About
Bruges, known in Dutch as Brugge, is a medieval city in Flanders, in northern Belgium. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is often called the Venice of the North because of its canals, which give the old town much of its character.
What a visit feels like
Bruges is a city best explored on foot or by boat. Walking its streets, you move from one canal bank to the next, past brick façades and quiet waterside corners. The historic centre is compact, so it is easy to see a good part of it in a single day, though many visitors prefer to stay longer and wander without a plan.
What to look for
- The canals: the reason for the city's nickname, best seen from the water or from the bridges.
- The historic centre: the medieval core that earned the city its UNESCO status.
- Old streets and squares: small lanes and open squares that reward slow walking.
Bruges suits travellers who enjoy history, architecture and a calm pace. Its setting in Flanders also makes it a convenient stop when exploring the wider region of northern Belgium.