Bruges, Belgium
Exploring the Canals & History of Bruges, Belgium
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 11/20/2024
This was our fifth stop on our 2017 European Adventure (click here to view that trip overview page).
You may have wondered "why did they visit Bruges?" Consider; It is the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, it is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Its port, Zeebrugge, is an important center for fishing and European trade. In the city center's Burg square, the 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall) has an ornate carved ceiling. Nearby, Markt square features a 13th-century belfry with a 47-bell carillon and 83m tower with panoramic views.
Bruges has the appearance of a medieval city with a canal circling the city of 117,260 inhabitants. This is a very walk-able city, not many cars, mostly bicycles and every third shop seemed to be a chocolate shop! Let me say that just about everything you have ever heard about Belgian Chocolate is true!
How to get to Bruges? Map
There are a number of options, we arrived via train from Amsterdam. You could utilize air, bus, train or your own vehicle depending upon your scenario. The closest airport is in Brussels nearly 70 miles from Bruges, so you would still need to consider a method to complete your journey. There are daily bus schedules between Bruges and Brussels, two hours are required for that form of transportation. Train service from Brussels requires approximately one hour, see the Belgian National Railway site for more information.
When we departed Bruges, we took the train to the Brussels airport to fly to Vienna, Austria. It required 1.5 hours of travel time but then we arrived at the airport train station located below the terminal (basement level-1). Very handy for us, as we had our luggage with us.
Some Interesting Facts about Bruges
- Bruges is renowned for its traditional lace-making, an intricate craft that has been passed down through generations. The city is home to lace museums and shops where visitors can witness the detailed craftsmanship involved and even purchase handmade lace as a souvenir.
- There are more castles per square inch in & around Bruges than any other country in the world.
- Despite its name and popularity, French fries are not French or American. The origins can be found in Belgium, where historians claim potatoes were being fried in the late-1600s.
- There are more than 80 bridges in Bruges. The oldest bridge in Bruges, the Augustijnenbrug is a handsome three-arched stone bridge built in 1391 to provide Augustinian friars with a convenient crossing into the city.
- Virtually everything in Bruges is closed on Sunday.
- Bruges has a long-standing beer tradition and is home to the De Halve Maan Brewery, which dates back to 1564. The brewery produces the famous Brugse Zot beer, and it even has an underground beer pipeline stretching 3 kilometers, transporting beer from the brewery to a bottling plant outside the city center!
- The entire historic city center of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture. Walking through Bruges feels like stepping back in time, with its cobblestone streets, Gothic buildings, and scenic canals.
- Bruges is often called the "Venice of the North" because of its picturesque canals that wind through the city. These waterways were once vital for trade and are now one of the city’s most iconic features, drawing visitors for boat tours and leisurely walks along the canals.
- Bruges is home to the St. John’s Hospital (Sint-Janshospitaal), which dates back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe. Today, it serves as a museum, where visitors can explore historical medical artifacts and artworks by Flemish masters, including Hans Memling.
- The Belfry, or Belfort, is one of Bruges' most famous landmarks. This medieval bell tower stands 83 meters tall and offers stunning views of the city for those who climb its 366 steps. The tower has housed a carillon of bells for centuries, and it still plays music throughout the day.
- Belgium is famous for its chocolate, and Bruges is no exception. The city is home to many high-quality chocolate shops, with some of the best chocolatiers in the world. You can even take chocolate-making workshops or visit Choco-Story, a museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate.
Where is Bruges Belgium Located?
Click above Image to view larger Google MapBruges is located in the northwest of Belgium, in the Flemish Region, which is predominantly Dutch-speaking. It is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders. Situated about 15 kilometers (9 miles) inland from the North Sea, Bruges is connected to the sea by a series of canals, making it an important historical port city.
Geographically, Bruges is close to other notable European cities, lying about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Brussels, the capital of Belgium. It is also relatively close to other popular destinations, such as Ghent (around 50 kilometers or 31 miles to the southeast) and the French border to the southwest.
