Travel Brugge Guide
Brugge (or Bruges) garners comparisons to the more famous European cities Amsterdam and Venice. What it lacks for in notoriety, it more than makes up for in charm.
Brugge, like most of Europe, endured hard times as its economy grew and crafts and industries developed. Skirmishes and unrest surrounding the actions of the ruling class were not uncommon. Even so, royalty from abroad often came here to escape even greater turmoil at home.
English kings in particular found long-term refuge from their woes here in Brugge. Today, coming to Brugge is still almost certainly more relaxing than the alternative. Immigrants to Belgium are more likely to favor other cities, finding the division between the tourist district and surrounding areas too sharp. Visitors however, find Brugge to be one of the most pleasant places they will go to in Belgium.
Brugge, called the “Venice of Northern Europe,” has numerous canals that beautifully reflect blue Belgian skies and at night cast the light from the stars back upward. Lovers and dreamers alike enjoy strolling through the town’s byways and back ways. The town's appearance makes it easy for one's mind to drift back into a bygone era.
Peaked roofs and colorful fronts adorn the houses and buildings lining the canals. The architectural features of old Brugge have been carefully maintained. Visitors are treated to both a taste of the architecture that shaped city life, as well as highlights in the form of cathedrals and other prominent buildings. As in many cities in Europe, the citizens of Brugge are proud of their city's heritage, and the community works to ensure its marvels and treasures remain intact.
Brugge made its name for its beautiful fabrics. Today, lace is a major export, and those who come to Brugge often leave with a supply of it in store. Tourism is a welcome industry in Brugges, and foreigners will find themselves well-received. Cafés and restaurants are delicious but the budget-minded may need to trek a bit to find something suitable. An alternative is to snap up a quick meal from the market stalls which dot the canals. Some fresh fruit and bread will keep hunger at bay until you can settle in to a large dinner. You'll be glad you chose light fare--you've got a lot of walking to do to take in all the sights.
Brugge draws artists to take up temporary residence, and there are numerous galleries. Nightlife is understandably limited compared to major cities such as Antwerp and Brussels, but you will find plenty of places to sample some of the best of Flemish beer and chat up friendly locals. Rent a bicycle and burn off that beer belly with a stretch of a ride out to the countryside or coast. Brugge lies some distance apart from Belgium’s main tourist route, but is a short and scenic train ride away from Belgium's major hubs. Plenty of tourists find the time they invest in getting to this little-known Belgian gem pays off in spades.
Brugge, like most of Europe, endured hard times as its economy grew and crafts and industries developed. Skirmishes and unrest surrounding the actions of the ruling class were not uncommon. Even so, royalty from abroad often came here to escape even greater turmoil at home.
English kings in particular found long-term refuge from their woes here in Brugge. Today, coming to Brugge is still almost certainly more relaxing than the alternative. Immigrants to Belgium are more likely to favor other cities, finding the division between the tourist district and surrounding areas too sharp. Visitors however, find Brugge to be one of the most pleasant places they will go to in Belgium.
Brugge, called the “Venice of Northern Europe,” has numerous canals that beautifully reflect blue Belgian skies and at night cast the light from the stars back upward. Lovers and dreamers alike enjoy strolling through the town’s byways and back ways. The town's appearance makes it easy for one's mind to drift back into a bygone era.
Peaked roofs and colorful fronts adorn the houses and buildings lining the canals. The architectural features of old Brugge have been carefully maintained. Visitors are treated to both a taste of the architecture that shaped city life, as well as highlights in the form of cathedrals and other prominent buildings. As in many cities in Europe, the citizens of Brugge are proud of their city's heritage, and the community works to ensure its marvels and treasures remain intact.
Brugge made its name for its beautiful fabrics. Today, lace is a major export, and those who come to Brugge often leave with a supply of it in store. Tourism is a welcome industry in Brugges, and foreigners will find themselves well-received. Cafés and restaurants are delicious but the budget-minded may need to trek a bit to find something suitable. An alternative is to snap up a quick meal from the market stalls which dot the canals. Some fresh fruit and bread will keep hunger at bay until you can settle in to a large dinner. You'll be glad you chose light fare--you've got a lot of walking to do to take in all the sights.
Brugge draws artists to take up temporary residence, and there are numerous galleries. Nightlife is understandably limited compared to major cities such as Antwerp and Brussels, but you will find plenty of places to sample some of the best of Flemish beer and chat up friendly locals. Rent a bicycle and burn off that beer belly with a stretch of a ride out to the countryside or coast. Brugge lies some distance apart from Belgium’s main tourist route, but is a short and scenic train ride away from Belgium's major hubs. Plenty of tourists find the time they invest in getting to this little-known Belgian gem pays off in spades.