Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, or Brugge, is a traveler’s dream. A fairytale if you will. The picturesque town, the various churches and beautiful architecture, the quaint shops and myriad cafes; all of it creates an atmosphere of dreamy, pleasant contentment. Here is what you need to know to get around.
Money
Money and access to it will be the same as any other European city or town. Credit cards are the norm and cash is accepted everywhere. Euros are the official currency of Belgium. Before 2002 and the advent of the Euro, Belgium used the Belgian franc, but these are no longer in circulation. Make sure you know your exchange rate before you go, and use a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees.
Where to Stay
Looking for a place to stay? You won’t be looking for long! Or maybe you will, if you’re picky. There are options everywhere, each better than the last. Cozy B&Bs, hotels, and the best Airbnb we have ever stayed in. We got lucky and will probably stay a night in it again when next we visit. Bruges is a popular destination for many people in Belgium and the surrounding countries, so book as early as you can. In the popular warm seasons it can be somewhat crowded. The average cost for all of these places is very reasonable; it would not be surprising to find a very nice room for less than $100 per night, at least in the off season. We recommend staying in or near the older parts of the city, but you really cannot go wrong anywhere with how easy it is to get around.
Where to Go and What to See
The centerpiece of Bruges is the old town, cocooned between and crisscrossed by the canals that give it much of its quaint character, and the centerpiece of the old town is the Belfry of Bruges. The active bell tower built in the 13th century features a climb of 366 steps to the top and a breathtaking view of the surrounding town and countryside. The cost to climb to the top of the belfry is €14 per person, and well worth it. The view of the old town is very nice. You also get to see the inside of the Belfry which includes the old treasury room and the bells, which still operate today.
Be aware that public bathrooms are not common in Bruges or Europe in general. If you do find one, there may be a small charge upon entry. We paid €1 when we needed one, but the cost does vary and not every shop you go in will have one for the public, paid or otherwise.
Looking down from the Belfry, which is featured in the cult classic movie “In Bruges”, featuring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Ralph Fiennes, one can see the beautiful Grote Markt, or Market Square. Here can be found a panoply of cafes and history, as well as the geographical center of the old town. There are often activities occurring catered toward the many visitors, such as holiday markets during Christmastime. If you are fortunate enough to be in Bruges in the wintertime there will be vendors and cafes selling hot wine, wine heated and mixed with spices. It warms the hands, and the rest of the body for that matter, and makes an evening walk even more enjoyable.
How to Get Around
Getting around Bruges is easy and if you are up to it, we suggest walking. To date the most steps Charlie has taken in a day were in Bruges, just about 50,000. Bikes can be rented near the one train station in town, and unless you’re striking out to the surrounding area, a car is unnecessary. The national train runs hourly to other popular destinations like the beach (only one stop and ten minutes away), Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, and any other part of the country you need to get to. The website for the train is easy to use, accepts major credit cards, and you can purchase one way, single use tickets at a set price, making travel throughout the country exceedingly simple. Just buy a ticket, hop on your train, and a trainman will check your ticket during the ride.
Feeling romantic? Bruges has a horse-drawn carriage service that departs from Market Square (Burg Square on Wednesday mornings), takes you around for half an hour, and comes back to where it started. The cost is 60€ for 1-5 people.
If you are a sporting connoisseur we suggest checking out the Club Bruges store, which sells clothing and gear branded for the cities premier soccer team. If you are looking for fancy pastries, head over to Aux Merveilleux De Fred Bruges, which is sure to catch your eye when you walk by. Even if the large windows showcasing the massive chandelier don’t, the delicious confectionary treats on display certainly will. If you’re pining for home and are looking for something more familiar, there is a McDonalds just around the corner; though you may have to play I Spy to find the golden arches hidden in the Belgian architecture.
Speaking of food, you may be interested in two of the specialties of Belgium, beer and chocolate! Many popular and delicious beers are brewed in Belgium. Two of our favorites are Hoegaarden and Leffe Bruin, and can be found on tap most everywhere. Even if these are not to your taste, there are many more to choose from to get a taste of the local brew.
Chocolate is another famous treat to indulge while in Belgium and Bruges doesn’t melt away from the spotlight in this regard. There are plenty of shops and cafes to sample local and Belgian style chocolates. If you are feeling regal, stop by Chocolaterie Mary, the Belgian Royal Warrant Chocolatier. If you want something a little less flashy but still elegant, Leonidas is another great chocolate shop. If these aren’t your speed, just walk around a bit. A day’s walking will send you past a dozen other shops just as delicious.
Click here for a map of our favorite places in Bruges!