Bruges

Marvel at ornate houses lining intricate canals, and understand why this is a favourite destination for all types of travellers. This Bronze Age and Iron Age settlement is unrelated to medieval city development. Picturesque cobbled lanes and dreamy canals link photogenic market squares lined with soaring towers, historical churches and lane after lane of old whitewashed almshouses.

Originally a landing place on the Zwijn estuary, into which the Reie River flowe it was mentioned in the 7th century as the Municipium Brugense (a name derived from a Roman bridge over the Reie). What is the history of Bruges?

Laced with canals, it was one of the great North European trading ports in late medieval times. Find what to do today, this weeken or in August. We have reviews of the best places to see in Bruges.

It is a city of human proportions, but one that can never be truly fathomed. Its history has made it great, a fact that garnered it the title of a Unesco World Heritage City. Great location from market square. All the latest breaking news on Bruges.

Bruges is a city that will capture your heart.

Browse The Independent ’s complete collection of articles and commentary on Bruges. Public squares have many tales to tell. Visitors in this destination are spoilt for choice. This city also attracts tourists with its cafes, cathedrals and shopping.

But, for hit men Ray and Ken, it could. Relatively cosmopolitan and bourgeois given its compact size, it is one of the best preserved pre-motorised cities in Europe and offers the kind of charms rarely available elsewhere. They flock to the Belgian town for its picturesque parks, old world hotels and sentimental legends. The town has tranquil canals, traditional market squares and historic churches for you to explore. Its cool climate adds a wintry air of romance, while horse-drawn carriages and cosy cafés make it the perfect city break for couples and scenery lovers.

You can see several of his classic paintings at the superb Groeningemuseum, while the 12th-century former hospital of Sint- Janshospitaal houses detailed works by renowned artist, Hans Memling. This world-renowned art museum has a staggering collection of iconic Flemish medieval and Renaissance artworks, including masterpieces by Jan Van Eyck and Gerard David. The film stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two Irish hitmen in hiding, with Ralph Fiennes as their enraged boss. However, it’s busy most weekends, so consider planning a trip mid-week to have more of the city to yourself. Or if you like chocolate, you’ll love Choco-Story.

Chocoholics will find Belgian chocolate boutiques. Sharply pitched brick townhouses and arched bridges line the slow-moving canals of Bruges.

Fancy a city break to Holland or Belgium? Go on a mini cruise from Hull with PO Ferries. With entertainment on board and our themed minicruises the journey is even better than the destination!

Cultural and artistic, cosmopolitan, unashamedly Burgundian, mysteriously medieval, and a Unesco World Heritage site to boot. Worries of the tourist. Additionally, it is known for its cobbled streets and medieval architecture. Often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” winding waterways link historic market squares bursting with traditional gabled guild houses and the aroma of delicious Belgian waffles fills the air.

World-class art and heritage in monumental locations. Musea Brugge uses cookies to make your browsing experience easier and more pleasant and to better tailor the content of the website to your needs and preferences.