Brussels is vibrant and packed full of things to do, whatever appeals to you.Bruges is completely different. It's smaller and has a fairy tale feel with medieval architecture, meandering waterways and picturesque moments seemingly around every corner.
Depends what you want. Bruges is very pretty, but also full of tourists. Brussels has many museums and restaurants worth visiting, but the city is not beautiful as a whole. The Grand Place however, is stunning and there are other beautiful spots.
In Brussels, you can easily find affordable accommodations, dining options, and a range of activities to suit various budgets. Bruges, on the other hand, tends to be pricier due to its popularity among tourists, making it a bit more challenging to find budget-friendly alternatives.
Bruges is absolutely worth visiting, with its stunning Flemish architecture lining the beautiful canals and a good waffle or two, what more could you want? Well, how about some rather good local beers?
A bustling business hub and popular tourist destination, if you find yourself in Brussels, it's worth considering a day trip over to Bruges if you have the time. Just an hour apart, this fascinating city is known for its canals and cobbled streets with medieval architecture to soak up along the way.
Brussels is absolutely worth visiting for a day. Many top sights are located just a short walk from each other so you can easily get around a good chunk of the city in a few hours. With a full day, you could also make time to fit in a museum or two like the Parlamentarium.
Although you can visit the main sights and landmarks in one day, the historic center is so charming that you should consider spending 2 days in Bruges. Indeed, there's no better way to enjoy the magic of Bruges to the fullest. On par with Venice, Bruges is one of the most romantic cities in Europe.
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.
Known for its picturesque streets, stunning architecture, delicious food, and famous Christmas market, there are loads of things to do in Bruges that make it a very popular holiday destination, which is why so many people visit each year. Find out for yourself what makes Bruges so magical.
The historic city center of Bruges is relatively compact and can be easily explored on foot. There are many pedestrian-friendly streets and charming alleyways that are perfect for strolling and taking in the sights.
The choice ultimately depends on your preferences: Ghent provides a more modern, eclectic experience, while Bruges immerses you in a timeless, romantic setting. Large crowds included.
Mons in Belgium is a pretty town with a lovely town hall and worth visiting IMO. Bergen Op Zoom in the Netherlands, not a pretty as Bruges but a nice little town with a great atmosphere, particularly at carnival time. Probably best visited as part of a touring holiday, but worthy of a weekend in its own right.
Train ticket prices from Brussels Midi to Bruges (Brugge) can start from as little as £16.19 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
I found Brugge to be a very relaxing and friendly place - the people are so warm and cheerful. The architecture and the canals are charming. Brugge is more a large town than a city the way Prague is. I would choose Brugge too, but I'm biaised, as it is my home town...
English is widely spoken in Bruges, particularly in hotels and restaurants. Restaurant menus are very often printed in various languages. English is very, very widely spoken.
From the vertiginous belltower of Leuven's university library, you get a great view across the mottled rooftops of Belgium's most underrated city. Leuven isn't swarming with sightseers, like Bruges. It isn't choked with commuter traffic, like Brussels.
Bruges became impoverished and gradually faded in importance. The symbolist novelist George Rodenbach made the city into a character in his novel Bruges-la-Morte, meaning "Bruges-the-dead", which was adapted into Erich Wolfgang Korngold's opera, Die tote Stadt (The Dead City).
What is the difference between Brussels and Bruges?
Brussels and Bruges are two popular city break destinations in Belgium. Brussels, the capital, is famous for being the seat of the EU and home to Tintin. Bruges on the other hand is famous for its canals, bridges and picturesque old town.
Residents of Bruges love their beer, Belgian fries and chocolate – Bruges even has its own official city chocolate: the Bruges swan, or Brugsch Swaentje.
Safety at nightSafe. Bruges is generally very safe for solo female travelers even at night. The city is well-lit and there is often a crowd until late hours due to its vibrant nightlife. Public transportation and taxis are always available if you prefer not to walk alone.
Although many people in Europe routinely drink bottled water, the tap water in Belgium is quite safe to drink. The tap water is perfect to drink, totally no need to buy bottled water. FYI: some restaurants sell tap water in "own" bottles really expensive.
One thing a lot of people complain about when it comes to Bruges (especially if they visit during high tourist season) is how crowded and "touristy" it can be. Bruges is popular, and for good reason. A picture perfect, fairytale city won't go unnoticed for long. I've made a point to visit Bruges during shoulder season.
The best time to visit Bruges for milder temperatures in the springtime. The weather begins to warm up to highs of 15°C in May, which is very pleasant without being too hot or uncomfortable.
Excellent idea! Sometimes it's so refreshing to just lose yourself in the city on your own and at your own pace, wandering the many picturesque streets. Don't know where to start? Then don't worry, we've worked out a few themed walks especially for you that you can do perfectly on your own.
The city's Gothic architecture and narrow streets give it a romantic, old-world feel. Canals: Bruges is often called the "Venice of the North" because of its network of canals. Taking a boat tour through the canals is a great way to see the city and its beautiful architecture from a different perspective.
