Explore Belgium’s most charming city with a weekend break in Bruges

Explore Belgium’s most charming city with a weekend break in Bruges

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Weekend retreats in Bruges: have a city break in style

Visitors to Bruges often come away declaring it to be the prettiest city in Belgium. It's easy to see why. The entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the buildings that date back to its medieval heyday. Narrow cobbled streets, dreamy winding canals and impressive Gothic architecture will whisk you away to another world. Anyone who wants to get away with a weekend break in Bruges will soon fall in love with the city's magic - and it's small enough to make it the perfect choice for a weekend stay.

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Planning a weekend break in Bruges

Why should I choose Bruges for my next weekend away?

Bruges is a great choice for a weekend getaway because it's small and walkable, with many of its best sights just a few minutes away from one another. If you love history and culture, then a weekend break in Bruges is ideal - and that's without even mentioning the city's world-famous beer! Highlights include the Groeningemuseum, which contains a selection of the finest Flemish art, and the spectacular Basilica of the Holy Blood. Bruges is also known for its artisanal traditions. The Kantcentrum is a museum dedicated to the city's historic lace-making industry, while the Diamond Museum explores how Bruges became a world capital of gemstones way back in the 1400s. When you've had enough of the museums, relax with a romantic canal cruise - the perfect way to end your weekend retreat in Bruges. There's a reason this city is known as the Venice of the North!

Where should I stay for a weekend break in Bruges?

If you want to stay in the very centre of the city, look for holiday lettings in Bruges close to the Market Square. This is the beating heart of Bruges, and the closer you are, the more atmosphere you can soak up. You can even stay right on the Market Square for a truly memorable weekend retreat to Bruges. Waking up to the sight of the city's iconic Belfry Tower is an amazing experience. That being said, you can also have a good time staying a little further out. The neighbourhood of Sint Anna has a calm, relaxing vibe; there are fewer crowds here, and you can chill out with a stroll along the banks of the Minnewaterpark lake. Sint-Gillis is known as the city's artsy neighbourhood, with lots of galleries to explore and some of the best nightlife in Bruges.

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FAQs: Weekend Breaks & Getaways in Bruges

What's the best time of year to visit Bruges?

Visitors often say that Bruges is at its best in the spring and autumn. The spring features blooming flowers which transform the city into a garden, while the autumn foliage can also make it look truly beautiful. Summer temperatures are pretty mild - expect highs of around 21°C in July and August - but the city can be crowded, as it's a popular city break destination for travellers from all over Europe. Winter is chilly, with temperatures dropping to 3°C or even less, and rain is common. However, Bruges is still worth visiting in winter, thanks to its famous Christmas markets.

How should I get to Bruges?

If you're travelling from London, the most convenient way to get to Bruges is the Eurostar. Trains departing from St Pancras will arrive in Brussels in just over 2 hours, and there are lovely views of the French and Belgian countryside along the way. From Brussels you would then need to get an intercity train to Bruges, which would take roughly another hour. Bruges also has an airport (OST), but it is very small, and flights are somewhat limited. Most visitors find it easier to fly to Brussels and take the train to Bruges, which will take a little over an hour.

What's the best way to get around Bruges?

Bruges is compact and highly walkable, so you'll probably spend most of your weekend exploring it on foot. Keep in mind that many of the streets in the medieval centre are cobbled - comfy footwear is an absolute must! Some visitors prefer to rent a bike. The city is extremely bike-friendly, and this is often the preferred method of transport for locals. Vehicle restrictions are common around the city centre; some streets are closed to cars at certain times of day, while others never permit cars at all. There is a public bus that connects the train station to the city centre. It runs every five minutes, making it extremely convenient for visitors.

What annual events can I see in Bruges?

For many visitors, the best annual event in Bruges takes place in September. The Bruges Beer Festival is a celebration of Belgium's most famous drink, as thousands gather in the city centre to sample all kinds of beer. Something more sedate takes place on Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter Sunday. The Procession of the Holy Blood is a spellbinding religious parade featuring people dressed up in traditional garb taking horse-drawn floats through the city centre. Bruges is also known for its superb Christmas market, which runs from late November until early January.

What local food and drink should I try in Bruges?

Any city in Belgium is a great foodie destination, and Bruges is no exception. Top of the list has to be moules-frites, a deep bowl of mussels served with Belgium's world-class chips. On a cold day, warm up with a bowl full of stoverij, a hearty beef stew flavoured with beer. Wash it down with more of the beer - there are over 300 breweries to choose from in Belgium - and follow it up with a freshly-made waffle. In Bruges, the local speciality is soft waffles, which contrast with Brussels' crispy waffles. There's only one way to decide which you prefer - sample both kinds!

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