Bruges Disney Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

Located about 60 mi/95 km northwest of Brussels, Bruges, Belgium, is known for its scenic canals, ancient squares, beguinage (a typical Flemish medieval housing concept), art museums featuring exclusive artistic heritage such as paintings by the Flemish primitives, architecture and some of the best lace in the world. The city center is compact and all attractions are within walking distance from the market square (Grote Markt).

Bruges is also famous for its gastronomy. Foremost, it is known as the chocolate capital of the world and is home to more than 50 chocolatiers producing their own handmade chocolates. Obviously, beer is a local must, with lots of cozy pubs serving top-notch Belgian Trappist beers or local ales. It hosts one of the top gastronomic restaurants in Belgium, Hertog Jan, which boasts three Michelin stars.

More than 80 bridges were constructed over the city's network of canals, which in summer teem with tourist boats offering narrated tours. Although you'll undoubtedly have to share the city with a number of tourists, we think Bruges, is a must-see.

Must See or Do

Sights—The Belfry Tower for a 360-degree perspective of the city; a boat ride on the canals to enjoy the city's spirit and atmosphere.

Museums—Groeninge Museum, featuring key works of the Flemish primitive painters as well as expressionism and post-war modern art.

Memorable Meals—Three-Michelin-starred Hertog Jan for the freshest local fine dining; atmosphere and French cuisine with an Asian twist at Guillaume; the freshest fish in the city at Den Gouden Karpel.

Late Night—Beer tastings at 't Brugs Beertje, where there are more than 300 choices of beers; dancing at De Coulissen.

Walks—A romantic stroll at the Minnewaterpark (Lake of Lovers) and nearby beguinage; a hike on the city's ramparts (Brugse vesten).

History

During the 12th and 13th centuries, Bruges was a center of trade and textile manufacturing, as well as the largest city in Belgium. When its river silted up in the late 1400s, merchants and traders abandoned the city for Antwerp. Economic decline allowed the city to remain unchanged for centuries, which is why it is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.

Potpourri

The name Bruges is believed to have originated from the local word bryggia, which means "mooring place" or "landing stage."

Because the city has a number of quaint little streets and romantic canals, Bruges is often referred to as the Venice of the North, although it shares this title with other northern European cities, including Amsterdam and Stockholm..

The average depth of a canal in Bruges is only 6 ft/2 m. The average depth of one of the largest canals that surrounds the city is only 10-13 ft/3-4 m.

Location

The port of Zeebrugge (Bruges on the Sea) is located about 10 mi/16 km from the city. It has a cruise ship terminal and is considered a key hub to enter Europe. You can travel to the city from the port by taxi or train. Zeebrugge itself has a fishing harbor and scenic promenade. You can also catch a ferry for England from there.