Bruges

Bruges is the largest city in West Flanders in Belgium. It is a historic city in the Flemish region and declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bruges is a canal-based city and reminds of Venice.  The port of Bruges is of economic importance and makes Bruges one of the most important commercial cities in the world.

Climate

The weather in Bruges can be compared to the weather of the United Kingdom: constantly cold and damp.  Rainfall can be expected in any season and temperatures seldom reach higher than 21° Celsius.

Attractions in Bruges

The weather is the worst aspect of Bruges.  Let us not talk about the weather then.  Let us rather talk about the charming city.

The city in own right is an attraction.  There are no words to give the necessary respect to Bruges.  Think of animation programs for children depicted in Flanders.  The almost Lego-like houses in different colours and one house fitting snugly next to the other.  That is the picture of Bruges.

Bruges has a romantic Renaissance and Baroque architecture that dates back to 1 year BC.  The buildings are historic and deserve a visit from tourist.  Here is a city that demands you to act like tourists and do tourist-like activities.  Take trips to the Town Hall, the Saint Salvator Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady, St Johns’ hospital and the Provincial Court, to name only a few.  Bruges is a city where there are no shortage of cathedrals, castles, museums and other historic buildings.

The houses and streets are historic, yet portray a delicacy unmatched by modern architecture.

Think of town squares that are the heart of the village and where the village people get together on a regular basis and celebrate many festivals.  Again you can place Bruges in that scene.  Bruges holds many festivals each year, music festival, cultural festival, food festivals and musical cultural festivals.

Modern Bruges

Bruges is one of the best developed cities, regardless of the antique origin and infrastructure. The port is the second largest in Belgium and plays an important part in trade and economics of the city.

The inhabitants of Bruges hold many sport tournaments, with cycling high on the list.  Burges is the starting point of the Ronde van Vlaanderen cycling race, one of the most important annual races in Belgium.  Cycling is so important in Bruges that motorist have to yield to cyclist.

Bruges has a large and modern football stadium and is home to two top level football teams.  Bruges was one of the eight hosts for the UEFA Football Championships.

Transportation in Bruges

Bruges has a well established transport system.  Methods of transport are cycling, cars and network of busses for public transport. Bruges has an airport, the Osten-Bruges International Airport, but it has limited passenger transport.  The best airport to use is Belgium Airport, which is about an hours’ drive by car from Bruges.

Conclusion

Bruges is a city that was preserved in ancient history and may just as well be from the pages of a fairy tale book.  It is a relaxed town and the locals are proud of the gem they have in their midst.  Beer is brewed locally and enjoyed in style by the locals.

Did I mention Bruges has a chocolate museum?