"See Bruges and Die" - this film made the Belgian city internationally famous in 2008. However, Bruges has much more to offer than the dark atmosphere of the movie hit. The city is a living open-air museum with cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and Gothic architecture. Whether you stroll through the old town, sample the famous chocolates, or explore the waterways by boat - Bruges captivates with its unique atmosphere.

• One of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe
• Numerous canals that give the city the nickname "Venice of the North"
• An impressive blend of Gothic architecture and Flemish coziness
• A centuries-old chocolate tradition with world-famous pralines
• The medieval bell tower with panoramic views over the city

• Location: Flanders, Belgium
• Population: approx. 120,000
• Area: 138.4 km²
• Founded: 9th century
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 2000, the old town has been part of the World Heritage
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Language: Dutch (Flemish), many also speak French and English
• Highest Point: The Belfry at a height of 83 meters
• Famous for: Chocolate, beer, lace, medieval architecture
• Nickname: "Venice of the North" due to the numerous canals
• Most popular mode of transportation: Bicycle or boat
• Annual number of visitors: More than 8 million tourists
• Oldest Brewery: The brewery De Halve Maan has been brewing beer in the city since 1856

5 Curious Facts About Bruges

1. Underground Beer Pipeline – Bruges has a pipeline that transports beer from the brewery De Halve Maan directly to a bottling facility outside the city.
2. No Airport, But Lots of Tourists – Bruges has no airport of its own, yet millions of people flock to the city each year.
3. A Top-Class Chocolate Museum – At "Choco-Story," you can not only learn everything about chocolate but also taste it.
4. Former Capital of Trade – In the Middle Ages, Bruges was one of the most important trade centers in Europe.
5. A City Without Modern Skyscrapers – Strict building regulations ensure that the cityscape remains medieval.

Bruges has a fascinating past that is deeply connected to European trade. The city developed into one of the most important trading metropolises in Europe during the Middle Ages.

The Golden Age in the Middle Ages

In the 12th and 13th centuries, Bruges was one of the leading trading centers in Europe. The city benefited from its location near the North Sea and was a significant hub for goods, especially cloth. Thanks to the connections with the Hanseatic League, the economy thrived, and wealthy merchants had impressive buildings constructed that still shape the cityscape today.

The Economic Decline

In the 15th century, Bruges began its slow decline when the Zwin River, which provided the city access to the sea, silted up. Trade shifted to Antwerp, and Bruges fell into economic insignificance.

The Rise as a Tourist City

It was only in the 19th century that Bruges was rediscovered, this time as a tourist gem. The well-preserved Old Town began to attract more and more visitors, and with its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000, the city finally rose to become one of the most visited destinations in Europe.

Brugge consists of several neighborhoods, each with its own charm. While the center is characterized by medieval architecture, there are also modern and rural areas.

Neighborhood	Known for
Old Town (Binnenstad)	UNESCO World Heritage medieval buildings canals attractions
Sint-Andries	Jan Breydel Stadium residential area green spaces
Sint-Michiels	Boudewijn Seapark family-friendly residential area
Assebroek	residential area with lots of nature close to the center
Sint-Kruis	residential area with historical charm
Dudzele	rural suburb with a quiet character
Lissewege	whitewashed houses historic village character
Koolkerke	recreation area quiet residential area

Bruges is located in the Belgian region of Flanders, about 15 kilometers from the North Sea coast. The nearest major cities are Ghent (50 km southeast) and Antwerp (90 km east). The climate in Bruges is maritime temperate with cool summers and mild winters.

• Average temperature in summer: 17–22 °C
• Average temperature in winter: 2–6 °C
• Precipitation: About 200 rainy days per year
• Sunshine hours per year: Around 1,500

Bruges is crisscrossed by numerous waterways, including the famous canals that once served trade. Today, they are one of the main attractions of the city.

🛶 Tip: A canal tour is a must-do! It showcases the city from a completely different perspective and leads past hidden courtyards and historic facades.

What is the weather like in Bruges and when is the best time to visit?

Bruges has a moderate maritime climate, strongly influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean. This means mild summers, cool winters, and relatively high humidity. If you are planning a city trip, it is worthwhile to keep an eye on the weather. Especially in autumn and winter, it can often rain, while summer is pleasant but rarely hot.

Seasons in Bruges at a glance

Season	Average temperature	Rainy days per month	Highlights
Spring (March – May)	8–15 °C	10–12 days	Flowers bloom, tourist crowds are still manageable
Summer (June – August)	17–22 °C	8–10 days	Pleasant temperatures, but many visitors
Autumn (September – November)	10–17 °C	12–15 days	Frequent rain, colorful leaves in the parks
Winter (December – February)	2–7 °C	12–14 days	Christmas markets, often frosty, rarely snow

📅 Tip: The best travel time is from May to September when the weather is more stable and many events take place. Those who prefer a quieter experience should come in spring or autumn when there are fewer tourists around.

Bruges is not just a city for architecture and history fans – special festivals, markets, and cultural highlights take place here all year round. Whether it's music, culinary experiences, or medieval spectacles – there's always something to discover.

