Rozenhoedkaai Markt Bruges Hans Memling Groeninge Vrouwekerk Gruuthuse Arentshuis Bruges Belfry Doodgeschotenen der Muur stadhuis Juruzalemkerk Kantcentrum Kruispoort Museum voor Volkskunde The Belfry of Bruges, Belfort (Medieval Bell Tower)  

 

Brujas  No se necesitan muchas palabras para describir Brujas, aunque la mayoría de los tres millones y medio de turistas que lo visitan anualmente se empeñan en compararlo con un museo al aire libre, un viaje al pasado, o un cuento de hadas hecho realidad. Click on the picture to see more photos

Bruges

No need many words to describe Bruges, although most of the three and a half million tourists who visit annually are determined to compare it to a open-air museum, a trip to the past, or a fairy tale come true.
Its name comes from Old Norse, which means bridge Bryggia coincide with the same meaning of the word flamenco Bridge. Bridges are a common denominator in this medieval city needed to flank the multitude of canals winding through the city. Its main attraction is the old town, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000, and keeps intact the medieval architectural structures. The world wars went almost unnoticed in this city, where 120,000 people live, mostly moving bicycle around the cobbled streets.

City tour

1 Minnewater. CHILDREN Next to Minnewater Park and Begijnhof. There are many legends surrounding this lake called the Lake of Love Some say that owes its name to a woman named Minna. She in love with a man her father did not approve, he fled and hid in the lake area, where he died before the find her beloved. According to this legend, his beloved flooded this part of the forest and buried just below. Others say that the name is related to the Flemish word "minne" meaning "love", or the old Germanic word "minne" meaning elf or goblin. Either way, today is a romantic swim lake where ducks and swans, surrounded by several trails, which are ideal for evening strolls.
2Begijnhof. CHILDREN www.monasteria.org Begijnhof, 24-28-30. (Every day from 9:00 to 18:30 / free / Beguines House Museum: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 and Sunday from 14:30 to 17:00 / adults: 2 euros / students : 1 euro / over 60 years: 1.5 euros). Lakeside Love, lies this little white colony surrounding a beautiful garden with lawn with trees, which live about 70 Benedictine nuns. These houses were founded in 1245 to accommodate soleteras or widowed women, and was led by Beguines. The Beguines were a Christian women's association, contemplative and active, who dedicated his life to the defense of the homeless, the sick, women, children and the elderly, as a brilliant intellectual work is now beginning to be known. They organized aid to the poor and the sick in hospitals, or in houses like this. They worked to keep and were free to leave the association at any time to get married. They lived like nuns were authentic but had not really taken the vows. Gradually reducing the number of Beguines, since the church was not interested in maintaining this status, and today, in Belgium, only Beguine is a house located in Kortrijk.
Besides walking through the gardens, and surrounding roads, passing by often nuns cycling, we can visit a small museum called The House of the Beguines, showing what life was like a couple of centuries ago.
3 Brouwerij de Halve Maan www.halvemaan.be Walplein, 26. (Guided tours: April to October: Monday to Friday from 11:00 until 16:00, every hour / Saturday from 11:00 to 17:00, every hour / Sunday from 11:00 to 16: 00, hourly / November to March on weekdays the last tour at 15:00 / the tour is 45 minutes and costs 5.50 including tasting). Tel 50 44 4222. In this brewery, in operation since 1856, you can take a guided tour to discover the old traditional methods of brewing in Bruges. Here elaborates the Brugse Zot, which represents the pride of the city brewer, and Halve Mann, a variety of high fermentation tasty made from malt and yeast. At the end of the tour, a tasting is done on the roof, with incredible views of the city.
4 Diamant Museum www.diamondmuseum.be. Katelijnestraat, 43. (Every day of the week from 10:30 to 17:30 / tour with limited seating show at 12:15 / museum: Adults: $ 7, students and children: € 5, family pass: 18 euros / museum + visit Show: adult: 10 euros, 7.5 euros students, children: 8 euros, family pass: 18 euros + 3 euros per person). Tel 50 33 6326. In this exhibition you can see the history of diamonds through the centuries, with particular attention to the role of diamonds in Bruges at the time of the court of Burgundy in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, as well as temporary exhibitions. In the basement of the building, a very nice Colombian girl named Diana held every day at 12:15 a demonstration of the most important properties of diamond glow, heat condition, hardness, color, diameter, weight and clarity, and shows how to polish or cut. It is educational for all ages.
5 The Memling Museum www.brugge.be Mariastraat, 38. (From Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 to 17:00 / Adults: $ 8, students: $ 6, from 6 to 25 years: 1 euro / pharmacy is closed from 11:45 to 14:00). Tel 50 44 8711. This hospital building, is one of the oldest and best preserved in Europe. The name of the museum pays tribute to the artist Hans Memling, a painter of German origin who settled in Bruges in 1465. The museum is also known under the name of Hospitalmuseum to be housed in the old hospital of St. John, dating from the twelfth century. Location sick pilgrims who hosted until 1976. Displaying ancient and treatment rooms in addition to the bedrooms, which house many paintings and art objects, in relation to particular medical world. Also on display are several works by Hans Memling, among which "The Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine". In addition, viewing medical instruments made centuries ago, and the famous Shrine of St. Ursula. Next to the museum is the Apotheek, pharmacy seventeenth century, which was part of the medieval hospital.
6 Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk www.brugge.be Mariastraat. (From Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 to 17:00 / Saturdays from 9:30 to 16:45 / Sunday from 13:30 to 17:00 / free entry to the church / mausoleum: adults $ 2, students: 1 euro). Tel 50 33 1917. The construction of the Church of Our Lady was inciada in the twelfth century, but it took 200 years to finish it. It started in style romance and later in Gothic style, which brick tower stands 122 meters tall. From inside descata exceptional piece of art sculpted in white marble: "Madonna and Child" (1504-1505), designed by Michelangelo. The figure was imported by a Flemish merchant, the only work by Michelangelo that left Italy, while he was alive. Also you can see works of Pieter Pourbus, and painted mausoleums of Mary of Burgundy and her father Charles the Bold. The two kings are represented by custom medieval lying with hands together and eyes open, and his feet are a lion and a dog as symbols of male strength and female loyalty.
7 Gruuthuse Mueseum www.brugge.be Dijver, 17. (From Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 to 17:00 / adults: 6 euros / Students: 5 euros). Tel 50 44 8762. Gruuthuse Museum is located just behind the Church of Our Lady, in a medieval mansion that belonged to one of the wealthiest families in the city. Gruut possessed monopoly, or what is the same, husked wheat or barley, without which it was impossible to brewing. Today, the mansion has been transformed into the city's archaeological museum of Bruges, and inside you can find lots of objects belonging to the fifteenth to the twentieth centuries, such as tapestries, ceramics, furniture, wood carvings, instruments physicians, and other priceless antiques.
8 Groeninge Mueseum www.brugge.be Dijver, 12. (Closed to the public for renovations until June 2011 / After that date from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 to 17:00 / Adults: 8 euros / students: 6 euros / youth 6-25 years: 1 euro). Tel 50 44 8743. The Municipal Museum of Fine Arts in Bruges houses an important collection of Belgian and Flemish painting six centuries old, between the XIV and XX. Specifically highlight his background "Flemish Primitives" ranging from Jan van Eyck to Marcel Broodthaers. They are also important as some authors surrealist Paul Delvaux and René Magritte. Today this museum is only open for temporary exhibitions, while just rehabilitate the space for the permanent collection, which is scheduled to open its doors in early June 2011.
CHILDREN Belfort www.brugge.be Markt 9, 12. (Every day from 9:30 to 17:00 / Adults: 8 euros / students: 6 euros / youth 6-25 years: 4 euros). Tel 50 44 8743. The thirteenth century bell tower, located in the Plaza Mayor, is one of the icons of the city. Its tower rises octogal to 83 meters high, providing a wonderful and unparalleled 360 degree views of the city, not in vain this building was formerly used as a watchtower to detect possible fires. To get most anything, place where the bell is triumphant, and a carillon with 47 bells, it is necessary to climb a spiral staircase of 366 steps.
Markt 10. CHILDREN Markt. This square is the heart of Bruges, and is the most beautiful of the entire city. It is located in a large open space surrounded by buildings of great architectural value and in whose center stands a monument dedicated to Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, two popular leaders who led the rebellion against the French in 1302. The square was restored in 1996, and has since prohibited the circulation of cars. The northern front is characterized by the typical houses of the sixteenth and seventeenth staggered facades, in which huddle several cafes and restaurants. On the eastern side is the building of the Provincial Court, called Landhuis, gothic style, and purpose-built residence for the governor, although he never lived here. Attached to this building is the post office, also Gothic style. To the west stands the Bouchoutehuis, red brick building whose facade is the fifteenth century, and finally to the south is the Belfort, discussed above.
11 Bruges Belfry. www.holyblood.com Burg, 15. (From Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00). Tel 50 33 3767. The Basilica of the Holy Blood was built in the twelfth century as the chapel of the residence of the Count of Flanders. Hide a shrine that houses an amphora, which supposedly say containing a few drops of blood of Christ. According to legend, were collected by Joseph of Arimathea in Jerusalem in 1150, and brought up here for Thrierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders. This relic is venerated in the chapel on the top floor that serves as a museum, besides exhibiting paintings, clothing and other objects. During the month of May, coinciding with the Ascension Day, is a procession called Heilig Bloedprocessie, in which the reliquary walks around the city.
12 Stadhuis. www.brugge.be Burg, 12. (Every day from 9:30 to 17:00 / adults: 2 euros / students: 1 euro). Tel 50 44 8711. The city of Bruges was built in gothic style between 1376 and 1421, one of the oldest in the Netherlands. The Gothic Hall contains beautiful wall paintings of the nineteenth century that have historical episodes from the vicissitudes of the city and unique wood carvings on the roof adorned by a series of 16 statues representing canopies with natural elements and seasons. In an adjacent building is the Renaissance Room, which houses one of the most beautiful works of the Flemish sculpture, a magnificent alabaster marble fireplace and Blondeel Lanceloot artist's work.
13 Blinde Ezelstraat. CHILDREN Braambergstraat. This street, which passes through a nice arc, is called the Blind Donkey Alley, and communicates the Town Hall with the old fish market, still operates under a XVIII century arcades
14 Friet Museum. CHILDREN www.frietmuseum.be. Vlamingstraat, 33. (Every day from 10:00 to 17:00 / adults: 6 euros / students and over 65 years: 5 Euros / children 6-12 years: 4 euros / children 3-6 years: 1 euro). Tel 50 34 0150. Recently opened, this museum tells the history of the potato from its beginnings in South America to the discovery of the potato chip, attributed to the Belgians on 1700. It is located in the Saaihalle, one of the oldest buildings and best preserved of Bruges, once the home of Genoese merchants, when built in 1399. In the exhibition, along with photographs, including paintings and objects related to the tuber, along with a short film that shows how to prepare a succulent fries. The tour ends in the cellar with a tasting, of course, French fries.
15 Kantcentrum. www.kantcentrum.com Peperstraat, 3a. (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 / adult: 2.5 euros / students 65 and older and children 7 to 12 years: 1.5 euros / children under 7 years free). Tel 50 33 0072. Here lies the center of Bruges lace, maintaining the tradition, through schools trying to train new craftsmen who are interested. A dozen grannies, endlessly weaving the bobbin lace made famous Bruges centuries ago while some tourists are observing, photographing them and ask. In the fifteenth century Bruges cultivated the art of lace as anyone. His production of lace was attached to its decline as a former commercial power. This fashion was all the rage in Europe, so all the cities of Flanders lovingly devoted to knit lace, although each specialized in a different spot. The Bruges was the point of the fairy, the most delicate. Few people today are capable of doing, besides the difficulty of finding such fine materials, together with the eastern market, which accounts for world trade of lace made in series.
16 Kruispoort. CHILDREN Kruisvest with Peperstraat. Kruispoort is one of the ancient gateways to the city in medieval times, dating back to 1297, when it was walled Bruges. It was built by the architects Jan van Oidenaerde and Maarten Van Leuven and their mission was to protect the city. The wall was demolished in the fifteenth century, but still retains the main gate and the moat.
17 Bonne Chieremolen, Sint Janshuismolen and Nieuve Papegaainolen. CHILDREN Kruisvest. (Sint Janshuismolen: from 01/05 to 31/08 from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:00 / adults: 2 euros / students: 1 euro). Tel 50 44 8743. In the eastern part of the city, right in the area inside the channel, still standing three windmills, in perfect condition, surrounded by a large green area, perfect for walking. Between the thirteenth and nineteenth worked in this area about 20 mills, but were gradually disappearing. Of these three mills, the Sint Janshuis was used from 1770-1914. In 1964 it was repaired and since then rotate the blades to offer tourists an overview of its operation. Koeleweimolen Also open to the public, but moved in 1996 to Dampoort. The Bonne Chieremolen was brought to Bruges in 1911 from a small town in East Flanders called Olsene, and Papegaainolen Nieuve worked as an oil mill since its construction in 1790.

