Bruges is a small town that does not hide dangers and traps. Tips for Bruges, however, will make your travel life easier. It is best to know everything before you arrive, like how you can move around, when do restaurants close, what the weather is like and more useful information!

General

• It is one of the safest cities in Europe. Nothing is going to be stolen from you, even if you leave it in a public space.
• In most houses (even on the ground floor) there are no curtains or they are always open. It would be best to follow the general practice and be discreet, avoiding looking inside.
• Almost all citizens are fluent in three languages: Flemish (mother tongue), French and English.
• On Mondays most Museums/Attractions are closed. As well as many stores (mainly during low season).
• The best way to getting to know the city is walking.
• For accommodations you will have to pay an extra 2€ tax per person/night.
• At the train station as well as the Historium there are lockers where you can keep your luggage secure.
• Take a romantic break for a picnic under the Pink Windmill, next to the canal.
• Smoking is forbidden in indoor spaces.
• Humidity is a permanent resident of the city resulting in the cold being even more intense.
• You should definitely carry an umbrella or a raincoat, during any season.
• Even during the summer, the temperature rarely goes higher than 20°C.

 
 
Transportation

General:

• The closest airport is located in Ostend, while the most popular is in Brussels.
• You can get to the city by train, bus or car.
• You will not find metro or tram networks in the city.
• The 28€ for a 30-minute horse-carriage ride are way too much! It is only worth it if you are a party of four.
• Inside the city you can move around by bus, taxi, car or the tourist van. Of course, the easiest and fastest way is renting a bike.
• Do not take the boat tour in rainy hours. You will not be able to see anything among all the umbrellas.

 
Bus:

• Standard ticket costs 3€ and lasts for one hour.
• There are 1, 3 and 5-day passes, as well as the one for children.
• You can obtain tickers from ticket booths, authorized stores (super markets, press agencies), the bus driver or via sms.
• Inside the bus you can pay with bills of up to 10€.
• All drivers speak excellent English.
• The ticket via SMS is 35% cheaper (SMS code: DL to 4884).
• Children under the age of 6 and people with special needs ride for free.

 
Taxi:

• For a 2km distance the cost ranges between 8 and 15€.
• Prefer the authorized spots.

 
Car:

• Inside the ring you can only park in spots with blue or white lines for 4 hours between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
• From Gentpoort to Kruispoort, parking is free. (Inside the ring.).
• The largest and cheapest parking is at the train station, while inside the city it is outside the Koningin Astridpark.
• Outside the ring there are lots of free areas.
• Parking in the blue zone is permitted for up to 4 hours for free (with the special EU card), while at the spaces with a parking meter for up to 2 hours.

 
 
Attractions-Activities:

General

• From 1/1/2017 the Brugge City Card is no longer in effect.
• With the Discover Bruges Card you get a discount for many museums, attractions, shops and tours. It is given for free by certain hotels and hostels, on the condition that you are staying there.

 
Belfort

• Make sure you are there around 9:30-10:00 in the morning, as later the line gets really long. (Due to the groups and the crowd of individual visitors.).

 
Koningin Astridpark

• The park offers smart services, such as bicycle parking, charging outlets and bags for your pets’ bowel movements.

 
De Halve Maan

• If you visit it during the weekend it would be best to have previously booked the preferred time, so you definitely get a seat.
• Every day at 2 in the afternoon there is a special tour organized in many of the factory’s spaces, access to the cellars and tasting of three different brews. The cost is 19€/person and it lasts for about 1.5 hours.
• In order to visit at a time that best suits you, book your tickets on the website or make sure you get there earlier.

 
Minnewaterpark- Minnewater Lake

• Cross the Minnewaterpark, climb down the steps located next to the tower and enjoy a magical trail.

 

 
Historium Brugge

• The best time to visit the Historium of Brugge is 1 hour before closing. This way, you will (probably) go alone and not in a group of 6-10 people.
• In order to use the WC you will have to pay a small fee.
• In the Duvelorium, for an extra 7€, you can taste three beers of your choice, inside the original and charmingly decorated space on the 1st floor.

 
Church of our Lady

• Get a lens with a large room range, as Michelangelo’s renowned artwork is pretty far away.

 
 
Tourist Traps:

• Do not buy souvenirs from the first shop that you come across. Take a walk and you will certainly find cheaper.
• Many chocolate shops sell imported chocolate as authentic Belgian. Careful!
• Trap with policeman: If you get approached by some policeman and asked for your documents, suggest that you visit the police station. They usually collaborate with one more person who acts as a tourist.
• Do not opt for the chocolates in packages of various flavors. They include all the scraps.
• Many restaurants offer 12-16€ menus without drinks. Notice: the trap lies in the drinks’ prices that may be priced up to 7-8€!

 
 
Food-Entertainment:

• Do not miss out on tasting the delicious chops, Belgian chocolates, freshly-baked waffles, beers and local dishes.
• Most restaurants in Belgium hang their ladles during 15:00-18:00 in the afternoon. Make sure you “get” in their rhythms so you don’t end up with an empty stomach.
• Do not choose to dine at the shops located inside and around the Markt square. Their food is mediocre in quality and highly priced.
• Most restaurants do not serve water. Even if you ask for a glass, they will charge you for the whole bottle.
• In the Markt square there are two fast food trucks. Opt for the one on the right (as you look at them).
• Hot chocolate in the city is not made with cocoa powder, but with real chocolate that melts in hot milk!
• Tip is included in the bill.
• Most shops accept card payments (credit and debit).