Its location, combined with its well-preserved medieval architecture, makes Bruges a charming and accessible destination for travelers exploring Belgium and other nearby European countries. The city's proximity to the North Sea also contributes to its maritime history and importance in trade during the Middle Ages. Today, Bruges is known for its romantic canals, cobblestone streets, and historical charm.
Bruges Train Station
Above image is the property of
MichielDMN via Wikimedia Commons using the Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 license
We arrived via train from Amsterdam, and since the Bruges Train Station is approximately 3 kilometers from our hotel in Bruges and certain areas are pedestrian only, we took a taxi to the Martin's Brugge Hotel. The above train type is typical of what you will find in Belgium for Intercity (IC) travel. IC trains are the most common train service in Belgium and travel short distances between the major cities in Belgium, as well as some services to neighbouring countries such as Germany, The Netherlands and Luxembourg. We rode the Thalys TGV from Amsterdam and then switched to an IC train in Bruxelles-Midi.
Where to stay in Bruges?
As of 10/7/2024 Google says there are over 476 accommodations in Bruges, click here to view the full Google Search Results list for all Bruges accommodations. Please note that if you take a look at this Google Search Results page, that you can resort this list to display it various ways. For example, to see only the top rated hotels, click on the "4 or 5 star rated" filter and Google will resort the list. Note that Google calculates a business's star rating by averaging all of the ratings published on Google for that business. The star rating is a number between 1 and 5 stars.
We had previously selected the Martin's Brugge Hotel, as we could see that it's location was very close to the central square in town, and it looked like a nice place to stay. Our hotel selection was based on it's location to the things we planned to see while in Bruges.
This turned out to be a good location to be at, less than one block from the Markt Square and surrounded by shops and interesting restaurants. Go one block in one direction and you are on the square, go one block in the other direction, and you are at the canal.
More Info for Martin's Brugge Hotel
- Martin's Brugge Hotel Website: Here is the link to the Wikipedia Article..
- Google Images set for Martin's Brugge Hotel: Here is a link to that Images Set.
- Google Reviews for Martin's Brugge Hotel
Image Credits:
All images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Brasserie Strijdershuis
The Brasserie Strijdershuis restaurant was directly across the street from our hotel, and every time we walked by there, the great food smells were calling our name! We finally decided to have dinner there, and enjoyed it immensely, as we had mussels, french fries and an excellent local beer! Do not let the alley-way appearance fool you, that is just the outside seating area of the restaurant, the inside area was very nice.
The walkway in front of the restaurant where this picture was taken, leads past the Belfort Brugge out to the Markt Square.
NOTE: It appears that this restaurant is no longer in business as of May 5, 2023.
The Bottle Shop
Also directly across the street (and around the corner) from our hotel was this amazing beer shop named "The Bottle Shop". Now we were aware of the Belgian Beer Industry and how these breweries have won numerous awards, but we were not aware of the size of the Beer Industry - there must have been 400+ beer brands in this shop!
NOTE: The Bottle Shop is located at; Wollestraat 13, 8000 Brugge, Belgium just across the street from the Belfort Brugge.
We could not decide on which beer to purchase, so we stopped and took a selfie while we made up our minds (note - every good thing you've heard about Belgian Beer is true!)
More Info for The Bottle Shop
- The Bottle Shop Website: Here is the link to the Wikipedia Article..
- Google Images set for The Bottle Shop: Here is a link to that Images Set.
- Google Reviews for The Bottle Shop
Image Credits:
All images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Bruges Horse Carriage Tours
Horse Carriages are very popular in Bruges! There are tours of Bruges via carriage that start at the Markt Square carriage Station & there is a 5 person per carriage limitation. We walked all over Bruges, and where ever we went, horse carriages were either already there or would soon be there.
More Info for Bruges Horse Carriage Tours
Image Credits:
- Image # 1 is the property of Visit Bruges via their website.
- All other images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Bruges Markt Square
The Bruges Markt Square (also called Grote Markt) is the vibrant heart of the city and one of its most iconic spots. Surrounded by beautiful medieval architecture and bustling with activity, it offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern-day life.