 

En la parte posterior del hotel Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce (esquina de Rozenhoedkaai), en la zona de los canales, justo delante del embarcadero hay un mirador desde el cual, al anochecer, conseguiremos una estupenda postal de la ciudad

TAKE GOOD PICTURES IN BRUGES

The best shots of the Market Square will get them from atop the steeple of Belfort. From here you can get good levels of most of the city, although it is not easy to achieve. After climbing the 366 steps of the spiral staircase, there is a small gazebo, but the windows are covered with a grille that prevents a practical photographing outside. Just in the area overlooking the Markt square, a small upper hole from which, if put into it the camera and properly inclined can get very good maps of the square.
In the back of the hotel Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce (corner of Rozenhoedkaai), in the channels, just by the pier there is a viewpoint from which, in the evening, get a great postcard of the city
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WHERE TO BUY

15 Kantcentrum. www.kantcentrum.com Peperstraat, 3a. (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 / adult: 2.5 euros / students 65 and older and children 7 to 12 years: 1.5 euros / children under 7 years free). Tel 50 33 0072. If you want to buy clothing made ??by the technique of lace, this is a perfect place, since on the one hand, we are quite sure that is handmade and not mass produced in China, and on the other hand the prices are quite competitive. Very close Kantcentrum in Balstraat 11 is T'apostolientje, another shop with an assortment lace basntante extensive, and good prices.
2be Moodshopping Brugge. www.2-be.biz Wollestraat, 53. (Every day from 9:30 to 19:00). Tel 50 61 1222. If there is a shop in Bruges where we can find all varieties, and the hundreds of brands of beer produced in Belgium, this is undoubtedly some 2be. Two entire floors dedicated to beer and other typical products such as chocolate, coffee and gin.
Chocolate Line. Simon www.thechocolateline.be Stevinplein, 19. (From Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 to 18:30 / Sunday and Monday from 10:30 to 18:30). Tel 50 34 1090. Few artisan chocolatiers such different flavors mixed as does Dominique Persoone. So we can find fried onions pralines, tequila, coke and many others.
Käthe Wohlfahrt. www.wohlfahrt.com Walplein, 12. (Every day of the week from 10:00 to 18:00). Tel 50 33 0604. In this store you can find lots of toys, dolls, doll houses, and a long list of products elborados wood by hand.

En esta tienda podemos encontrar gran cantidad de juguetes, muñecos, casas de muñecas, y un largo etcétera de productos elborados en madera de forma artesanal.

CUISINE: EAT


Poules Moules. Simon www.poulesmoules.be Stevinplein, 9. (Every day from 12:00 to 24:00). Tel 50 34 6119. This small restaurant cooks the best mussels and fries in town. It has tables on the street and the interior space. It has a menu for two for 90 euros.
Simon Stevin. Simon Stevinplein, 8. (Closed on Tuesdays). Tel 50 33 7950. This restaurant near the above, specializes in Belgian and French food. It can accommodate about 30 people and eat a la carte with wine we can go for about 50-65 euros. It has the typical indoor fireplace, perfect for cold days.
Patrick DeVos. www.patrickdevos.be Zilverstraat, 41. (From 12:00 to 13:30 and from 19:00 to 21:00 / Closed Saturday and Sunday). Tel 50 33 5566. It is one of the best restaurants in the city, besides the delicious food has a romantic garden, and interior decoration style of Louis XVI. The 3-course tasting menu costs 40 euros, the 4-course, 60 euros and 85 euros of 6 plates. At these prices you have to add between 15 and 30 euros for wine. The menu items cost between 30-35 euros.
Rock Fort. www.rock-fort.be Langestraat, 15. (From 12:00 to 14:30 and 18:30 to 23:00 / Closed Saturday and Sunday). Tel 50 33 4113. Hermes, the chef of this restaurant, delcioso cook a tasting menu for 49 euros. A touch of elegance and sophistication involves both the venue and the food and the customer.
Den Amand Bistro. Sint www.denamand.be Amandstraat, 4B. (Closed Sunday evening and Wednesday). Tel 50 34 0122. Family Bistro located 20 meters from the Markt. Visible kitchen. Kitchen both traditional recipes, such as pasta, salads and some vegetarian dishes. The menu costs 30 to 33 euros and menu items between 36 and 53 euros.

 

WHERE CULTURE-LEISURE-TAKE A CUP


3 Brouwerij de Halve Maan www.halvemaan.be Walplein, 26. (Guided tours: April to October: Monday to Friday from 11:00 until 16:00, every hour / Saturday from 11:00 to 17:00, every hour / Sunday from 11:00 to 16: 00, hourly / November to March on weekdays the last tour at 15:00 / the tour is 45 minutes and costs 5.50 including tasting). Tel 50 44 4222. This factory produces the Brugse Zot, which represents the pride of the city brewer, and Halve Mann, a variety of tasty beer made ??top fermented from malt and yeast. It also has a pair of huge rooms where you can eat, and drink beer.
5 The fantasy world www.oudsintjan.be Mariastraat railway, 38. (Every day from 10:00 to 18:00). For lovers of model trains, inside the old hospital grounds is this cafereria containing a huge model train all classes and times at 1/87. It's fun to have a beer while you watch the comings and goings of trains. Some have installed a camera on the front and you may be seeing the tour on televisions placed on the premises.
Vlissinghe Coffee Pub www.cafevlissinghe.be. Blekersstraat, 2. (Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 to 24:00 / Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00). Tel 50 34 3737. Opened in 1515, is one of the oldest pubs in Bruges. Besides good and varied beers can desgustar lot of dishes that do not exceed the 12.5 euros. It also has a courtyard where in summer you can play bowling.

Además de buenas y variadas cervezas podemos desgustar gran cantidad de platos que no pasan de los 12,5 euros. También cuenta con un patio, donde en verano se puede jugar a los bolos.

WITCHES: ACCOMMODATION - BEST HOTELS

Hotel Jan Brito. www.prinsenhof.com Ontvangersstraat, 9. Tel: 50 34 2690. This four star hotel is the most valued of all hotels in Bruges. It is a small hotel of 19 rooms located in a former century Flemish mansion, exquisitely decorated. It's hard to find deals for less than 150 euros.
Hotel Ter Duinen. www.terduinenhotel.be Langerei, 52. Tel: 50 33 0437. This three star hotel, which also has only 20 rooms and is located in a restored century, offers one of the best breakfasts in town, included in the price, which is 139 euros the double room, with wi -fi included.
Bonobo Apart Hotel. www.bonobo.be Goezeputstraat, 5. Tel: 50 33 1282. For those traveling with children, this apartment has it all, location, good breakfast, spacious rooms with kitchen. If booked in time because they only have 9 apartments. Prices vary between 66 and 140 euros per apartment.
Eco Hotel Fevery. Collaert www.hotelfevery.be/en/ Mansionstraat, 3. Tel: 50 33 1269. This has been awarded the European Ecolabel is awarded to hotels that respect the environment. It is located in the historic center of Bruges, 10 minutes walk from the market and only 150 meters from the romantic canals. The double rooms cost between 50 and 90 euros without breakfast.
Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce. www.relaisbourgondischcruyce.be Wollestraat, 41. Tel: 50 33 7926. This four-star boutique hotel is the most photographed of all the city. It is built of wood, by the canal, and is considered one of the most romantic in Europe. It has only 16 rooms and prices do not drop below 285 euros.

