they are truly centuries old. And if you can get away from the chocolate-shops, you can visit some more quiet areas s.a. St. Anna, and imagine what life in the late middle ages must have been like.

Some highlights:
  • Groeninge Museum (Dijver 12, 7 days 9.30am-5pm, 8 EUR entry) is also known as 'The city museum of Fine Arts', and has a collection of artworks that span several centuries (14th-20th), focussing mainly on works by painters who lived and worked in Bruges.
  • Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilige Bloed Basiliek) (Burg 10, April-September 9.30am-11.50am & 2pm-5.50pm, October-March 10am-11.50am & 2pm-3.50pm) is a beautiful church on the Burg square. it houses a relic - a vial of blood that is said to be that of Jesus - and was built in the Gothic style. Try and get there early so you can view the chapel when it is quiet and not filled with tourists. And don't forget to visit the...

    • more travelguide information

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    Hotels in Brugge
    Hotel Du Soleil Score 7.725 from 152 reviews
    Patriottenstraat 15 7.73/10
    The railwaystation of Duinbergen is at 800 meters and the Casino of Knokke at 2 Km. The hotel is located at only 50 meters from the beach and the dunes. We have bicycle racks. ... more
     
    Grand Hotel Belle Vue Score 8.2 from 50 reviews
    Koninklijk Plein 5 8.2/10
    Grand Hotel Belle Vue is an impressive model of Anglo-Norman Architecture with its 40 most spacious and bright rooms. Some of which are furnished in a traditional style, others have recently been renovated to create a tasteful and warm atmosphere. The house offers a classical salon and pleasant sun terraces. At our restaurant we bring you a fine, contemporary cuisine, completed by an exquisite selection of wines. ... more
     
    Die Swaene Score 8.125 from 48 reviews
    Steenhouwersdijk 1 8.13/10
    The impressive lounge, with its fine painted ceiling, is the restored meeting room of the Guild of Tailors, dating from 1779. It's the perfect place to have an appetizer, a drink before dinner or to enjoy one of many exclusive cognacs later in the evening. The restaurant, located in a 17th century vaulted room, offers some of the finest food in Bruges. ... more
     
    Best Western Hotel Richmond Thonnon Score 7.45 from 43 reviews
    Van Maerlantstraat, 79 7.45/10
    Attention: Extra bed/cot only possible in Junior Room. ... more
     
    Azalea Hotel Score 7.575 from 224 reviews
    Wulfhagestraat 43 7.58/10
    The stylish Azalea Hotel is situated in a restored nobleman's house, complete with brewery, dating from the 14th century, located on the picturesque Speelmansrei. The quiet central location and private parking, makes from the Azalea Hotel the ideal base for tourists and business visitors. The hotel offers comfortable and elegantly decorated rooms, if requested possible overlooking the garden and canal. All rooms feature colour television, radio, direct-dial telephone, bathroomwith hairdryer, minibar, safe, trouser press and tea and coffee-making facilities. After a good night’s rest, you will be welcomed into the charming and tastefully decorated breakfast room where you can enjoy an extensive breakfast buffet prepared with the greatest care. The delightful lounge and attractive bar with terrace overlooking the garden, provide a perfect setting for unwinding with coffee or a drink. During good weather, you can be served the pleasant garden and terrace. ... more
     
    More hotels in Brugge

    Museums

    While we may describe Brugge in its entirety as a museum, the city still has a wealth of museums to boast about. The Groeningemuseum offers a remarkable picture of painting in the Southern Low Countries and Belgium from the 15th century to the present day. The Gruuthusemuseum opposite houses a treasure of old utensils and art works. Until 25 years ago, Sint-Janshospitaal was still used as a hospital, but now houses the Memling museum, including six masterpieces by Hans Memling.

    type:general

    Brussels to Antwerp Airport Private Arrival Transfer 30 minutes

    Brussels to Antwerp Airport Private Arrival Transfer

    Travel from Brussels Zaventem Airport to your Antwerp City Hotel. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a private transfer so the price is the same for groups of:

    • 1 to 3 people
    • 4 to 7 people

    When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Antwerp Hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. 24-48 hours prior to your transfer, you will be required to call to reconfirm exact pick up times and places (contact number provided on your travel voucher).

    It's that easy!

    Don't forget to book your Brussels to Antwerp Airport Departure Transfer, simply type the product code 2200ANRHTLAPT into the Keyword Box.

    At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details in the "Special Requirements" box:

    • Airline
    • Flight Number
    • Departing City / Arrival City
    • Arrival Time
    • Hotel Name
    • Hotel Address

    Click here for more information and Booking Details

    Belfort

    The real city centre of Brugge is formed by the impressive Market Place and the adjacent Castle. The fine facades give the atmospheric square an improbable air of class. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Provincial Court was built on the east side. The south side is occupied by the 13th century Hall, the historic commercial centre. The most impressive building is the Belfort bell-tower with its carillon. The tower offers a splendid view over the city and the environment. In the middle of the square stands the statue of the heroes of the Golden Spurs Jan Breydel and Pieter De Koninck.Via Breydelstraat you walk to the Castle. There you will find the Old Court of Justice, the Civil Registry, the City Hall and the Basilica of the Sacred Blood. This is where the relic of the Sacred Blood is kept. In the adjacent museum, you can admire the Shrine of the Sacred Blood. During the famous procession, the relic is carried around in this jewel of the goldsmith's craft. The Procession of the Sacred Blood takes place every year on Ascension Day at 3 p.m.

    type:general

    Discover Amsterdam 12.5 hours

    Discover Amsterdam

    Holland is only a stone's throw away and nevertheless the country is strikingly different. Along Antwerp, cross the Dutch border, and drive through the endless polders with countless windmills before reaching the Amsterdam area.

    First you will visit a traditional craft center at a traditional farm to get familiar with everything that made the glory of Holland: tasty cheese, traditional clogs and beautiful pottery. There's also time for lunch (optional).

    In the afternoon you can admire splendid Amsterdam. Take the opportunity to join a boat tour along the many picturesque canals (optional) or have a break and enjoy some free time at the "Dam" square which is famous for its royal palace.

    Click here for more information and Booking Details

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