Medieval city famous for its canals, chocolate, beer, and beautifully preserved old town. A UNESCO World Heritage site.

About Bruges (Brugge)

Bruges is a fairy-tale medieval city that feels suspended in time — its canal-laced center of Gothic churches, cobblestone squares, and gabled brick houses has survived virtually intact since the city\'s golden age as the commercial capital of Northern Europe in the 14th-15th centuries. The entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Markt (Market Square) with its 83-meter Belfry tower (366 steps to the top for panoramic views) and the Burg square with the Basilica of the Holy Blood (housing a relic believed to contain drops of Christ\'s blood) are the twin hearts of the city. The Groeninge Museum displays masterpieces of Flemish Primitive painting, including Jan van Eyck\'s Madonna with Canon van der Paele.

Bruges is as much about atmosphere as specific sights — taking a canal boat tour under the bridges, walking along the Dijver canal to the Minnewater (Lake of Love), cycling along the medieval walls, and simply wandering the car-free streets is the essential experience. Belgian chocolate shops (Dominique Persoone at The Chocolate Line, Dumon), lace shops, and beer culture (De Halve Maan brewery offers tours and tastings) complete the sensory experience. Despite its popularity, early mornings and late evenings reveal a quieter, more magical Bruges.

Nearby Landmarks

Belfry of Bruges Markt Basilica of the Holy Blood Minnewater Groeninge Museum

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €180-220
Time 90-120 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost Not practical
Time 90-120 minutes

Arrivals level

Train (SNCB/NMBS)

Cost €28-35
Time 80-90 minutes
Frequency Every 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the airport train to Bruxelles-Midi station (25 min), then a direct IC train to Bruges (60 min). Trains to Bruges run every 30 minutes.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €180-220 90-120 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare Not practical 90-120 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train €28-35 80-90 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The last train from Brussels Airport to Bruges departs around 10:30-11:00 PM. After that, the only option is a taxi (EUR 200-250, 75 min). If visiting Bruges on a day trip, the last return trains to the airport depart Bruges around 9:00-9:30 PM. Bruges itself is quiet after 10 PM — most restaurants close by 9:30 PM and it becomes very tranquil.

Luggage Tips

Belgian trains have overhead racks and open areas for luggage. Bruges station has luggage lockers (EUR 4-7). The walk from Bruges station to the Markt is about 15 minutes — the streets are cobblestoned, so rolling luggage requires some effort. Consider dropping bags at your hotel before exploring. Canal boats do not accommodate large luggage.

Accessibility

Brussels Airport and Belgian trains are wheelchair accessible. Bruges station has elevators. The historic city center presents challenges — cobblestones everywhere, narrow streets, and many buildings with steps. The Markt and main squares are flat. Canal boat tours have limited wheelchair access (some operators offer accessible boats — call ahead). The Groeninge Museum is accessible.