Este hotel boutique de cuatro estrellas es el más fotografiado de toda la ciudad. Está construido en madera, junto al canal, y está considerado como uno de los más románticos de Europa. Cuenta únicamente con 16 habitaciones y sus precios no bajan de los 285 euros.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND
Plane

Brussels has two first-class airports located in Zaventem, 13 km northeast of the city and in Charleroi, 46 kilometers southeast of the capital.
From Spain there are direct flights from Barcelona, ??Madrid, Bilbao, Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Ibiza and A Coruña with SN Brussels Airlines Tel 0902 51600 www.brusselsairlines.com from Madrid and Bilbao with Iberia www.iberia . com Tel 902400433, from Madrid, Alicante, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Malaga, Valencia, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Reus, Seville, Santander, Palma, Ibiza and Girona with Ryanair www.ryanair.com Tel +353 1 812 1676, from Barcelona , Sevilla, Valencia and Vigo with the company Vueling www.vueling.com Tel 807 200 200. All previous companies fly to Brussels Airport, Ryanair except that it does in the Charleroi airport. In the two operational airports find car rental companies Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.
Brussels International Airport (BRU) www.brusselsairport.be Tel +32 2 753 77 53 is the main airport of Belgium. It is located eight miles northeast of the city, in the municipality of Zaventem, and so some people know it as the airport of Zaventem. In their tracks about 260 planes land comañías moving around sixteen million passengers per year. In 2005 he received the reward of best airport in Europe, after surveying 100,000 passengers worldwide. It has an exclusive terminal for flights from countries that signed the agreement called Schengen Pier A.
The bus stop is located on a lower floor to the Arrivals level. The bus company De Lijn lead to the center of Brussels. Buses STIB / MIVB go to the headquarters of NATO and the European Union and the tour ends at the train station Brussels-Luxembourg. There is a bus line www.airportexpress.be SN Brussels Airlines departing every hour to Antwerp. One-way tickets cost 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children between 2-11 years. The same company also offers a shuttle bus to Antwerp. In the airport there is a train station. From this come four trains per hour to the three stations of Brussels, which are, in order of proximity to the airport, Brussels North, Brussels Central and Brussels South (Midi), and the journey takes between 20 and 30 minutes. From these three stations can link with other trains that take you to other cities of Flanders. Aside from Brussels city, Ghent and Leuven also have direct connection to the airport. For the most convenient way as the final destination and time of arrival, you can check the website www.b-rail.be. Tickets cost 5.10 euros to the center, which can be paid by credit card.
Taxis are available at the Arrivals Terminal and are distinguished by a sticker on the windshield of yellow and blue. A trip to the city center costs about 30 euros.
Charleroi Airport (CRL) or Brussels South Airport www.charleroi-airport.com is located in the city of Charleroi, 60 km south of Brussels. It is much smaller than the Brussels International Airport, is located much further from the city and use it especially low cost airlines. The South Charleroi train station is 10 minutes from the airport, from the airport buses (line A or n ° 68) which connect to the railway station, the journey takes about 10 minutes and schedules are based on the hours of departure and arrival of flights. From the Charleroi train station you can take a train to Brussels and other Belgian cities. There is also a bus service between the airport and Charleroi Brussels South train station. The bus from the airport to Brussels South out 30 minutes after landing each flight. Bus from Brussels South to the airport from the Rue de France / Rue de l'Instruction, opposite the southern entrance to the station, two hours before the departure time of each flight.
International Airport Ostend-Bruges (OST) www.ost.aero Tel +32 59 55 December 11. If your final destination is Bruges, and from our city come direct flights to this airport, it's faster to fly here than not to Brussels. It is located in the town of Ostende about 6 miles southwest of the city center and 25 kilometers from Bruges. In the case of Spain, the company Jetair fly directly from Ostend to Alicante, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Malaga, Mallorca and Tenerife. Thomas Cook flies to Alicante, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife. Buses and taxis connect the airport with the urban area. The stops are near the entrance of the terminal building. The bus line 6 (Raversijde via Luchthaven) runs from the airport to the central railway station and vice versa Ostend. The Ostend taxi costs about € 12 and takes about 10 minutes, the taxi directly to our hotel in Bruges we can go by between 50 and 60 euros. Recommended: Roger Taxi +32 (0) 59 80 60 87 or Taxibond Van Oostende +32 (0) 59 70 27 27. JOYE REIZEN The company has a bus that leaves the airport and connects it to Bruges (Katelynepoort) for about 5 €. It runs approximately 30 minutes and runs from 11:25 until 13:25. Sundays have different schedules ranging from 16:20 to 18:20.

Train
Belgium has a large rail network and the quality of their trains is superb. From Spain www.renfe.es can only be accessed by train via Paris either by the Madrid-Valladolid-Burgos-Victoria-Paris, or the Barcelona-Girona-Figueres-Paris. Www.thalys.be Thalys trains connect Paris to Brussels in no longer than a plane: one hour and twenty minutes. So do from the Belgian capital to Cologne in one hour and forty seven minutes and to Amsterdam one hour and fifty-three. Brussels has three main train stations: Bruxelles-Central, located in the heart of the city, Bruxelles-Nord, to the north of the ring road and Bruxelles-Midi in the south. Telephone for information: 02 555 2555. The three stations have a bar, soda machines and disabled access and tickets can be purchased from the website of the Belgian railway company www.b-rail.be via Visa or American Express. Almost all national trains stop at all three stations. Eurostar Trains Tel: 02 528 2828 www.eurostar.com from London and Thalys trains Tel 070 667 788 from Aachen, Amsterdam, Cologne and Paris stop at Bruxelles-Midi TGV terminal in. The three stations have a metro station.
To go to Bruges or Ghent, from any of the aforementioned stations, you have to get on a train to Oostende, Gent is just half an hour from Brussels and Bruges to little more than doubled. The price of a ticket is 8.10 euros Ghent and Bruges 12.90 euros, although there are discounts reaching 50% on weekends buying round trip, families, seniors and children up to 11 years.
For those under 26, for 50 euros there Go Pass 10 voucher that allows to perform 10 separate trips to any part of Belgium for a year. Pregnant women can travel first class ticket purchasing a second, provided they have a medical certificate indicating their stage of pregnancy. All children under 6 are free. The cost per kilometer by train is 1.2 euros to which has to increase by 50% if you travel first class.

Tram, Metro and light rail surface.
Brussels has urban transit rail systems, the Metro and the light rail, which runs a stretch underground and the tram, which although theoretically operate separately, in practice turn out to be quite integrated. The Metro was opened in 1970 and has three lines, which are added perimeter lines calls in circulating surface trams and metros. They typically have five-car convoys and the influx of step ranges from two to six minutes, depending on the line, time slot and day of the week. In 2009 lines were remodeled with new cars and changed some routes and nomenclatures. For example, the traditional lines of the old meter, 1A, 1B and 2, now lead to a network of lines that combine efficiency with tram lines three and four. Thus, it would be much faster to get around town with the new direct connections. Today, you can travel directly from Gare du Midi to the Palace Haysel with inline six and five lead passengers from Anderlecht to watermael Boitsfort without the need to change lines. In this way, traveling from one city to another can be made in less than half an hour. The company that manages both the metro and Travia is the STIB / MIVB, and from their website you can download www.stib.be plans, you know exactly the times in each stage of the day, and calculate the best route in less time between two points. The STIB / MIVB serves an area of ??241.5 km2 and ensures the movement of over 1,100,000 inhabitants and thousands of workers moving to Brussels to work daily. Tickets cost 1.60 euros with the ability to switch between lines STIB network (except the NATO-Airport section lines 12 and 21). Jump rate (which costs 1.70 euros out of the vehicle and 2 euros on the inside), adds to the above the possibility of enjoying networks De Lijn, TEC and SNCB in Brussels. Five trips card costs 7.30 euros and 11.20 euros for 10 trips only for 12.30 euros STIB and the Jump. Also avoids the possibility of buying a one-day pass for 4.20 / 4.50 euros STIB / Jump and three days 9.20 / € 9.50 STIB / Jump. The round-trip ticket, to be used on the same day, costing 3.30 euros. Tickets are available in the lobbies of the stations and on top of some platforms and then have to remember to validate on machines suitable for this purpose. Children under six years (maximum four adults) and travel for free between 6 and 11 years not paid, except for the NATO-airport stretch and night lines. In vending machines can choose English or French as the language and you have to pay cash. Does not accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express. It also offers visitors the chance to buy three types of cards in which public transport is combined with the entry into 32 museums, plus discounts on shopping, bars, restaurants and theaters that vary between 25% and 50%. There are three different types of Brussels Card, the 24 hours that cost 24 euros, the price of which 48 hours are 34 euros and 3 days worth 40 euros. All of them are available in the Bootik, from the internet on the same page www.stib.be that manages the company STIB / MIVB, at some hotels at tourist information offices and museums. At present almost all cars that run on the subway are new, but the major unresolved are the disabled access and baby buggies because some of the stations do not have elevators yet. In some board trams information about the stops shown little or no direct, making it convenient to tell the driver or any other passengers to advise us on our stop. Indicators information on trams, buses and subways information displayed intermittently in Flemish and French.
Taxi.
Taxis in the city are white or black and and are indicated at the top the word cab in red letters on white background, also has a device that lights up when it is free. They are mostly family Mercedes, and usually have a basic level of English to interact with visitors, but speak perfect French. No vehicles can be addressed within 100 meters from a stop, as there are eight hundred scattered in strategic locations of the city. They're almost everywhere and always easy to find one available, are the most expensive in Europe, but it is the fastest way to get around the city. Have meters and the initial rate is 2.40 euros during the day and 4.20 euros for the night, which added 1.35 euros for every extra mile in the capital, and 2.70 euros in the suburbs . The meter switches to standby mode if the speed is below 20 km / h, eg in traffic jams, or if we're standing at a stoplight. Gratuities are included in the price, and passengers always travel in the rear seats. Autolux Taxi www.taxisautolux.be Tel 02 411 4142. Taxis Verts www.taxisverts.be Tel 02 349 4949.
City buses
It is a convenient way to travel, especially to join tours of the city in which we had to change at subway lines. Only stop at marked stops long as we advised that we stop pressing the stop button, or has a passenger waiting to board. They work for 24 hours a day, and the easiest to navigate is to look at the canopies of the stops on the tour information. The ticket can be paid in cash or by card do meter combined with which we can change bus line, subway to bus or vice versa during a period of an hour without paying more. If the ticket we bought before we make it back in the orange machines. Buses letter names belong to the Flemish company De Lijn, and those starting number to the STIB / MIVB.
Long-distance buses
The long-distance buses in Belgium are usually pretty slow and cumbersome than the train, but they reach rural and remote villages that fails to rail. The company De linj www.delijn.be / index.htm Tel 02 526 2820 is managing all regional traffic. Tickets are usually purchased directly from the driver and the rates are calculated based on the distance. For traffic with Europe, particularly Españan the www.eurolines.es Eurolines connects directly with several Spanish cities Brussels, Bruges or Ghent for 156 euros. Tickets can be purchased directly from the website, although the rate is more than exorbitant, considering the cost of a plane ticket.
Tourist buses
Several companies engaged in transport tourists from a landmark to another. Www.city-sightseeing.com Citysightseeing Brussels Tel 02 466 1111 offers, for example, a package for 18 euros (children 5-15 years 10 euros / over 60 and students 16 euros) in which we can be up and bus down in key locations of the city like the Atomium, Sablon, Manneken Pis, Royal Palace, Cinquantenaire, European Parliament or for a whole day without worrying about plans or maps. The entire circuit takes 90 minutes start on 10 am, ending about 15:30. Hours vary slightly depending on the time of year. There are buses every 30 minutes, and the information is also in Spanish.
Shipping
Maybe the city of Bruges and Ghent are not as famous as Venice to enjoy boating, but is totally rewarding to spend the afternoon on one of these trips. In Bruges the tour usually half an hour and each company has its landing around the city. It costs 6.90 euros (children aged 4-11 years 3.20 euros / children under 4 years free) and work from 10:00 to 18:00 every day from March to October and November and February weekends only. In Ghent there is much more variety of prices and boats. Some provide food and drink on board and prices go up to 12 euros per person, or 20 should serve Champagne. In the rest remain similar to those of Bruges to 6 euros for 40 minutes. Almost all companies have their own docks, although usually very similar routes. Www.gent-watertoerist.be Watertoerist Gent. Tel 09 269 0869.
Carriage (Bruges).
It is a tourist attraction than a mode of transport and are often seen circulating around the Markt, like other places frequented by tourists. One of the most familiar sounds of Bruges is the sound of the hoofs on the cobbled streets. Usually addressed in the Market Square from 9:30 until 17:30, but in summer it is possible to do so until 22:00. Prices for 35-minute ride is 36 euros the whole carriage, and the drivers usually speak in English, French, Flemish and German. You can share with others. Hippo. www.hippo.be / koets / index.htm Tel 05 034 5401.
Rental cars
To rent any vehicle in Brussels need to be Spanish Driving Licence only Spanish, although it is worth providing us previously the International Card Circulation. It is pure bureaucratic process that takes place in any Department of Traffic with passport size photograph and an approximate cost 9 euros. Gasoline is usually more expensive than in our country, and the roads are often in better condition. With the exception of Brussels, which is sometimes very congested, the rest of the country is usually relaxed. The highways are toll roads and are generally very well preserved. The speed limit on motorways is 120 km / h. Brussels is not a cheap city to rent a car, but quite the opposite. Despite the many deals that can be seen in many places, is more than likely a car rental for a basic type A does not fall below 100 euros with third party insurance, unless you find a bargain. Sometimes offers are marked by the length of rental and the price of a week is only twice that one day. Besides being expensive, you can gradually add other disadvantage as the price of gasoline, which has increased dramatically in recent years, traffic at certain times it is chaotic and that it is difficult to park in the public roads and car parks are also expensive. All this serves to inadvisable to use this means of transport. If you still are interested, these are the main companies: Avis www.avis.es Tel 02 730 6211 Phone 02 646 5130 Europcar Hertz www.europcar.es Tel 02 513 2886 02 Tel www.hertz.es and Budget 646 5130 www.budget.com
Bicycle
Increasingly reserved areas on asphalt Brussels to bicycles, but most bike rides usually performed by parkland and near the Laeken Park. The people of Bruges and Ghent mostly use bicycles as transportation usual. So first thing in the morning, you may see many parents taking their children to school by bike, then continue them alone to work, even on rainy days. Most streets have a special bike lanes and traffic lights. Companies engaged in bicycle Lease are scattered throughout the city and it is not difficult to find. In Brussels, the company Cyclocity, which has been desarroyada by JCDecaux and is found in many cities, has scattered 250 bikes in 23 different points of the city, separated more than 400 meters. The first half hour costs 0.50 euros and then is incremented in fractions of 0.50 euros per hour.
In Bruges and Ghent rates start at 5-6 euros for half a day and 9-10 USD a day. In Bruges can be rented at the same train station: 05 030 2329 Tel Stationsplein, as in Ghent: Koningin Maria-Hendrikaplein Tel 09 241 2224. Some companies are not limited simply to hire and offer bike tours around the city to descurbrirla a pedal stroke. One of the problems that usually happen when renting the bike is that on many occasions requested the passport as security, something that we must refuse so flatly.
Segway
They are increasingly requested the tours that are done on a Segway. These two-wheeled platforms are ideal for visiting all corners of the city. Incline the body forward, backward, left or right, the Segway slips right in the exact direction we want to take and the speed you want. To get upright stop gently. There are several companies that are devoted to tours, including Belgium Seswaytour http://www.belgium-segwaytour.be (Wednesday to Sunday from May to September / outputs in 11:00 - 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) offers a tour through the most emblematic places of the city for 38 euros. You need to have a weight between 40 and 113 kilos and have more than 16 years.
Walk
Without hesitating an instant, I can tell you that a journey on foot along with the subway is the best possible combination for the city and its inhabitants, but can sometimes be exhausting. In Brussels, the vast majority of people do not spend the street when the light is red and always do for zebra crossings and places authorized for this purpose. Finding your way in Brussels is not always easy, since the plane of the streets, from old building in Brussels, and its medieval origins, it is often chaotic. The nomenclature of the streets is in French and Flemish, with the right name in capital letters in the middle. As the best way to see the city is to walk, this guide will indicate a route within each neighborhood, considering museums, entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels and all that can be interesting from every corner of this city.

