BRUGES
Area: Belgium


Location:
NW Belgium, 55 mls NW of Brussels. 62 mls NW of Brussels airport. 17 mls E of Ostend and its airport.

Telephone code from UK:
32

Website:
http://www.brugge.be/toerisme/en/

Position:
On flat land midway between Ostend and coast. Motorways to S connect town with principal cities of Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent.

Description:
The town's old-world charm is so complete it can seem like a medieval film set. Throughout the year streams of tourists photograph its beautiful buildings and wander in and out of the chocolate and lace shops to the endless ringing of church bells and clattering horse-drawn carriages on the cobbled streets. A compact 1º mls from N to S and 1­ mls from E to W, it only has a population of around 100,000 _ yet a staggering 3» million people visit the town each year. Perfectly circled by a canal, and crossed by several more, boat trips on its romantic waterways bring Venice to mind. Once a wealthy port, Bruges declined when its river silted up and it remained neglected until the opening of a new port at Zeebrugge in 1907, which marked a return to prosperity. Luckily, the years of slumber ensured the survival of the old buildings, leaving Bruges as one of the best-preserved examples of northern Renaissance architecture in Europe. Among the most interesting sights is the Grote Markt (main square), surrounded by historic buildings and dominated by the 13th-century great halls and belfry (a dizzying climb to the top provides good views over the rooftops). One block away is the Burg square, an attractive architectural ensemble which includes the Chapel of the Holy Blood and the Palace of Justice _ the starting point for tours by horse-drawn carriage. There is also the Gothic Cathedral and the soaring majestic tower of the Church of Our Lady, filled with artistic treasures. In a tranquil area S of the old town is the Beguinage, formerly a place of refuge for young single women and now a nunnery. Bruges at night is an experience in itself, offering endless strolls through quiet cobbled streets and romantic views of floodlit canals and buildings.

Suitability:
Beautifully preserved old buildings on every corner appeal to those interested in history. They also create a unique atmosphere that attracts those who just want to wander around charming cobbled streets and scenic canals and relax in the many restaurants and cafes. Visitors come from all over the world and you will hear British and Americans wherever you go. Popular with tourists whatever the season, but can get particularly crowded during holiday periods, which are worth trying to avoid for this reason.

Accommodation:
Large number of hotels for town this size, catering to high numbers of year-round tourists; something for every budget. Many are located in historic buildings around heart of old centre.

Shopping:
Noordzandstraat and Zuidzandstraat are the principal shopping streets, with modern shops typical of any provincial British high street. At their W end is a large square with a Friday market. Numerous small specialist shops in streets and lanes around Burg square. Bobbin lace is the local speciality, but beware Chinese imports. Chocolate shops on almost every corner.

Entertainments:
Daytime: strolling town's charming narrow lanes (walking leaflets from tourist office). Historic sights, museums and galleries. Carillon concerts, International Music Days, pageants and processions (check with tourist office for dates). Canal-boat tours (mid-March to mid-Nov). Brewery tours. Horse-drawn carriages (summer only). Nightlife: some clubs, but mostly beer drinking in cellars, taverns and bars.

Eating:
Large number of restaurants offering similar menus (moules gratinees, salmon or steak in bearnaise sauce etc), mainly focused in Grote Markt; almost exclusively for tourists but a memorable experience. Dotted around surrounding streets are Indian, tapas and other international restaurants. Many places are in characterful old buildings and offer option of fireside or terrace seating. Vegetarians are generally well catered for. If you order a big beer, be prepared for probably the largest lager in the world, served in a heavy 2-pint glass more like a jug.

Public-transport:
In old town, bus service connects main square to station. Day bus pass gives unlimited travel.

Local-excursions:
Half day: Zeebrugge maritime theme park; various country parks. Full day: Knokke-Heist for beach resorts, golf, bird-watching, casino; border town of Ypres (beautifully rebuilt after WWI) and Flanders Fields; Brussels; Antwerp; Ghent; bike tours of Flemish villages.