Discovering Bruges' historical and cultural heritage

The idyllic atmosphere of Bruges doesn't just attract those on a romantic break. Families too love strolling past shop windows, admiring the city's colourful facades and stopping off at the many chocolate shops. The historic centre is a great place to stay. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval ensemble has retained its Gothic charm, which has been blended over time with a variety of architectural influences. There are plenty of hotel options, and if you want to be as close as possible to Notre-Dame church, Saint-Sauveur cathedral, the Belfry or the Burg, head for the historic heart of the city. Nevertheless, the city is easy to explore on foot. In fact, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from.

💰 Generally speaking, you should expect to pay around 150 euros a night for a nice room in a hotel in the heart of the city. However, much more luxurious options may catch your eye. As the city of lovers, establishments are striving to offer ever more upmarket services.

To book your afternoon tea time: https://www.hotelorangerie.be/fine-food&utm_source=easyvoyage

The best time to visit the city is in spring. You'll enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere. But don't be fooled: in the middle of summer, even if the weather is fine, you'll have to share the magic of the historic centre with the many tourists who have come to enjoy this pretty town in the north of Belgium. And if the bad Belgian weather doesn't scare you, why not enjoy the city in the middle of winter, when the atmosphere is much more peaceful. The only downside is that you won't be able to enjoy a canal cruise. River companies generally close their doors from mid-November to early March.

The canals of Bruges have helped to forge the city's reputation. A cruise on the calm waters, accompanied by signs, is an opportunity to discover more about this magnificent medieval city. Please note that bookings are not possible. In high season, you'll have to be patient. If you want to avoid the crowds, go to the pier in the rue de Dijver, which is probably the least crowded as it is a little further from the centre.

There's no shortage of history and architecture to explore in Bruges. The historic heart of the city has seen some magnificent buildings flourish over the centuries. The belfry is undoubtedly the most famous of all, towering 83 metres above the Grand Place and offering a spectacular 360° view of the city. What's more, you'll also have the chance to hear its carillon, made up of 47 bells that have been ringing since 1745!

The best advice for visiting Bruges is to lose yourself in the historic centre and imagine yourself back in the 15th century, wandering through this remarkable maze of houses, each more beautiful than the last. Don't worry, you won't have to go very far - the town is easily explored on foot. You'll find the Basilique du Saint Sang, the Brug, the town hall, Notre Dame church and the Pont Saint Boniface, a remarkable building constructed at the beginning of the 20th century that blends in perfectly with the picturesque setting of the town.

During your visit, you're sure to be drawn to the Belgian delicacies on every street corner. Chips, pralines, waffles - sweet tooths will be delighted. What's more, even if it's not as refined as its distant French cousin, Belgian gastronomy speaks to the "bon vivants". Carbonades, mussles and chips, stoemp, waterzoï, shrimp croquettes, tuna fishing - Belgian cuisine is family-friendly and convivial. There are plenty of brasseries where you can discover the art of Belgian cooking. However, beware of the big restaurants that cater for countless tourists every day. The quality often leaves a lot to be desired, and there's a good chance you'll be disappointed once you've received your dish accompanied by barely crisp chips. So don't hesitate to push open the doors of establishments where the majority of people speak Dutch. You'll be sure to find a restaurant that's popular with the locals.

History buffs and museum enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice. Bruges is home to numerous museums, ranging from the classic Groeninge, where you can discover some of the emblematic works of the Flemish primitive painter Jan Van Eick, to the more unusual, such as the chocolate museum nicknamed the "choco story", the beer museum and the torture museum. And if you're travelling with the family, the Concertgebouw museum is sure to awaken the senses of young and old alike, with its focus on contemporary music and the performing arts. Here you'll find a trail of astonishing sensory works.