 

WEATHER
Belgium enjoys a climate typical of northern Europe with temperatures ranging between 24 º C and -1 ° C. In summer (June to August) temperatures are usually warm and pleasant coming as much at 24 ° C, accompanied at times stormy, and in winter (from December to February) it's natural that thermometers move around -1 º C and 7 º C. While in Belgium the weather is not severe, there are long periods of cloudy and gray days with heavy rains. The fog is also normal to make an appearance in several days. It is also true that some winter days can be normal with clear sky. In the fall, the days are usually very changeable and rain alternating with sunny days with temperatures ranging between 9 º C and 18 º C, in spring the temperatures are pleasant, with an average of around 18 º C, so you could say that during the best time in terms of climate refers to visit the city, is in summer or late spring.
Temperatures range in the following indicators:
January between -1 ° C and 4 ° C
February between -1 ° C and 7 ° C
March between 2 º C and 10 º C
April between 6 º C and 14 º C
Mayo between 9 º C and 19 º C
June between 12 º C and 22 º C
July between 14 º C and 24 º C
August between 14 º C and 23 º C
September between 12 º C and 22 º C
October between 8 ° C and 15 ° C
November between 3 ° C and 10 ° C
December between 0 ° C and 6 ° C.
Every month it rains more or less equally, but between June and December are usually the most-boiled. As for sunshine, the average falls between November and February, even up to 52 per month, bringing the rest of the year over 120 hours. August may be the sunniest month with an average of 196 hours of sunshine.

USE SCHEDULE
In Brussels apply your time zone to Greenwich Mean Time, which is the same we use in Spain which is UTC +1, so no hourly variation. It forwards the time the last Sunday in March 1 hour is late last October.

BUSINESS HOURS

The hours at the offices of the city ranging from 9:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Friday with an hour break at noon. The shops are open a little later, between 9:30 and 10:00 h, but also often extend the closing time to 19:00 and even 20:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Banks are open weekdays from 9:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 16:00, and the post offices from 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00 . The rest day in museums is mostly on Mondays. The restaurants serve lunch from 11:30-12:00 until 14:00-15:00 and dinner from 18:30 to 19:00 to 23:00. The brasseries, however, remain open from 11:00 until midnight and even in some cases until 01:00.

COMMUNICATIONS
Internet

Internet is quite cheap in this country and their prices can range from 0.50 per hour cheaper internet cafes in the city and the most expensive 1.5 euros, depending on the location and demand from them. Not many cafes around the city, but mostly booths also have this service. In hotels, of course, the fee is triggered quietly for three or four, but in some cases we can access Wi-Fi for free. If this is the case, it would be advisable to bring a laptop from home. In other hotels can expect to pay up to 8 euros for a Wi-fi, when about the same hotel we can find a small shop where they sell and offer free drinks for less than 1 euro an hour. Most McDonald's has free Wi-fi, although not the only bars or restaurants that have hung the sign of Wi-Fi.
Phone
In the case of telephone calls and if we carry the laptop, the cheapest would be to open up a Skype account. Through this company and an Internet connection can talk completely free to other Skype users or make calls to any country at bargain prices without paying roaming or abusive rates than we charge our phone company. To this we should provide our computer from a microphone and a speaker. In some cafes also possible to make calls from Skype, as have it installed and have helmets and microphones. In the case of not having computer and we had to call several times a day or stay connected with the outside world, the council would take liberalized 3G phone in any store and buy us Belgian prepaid phone card for "cell phone" with your SIM, with which we could call the same prices as any inhabitant of Belgium would. Telephone booths are managed by Belgacom and accept coins, credit cards, collect calls, and the company's own cards sold in kiosks and post offices. We may also use the parlors scattered throughout the city. The international dialing code for Germany is 32 and prefix of Brussels on 02. To call another country you must dial 00 plus the country code, ie to call Spain would mark 0034 and the phone number you want to call.
The police phone is 101, and the ambulance and fire 100. To reach the operator would mark the 1380 and 1324 in the case of international telephone information.
Post
Postal rates increase as in our country year after year. For a postcard or letter up to 50 grams would pay 1 euro. To know exactly how much it would cost to ship something Bpost has posted on its website a rate calculator based on the size, weight and desired service: www.bpost.be / site / en / residential / applications / calculators / overview.html. The stamps can buy them at any post office, or in some souvenir shops where they sell postcards. To deposit the mail boxes are located in different places of the city, but we can also take them to a post office or handed to the receptionist of our hotel if they have this service. If you want to send a package urgently have to pay a fee and place a blue sticker that says A prior.

ELECTRICITY
In Brussels, all plugs are prepared for two-pin sockets exactly like ours, so we need not take any adapter voltage is 220 volts also, except for the toilets of some hotels, which can be 115-120 volts.

MONEY
Currency

As is more than resabido national currency is the euro, adopted in 16 of the 27 states of the European Union, collectively known as the Eurozone and one of which is obviously Spain. In some gas stations and souvenir shops do not accept banknotes of 100 euros or more, so it may be desirable not only come with large bills. For tourists from other countries, there are exchange offices in railway stations, airports and some around town.
Credit Cards
ATMs are scattered throughout the city in countless banks. It is always best to take money in a bank teller and, if possible, within it, not the view of everyone. Depending on the conditions that we have established with our bank, the commission can range from nonexistent to extremely exorbitant, so you should inquire at our branch before leaving home. In most hotels and restaurants can pay our bills with a VISA or American Express, which would be the most desirable metal handle money essential for day to day expenses and the rest pay by credit card, do not involve any commission added.
Vouchers
Travellers checks can also be used in this country, especially those issued by American Express, but the best option is still take a couple of credit cards in case one fails. However, in the case of American Express for example, in case of loss, theft or we make a duplicate defect within 24 hours.
Phone numbers and addresses
The following numbers and addresses can get us out of trouble:
American Express 02 676 2121
Visa 0800 1 8397
MasterCard 02 352 51 11
Diners Club 02 626 65 55

HEALTHCARE
As residents of the European Union do not need to subscribe any health insurance for emergencies. Until 2004, the bilateral healthcare agreement required us to apply at the Social Security Office of the E-111. Currently, this form has been replaced by a European health insurance card is also requested in the SS carrying the ID card and Social Security card. This card is valid for one year.

DISCOUNTS
If we students are lucky because with the International Card Student, the famous ISIC (International Student Identity Card), we can get up to 50% off in major museums and theaters in the city, and the train. On trains discounts on weekends are 50% buying round trip, and there are discounts for families, retirees and children up to 11 years. For those under 26, for 50 euros there is the bonus Go Pass 10 that allows 10 separate trips to any part of Belgium for a year. Pregnant women can travel first class ticket purchasing a second, provided they have a medical certificate indicating their stage of pregnancy.
The call Brussels Card is a card that combines public transport with the entry into 32 museums, plus discounts on shopping, bars, restaurants and theaters that vary between 25% and 50%. It can be purchased in Bootik from interenet on the same page www.stib.be that manages the company STIB / MIVB, in some hotels in the tourist offices and museums. The Manneken Pass, which costs 5 euros, offers young people between 18 and 25 years the opportunity to travel on public transport for a day, 30 minutes of internet, discounts at museums and plans.

