Bruges
Bruges is a city in Belgium in the historic West Flanders region. It is a city of marvelous architecture and charm. One of the most beautiful in Europe. Bruges is located 20 km from the North Sea near the border with the Netherlands which is why the Dutch influence here is particularly strong in language, cuisine and architecture. The heyday of the city in the Middle Ages left beautiful architecture and many monuments.
The city seemed to be frozen at the border of the past and present. Walking through it you catch yourself thinking that you got into a historical film or found yourself in the present Middle Ages. By the way about the movie here was the famous picture - "Lying on the bottom in Bruges" filmed which just added to the city's popularity!
Bruges is located between the cities of Ghent (capital of East Flanders) and Ostend (the largest Belgian city on the North Sea) on the plain. It is often referred to as "Northern Venice" because it connects three large canals so deep that even some seagoing vessels can navigate. The city's origin is associated with the German word "Brücke" which means "bridge". Fairs were held near the bridge in the Middle Ages. This name quickly passed to the established settlement.
Geography and climate
The climate in Bruges is temperate. The distance from the North Sea is about fifteen kilometers. So it is not surprising that the city is heavily influenced by the sea. Usually there are mild winters and moderate summers. The weather is determined by the western and eastern fronts. The western front which prevails for most of the year brings clouds and rain. The eastern front gives dry and warm weather in summer and cold in winter but not excessive usually without snowfall.
Rain is frequent in the city so be sure to bring umbrellas or raincoats (jackets). The driest months are February and April. The rainiest are October and November. When is the best time to travel to Bruges? Probably at any time of the year. The city is beautiful in any season and weather. But especially Bruges is beautiful in the Christmas holidays. Great time to visit late spring and summer.
The city seemed to be frozen at the border of the past and present. Walking through it you catch yourself thinking that you got into a historical film or found yourself in the present Middle Ages. By the way about the movie here was the famous picture - "Lying on the bottom in Bruges" filmed which just added to the city's popularity!
Bruges is located between the cities of Ghent (capital of East Flanders) and Ostend (the largest Belgian city on the North Sea) on the plain. It is often referred to as "Northern Venice" because it connects three large canals so deep that even some seagoing vessels can navigate. The city's origin is associated with the German word "Brücke" which means "bridge". Fairs were held near the bridge in the Middle Ages. This name quickly passed to the established settlement.
Geography and climate
The climate in Bruges is temperate. The distance from the North Sea is about fifteen kilometers. So it is not surprising that the city is heavily influenced by the sea. Usually there are mild winters and moderate summers. The weather is determined by the western and eastern fronts. The western front which prevails for most of the year brings clouds and rain. The eastern front gives dry and warm weather in summer and cold in winter but not excessive usually without snowfall.
Rain is frequent in the city so be sure to bring umbrellas or raincoats (jackets). The driest months are February and April. The rainiest are October and November. When is the best time to travel to Bruges? Probably at any time of the year. The city is beautiful in any season and weather. But especially Bruges is beautiful in the Christmas holidays. Great time to visit late spring and summer.
General information
Best time to visit
Brussels International Airport is an hour's drive from Bruges by train or car. Also, getting to the city is quite easy from any major city in Belgium and the Netherlands. Unfortunately there is no direct flight from Netherlands. There is a need for a layover in Antwerp.
Population: 110,800
Area: 138 km2
Language: French, Dutch and German
Currency: Euro
Visa: Schengen
Time zone: UTC+1
Tips usually included in the bill
Convenience stores work from 9am to 5pm
Restaurants serve after 6pm
Area: 138 km2
Language: French, Dutch and German
Currency: Euro
Visa: Schengen
Time zone: UTC+1
Tips usually included in the bill
Convenience stores work from 9am to 5pm
Restaurants serve after 6pm
