Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds

City Card

Get the Bruges City Card for free entry to attractions and public transport

Languages

Dutch is the local language, but English is widely spoken

Bruges

History

Bruges, also called Brugge in Dutch, is a very old city in Belgium with a long history. People first started living there in Roman times, near waterways that connected the land to the North Sea. These water routes helped Bruges grow into an important trading place. The name "Bruges" likely comes from a word that means "wharf" or "dock," showing how important ships and trade were to the city early on.

Between the 1200s and 1400s, Bruges became one of the richest and busiest cities in Europe. It was a major center for trade, where merchants from many countries came to buy and sell goods. This brought a lot of money and culture to the city, leading to beautiful buildings and art. Later, the main waterway to the sea filled with sand, and Bruges slowly lost its power and wealth. Even though the city became quieter, its old buildings stayed in good shape. Today, Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its beautiful medieval streets and rich history. Explore More

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