TAXES AND TIPS
Usually the price contained in the letters outside the restaurant is the total price you pay once we bring the account. In the restaurants of a certain category usually leave a 10% tip, and the rest, at least change coins. At the price we are offering is already included the service charge and 21% VAT. A three course meal can cost less than 12 euros, but can rise to 25 in Bruges. In the taxi fares already included the tip, but if we give them the coins for change are welcome. In some public toilets in the city is almost mandatory minimum stipulated leave their caregivers, and usually varies from 0.50 to 1 euro.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Shooting in Belgium is quite comfortable, especially landscapes and monuments. Its inhabitants generally willingly accept that tourists taking photographs, which can even leave them. Also keep in mind that in cities like Bruges is hard to walk without feeling the click of a camera on every corner. Although the whole mountain is oregano, also we can run the typical suspicious person being photographed and not hesitate to contact the photographer to perdir explanations, if they sense that they have been photographed, and especially if it is a boy the sitter. People always expect to be asked permission to be portrayed, so it is hard to take candid photographs with people. This guide will try to give some photo tips in each chapter on how to improve our photographs.
Despite being almost prehistoric today, there are still many businesses in cities that sell reels, slides and everything related to analog photography. As for photo shops highlights, among all, Photo Alpha, Tel 02 733 7488 www.photogalerie.com, siuada on Avenue des Celts, May in Brussels. Besides selling new material, available second hand and have a branch in Liege.

PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES
For accessibility is not exactly one of the European cities that best is. Some bathrooms of hotels, bars, restaurants and galleries are adapted, although often restricted to only high class hotels. Some subway stations, especially towards the outskirts, still do not have elevators or ramps and for a person in a wheelchair is almost impossible to access the platform. The new trams and buses already fitted with ramps for easy access, but there are many who do not. In Belgian trains should give one hour before departure for us to facilitate the transition to the train. The theaters and cinemas built in recent years have been designed with the aim of ensuring access for all people to any area. There is a law of 2000 which requires the architects to design ramps and access for disabled people so basically the biggest problem I have with the buildings prior to that date, which, unfortunately, are the majority. Bruges may be the city that is less prepared, with narrow sidewalks and cobblestone roads full. Yet found the balance between preserving the charm of a medieval city with accessibility.
If we drive, the blue plate parking for people with disabilities, the European model (with photo) entitles park in a place reserved for this purpose in the entire European Union.
Toegankelijk Infopunt www.toegankelijkreizen.be Reizen is a travel information point which depends on the Flemish Tourist Board and encompasses the cooperation of various organizations and services in order to inform people with disabilities of the best options in each city . It also includes the criticisms that we make, and informs us news events accessible.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
More and more families who dare to travel with young children and the truth is that in a city like Brussels will have no problem, especially if we seek entertainment to share with them. For children, diapers are everywhere, but not practical the typical stroller because the subway is a terrific effort raise or lower the endless stairs of some stations that are not yet adapted, and in places like Bruges, with cobblestone streets lined with sidewalks minúscalas and can be, if possible, even greater ordeal if you decided to travel with the cart. We recommend bringing a backpack Ergo baby carriers www.ergobabycarrier.com type that distributes weight on hips and back. In this guide in each chapter indicate what are the best activities you can share with the children.

LEGAL
Entry requirements

Being a European Union country within the Schengen agreement, just need the ID to enter Brussels. This agreement allows abolish border controls between signatory states and created a single external border where checks are made entry into the Schengen area under identical procedures. If you have lost your ID we go to the embassy of Spain located in 19 Rue de la Science in Brussels Tel 02 230 0340. Mail: emb.bruselas @ maec.es

Customs
We can enter the country with 1 liter of spirits or two of wine, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars. We can also introduce tax-free goods from the country of origin intended for use or consumption. If you travel with more than 10,000 Euros in cash or traveler's checks, money orders, etc.., We declare them, because if not, you might think we are evading taxes or dedicating ourselves to arms trafficking or drug and would be inspected more the appropriate sanction.
Spanish Embassy in Brussels
Tel: 02 230 0340 www.maec.es / _layouts / Embassies / Brussels / en / home / pages / home_bruselas.aspx
19, Rue de la Science 1040 Brussels
e-mail: emb.bruselas @ maec.es
Brussels Embassy in Spain
Tel: 91 577 6300 www.diplomatie.be/madrid/
Paseo de la Castellana June 18th floor 28046 Madrid
Consulate of Germany in Barcelona
Tel: 93 467 7080 www.diplomatie.be / barcelona
Street deputation, 303-1 08009 Barcelona

TOURIST INFORMATION
The latest information on the city in a wide range of possibilities such as hotels, restaurants, arts, sports, etc. .., we have concentrated on www.visitbelgium.com although Spanish have information written in www.belgica-turismo.es and www.flandes.net

SAFETY
Belgium is one of the safest countries at European level, with relatively low crime rates. This is due in large part to the hundreds of police patrolling every corner of the city. Anyway, it is always better to go with your eyes wide open and in the suburbs increased security measures. Also pay more attention on the subway entrances and exits and at night in poorly lit areas and near the Parc Josaphat and Botanique.
Emergency Tel: Police 101,
Fire and medical Tel: Tel 100

TRIVIA
In a city like this curiosities could almost be by themselves the subject of a book, so we had to make a summary of the most interesting:
- Belgium was one of the founding members of the European Community, and is also the headquarters of the European Union capital, hence to be known as the "heart of Europe".
- In this country each year 220,000 tons of chocolate.
- The story goes Bégica Jean Neuhaus arrived from Switzerland in 1857, and opened a pharmacy curious at Galeries St-Hubert, and wrapped the drugs of the time with a layer of chocolate to make them taste better. Then in 1912 his grandson invented the chocolate bonbon or praline. Today, Neuhaus is even more popular if it fits and has more than 1,000 stores in 40 countries, but all chocolates are made Vlezenbeek, near Brussels.
- The goffres are a traditional dessert of the regional cuisine of Liege, which was then introduced in the country up to Brussels and from there everyone. The authentic Liege, are smaller and sweet, with a top layer of burnt sugar.
- The chips, which everyone associates as a French invention, emerged from the kitchens Belgian and now part of the national dish famous Moules-frites, which contains steamed mussels with tomato sauce, onion, and white wine, accompanied by course of fries and mayonnaise.
- The Belgian beer is the national drink and is famous worldwide. The Delirium Café brasserie located in Brussels holds the Guinness record in varidedades beer with about 2000 different types.
- The Brussels sprout, which is characterized by its small size, it is a typical dish of this country, but it is so called because originally grown near Brussels in the first half of the nineteenth century.
- The country's most famous monument is the statue of a naked boy urinating called Manneken Pis.
- Half of the world's polished diamonds pass through Antwerp.
- This country is the only country that has never censored adult movies.
- As they say, the smallest town in the world is Durbuy, located 119 kilometers southeast of Brussels.
- The famous detective Hercule Poirot mustache, is a native of Belgium.

FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS
Each month there are events and celebrations that can be very interesting to take them into account when planning our trip.
January
On January 6, as in many other countries, we celebrate the Fête des Rois. The Epiphany is celebrated with the family gathered for lunch and for dessert a great almond cake called Galette des Rois, who hides inside a bean wrapped in silver paper, which become king for a day who would touch.
In the last week of this month marks the BRAFA www.brafa.be, one of the major antiques fairs annually attracts more than 30,000 visitors, curious, collectors and professionals around 120 exhibitors.
February
The Festival of Gay and Lesbian Film www.fglb.org held in Brussels in the first week. Short or feature films, documentaries or fiction, low or high budgets, from Western producers, or countries with a culture that is hardly known in the international scene, such as the Philippines, India, and Vietnam.
In Brussels also hosts the Carnival. The streets are filled with light and color with parades, marching bands and prizes for the best costumes.
March
In late February or early March is www.museumnightfever.be Museum Night Fever in Brussels. Fifteen museums open their doors until three o'clock, on a quiet night for young talent.
Www.artexis.com Eurantica late March is this fair of archeology and modern art that brings together some 130 antique dealers in Europe with its most prized pieces. April
During April Brussels residents celebrate the Festival of Fantastic Film www.bifff.org, which each year brings together thousands of film fans of science fiction and horror and the creations of the most visionary filmmakers. For two weeks, viewers can watch over 150 films, most premieres, and hobnob with the actors and filmmakers of the genre's hottest, coming from the four cardinal points.
In Ghent, every five years (years ending in 0 and 5) and coinciding with this month marks www.floralien.be Flower Show, a meeting that brings together the best international landscapers and florists to show contemporary floral art.
May
The day is celebrated May 9 Europe Day http://europa.eu/abc/symbols/9-may/euday_es.htm a open day to visit the European Parliament, and several street entertainment.
During Mayo is celebrated in Bruges Procession of the Holy Blood, where citizens, historical costumes, stage and biblical scenes recall the arrival of the Holy Blood to the city, which came from Jerusalem after the Second Crusade.
At the end of the month is celebrated www.brusselsjazzmarathon.be Brussels Jazz Marathon, one of those key dates of the capital that brings together the best musicians in the kingdom, around the stage, in the air, from the Grand Place, Sablon , Place Sainte-Catherine and the Place Fernand Cocq.
Zinneke Parade. www.zinneke.org. (Biennial on even years). The "Zinneke" invades the city with its colorful parade, creative and full of fantasy. It is composed of actors, dancers, musicians, and numerous fans, and is intended as a symbol of cultural diversity and cosmopolitanism in Brussels.
Gay Pride www.blgp.be. As in many of our cities, gays and lesbians take to the streets at a party in style that brings parades, festivals, concerts, shows and various surprises.
Inernacional Queen Elisabeth Competition for piano. www.cmireb.be. Throughout the month is celebrated this classical music festival held every year thousands of music lovers experienced auditory sensations seeking blameless.
June
On day 21, and to celebrate the arrival of summer, we celebrate the Fête de la Musique concerts www.fetedelamusique.be classical and electronic music in various venues in the city, that during the weekend are moved to the Place des Palais.
The Ommegang www.ommegang.be, later this month, marks the time of Emperor Charles V in 1549, paying a tribute, with more than 1,500 extras decked out in identical dresses to the Renaissance.
Brussels Film Festival. www.brusselsfilmfestival.be A image of pointers festivals like Sundance, the Brussels Film Festival presents films sensitive, original, personal terribly and always surprising quality.