The most important events in Bruges

Event	Period	Info	Admission
Bruges Triennial	Every three years (next: 2027)	Modern art installations in the cityscape	Free
Beer Festival	February	More than 400 types of beer from Belgium to taste	About €20 for tasting tickets
Holy Blood Procession	May (Ascension Day)	An impressive religious procession with historical costumes	Free
Cactus Festival	July	Open-air music festival with international artists	From about €50
MA Festival	August	Festival for Early Music with concerts at historic venues	From about €20
Bruges Christmas Market	December	One of the prettiest Christmas markets in Europe with an ice rink	Free (ice skating costs extra)
Wintergloed Light Festival	December – January	Light installations throughout the city	Free

✨ Tip: If you want to experience Bruges especially festively, visit the city during the Christmas season – the entire old town transforms into a winter wonderland!

Bruges has something to offer for everyone – whether you're traveling as a couple, alone, or with family. Here are our best tips for your trip!

Five exciting destinations in Bruges

1. Zeebrugge – The harbor of Bruges is perfect for a day trip to the sea.
2. Lissewege – A charming whitewashed village, ideal for relaxing walks.
3. Historium Bruges – An interactive museum that brings medieval Bruges to life.
4. Choco-Story Museum – Here, you can learn everything about chocolate and, of course, taste it too.
5. Brewery De Halve Maan – The oldest brewery in Bruges with an underground beer pipeline!

Three recommendations for couples

1. Minnewater (Lake of Love) – The perfect backdrop for a romantic walk.
2. Wine Bar Comptoir des Arts – A cozy wine bar with jazz music.
3. Evening canal boat ride – The city looks especially beautiful at sunset.

Three recommendations for singles

1. Bruges Beer Experience – Here you can taste the best Belgian beers.
2. Comedy Nights at The English Theatre – Perfect for meeting new people.
3. Explore the old town at night – The illuminated streets have a very special atmosphere.

Three recommendations for families

1. Boudewijn Seapark – An amusement park with a dolphin show.
2. Horse-drawn carriage ride through the city – Fun for kids and adults alike.
3. Frietmuseum – The only French fries museum in the world!

Three hotel recommendations in Bruges

1. Hotel Dukes' Palace – A former palace with 5-star comfort in the old town.
2. Hotel Ter Brughe – Located directly on a canal, perfect for a romantic getaway.
3. St. Christopher's Inn – An affordable yet stylish hostel with a friendly atmosphere.

Important Rules and No-Gos

• Bicyclists have the right of way! Pay attention, as many locals get around by bike.
• No loud music in the old town – The city is known for its quiet atmosphere.
• Don't sit on the steps of the Belfry – This is not allowed and is often monitored.
• Card payment is not possible everywhere – Especially small shops often only accept cash.

Public Transport in Bruges

Bruges is a pedestrian-friendly city, but there are also buses and taxis available.

• Buses: Run regularly, especially to the train station. A single ticket costs about €3.
• Bicycles: Very popular, many hotels offer bike rentals.
• Boat tours: A great way to explore the city from the water (about €12).

How to Get to Bruges

• By train: From Brussels (1 hour), Ghent (30 minutes), or Antwerp (1.5 hours).
• By car: Parking is scarce and expensive – it's better to park outside the city and take the bus.
• By plane: The closest airports are Brussels-Zaventem (100 km) or Ostend-Bruges (30 km).

Bruges may be a tourist city today, but economically, it has a long and varied history. Once a thriving trade center, Bruges lost its dominant position in the 16th century as trade routes shifted. Today, the city is heavily reliant on tourism, but other sectors also play a significant role.

Tourism as the Main Source of Income

With over 8 million visitors per year, tourism is the strongest economic factor in Bruges. The old town, with its medieval buildings, museums, and canals, attracts people from all over the world. Hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and city tours provide numerous jobs.

Other Important Economic Sectors

• Shipping & Logistics: The port of Zeebrugge is one of the largest in Europe and is important for trade, especially for car exports.
• Chocolate and Beer Production: Bruges is known for its high-quality chocolatiers and traditional breweries.
• Crafts & Textile Production: Bruges lace embroidery is a world-renowned traditional craft that is still practiced today in some workshops.
• Technology & Innovation: In recent years, Bruges has developed as a location for start-ups and small technology companies.

🧵 Tip: If you want to see more than just tourist attractions, visit one of the traditional lace workshops – there you can experience real Flemish craftsmanship!

What Educational Institutions Are There in Bruges?

Although Bruges is not a classical university city, there are several significant educational institutions, especially in the fields of art, business, and tourism. The Flemish education system is well-developed, and the city places a high value on international cooperation.

Colleges and Universities in Bruges

• College of Europe – A renowned institution for European studies with students from around the world.
• Howest University of Applied Sciences – Particularly known for programs in IT, design, and business.
• VIVES University College – Offers practical training in healthcare, technology, and tourism.

School System in Bruges

The school system in Bruges is part of the Flemish education system and includes:

• Primary Schools (Lager Onderwijs) – For children aged 6 to 12 years.
• Secondary Schools (Secundair Onderwijs) – Various educational programs with an academic or vocational focus.
• International Schools – Some private schools offer English-language instruction for expats.

🧵 Tip: Those interested in art can take courses in painting, sculpture, or photography at the art academy "Academie Brugge."

Bruges is a city that combines history, culinary delights, and romance. Whether you explore medieval streets, indulge in chocolate and beer, or simply relax by the lake of love – Bruges is a destination you won't forget easily. Those who have been here often return. So, when are you planning your visit?