top of page
BRUGES TRAVEL GUIDE
Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) ranks among Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities and was the birthplace of the Flemish Primitives, whose work reshaped Western painting. Its historic centre, largely untouched by time, unfolds through Gothic landmarks, winding canals, cobbled lanes and outstanding artistic treasures. Designated European Capital of Culture in 2002 and propelled into the global spotlight by the film In Bruges (2008), the city today pairs its rich heritage with a celebrated beer and culinary scene—making it as indulgent as it is beautiful.
STAY
- De Barge Boat Hotel
- Dukes’ Arches boutique hotel
- Grand Hotel Casselbergh
- Hotel d’Orangerie
- Hotel Heritage
- Hotel Van Cleef
- Nuit Blanche guesthouse
- Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce
- ‘t Fraeyhuis boutique hotel (adults only)
EAT
- Cafédraal (European)
- De Verloren Hoek gastropub
- Duc de Bourgogne (French-Belgian)
- Franco Belge
- Lieven (Belgian)
- Lio’s (European)
- Otto Waffle Atelier
- 't Zwart Huis (Belgian)
DRINK
- Brouwerij Bourgogne des Flandres
- Café Vlissinghe
- Cuvée wine bar
- De Halve Maan brewery
- Duvelorium Grand Beer Café
- Frans Restaurant Kasteel Minnewater
- Le Trappiste Brugge cellar pub
SHOP
- Chocolaterie Sukerbuyc
- De Witte Pelikaan (Christmas)
- 'T Apostelientje (handmade lace)
- The Bottle Shop (Belgian beers)
- The Chocolate Line
EXPERIENCE
- Bruges Beer Festival, 12-13 Sept
- Cactus Festival, 10-12 July
- Christmas Market: Dec
- MAfestival Brugge: 31 July-9 Aug
- Procession of the Holy Blood, 14 May
MUST-SEE
- Basiliek van het Heilig-Bloed
- Belfort van Bruges
- Blinde-Ezelstraat
- Burg & Markt squares
- BRUSK art centre (May 2026)
- Groeningemuseum
- Gruuthusemuseum
- Museum Sint-Janshospitaal
- O.L.V.-kerk Museum
- Provinciaal Hof
- Minnewater
- Rozenhoedkaai








