Why visit
Bruges is a canal-laced medieval town. Markt square, Belfry tower, horse-drawn carriages, and chocolate shops on every corner. Crowded but worthy.
Belgium at a glance
Country center
50.8°, 4.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
30,528 km²
11,787 mi²
Country population
11.7 million
384/km²
Subregion
Western Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+32
Languages
German, French, Dutch
Demonym
Belgian
Internet
.be
UN
Member state
ISO code
BE / BEL
Where in the world
50.8° · 4.0°
Belgium
Open in Google Maps ↗
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Bruges was one of medieval Europe's wealthiest cities; its entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The city has ~50 km of canals and is often called "the Venice of the North".
- Belfry of Bruges (1240) leans slightly and still has 47 bells that chime every quarter hour.
- Belgium has three official languages (Dutch, French, German) and some of the world's most complex federal politics.
- The country holds the world record for the longest time without a government: 541 days in 2010-2011.
Bordering Belgium
Traveler notes
- Belfry climb (366 steps) for rooftop view
- Canal boat tours from Rozenhoedkaai
- Early morning before day-trippers arrive
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Bruges
What currency is used in Bruges?
Bruges uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Belgium?
The primary languages are German, French and Dutch.
What is the international calling code for Belgium?
The calling code is +32.
Other Europe destinations
Finland
Finland is a destination in Europe where the landscape is the point. National parks, coastlines, forests, or mountain travel anchor most itineraries.
France
France is the most-visited country on earth for good reason. Paris's museums, Loire châteaux, Provence lavender, Alpine skiing, Normandy beaches, and the Riviera, all linked by the TGV.
Germany
Germany mixes Berlin's history and counter-culture, Bavaria's Alps and beer halls, the Rhine Valley's castles, and Hamburg's harbor. ICE trains link everything.
Greece
Greece pairs Athens's Acropolis with island-hopping. Santorini's caldera, Crete's gorges, Mykonos nightlife, Naxos beaches, and Corfu's Ionian green.
Hungary
Hungary is Budapest's Danube panorama, thermal baths, ruin bars, and the most underrated food scene in Central Europe. Countryside wine regions add a Tokaj detour.
Iceland
Iceland is raw geology. Golden Circle waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and the Blue Lagoon. Packed into a country you can circle in a week.