July
The Tour de France. In more than ten times this legendary cycling race has crossed the Belgian territory, reaching near the Atomium.
The July 21 is celebrated Belgian National Day with a military parade, fireworks and various entertainment activities.
Gentse Feesten. www.gentsefeesten.be During the second or third week they celebrate the festival of the city of Ghent. The city is full of free concerts in almost every street and put into operation four festivals in parallel. The most important is the International Street Theatre, but they are not negligible the Blue Note Festival, dedicated to the world of jazz, 10 Days Off, and the International Festival of Puppet.
August
This month marks the Flower Carpet www.flowercarpet.be in which every two years (the couple) Ghent horticulturists teachers adorn the magnificent Grand Place in Brussels refined drawings and decorations, whose stroke is the best-kept secret until is ready. Millions of fresh flowers adorn this square, 1875 square meters.
It is also celebrated this month www.infofestival.be Brussels Summer Festival with more than 150 concerts, theater, street entertainment and children's shows, free or for a token sum. On the program: rock, world music, jazz, hip hop, folk, reggae and electronic music in the most beautiful squares in Brussels, but also in countless bars that join the party.
September
A mid-month marks the Balloon's Day Parade www.balloonsdayparade.be parallel with the Fête de la Bande Dessinee www.fetedelabd.be (party comic). All huge balloons taking part in the parade through the city are shaped like comic book heroes and characters. The parade is added a music festival, video, 3D, laser and fireworks night and a comic www.comicsfestivalbelgium.com Festival during the day, in which each year fans gather to study the work of more seventy artists. There is also a fair collectors and many activities for children.
Autoloze zondag. The third week of this month we celebrate the European Mobility Week displacing city cars and street espectáulos programming, including concerts, theater, music, theater and sports. In Bruges is interesting the "flash mob" organized by Steve Boedt.
October
Brussels Marathon. The first Sunday of the month is one of Europe's most beautiful marathon attracts runners from around the world. www.sport.be / runningtour / brusselsmarathon and paralyzing the city traffic.
Skoda Jazz Festival. Skoda www.skodajazz.be takes over the Audi Jazz Festival.
Jazz, blues, music from around the world, art and hip hop sound in a number of concerts in various Belgian cities.
November
Winter Fair - Christmas market and skating rink Brussels. www.plaisirsdhiver.be Since the last week of November Christmas markets begin. Gifts, traditional food and drinks, ice rinks and large firs and cribs. Flanders Christmas receives more traditional way in an atmosphere of fairy tale.
December
New Year. The venue in this city for that special day, is the Grand Place, where many spectators flock to celebrate the countdown. Every year thousands of people flock here.

 

Año Nuevo. El lugar de celebración en esta ciudad para ese día tan señalado, es la Grand Place, en la que muchísimos espectadores acuden en masa a celebrar la cuenta atrás. Cada año se reúnen aquí miles de personas.

THE BEST GUIDE TO WITCHES:

BRUSELAS BRUJAS Y GANTE EN TU BOLSILLO


 

BRUSSELS BRUGES AND GHENT IN YOUR POCKET

Editorial: Everest Group, Leon
Binding: Rustica 256 pages (1 X 11 X 13.3 cm)
Publication date: March 2011
Language: Castilian
Price: 9,95 €
ISBN: 978-84-441-3195-5

 

BEST GUIDE PDF

Children WITCHES
Children WITCHES: also opens for the kids

 

 

Rozenhoedkaai Markt Bruges Hans Memling Groeninge Vrouwekerk Arentshuis stadhuis Gruuthuse Kantcentrum Bruges Belfry Juruzalemkerk Muur Kruispoort Museum der Doodgeschotenen voorVolkskunde

 


Bruges

1 - The Belfry of Bruges, Belfort (Medieval Bell also called), Rozenhoedkaai, near the bridge over the Canal Dijver. Bell Tower and Canal Dijver. Bruges (the Venice of the North). West Flanders. Belgium
2-Bruges. Paardentram horse tram. These trams, horse drawn, can be hired at various places. The place of departure and arrival can be set by the client as well as the duration of the trip. Horse Trams can meet the needs of groups of up to 55 people.
3 - Bruges by bicycle. Cyclists are particularly privileged in Bruges so if you can not beat for what it is best to join them. There are bike lanes on many roads and parkings for bikes across the city. The traffic restrictions in the city center, Bruges have a safe and enjoyable to hang around. However, although the cycles are allowed to go in any direction on one-way streets (being careful not to run over pedestrians unawares), bicycles are not allowed in the pedestrian areas. The Bruges tourist office publishes an excellent little guide called "five cycling around Bruges" which includes details five cycling around Bruges, together with a map of those routes. Do not worry if you have not brought your own bike, because many hotels have bicycles for rent and there are several rental shops dotted around the center. You can also hire rent at the train station and, if you come to Bruges by train, the rental price is much lower. The Bruges tourist office has details about where you can rent bikes. If sse prefer to go on a guided bike tour, Quasimundo offers two cycling tours that operate daily between April and September. Visit Bruges by bike allows you to see the lesser known streets and travel a 25 mile ride along the canals of Bruges northern area and Oostkerke Damme. Both tours cost € 18 for adults and € 16 for children / students. The price includes bike equipped with a basket where you can put your valuables, a raincoat, a bottle of water and a guide in English. Helmets are also available in various sizes. For more information, call +32 (0) 50 330 775.

Calle Langerei.
4 Calle Langerei. A mixture of styles at the central channel, make this a particularly attractive part of Bruges.
5 - Bruges by horse carriage. If you want to experience Bruges as it was in the past, the best thing is a visit on a horse drawn carriage. The cars leave the Markt (March to November) in a 30 minute tour of the city on a path from the Markt to Begijnhof (south of town) They carry up to 5 passengers and is approximately 40 € for the 30 minute journey.
6 - The Belfry of Bruges, Belfort (Medieval Bell Tower), Rozenhoedkaai, Bridge over the Canal Dijver
7 - Bruges to admire the most beautiful of the city from a totally different angle. The boats follow a water route with a point of view. The guides provide commentary in several languages. The boats are not covered, although they have umbrellas for rainy days. Duration 30 minutes. Shipping: Nieuwstraat Wollestraat Rozenhoedkaai Huidenvettersplein Katelijnestraat
8 - Bruges by boat. One of the best ways to see Bruges is by boat. The boat tour half an hour (with English commentary) channels operate mainly in the city center and are very popular in summer (so expect long queues). Boats leave every few minutes (every day from March to November) of a series of springs located south of the Burg, especially near Blinde Ezelstraat and Fishmarket. During the winter there is a less frequent service on weekends and holidays only. The price is approximately € 5.20 for adults and € 2.60 for children 4-11. If you want a boat trip around the city, go to Kaai Noorweegse in Dampoort which is 2 km north of the city on the bus route number 4 out of the Markt, and climb aboard the barge in the river Lamme Goedzaak sailing through the canal of Damme. Damme is just 7 km north of Bruges and was once the main port of the city, but now is a pretty town, quiet and surrounded by fields of cows and horses. Boat trips 40 minutes Damme depart daily from Easter until early September and will cost about € 5 / € 6.50 one way adults and € 3.40 one way / € 4.50 children.
9 - Bruges. St. Boniface Bridge. The Bridge of San Bonifacio is one of the many stone bridges over the canals of Bruges, Belgium. This bridge is near the Gruuthuse and Arentshof and although it is sometimes said to be the oldest bridge in Bruges, not the case as it was built around 1910. By the bridge you can see old medieval style houses, which help to improve the atmosphere.
10 - Because of its canals, Bruges is often called the "Venice of the North '. The water situation in both cities, however, is very different. Venice was founded by a lagoon islands of the Adriatic Sea. Bruges is more deep inside, at least now, because in the five centuries before Christ the Flemish coast has been flooded several times by the North Sea. When left behind when the floodwaters receded different arms of the sea through which ships could reach to the area where now Bruges. Bruges was probably visited by the Vikings. 'Bruges' Flemish His name probably derives from "Rogia" a Latin word (which was the Latin name of "Reie" the river that flowed through Bruges), and 'place in the harbor "translated Scandinavian.
11 - Landscapes of Bruges. Houses on the street Langerei reflected in the channel.
12 - Academiestraat in Poortersloge built in 14th and 15th century. This hostel was used as a meeting place for wealthy citizens of the city. Today it houses the state archives.

Uno de los puntos de interés en Brujas son los más de 50 puentes


13 - One of the points of interest in Bruges are the 50 bridges that cross the canals of the city and that can be opened to allow the passage of ships. Among the many medieval buildings in the city are the 13th century Halles, the market, with a bell tower of 108 m (353 ft) high, the Cathedral of San Salvador (13th and 14th century), the Chapelle de Saint Sang, the Hospital of St. John of the 12th century, the church of Notre Dame 13th century, with 122 m (400 ft) tower, and the Hôtel de Ville, the city hall oldest in Belgium, which began to build in the 14th century.
14_ The central location of the marketplace indicates that this was the medieval heart of the city. At least, the commercial medieval heart, as the center of the city administration was located in the "Burg". A horse-drawn carriage or even a cruise on the canals can be touristy, but also entertaining and rewarding. The cars can be hired at the Market Square or in front of the Bagijnhof. An excursion costs about 40 euros. Drivers speak in several languages ??and teach the main places along the route.
15-Bruges: The belfry and the Cloth Hall. The whole complex still bears witness to the importance of Bruges as medieval trade center. In the living fabric, the fabric of Flanders that was produced in different cities was sold to the world. In 1399, for example, had 384 stalls in the city. Today, the bell tower enchants the visitor with its beautiful music carillon, consisting of 47 bells. Other decorations are latest sculpture of the Virgin in Renaissance style and the weapon with a Belgian lion.
16 Market Square (Grote Markt) is free from traffic since October 1996. It has been completely renovated and is now one of the most attractive parts of the city. The main monument is of course, the bell tower and the cloth hall. On the north side of the market is the Provincial Court. It was a covered hall where the ships could unload their products for storage in the halls or products sold directly adjacent market. Right in the center of the square is the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter. In the other corners of the square are restaurants and shops located in former private houses as well as guild houses.
17 - Bruges, Belgium by bicycle. They are everywhere in this small town, about 50 kilometers northwest of Brussels, and are definitely the best mode of transport during your visit. When you get to the train station, is the first opportunity to rent bikes at the station for 6.50 euros noon, and 9.50 euros for a full day. Bicycles must be returned by 7:30 pm, and is required to leave a deposit. If you prefer a guided tour, cycling, Toerisme Brugge has several bike tour companies such as Pink Bear Bike Tours, which organizes walks slowly to the nearby Damme through a tree-lined canal. Many opportunities to take good photos abound, with windmills and quaint Flemish villages. And if you are interested in exploring Belgium by bike, good to know that bicycles can be taken on trains, though it takes a special bike + train ticket. Moreover recommended off-peak travel by bike, and follow the advice of train drivers as to where to load and unload your bike.