Here are some exploration ideas & tips for the Markt Square area;
- The Square Itself: The Markt covers a large, open space, dominated by a central statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, two local heroes who led a rebellion against French rule in the 14th century. This statue is a reminder of Bruges’ rich and tumultuous history. The square is pedestrian-friendly, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the lively atmosphere. The cobblestone streets, lined with horse-drawn carriages, cafés, and restaurants, add to its charm.
- The Belfry of Bruges (Belfort): One of the square’s most famous features is the towering Belfry of Bruges, which dates back to the 13th century. The Belfry, rising 83 meters (272 feet) above the square, is a UNESCO-listed structure and an important symbol of Bruges’ medieval power. Visitors can climb the 366 steps to the top for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. The tower houses a carillon of 47 bells, which ring out beautifully over the city.
- Colorful Guild Houses: Lining the edges of the square are stunning guild houses, their facades painted in bright colors like reds, oranges, and yellows, each with stepped gables. These buildings once housed wealthy merchants and guilds during the city's golden era as a trade center. Today, they are home to cafés, restaurants, and shops, making them a great spot to sit, relax, and people-watch while enjoying traditional Belgian treats like waffles or fries.
- Bruges Historium: The Bruges Historium, also located on the Markt, offers an interactive experience that takes visitors back to the medieval era of Bruges. Through immersive exhibits, including virtual reality tours, visitors can learn about the city’s rich history, including its role as a major European trade center.
- Market Days: On Wednesdays, the square hosts a weekly market, where vendors sell fresh produce, flowers, cheeses, meats, and other local goods. It's a great time to experience Bruges as the locals do, enjoying the lively atmosphere and fresh Belgian specialties.
- Surrounding Streets: Branching out from the Markt Square are charming side streets and canals, leading to other attractions like Burg Square, home to the Basilica of the Holy Blood and Bruges City Hall. The nearby shopping streets, such as Steenstraat and Sint-Jakobsstraat, are filled with boutiques, chocolate shops, and more restaurants, making it a great area for leisurely strolling and discovering hidden gems.
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Click the video poster image to view our video of the Bruges Markt Square, which has been used as a marketplace since AD 958, and a weekly market has been held here since AD 985. Today the large square is ringed by banks and many guild houses converted into restaurants. The Markt is filled with pedestrians and bicyclists, and is a good place to start or end a walking tour of the city. This video is the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Historium Bruges
We had entered the Historium Bruges on the east side of the square, and as it had a balcony, we stepped out to get some pictures of the square.
The highlight of the Historium is a virtual reality experience that transports guests to the 15th century. As you don the VR headset, you become a character in a captivating historical story, following the adventures of Jacob, a young apprentice. The visuals, sound effects, and narrative draw you into the world of medieval Bruges, making you feel like you've truly traveled back in time.
In addition to the VR experience, the Historium also features informative displays on Bruges' history, including its economic prosperity, artistic heritage, and political significance. Visitors can learn about the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Belfry and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, while gaining insights into the daily life of its inhabitants.
More Info for Historium Bruges
Image Credits:
All images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Belfry of Bruges
The Belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower in the centre of Bruges, Belgium. One of the city's most prominent symbols, the belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other danger. A narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps, accessible by the public for an entry fee, leads to the top of the 83 meters (272 feet) high building, which leans 87 centimetres to the east.
The belfry was added to the market square around 1240, when Bruges was an important centre of the Flemish cloth industry. After a devastating fire in 1280, the tower was largely rebuilt. The city archives, however, were forever lost to the flames.
The octagonal upper stage of the belfry was added between 1483 and 1487, and capped with a wooden spire bearing an image of Saint Michael, banner in hand and dragon underfoot. The spire did not last long: a lightning strike in 1493 reduced it to ashes, and destroyed the bells as well. A wooden spire crowned the summit again for some two-and-a-half centuries, before it, too, fell victim to flames in 1741. The spire was never replaced again, thus making the current height of the building somewhat lower than in the past; but an openwork stone parapet in Gothic Revival style was added to the rooftop in 1822.
More Info for Belfry of Bruges
- Belfry of Bruges Wikipedia Article: Here is the link to the Wikipedia Article..
- Google Images set for Belfry of Bruges: Here is a link to that Images Set.
