Brussels and Bruges are two of the most iconic cities in Belgium. Both cities are known for their beautiful city squares and grand structures that show off the wealth of Belgium in previous centuries. If you are trying to decide whether to visit Brussels or Bruges, this is the ultimate guide to help you decide which city to visit.
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Brussels or Bruges Overview
Brussels
Founded in 580 AD, Brussels is the capital city and has the largest metropolitan area in Belgium. Brussels is known for having beautiful architecture that shows off the wealth of the city in the 1400-1600s. The Grand Place is the city’s main square and is considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe.
Brussels has also been known for centuries for making some of the world’s best chocolates. The city is also the headquarters of the European Union. Brussels has a large number of immigrants living there with nearly 70% of the population being people from countries other than Belgium. Over the years, French has taken over the Dutch language as the most popular language spoken here.
Bruges
Bruges is the 7th largest city in Belgium with 120,000 residents. It is a city with many canals and bridges (over 80 bridges). Similar to Amsterdam, Bruges is also referred to as the “Venice of the North.” The canals and the city’s location helped Bruges gain its wealth throughout the centuries.
Since Bruges suffered very little damage for either world war, it has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe. The city is known for its Belgian beers, even having an underground beer pipeline. The city is home to many historic relics like the Blood of Christ and the Madonna of Bruges (sculpted by Michelangelo).
Places to See
Brussels
Grand Place is the central square in Brussels. It is one of the most beautiful city squares in Europe.
Manneken Pis is a fountain sculpture that was created in 1619. It is meant to symbolize the sense of humor of the people of Brussels.
The Atomium is a 102-meter tall landmark made for the 1958 World Expo.
Parc du Cinquantenaire is a major park in Brussels. It is also where the Arc du Cinquantenaire is located.
Brussels Town Hall was completed in 1420, it is the oldest building in Grand Place. It is known as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Bruges
Belfry of Bruges is a massive bell tower in the center of the city.
Market Square is the main square in Bruges. It is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic buildings.
Rozenhoedkaai is one of the most famous sights in the city.
Bruges City Hall has Gothic architecture and was completed in 1421.
Church of Our Lady Bruges is an impressive Catholic cathedral that shows the wealth the city has had through the centuries.
Day Trips
Brussels
Bruges is known for its many canals and bridges. It is referred to as the “Venice of the North.”
Antwerp is known for having one of the largest ports in the world.
Ghent is known for its medieval architecture and for being a hub for university students.
Bruges
Ostend is a coastal city less than 30 minutes from Bruges. It is known for its beautiful churches and beaches.
Ghent is just over 50km from Bruges. You can spend all day or multiple days exploring the city.
Knokke-Heist would be a great day trip if you want a day on the beach. You can also see the Zwin Nature Preserve.
Bruges
A relatively small town that’s rich in history and filled with medieval buildings, canals, and cobbled streets, Bruges is a popular tourist destination that offers not only the traditional Belgian foods but also some one-of-a-kind dishes that are certainly worth the try. Specific foods that are popular in this part of Belgium are the stews and soups, especially “Elderberry Soup“, “Waterzooi“, “Curried Mussel and Butternut Squash Soup“, and “Presoep“.
The town is also famous for the creamy and soft Passendale cheese, which is named after the village it originates from. While in Bruges, you must try some of the sweets in the area, especially the “Brugsch swaentje“, which stands for Bruges swans – an important symbol of Bruges.
Getting Around
Brussels
Most of the city can be explored on foot. The center of the city has many of the city’s attractions making the city easy to see. Of course, there are some landmarks, like the Atomium or the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, that will require you to use public transportation. You can buy a 24-hour public transportation pass for 7.50 Euros. You can also buy The Brussels Card which allows you to use public transportation as well as entry into the 39 museums in the city.
Bruges
The city of Bruges is not very large and the center of the city is quite condensed which makes it an excellent city for you to explore on foot. Much of the city center doesn’t even allow cars which makes it all the more pedestrian-friendly. There is a network of buses that can take you around the city if you want to leave the center of the city, otherwise, you might even be able to get by without using public transportation at all. If you are arriving by train, it is extremely easy to catch a bus to the Market Square. Each ride costs 3 Euros.
Nightlife
Brussels
Brussels isn’t as crazy as some of the other European capital cities but a night out in Brussels is still an excellent time. There are many bars in the center of the city. There are typically bars that have deals such as 1 Euro pints. If you want to find somewhere to dance the night away there are a few nightclubs you should try. You Night Club and Fuse are two of the biggest and most popular clubs in the city.
Bruges
Though Bruges is not known for its wild nightlife, you can still have a great night out on the city in Bruges. Even if the city isn’t spotted in nightclubs, you have to remember that you are in Belgium, which means you have access to some of the best beer in the world. There are bars scattered throughout the city center which makes it easy to go bar hopping to find the perfect vibe for you. If you want to go to a nightclub, one of the best places you should check out is De Coulissen Brugge.
Food
Brussels
Frites is one of the best street foods you can find in Brussels. Belgian people love their frites, you’d be crazy not to like them. Being the capital of a country known for waffles, you can find waffle shops throughout the city. Belgium fights back and forth with Germany for which country has the best beer. Belgium is home to 224 breweries and is home to the world’s largest brewer, AB InBev.
Belgian chocolates are known throughout the world as being the premium. Brussels has over 500 different chocolatiers spread throughout the city which mean there is a chocolatier for every 2,000 residents. Godiva chocolate was started in Brussels.
Overall
Brussels and Bruges are arguably Belgium’s most iconic cities. Both cities show the wealth that Belgium had many centuries ago through architecture, relics, and grand structures. Brussels has many places to see but it is also much larger than Bruges so if you are looking for a compact city, you will want to visit Bruges rather than Brussels. The biggest draw that Brussels has is the Grand Place which is truly stunning but the Market Square in Bruges is almost just as incredible.
It basically comes down to whether you want to visit a large, bustling city with many interesting sights to see (Brussels) or visit a compact medieval city with picturesque canals (Bruges). Both cities are worth visiting but they also offer many different experiences.