Bicicletas en Brujas


18 - Bicycles in Bruges: Bruges is a place where more importance is given to cyclists and pedestrians. Therefore, it is a good reason to rent a bicycle for our trip. There are plenty of shops that rent bikes and allow the good thing is that it's also inexpensive. Many bike rental shops are located next to the bell tower. Riding a bike at night can be a lot more fun.
19-On the south side of the market you can see several medieval-looking houses. They are not really medieval, because many of them are modern reconstructions of medieval styles. Some critics use these reconstructions and others (such as provincial government house or Holy Blood Chapel) to reduce the image from Bruges to a mere forgery. It is absolutely true that Bruges is both a medieval city as a neo-Gothic reconstruction of the 19th century. It is difficult, however, to understand that buildings are centuries old always have to be renewed at certain times with the sole purpose of keeping them alive.
20 - In market is the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. The statue not only honors these two leaders of the 'Battle of the Golden Spurs ", which took place on July 11, 1302, but is perhaps a clear statement of the political leaders of the 1880s that caused the Flemish emancipation . Both participation in the 1302 uprising of the Flemish against the occupation of the king of France, known as the Battle of the 'Golden Spurs. This battle was also the central theme of the book "De Leeuw van Vlaanderen" (the lion of Flanders) written by Hendrik Conscience in 1838. The romanticism of the Flemish uprising became a symbol of the Flemish movement, which fought for the recognition of Dutch and Flemish culture in the French language dominated Belgium 19th century.
21 - Boats: The boats can also be used to travel around Bruges. These are operated mainly in the city center of Bruges and half hour of sailing is quite popular in the city, so you can expect a lot of people waiting their turn. There are frequent boats south of the Burge, mainly near Blinde Ezelstraat and Fishmarket. In winter time, the number of boats is quite small. For a better browsing experience, try to take the barge in river Lamme Goedzaak Damme. Damme was known to be the main port of the city of Bruges, but lately it is just a nice town. To make this trip, all you have to do is go to Kaai Noorweegse in Dampoort, which is 2 km north of Bruges in the bus route number 4 out of the Markt. This Damme boat ride takes 40 minutes and runs every day from Easter to early September.

Brujas es una ciudad bastante pequeña
22-Bruges is a fairly small city with a lot of attractive places. Because the area is small, all access points can be visited on foot. The high heel shoes are not recommended, in this city that gives more importance to cyclists. The best place to start is the Markt, where the tourist office.
23 - Horse-drawn carriage: The Witches ride carroaje for approximately half an hour and starts from the Markt to the Begijnhof, south of the city. It's a nice experience to visit the city in a horse drawn carriage.
24 - Blind Alley is a dead donkey popular in Bruges, Belgium. It goes from the Burg to fishmarket.
25 - Horse and Carriage. One of the most familiar sounds of Bruges is the noise of the shoes to hit the pavement in the old town.
26 - Ride the historic Bruges. Guided walking tours. The guided walks are a great way to explore the main sights of Bruges in greater depth. There are endless hiking to see the different routes, depending on their interests. Bruges is rich in medieval architecture and the guides are able to explain their origins. There are a variety of places in the city, including the Market Square (bell tower and its historic facade), the "Burg" (castle of the city), the Town Hall, Basilica of the Holy Blood, the "looking for" ( canals and waterways), the fish market and the "College of Europe". You can stroll along most major museums (like the "Groeninge", "Gruuthuse" and museums "Brangwyn"), the Church of Our Lady (with a statue of the Madonna and Child by Michelangelo) , the former Hospital of San Juan and the Museum "Memling", their homes, the Beguine and the waters of "Lake of Love".
27 - CHANNELS IN BRUGES. Bruges is often called "The Venice of the North" because of its canals that are in the city center. These channels can be explored on foot or by boat. Fiona Campbell explores the cobbled streets and quiet canals that serve as a backdrop for the movie "In Bruges" a gangster comedy with a look of Colin Farrell and Ralph Fiennes.
28 - Shopping in Bruges. In Bruges's main shopping areas are among 't Zand and the Market Square - the hours are usually between 0900-1800. A number of regular markets are held every week, even in the Market Square on Wednesday morning in the square 't Zand on Saturday morning, and on weekends Dijver summer. The fish market along the canal of the Burg, and trade from Tuesday to Saturday mornings. Large chain stores are concentrated in Steenstraat, which have many boutiques, as in Noordzandstraat. In most stores sell lace fabrics and chocolate. A good example of the former is' Kanthuisje t, in Breidelstraat 5 while chocaholics will delight chocolate with Chocoladehuisje in Wollestraat 15.
29 - Bruges. Bars and Restaurants in Markt. This area is the centerpiece of the city and many times of the year, a small market located here. The square is a great place to get a feel for the city and is adjacent to the huge bell tower on one side, the city on the other side, as well as restaurants, shops and bars.

Brujas: El Rincón del chocolate belga.
30 - Bruges: Belgian Chocolate Corner. Bruges is home to over 40 different chocolate shops. There is one on each round every corner. All year, the rich aroma of chocolate pervades the city burst, Heritage, and countless creative confectioners make hundreds of kilos of chocolate in Swaentje Brugsch (Swan Bruges). The exact recipe remains a secret, but among the main ingredients is the almond paste, "Gruut '(a type of flour with spices) and" kletskoppen' (a type of cookie típcas of Bruges). One of the most famous chocolate shops in Bruges Belgium is Dumon. There are multiple reasons why Bruges is the destination of Belgium, and the Dumon chocolate shop is one of them. Mrs. Dumon, along with two sons, Stefaan and Christophe, make excellent handmade chocolates every day. People enthusiastically savor their fresh chocolates and cream, exploding in flavor. It is not uncommon to find a small crowd gathered around his showcase dedicated to chocolate. To enjoy one of the mixes, you can go to the Chocolate Line near Market Square. Eighty unique varieties like ginger chocolate as Buddha and a white elephant with saffron and curry will tempt your palate. If you are looking for a marzipan, along with an assortment of liqueur chocolates, Verheecke offers a great selection. For delicious tea-flavored chocolates, you better go to the corner of chocolate. Another producer of Belgian chocolate, Godiva also has a shop in Bruges. For others, the best Belgian chocolate brands are Hans Burie, Guylian, Neuhaus, and Galler. The Belgian government regulates the production of chocolate, which means that finding bad chocolate is almost impossible. You can also enjoy visits to factories Belgian chocolate, Belgian chocolate museums, or simply the chance to visit different stores. For those who are truly gourmet Belgian chocolate, can extend visits to museums chocolate factories and stores throughout the country.
31 - The Chambers (Oude Griffie) is the smaller building to the left of City Hall. The facade dates from the 16th century Renaissance. In the Basilica, the office is decorated with golden statuettes. The goddess Justitia decorates the facade, as it was a courthouse until a few decades. To the left of Oude Griffie is abut the Court (not the judiciary, which is located in one of the modern neighborhoods outside the city). The ancient courts now house some council offices.
32 - Carriage rides horses. You can not visit Bruges without making a tour in a horse-drawn carriage strolling the cobbled streets.
The starting point is the Market Square (the main point), and costs about 35 € for half an hour, the rider takes usually a 35 minute trip around the city, with a short break, near the Lake of Love, where they usually feed the horses. The tours run every day between 9:30 am and 17:30. These tours are conducted in Dutch, German, English and French. Do not miss this wonderful experience! Most cars have awnings during rainy days.
33 - Getting married in the Burg in Bruges. The Shield is a dead Ezelstraat near the commune. Just around the corner is the city. People who want to get married at City Hall have to walk down this street, so the locals say that the reason they call the blind donkey street is that you have to be a blind donkey and marry. The medieval tower Markt has 88 million strokes. During the day, his rapid ascent, 366 steps, offer a great view of the city, and at night illuminated worth watching. Behind the Markt, Burg is dominated by the Gothic facade of City Hall. Among the attractions of the building are paintings, wood carvings, and a room where many residents still flock to marry Bruges.
34 - Mannequin sexy nurse in an erotic shop Wollestraat street. Bruges.

Minnewater Tea Room Creperie
35 - Creperie Minnewater Tea Room. One of the many restaurants near the famous Lake Minnewater.
36 - The Lake of Love and its beautiful park are the entrance to the beautiful city of Bruges. The Lake of Love is a canalized lake. From the Bridge (1740) and you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Due to the idyllic setting is mostly known as "Lake of Love ', the Dutch word' Minne 'meaning' love." Actually, the origins of the lake are less romantic. Lake was used as a water reservoir to maintain channel water at a constant level. Beside the lake is the park Minnewater, where sometimes in summer there are concerts. One of the symbols of Bruges is the swan. always there are plenty of them in the "Lake Love '. There is a legend that tells of the swans of Bruges. In 1488 the people of Bruges had executed one of the town administrators belonging to the court of Maximilian of Austria, husband and successor of duchess Mary of Burgundy. The town administrator was called 'Pieter lanchals', a name that means "long neck". In the coat of arms of the family lanchals appears a white swan. Legend has it that Maximilian punished Bruges was to force the population to keep swans on their lakes and canals till eternity. Most of these legends and romantic interpretations come from the 19th century.
37-Just behind the Beguine is Minnewater De Wijngaard. It is one of the typical areas of Bruges, where one can find peace and tranquility of the city, away from the crowded city center. The Beguine is a group of houses around a small garden covered with large poplar. It was here that during the past seven centuries lived the Beguines of Bruges. In 1937 beaterio became a monastery of the Benedictine sisters who still live here now. In the changing world of the 13th century, some people were more attracted to a purer form of religion and mysticism, especially dedicated to personal growth. People of both sexes, decided to follow this new movement, which led to the creation of many new religious orders. The official religious institutions wary of these new groups, so they were often persecuted or banned. In the Netherlands, however, the women's movement followers were tolerated mystical movement as "Beguine". They were allowed to live in different parts of the cities, Beguinages calls. Thus, the religious authorities could control and monitor them. The Beguine nuns lived as normal, but were not the votes that nuns normally do, as the vows of obedience and chastity, although the vow of poverty. On the other hand, could at any time break their vows and leave the beguine community.
38-The Beguine Bruges was founded in 1245 by the Countess of Flanders, Margaret of Constantinopel, daughter of Count Baldwin who conquered Constantinopel (now Istanbul) during the Crusades. Visitors can enter the place through a bridge over the canal. The front door is dated 1776. A lot of houses, however, are much older. Most date from the 17th and 18th century. Some houses were built in the 19th century neo-Gothic style. In the south is a small cul de sac where there are still some houses 15th and 16th century. The house bigger and more impressive is in the left corner behind the garden. It was here where he lived the "grootjuffrouw 'or' big-Dame '. Was she who ruled the Beguine.'s Original 13th century church was destroyed by fire in 1584. Was rebuilt in 1609 and again later renovated in Baroque style late. early medieval Beguines most worked in the textile industry of the cities. was not a religious movement exclusively for poor and needy women. Quite often, girls from rich families and nobles joined the community Beguine. were then very often chosen to become lovers of the great piety and living in the best houses, while the poorest Beguines lived in the "convent", where they lived huddled. beaterios Most still exist are located in the northern part of Belgium. Though, now, virtually no Beguines, its beautiful beaterios still exist as museums, cultural centers or homes for the elderly. most important beguinages Belgium are in the following cities: Bruges, Kortrijk, Gent, Lier, Turnhout, Dendermonde, Hoogstraten, Leuven and Diest.
39 - Bruges People love flowers. In the image, a florist shows the result of a nice bouquet.

