Bruges

Belgium

Bruges is a picturesque medieval city famous for its canals, cobblestone streets, and stunning Gothic architecture. It offers a charming, romantic atmosphere with historic sites, delicious chocolates, and Belgian beers.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days
Budget$70/day
Mid-range$150/day
Luxury$500/day

Known For

BruggeBelgiumWest FlandersVenice of the NorthFlandersEurope

🇧🇪 Country Information: Belgium

CapitalBrussels
CurrencyEuro (€)
Language Dutch, French, German , English
Phone Code+32
Electricity230V (Type C, E)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is not mandatory as service charges are usually included, but rounding up or leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated in restaurants and cafes
  • For taxis, rounding up the fare is common
  • For hotel staff, a small tip for good service is appreciated

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available
  • Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas
  • Bringing some cash is advisable for smaller purchases or less urban areas
  • No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Punctuality is valued, especially for appointments
  • Belgians can be reserved initially but are generally polite
  • Chewing gum in public is generally accepted, but littering it is not
  • Removing shoes when entering someone's home is not a universal custom but may be appreciated
  • When dining, keep both hands visible above the table (not in your lap)

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Belgium is very progressive regarding LGBTQ+ rights, with legal same-sex marriage and adoption.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits
  • Drug laws are strict, with possession of any illegal drugs being prohibited

Special Laws

  • It is generally advisable to carry identification
  • Littering is subject to fines

Common Phrases

Hello (Dutch)Hallo (hah-low)
Hello (French)Bonjour (bon-zhoor)
Thank you (Dutch)Dank u (dahnk oo)
Thank you (French)Merci (mehr-see)

Climate

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Belgian Fries (Frites) street_food

These thick-cut potatoes are double-fried for a crispy exterior and soft interior, a hallmark of Belgian street food. In Bruges, they are typically se

Belgian Waffles dessert

There are two main types: the softer, often rectangular Brussels waffle, and the denser, sweeter Liège waffle with caramelized sugar. Bruges is known

Belgian Chocolate must_try

Belgium is internationally famous for its high-quality chocolate, characterized by a high cocoa content and pure cocoa butter. Bruges is home to numer

Belgian Beer alcohol

With over a hundred types, Belgian beer is a significant cultural element, ranging from lagers to Trappist ales and fruit beers (like Kriek with sour

Moules-Frites (Mussels and Fries) regional_speciality

A classic national dish consisting of fresh mussels steamed in white wine, butter, and herbs, served with a side of Belgian fries. While popular throu

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Bruges Attraction Tickets (e.g., Museum Entry) Attraction
Book 2–6 weeks in advance

Booking ahead saves time, helps avoid long queues, and ensures entry to popular sites, especially during peak season when tickets can sell out quickly.

High-Demand Dining Reservations Dining
Book 2–8 weeks in advance

Many acclaimed or small, intimate restaurants have limited seating and book out quickly, especially for weekend dinner slots.

Fun Facts

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