Bruges Essentials

Bruges Essentials

Currency Euro Journey Time 2H 40 mins via Eurostar Time Zone GMT = +1 hour Language Flemish Voltage 220 V (European two-pin plugs) 


Tourist Attractions

The museums and monuments of Bruges all have uniform hours of operation, from 9.30am until 5pm 6 days a week, with the vast majority closed on Mondays. The Belfry, offering unmissable views of the stunning Bruges skyline, and the inspiring Groeninge Museum are two of the most popular attractions and are well worthwhile.

Opening Hours

As a general rule, shops are open from 10am to 6pm, with some of the smaller independent shops closing for lunch, but staying open later in the evening. On Sundays, bakeries, chocolate shops and delicatessens are likely to be open to cater for the large volume of weekend day-trippers and foreign tourists. Banks and post offices operate usual business hours Monday to Friday.

Food & Drink

Bruges' traditional cuisine is hearty and filling, and perfect for a cold afternoon. Enjoy filet steak or Flemisch Beef Stew, both served with crisp winter vegetables, and the legendary mussels and fries simply have to be tried. The city is a beer drinker’s heaven, with over 1,000 different brews available, ranging from the crisp and light, dark or fruity. For diners looking for something a little more exotic, there are many restaurants serving up global cuisine, including Mediterranean, Italian, African and Asian.

Tipping & Etiquette

Tipping is not compulsory, as all service charges will be included on any final bill in restaurants and hotels. Any further gratuities will nevertheless be appreciated for outstanding service. For taxi rides, simply round up to an extra euro or two, and you may wish to compensate your hotel concierge similarly for any excellent service received.

Flemish Phrases For Tourists

Hello Goeiendag Do you speak English? Spreekt U Engels? Goodbye Dag Excuse me Pardon Good Evening Goedenavond How much is it? Hoeveel is het? Yes Ja Where is...? Waar is …? No Nee What time is it? Hoe laat is het? Please Alstublieft Bank de bank Thank you very much Dank U Currency Exchange het wisselkantoor How are you? Hoe gaat het met U? Hotel een hotel 


Bruges Useful Numbers

• Calling the UK from Bruges – 0044 + area code minus zero + number • Police – 112
• Ambulance – 112
• Fire - 112

Disabled Access

Due to its historic importance, Bruges will never be able to fully adapt to the needs of the disabled traveller, as the narrow, winding staircases and cobbled streets are part of its beauty. However, most museums have sufficient facilities to make a visit enjoyable for wheelchair-users with ramps, lifts and adapted toilets. Some newer trams in Bruges have wheelchair access and spaces, and there is a city wide prebookable taxi service for disabled passengers.

Belgium Embassies


• GB Embassy - Rue d'Arlon 85 Aarlenstraat 1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 287 6211
• Belgian Embassy - 17 Grosvenor Crescent London SW1X 7EE Tel: 020 7470 3700

Weather

Bruges enjoys a temperate maritime climate, influenced by Atlantic weather systems, and experiences similar conditions to northern France and the Netherlands. The city does not suffer extreme weather, but is prone to seasonal variations. Summers see clear skies, average temperatures of 22C and 7 hours of sunshine, however the city can see intermittent showers all season long. Spring and autumn are mild and clear, with highs of 10C - 15C, and winter in Bruges brings cold but not freezing weather, with increased rainfall.