This historic city is right at the top of the table when it comes to getting some good grub. You might already know that Bruges has got the best beer and chocolate in the world, but did you know about the superb seafood? And waffles? What about the veg?
Mussels and fries are so loved in Belgium, they are considered the national dish. In actuality, the Frites alone could be considered the national dish since they are not only eaten by themselves, but are essential to other recipes as side dishes. Moules-Frites is just one example.
Moules frites is Belgium's national dish. Traditionally cooked by steaming mussels in a rich sauce made from butter, garlic, shallots, white wine and parsley (and sometimes a splash of cream), a piping hot bowl of moules always goes down a treat.
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.
Bruges is a “touristy” destination so prices are higher than what you'll find in the rest of Belgium—most notably food and accommodation. In this travel price guide, we'll cover typical Bruges travel costs for food, accommodation, sights, and extras so you can better budget your trip.
Bruges is a peaceful city and highly respectful towards women. Instances of street harassment are significantly low. The locals are polite and helpful. It's generally very safe to walk around, even at night.
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.
Bruges is famous for its chocolate shops, and is the ideal place for chocolate lovers. Many well-known chocolatiers have been established here for years, offering a wide selection of delicious pralines and artisan chocolates. Bruges is home to around 60 chocolate factories, making it the chocolate city par excellence.
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.
What are Belgium's famous food dishes? Belgium is famous for waffles, fries, chocolates, and beer. You can have waffles at any time of the day; breakfast, lnch dinner. Enjoy the crispy fries to go along with Belgian beer.
Bread or toast – with butter and jam, jelly, marmalade or honey. Something fruity – orange juice or any other fruit juice, dried fruits, compote, for the vitamins and antioxidants. Baked goods – croissant, brioches, pain au chocolat, buns... optional and more common on special days.
The only thing you should try to avoid are the tourist traps. Unfortunately we also have those in Bruges. Not dangerous, only disappointing. If you want to eat or drink something avoid the main spuare, just turn into one of the side streets, and you will find cheaper and more authentic places.
Brugge is the native Dutch-language name of the town. Bruges is its name in French. For historical reasons, the French name has come to be much better known in English than the native Dutch name.
This is why the residents of Bruges are called the Brugse zotten, which more or less translates to “the Bruges fools”, or “the Bruges crazies.” It's also the name of the city's beer.
What sweet product is the city of Bruges Belgium well known for?
Chocolate may be the most famous sweet treat in Bruges, but there are plenty of other ways to satisfy your sugar cravings. Sweet shops around the city offer a range of tasty delights such as babelutte (toffee), kletskoppen (lace-like crunchy cookies) and a rainbow of lollipops.
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.
A rule of thumb when buying chocolate in Bruges: The town's informal "chocolate mafia" keeps the price for midrange pralines quite standard, at about €28 per kilogram (or €2.80 for 100 grams).
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.
For better weather and canal boats, you would probably want to be in Brugge between mid-March and end October, and within that period, preferably either early (except for Easter) or late. So if you want to see daffodils (at the béguinage - unless it's a late spring), March; if autumn leaves, September/October.
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.
Unlike in France, where the free carafe of tap water is an institution, or in Britain, where licensed premises are required by law to provide “free drinkable water”, owners of Belgian restaurants and cafés are not obliged to offer their customers a free glass of water, as there is no law or directive that obliges them ...
The site is divided into two areas by the “Carmersbrug”. One side provides a main access point for swimmers entering the water. On the other side tourist boats pass by on a regular basis and swimming is prohibited.
A little longer: there is no law that prohibits serving tap water, nor is there any problem with the quality of drinking water, anywhere in Belgium. (Taste can differ depending on age/material of piping.) On the other hand, there is no law that obliges anyone to offer tap water for free or very cheaply.
