Is Brussels or Brugge better?

Neither Brussels nor Bruges is objectively "better"; they offer different experiences, with Bruges ideal for fairytale charm, romance, and compact, walkable history (but can feel touristy), while Brussels provides dynamic urban life, diverse dining, grand architecture (like the Grand Place), and museums, making it better for longer stays or varied interests, though it's more of a bustling capital. Choose Bruges for quaint vibes, Brussels for variety and nightlife; many visit Bruges as a day trip from Brussels.

Which is better, Bruges or Brussels?

GENERAL CONCLUSION: If you have but one day, head to Bruges. The city is smaller and easier to navigate in a day. Brussels has more to offer tourists but requires at least two days to properly delve into the city and get a feel for its beauty.

Which city of Belgium is the most beautiful?

1. Bruges. This city is on top of most visitors' lists for a reason: it is without a doubt one of Europe's most picturesque towns. A medieval fairy-tale town with cobblestone lanes and charming canals, hordes of visitors from all over the world rightly come to admire its photogenic and romantic beauty.

Why is Bruges called the dead city?

Bruges is called the "Dead City" primarily because of Georges Rodenbach's influential 1892 novel Bruges-la-Morte (Bruges-the-Dead), which portrayed the decaying, melancholic city as a perfect setting for a widower's obsessive grief, making it a symbol of death and lost glory for Symbolist artists and a morbid tourist attraction for romantics seeking atmosphere, even as the city's importance declined historically due to its silting Zwin channel.
 

Is Brussels more expensive than Bruges?

When it comes to accommodation, Brussels is slightly more expensive than Bruges, but there is a wide variety of accommodation to choose from in Brussels so it is easy to find somewhere to suit your budget. In Brussels, if you want to be in the heart of the action, book accommodation near to the Grand Palace.

7 Things To Know Before Visiting Belgium

Is Bruge safer than Brussels?

Petty crime is far less prevalent in the Flemish cites of Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent than it is in Brussels. The historic centers of each, where tourists head to first, especially that of ever-thronged Bruges and Grote Markt in central Antwerp, are again places to watch your bags, pockets and phones.

Which city is better to visit in Belgium?

Best for a leisurely city break

A visit to Bruges feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Often called the Venice of the North, the city is incredibly charming with an intricate network of tree-lined canals, cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture.

What is the 30% rule in Belgium?

Belgium's "30% tax ruling" refers to a special tax regime for expatriates and inpatriates, allowing employers to reimburse certain recurring relocation costs tax-free, generally up to 30% of gross remuneration, capped at €90,000 annually, plus other specific costs like school fees, replacing older schemes for many. This regime aims to attract international talent, exempting these allowances from tax and social security, with conditions like minimum salary thresholds (€75k for non-researchers) and a 5-year duration (extendable).

Is Bruges worth a day trip from Brussels?

Yes, Bruges is absolutely worth a day trip from Brussels, offering a stunning contrast with its medieval charm, canals, and cobblestone streets, easily accessible in about an hour by frequent, fast trains. You can see the main highlights (Market Square, canals, Belfry) in a day, making it a perfect, hassle-free escape to experience fairytale Belgium, though you'd need longer to delve deeper.

Why is Jesus' blood in Bruges?

Relic of the Holy Blood

Legend has it that Count Thierry of Alsace, after an adventurous Second Crusade, brought the Holy Blood to Bruges in 1150. He received the relic as a gift from Jerusalem, as a treasure for the city and a sign of his heroism.

What is the best city to stay in Belgium for 3 days?

THREE DAYS IN BELGIUM | If you have but three days to explore the city I would focus on Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp. This will give you a good first feel of what Belgium has to offer. FOUR DAYS IN BELGIUM | With four days you have enough time to explore Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp at a leisurely pace.

What is the prettiest village in Belgium?

Torgny. Torgny, the southernmost village in Belgium, is often called the prettiest — and I could see why. With its Provence-like charm, ochre stone houses with red tiled roofs, vineyard-friendly microclimate, and lush greenery, it felt like an idyllic rural escape and a true hidden gem!

Why go to Brugge?

The historic buildings in Bruges are stunning. You can easily spend a day exploring the beautiful streets and getting lost in the maze of pretty buildings. Add to that the serene and beautiful Minnewater Park and a boat trip along the canal, and you have yourself the perfect slow-paced European city break.

How much is a taxi from Brussels to Bruges?

Travel by Taxi

The distance between the two is approximately 108kms, which should take you 75 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Although taxi is the fastest way to travel it is also the most expensive, with an average cost of approximately 147€ depending on your exact destination in Bruges.

Why is Belgium split in two?

The partition of Belgium is a hypothetical situation, which has been discussed by both Belgian and international media, envisioning a split of Belgium along linguistic divisions, with the Flemish Community (Flanders) and the French-speaking Community (Wallonia) becoming independent states.

Is it better to stay in Brugge or Brussels?

Brussels tends to have milder winters and cooler summers compared to Bruges. So, if you're not a fan of extreme temperatures, Brussels might be the more comfortable option during the summer.

What is the number one tourist attraction in Belgium?

What are the Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Belgium?

• Grand Place, Brussels.
• Canals of Bruges.
• Atomium, Brussels.
• Belfry of Bruges.
• Gravensteen Castle, Ghent.
• Belgian Comic Strip Center.
• Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
• Tournai Cathedral.

How many days in Brussels is enough?

You can see Brussels' main sights in 1-2 days, but 3 days is ideal for a comfortable pace and exploring deeper, including potential day trips to other Belgian cities like Ghent or Antwerp. A longer stay (4+ days) allows for more museums, leisurely exploration, or side trips, but 2-3 days covers the core landmarks like the Grand Place, Atomium, and Belgian chocolate/beer. 

What is the thin cap rule in Belgium?

Thin capitalisation

• all loans, whereby the beneficial owner is not subject to income taxes, or, with regard to the interest income, is subject to a tax regime that is substantially more advantageous than the Belgian tax regime, and.
• all intra-group loans.

Do you give way to the right in Belgium?

In Belgium, all drivers must give priority to any vehicles joining a road from the right, even if they have stopped at a junction or are allowing pedestrians to cross.

What changes in Belgium on 1 July 2025?

Among these labor law reforms, it had been announced that — since 1 July 2025 — employers are no longer required to pay the regular employer social security contributions on the portion of an employee's salary that exceeds a quarterly threshold.

Where to go in Belgium for the first time?

What to see in Belgium

• The Grand-Place in Brussels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Brussels' central plaza, the Grand-Place is an exceptional example of Belgian architecture and history. ...
• Manneken Pis. ...
• Minnewater Lake. ...
• The Flemish béguinages in Bruges.

What is the most beautiful city in Belgium?

❣️Bruges is the most beautiful city in Belgium. When you come to Bruges, you will be attracted by its long history. There are many ancient buildings and charming streets here.