Bruges Tourist Information
By: Meredith Booney
General summary of city:
The name Bruges comes from the Norse word 'Bryggja' meaning "mooring place" and is one of the three regions and the capital of Flanders. The population is just over 100,000 and covers an area of approximately 138 km. This historic city, with its link to the sea, became a center for European commercial trade in early medieval times, as the harbor filled with ships carrying wool, grain, and wine. In a relative short time, the door opened for trade with countries on the Mediterranean Sea and the first fleet of ships arrived from Italy. With the increase in trade and the influx of capital, Bruges soon became a wealthy city and a worldwide banking market. Through the years, however, internal revolts between the common people of Bruges and the prosperous tradesmen led to the subsequent decline of the city as a center for trade. Bruges was replaced as a major seaport by the more accessible city of Antwerp. Bruges was separated from the Netherlands near the end of the medieval period. Bruges today is no longer known for its maritime prowess, but for its preservation as a provincial city with a wealth of history and culture.
Places of interest:
Often called the Venice of the North, is actually much further inland - waterways created by repeated flooding from the North Sea. After constant dredging, the Reie River was turned into a network of canals, the Water Halls of the Market. Grote Markt, the Castle, and the small towns of Damma and Suis are visited by tourists in Bruges on riverboats. The Market has a belfry tower with spectacular view of the city and the Provincial Court, on the east side of the square where the original water halls existed, is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture. The statues of Pieter de Coninck and Jan Breydel, national heroes, are located In the middle of the market square. The museum adjacent to the Castle, The Shrine of the Sacred Blood houses the vessel that is led in a procession every year on Ascension Day. The southern area of modern reconstructed medieval houses still reflects the original architecture of Bruges. In addition, there are several wonderful museums in the city such as the archaeological museum, with historical exhibits from the Stone Age and beyond. Groeninge Museum, another place of interest, which houses a magnificent collection of fine art, containing works by Flemish masters such as Hugo van der Goes, Jacob van Oost and Van Eyck and the more recent expressionist masterpieces.
Things to do:
Walking through Bruges is one of the best ways to discover its charm. Bicycles can be hired and scooters can be rented for an hour or a day of sightseeing, as well. Day-trips on buses can be arranged to Damme, Sint-Trudo Abbey Male, the Boudewijnpark and Dolphinarium, a theme park and panoramic aquarena. Take time for a stop at the Lace Center to watch the local artisans at work and Flea Market and the Antique where arts and crafts are on display. Exploring a bit further in the area around the city, you'll enjoy the beaches at Zeebruge and the quaint village of Lissewege located between the city and the coast. Zeebruge lies 8 miles from Bruges, connected by a canal, and boat trips and visits to the exhibitions of the sea are popular things to do. There is great shopping in Bruges, largely between the Market square and the old city gates. A number of small specialty shops are situated in the center such as De Kaarsengieterij, the oldest and only candle shop in Bruges. Here, you can find garden and interior candles, t-lights and candle holders, or if staying in the city a while, take the opportunity to order hand-painted candles.
Food & Drink:
Bruges has excellent food and restaurants, featuring Flemish and French cuisine. Mussels, steamed in wine or beer, are a favorite of the people in Bruges and are often served with a side order of French fries with mayonnaise. Waterzooi is a type of soup with vegetables, cream, chicken (or fish), and paling in't groen consists of eels with vegetables and herbs. Popular selections for dining out are in the variety of seafood that is available, from North Sea shrimp to fresh salted herring. Chocolate is a must for dessert or to buy in the many shops or patisseries that surround the city and the Cote d'Or, with an inexpensive selection of chocolate bars. Beer is the national drink in Bruges, with over 100 breweries in Belgium and 400 varieties, however wine is served in most places. There are three types of beer, lager or dark, white, and the lambic homebrewed beer, often flavoured with fruit. Beer is relatively expensive, but much stronger than beer from other countries. There are a number of restaurants and pubs that have great atmosphere and serve over 100 different varieties of beer.
Entertainment:
Bruges is a entertaining city, if you're looking for some friendly nightlife. The nightclubs are small, but filled with lively conversation, dancing and drinking. The Grand Café du Theatre features music from the 60's through the 90's, a large selection of beer, and snacks from 6 to 8 p.m. nightly. Snooker Palace, if you enjoy sports, is equipped with nine snooker tables, three dart boards, and a pool table. Backpackers in Burges will enjoy the Snuffels Sleep-In Bar, where plenty of beer is available and free concerts are held every two weeks. Another favorite nightspot is Kant, a sophisticated club with a great dance floor, serving a variety of local beer, wine and champagne. Bars and pubs are popular, as well, such as Celtic Ireland on Burg Square and De Versteende nacht, for Wednesday night jazz. Larger nightspots are nearby in Antwerp and Ghent. Evening strolls to the market square of beautifully illuminated historic buildings, the tranquil parks, or lovers' lake, are enjoyable pastimes while in the delightful city of Bruges.
Website: www.belgiumcities.info Meredith Booney is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing for travel journals, newspapers and magazines.