Casino brugge centrum

During its golden century - the 15th century - a number of leading artists like Jan van Eyck and Hans Membling came to live and work in Bruges. Don't miss the chance to marvel at the masterpieces of the world-famous Flemish primitives in the Groeninge Museum and the St John's hospital.

There are plenty of charming squares for you to discover around the city, the most prominent being Burg Square - the beating heart of Bruges. Surrounded by colourful houses, the square is also home to the Belfry, the most important tower of Bruges standing 83m tall. For centuries it was the city's foremost edifice and an important lookout in case of war, fire or any other type of disaster. Today you can climb the 366 steps to the top and be rewarded with breathtaking views of Bruges and its surroundings.

Beyond the historic centre, but still within walking distance, you can visit plenty of charming and historic neighbourhoods. Explore the lovely parklands where 30 windmills once truned their sails. Today there are just four left, including the Sint-Janshuis Mill which can still be visited today. Climb up the mill mounds and get a great panorama of the city, or stop by one of the nearby cafes. Stroll through the nearby Saint Giles - an important artists' quater during the 15th century.

How to Get There

If arriving by plane, the Brussels Airport receives flights from over 200 destinations in 66 countries every day. From there, it's easy to travel to Bruges by train. A direct connection to Bruges runs every hour.

The Brussels South Charleroi Airport receives several daily, low-cost flights from cities across Europe. Bus company Flibco.com offers direct shuttle buses (nine per day) to and from the Bruges station. Booking is cheaper online and you will pay a surcharge on the bus or at the airport.

When to Visit

Although most visitors come in the spring or summer, Bruges has something to offer all year. The misty months of autumn and winter are ideal for atmospheric strolls along the canals and the cobbled streets, before ending up in a cosy, cheerful pub. The "cold" months are also perfect for undisturbed visits to the many museums and sites of interest, before finishing up in world-class restaurant. The Christmas markets are also world-famous. Many hotels and accommodation providers offer lower rates in January, February, and March.

How to Visit

There is a lot to discover in Bruges, and it is best to plan your visit for at least 2-3 days. Most of the major highlights can be reached by foot. There are many guided walking tours available, as well as bicycle tours. Boat tours are also very popular, and provide a different view of the mysterious canals. If you are feeling particularly romantic, you can take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. If you want to travel a bit faster, you can take a minibus tour with expert commentary. Finally, there are few experiences that rival a hot-air balloon tour above Bruges.

To make the most of your visit, pick up a copy of the official 'Bruges City Guide' - which gives you all the insider's tips on the best places to visit both in and around Bruges. It provides you with some excellent self-guided walking tours that feature the highlights of the World Heritage inscribed sections of the city. Updated every year, the guide is available in the visitor information centre.