- Google Reviews for the Belfry of Bruges
Image Credits:
All images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Bruges Provinciaal Hof
This is a Neogothical building on the market place in Bruges, Belgium. It is the former meeting place for the provincial government of West Flanders.
Both the exterior and the interior are in the Gothic Revival style. The central meeting room has ten sculptures of royalty by Hendrik Pickery, and mural paintings of famous people from West Flanders. The rest of the building is decorated with more sculptures by Hendrik and his son Gustaaf Pickery, stained glass windows by Jules Dobbelaere, and chandeliers by Edward De Vooght. A number of paintings can be found as well, including work by Joos de Momper, Jan Van de Putte, Jan Baptist van Meunincxhove, and paintings from the Romantic era. Click here for their website.
Belfort Tower of Bruges
Image is the property of Visit Bruges via their website. 272 feet in height, leaning 87 centimeters to the east. Originally built in 1240, and rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1280. A wooden spire at the top of the tower was destroyed by fire in 1741 and never replaced.
Visitors can climb the 366 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy stunning views of the city and its surrounding countryside. Inside the tower, visitors can also explore the historic carillon, which features 47 bells and plays music several times a day.
Bruges Canal Tour Boats
There are several tour boat operators that provide canal tours, we went with Bruges River Cruises, as their get-on point was just down the Wollestraat from our hotel (just before the bridge, turn right to buy a ticket).
Glide through Bruges like a local aboard a scenic canal tour boat. These charming vessels, open-air for optimal sightseeing, weave through the city's historic arteries, revealing Bruges from a unique perspective. Tours typically last around 30 minutes, taking you past iconic landmarks and hidden corners. Imagine spotting swans gliding alongside the boat as your captain narrates the rich history reflected in the water's surface. With departures every 15 minutes between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM (from March to mid-November), a canal tour is a delightful way to unwind and discover the magic of Bruges. Simply grab your ticket at one of the five landing stages scattered throughout the city center and set sail for an unforgettable experience.
Bruges Canal Bridges
Some of the bridges over the canals were seriously low, for several, everyone had to duck! However, you have to admire their longevity, these canals were built starting in the 12th century BC!
As you can see in image # 2 (right side) those bridges do not provide much space to squeeze through, I am going to guess that "boat size" is a crucial factor in order to clear those bridges!
Bruges Canals Surround the City
We hiked around the city starting from Markt Square, found a coffee shop, and then continued our hike until we reached the Coupure Canal on the eastern edge of Bruges. As you can see in image # 1 (left side), the canal is paralled by a walk way, by which we eventually returned to Markt Square.
These two images show Kings bridge (Koningsbrug), just one of the 80 bridges in Bruges. This bridge was built in the 20th century on the same spot where a bridge had previously existed.
We spent two nights in Bruges, and on the third morning we caught a train and travelled to the Brussels International Airport for our flight to Vienna, Austria. Once again, the magnificent European Rail System was on time, efficient and took us to the Train Station directly under the Airport departures and arrivals halls, at level -1. You walk upstairs from the train station, and presto you are in the Airport Ticketing area!
Some Useful Links for Bruges
Bruges is an interesting place to visit, however it is important to plan your trip there in order to make the trip as enjoyable as possible. Since it would be almost impossible for any single web page to tell you everything there is to know about Bruges, here are some informative links for you to utilize for your own research - most of these we utilized for our own trip
- Just Traveling Thru European Travel Tips
- Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
- Bruges History on the 'Visit Flanders' site
- Google search results list for "Bruges Chocolate Shops"
- Amazon Search Results list for "Bruges Belgium"
- Youtube Search Results list for "Bruges Belgium"
- Bruges History on the 'Lonely Planet' site
- BBC Cultural Tour of Bruges
- Bruges Belgium Tours on the "Viator" site
- Things to do in Bruges on the 'TripAdvisor' site
- Top Things to do in Bruges on the 'US News' site
- Bruges Tourist Attractions on the 'Planetware' site
- Google search results list for "Accommodations in Bruges Belgium"
- Google search results list for "Eateries in Bruges Belgium"
- Google search results list for "Bruges Belgium Shopping"
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