Bruges Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Bruges? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

• The capital of the West Flanders province of Belgium, with a population of around 120,000.
• This medieval city boasts UNESCO World Heritage Site architecture.
• The port of Bruges is one of the most modern ports in the country and an important port in Europe. The same port made Bruges world’s chief commercial city in the middle ages.
• The city is renowned for its beer and chocolate, which both get their own keepsake festival: February through March for Bier Festival and November for Choco-Late.
• Nickname: Venice of the North

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Currency: Euro (EUR).
• Spoken languages: Flemish and Dutch.
• Best time to visit: April to September for pleasant climate perfect for strolling along the cobblestone streets. Be prepared for occasional rainfall.
• Arriving via airport: Brussels Airport (BRU) operates a rail service through Brussels Zuid/Midi Station. Taxis charge €150-160.

WHERE TO STAY

• Best hostel for solo travelers: Snuffel Hostel. It’s not the cheapest in town, but you get what you pay for in Bruges. Featuring a bar and outside terrace, this place has everything you’d expect in a 5-star hostel: clean rooms, modern facilities, and a great location (10 minute walk to the centre).
• The historic centre presents the beloved medieval heart of Bruges with all its highlights and must-see attractions. The charming streets are lined with quaint boutiques, stellar restaurants, pubs and the widest selection of accommodation available in the city.
• If you’re already staying in a city nearby (e.g. Brussels or Antwerp), you can just pop into Bruges for a day trip (by train).

GETTING AROUND

• Walking and cycling are the preferred way to explore the compact city. Maps are available at the tourist information centers.
• De Lijn operates the bus service through the city. Fares are based on travel between zones, with standard tickets priced at €1.30 if purchased in advance or €2 if purchased on-board. A day pass allows unlimited travel for €5; the 3-day pass for €10, the 5-day pass for €15 and the weekly pass for €20 or €30 if sharing between two persons.
• Taxis are a superfluous luxury best left for travel to the outer suburbs or to Zeebrugge, the port area. Call 50 35 57 57 or 50-33 38 81 to book.

BRUGES NIGHTLIFE

• Drinking age is 18, and last call is 5 AM.
• Eiermarkt is popular for its rows of bars and restaurants that provide a casual, relaxed atmosphere that centers on excellent beer and banter.
• ‘T Zand is a large square known for its vibrant pubs and music gigs.
• Sports bars: Delaney’s Irish Pub and The Monk.
• Great bars for solo travelers: ‘t Brugs Beertje (don’t miss it), De Garre (get the “house triple” and stop by Chez Albert waffle house afterwards),

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

• Belfry of Bruges is the symbol of the city, a medieval bell tower located in the historical centre that was once used as a treasury and observation post for spotting fires and other dangers. Climb it!
• Church of Our Lady is the tallest structure in the city and the second tallest brickwork in the world dating back to the 13^th century. It is also the resting place of Michelangelo’s masterwork “Madonna with child”, the only sculpture to leave Italy in his lifetime.
• Groeninge Museum focuses on the artworks by painters known to have lived and worked in the city from the 14^th to the 20^th century.
• Heilige Bloed Basiliek is a Roman Catholic minor basilica originally built as the chapel for the Count of Flanders. It is the location of a relic of Holy Blood collected by Joseph of Arimathea.

INTERESTING WALKS

• Grote Markt has been in use since 958 and is ringed by historical attractions such as the Belfry as well as numerous tea parlors, specialty shops and boutiques. A weekly market is held every Wednesday and offers handmade products as well as local produce.
• Kathelijnestraat is home to a selection of chocolate shops specializing in the art of confectionery.
• Béguinage refers to the enclosed communities planned and used by the beguines, places of utter quiet and peace a short walk, horse carriage or boat ride away from the city centre.
• Bruges is a great city to just get lost in. Just start walking in any direction and you’re almost guaranteed to lose track of time!

LOCAL WISDOM

• Bruges is the homeland of the famous lace, which is still worked on by hand.
• Beer is taken very seriously in the city and the best place to soak in the subculture is to visit De Halve Maan, the only family brewery that is still active in the historical centre.
• Great restaurants in Bruges: Petite Aneth (reserve in advance), Komtuveu, Restaurant De Stove, Marco Polo ($ – ramen), De Plaats (vegan/vegetarian), Franco Belge Restaurant ($$$).
• Where to find good cheap eats: Genthof and Jeruzalemstraat offer a variety of cheap and cheerful fixed menus with good portions.
• Dangerous areas: Bruges is a very safe city! In any case, exercise caution at night.

Recommended trip duration: 1-2 days

SEE ALSO:

• Utrecht, Netherlands
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Brussels, Belgium
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Paris, France