ST JANSHUIS y MOLINOS KOELEWEI
40 - ST Janshuis and MILLS Koelewei: The Mill House in San Juan and the Mill Koelewei are part of municipal assets. Both still work as grain mills. The Mill House in San Juan (1770) still stands on its original site. Koele-wei The Mill (1765) was moved to a new location near the "Dampoort" (Gate of the dam) in 1996. Windmill De Bonne Chiere is located a few meters from the Kruispoort, and is the windmill southernmost Bruges. In the past, Bruges was known for its windmills, and which had about 25. Today, only four, found along the street Kruisvest. De Bonne Chiere was initially built in Olsene, in 1888, and moved to Bruges in 1911. The San Janshuis moplino was built in 1770 on the initiative of a group of bakers. Unlike other mills, it never moved, the most ancient of all the mills. Within the San Janshuis Mill is a beautiful museum. Koelewei The mill was built in 1765, is today not far from the Dampoort, where he moved in 1996. Along with San Janshuis Mill, the mill Koelewei, which is further north, is a piece of the heritage of the city. The mills are open to the public and are still in use.
41 - Musicians in the street in front of Central Festival Dijver during Halloween. Bruges.
42-When you approach Bruges, as you can see from far the tallest tower in the city, the tower of the Church of Our Lady. Although this church is not the most important religious level (is the church of San Salvador) certainly attracts many visitors because of its medieval character and important works of art that can be admired here. Architecturally Our Lady does not have a uniform style. Your building probably dates from the second half of the 13th century and the late 15th century. The style varies from late Romanesque style, and the Scheldt-Gothic (French Gothic). Moreover, in the 18th century the Virgin became a more contemporary style. Around 1900, however, the church was renovated original medieval style. The most important and striking of the church is undoubtedly the tower. The building began in the mid 13th century. The tower reaches a height of 122 meters, which makes it the second highest tower in a church in Belgium (Antwerp Cathedral has the tallest tower: 123 m). A huge mass of bricks were used to erect the tower. It is impossible to imagine that this mighty edifice could collapse a day or an authority might decide to demolish it. The tower looks like it was built for eternity. The reason why so many tourists visit the Virgin is of course, the presence of the Virgin of Michelangelo and splendid tombstones of Mary of Burgundy and her father Charles the Bold.
43 - Aerial View of Markt Bruges. The Markt square, view from the Belfry of Bruges, the Venice of the North. Belgium West Flanders.
44 - Bruges, center of world cuisine. Already in the period of Burgundy, cuisine reigned supreme in Bruges. Even today there are many restaurants in the city, of which 7 have won Michelin stars.
45 - BEER IN BRUGES. Belgium has over 400 different types of beer. Local residents also love beer. Legend has it that Saint Arnold, a Benedictine monk of the 11th century, became the patron saint of Belgian brewers after encourage everyone to drink beer instead of water during an attack by a pest and miraculously found worldwide better than ever. In "Great Beers of Belgium", author Michael Jackson - a recognized expert and beer connoisseur - explains that it was probably because the local untreated water was responsible for the spread of infection, while water was boiled in beer during the process of brewing what made it a much safer drink. Brugse Zot has the distinction of being the only beer made today in the center of Bruges. Zot Brugse Jackson describes as "an almost pale bronze color, and fruity on the palate reminiscent of peach sorbet. Brugse Zot takes its name from a history that dates back to the 1400s when Maximilian of Austria visited Bruges . Upon arrival local organized a colorful parade of merrymakers and fools. At the end of the holidays when asked Maximlliam replied, "Today I have seen nothing but fools. Bruges is already a big madhouse! "Since that visit the town of Bruges has been known this beer as Brugse Zotten (fools of Bruges). During the course of 45 minutes by the brewery a tour guide in several languages ??explains all about the history of beer and how Zot Brugse made today. The brewery is still in its original building and spans a number of different plants. At the top of the building, the stairs become more narrow and steep, but after the final climb to the roof will reward the visitor with a splendid view of the city. The final reward is to return to the ground floor where you get a refreshing glass of Brugse Zot.

Kantcentrum Brujas.
46 - Kantcentrum Bruges. Demonstration on Kantcentrum (The center of the roll), Bruges:
Peperstraat 3A, B-8000 Brugge +32 (0) 50 33 00 72
Hours: Weekdays to 10 hours - 12 hours and 2-6 pm
Saturday, 10 am - 12 pm and 02.05 pm
Closed Sundays and holidays
Every afternoon there tatting demonstrations. Combined ticket for Lace Museum, open lace workshop and the Church of Jerusalem. The history of Bruges lace dates back to 1717 when the Sisters Apostoline created a lace school in Ganzestraat. Subsequently, Bruges became famous for its lace. Kantcentrum (lace center) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1970 to further promote this traditional art in the city. Is an authority on lace making, which has a museum, lace demonstrations organized for visitors, offers courses in the manufacture of lace, publishes its own quarterly magazine lace, and also sells books and related materials. It is next to the church in Jerusalem. A combined visit possible.
47 - There's a funny clip in the black comedy In Bruges, where the gunmen Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson roll in the medieval city of Belgium. The duo Dozy has been ordered to stay there after a failed assassination attempt in London, so Gleeson Farrell arrives here on a day trip, hoping to be enthralled by the gothic architecture, canals and cobbled streets of Bruges. Frustrated by the lack of interest of his young colleague, Gleeson and he become the world's worst tourists
48 - Historic center of Bruges. Brugge is an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, which has maintained its historic fabric as it has evolved over the centuries, and where original Gothic constructions form part of the identity of the city. As one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe, Bruges has established cultural links to different parts of the world. It is closely associated with the school of Early Netherlandish painting. The historic center of Bruges is the testimony, over a long period, an important interchange of factors that influence the development of architecture, particularly in brick Gothic, has favored innovative artistic influences. It is an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble which illustrates significant stages in the commercial and cultural fields in medieval Europe, of which public institutions, social and religious are a living testimony. Bruges has preserved spatial and structural organizations that characterize different stages of development, and the historical center has continued to cover exactly the same area as the perimeter of the ancient settlement. Being an active, alive, however, has retained the architectural and urban structures that document the different stages of development: as part of this continuity, renewal late 19th century facades introduced a neo-Gothic style that is Bruges special. From 1815-1830 Bruges was part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and since 1830 has been part of Belgium. The railway arrived in Bruges in 1834, making some changes in the urban fabric. From 1854, the city administration prepared urban transformations in the spirit of Haussmann, but only one of them was carried out in the area of ??the new theater, which was destroyed medieval fabric. During the 19th century, a colony of English aristocrats influenced the city's cultural life, contributing to a renewed interest in the artistic patrimony of Bruges and the restoration of historic buildings, including the founding of the Society of Emulation pour l'histoire et les Antiquites of Flandre Occidentale. Some buildings were damaged during the two world wars, but as a whole, however, the city survived almost completely. Since 1968 policy focused on conservation of the historic city, leading to the creation of the Conservation Service and Urban Renewal and the first urban structure plan.
49 - DINK Drumband, band music festival Autoloze Sondag Bruges.
50 - Flashmob in the Market Square during the festival Autoloze Zondag.
51 - Flashmob in the Market Square during the festival Autoloze Zondag. During a call flash mob, actors and singers perform the song "bicycle" by the pop group Queen.

Mercado de antigüedades y mercado de pulgas en Brujas
52 - Market Antiques and flea market in Bruges. Bruges is a lovely place to explore the architecture. It's also a fabulous place to shop. Known for its tempting chocolate shops, bright, diamond shops and workshops fit in a weekend Bruges may be the dream of bargain hunters, especially thanks to its famous flea market weekend. Located in the Dijver, the flea market is an institution in the city and a great place to find unique gifts, arts and crafts. Antiques and Flea Market in Bruges Dijver is the perfect place to spend a weekend morning distracted, and it is located one of the most scenic and historic areas of the city. The market is held on the tree-lined canal in front of the imposing Carthusian monastery and a spectacular house of a merchant fifteenth century, which is now the exclusive Hotel De Tuillerieën. Here are selling antiques, artwork, and second-hand trinkets. Even more colorful is a Saturday in the city of Bruges, where the historic fish market makes its appearance. Tucked between the posts, with charming little cafes and shops Flemish tasty treats, plus hot sandwiches. There is no doubt that markets are ideal places to relax and mingle with the locals.
53 - Bruges Nightlife: Places and Districts to leave Bruges. In Belgium there is one important thing that is usually done at night: drinking beer. There are a number of pubs and bars around the city. Its maze of narrow streets full of traditional pubs where you can taste some delicious food delicious with an amazing array of Belgian beers. Iene Vlamingstraat Blekerstraat a variety of places to choose from while Kemelstraat also has a couple of great little bars. To the south of the city, Breidelstraat and Oud Sint Jan, have a small group of pubs, called loungier. The Langestraat weekends and Kraanplein are the best bet for the evening from the opening hours. For live music, the small square 't Zand has a couple of interesting places and San Jakobsstraat also worthwhile. In the summer, the terraces and gardens are filled with terraces, while in the winter months, visitors and residents crowd into the interiors of the establishments.
54 - Banda music in the streets of Bruges.
55 - Diamond Museum Musée du Diamant. Diana Velez. (Colombian girl) Diamond Katelijnestraat 43, B-8000 Brugge. Diamente HISTORY IN BRUGGE. The Diamond of Brugge (Bruges Diamond Museum) was inaugurated on June 19, 1999. The museum has been expanded in several phases. In 2005, Brazil's Collection and exhibitions on industrial synthetic diamonds opened to the public. Research in the archives of the city of Bruges, conducted by local historian Ludo Vandamme confirmed that diamond came long before Bruges to Antwerp and Amsterdam, and a series of diamond polishers, and worked in Bruges in the 14th century. The museum has a number of temporary exhibitions: the 2008: "A story frothy" social history of the diamond polishers in Bruges and West Flanders. 2009: "Di-Amour," the story of the diamond ring and diamond jewelry, and in 2010, Brugge Diamond Institute will open its doors to "insider trading courses" offered delve even more into the world of diamond and their secrets. The Diamond Museum (diamantmuseum.be), tells the love story of the city with large rocks - about 85 percent of the world's rough diamonds are traded in Antwerp's diamond district. Since October, the museum hosts a new exhibition, to Honor and Glory: Treasures of Napoleon (napoleondiamant.be / s), marking 200 years since the first emperor came to Antwerp with his collection of luxury jewelry and fell in love City of decorative arts.

Henri Maes, una marca de cerveza belga
56 - Henri Maes, Belgian beer brand and a brewery in the old town. Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tours of the brewery. Tickets can be purchased at the bar of the brewery, and visit in groups every few hours. During the visit you can see part of the process of brewing Mann and an area that serves as a museum. The tour runs from stainless steel tanks through a maze of stairs in the old building where guides explain the process of brewing, demonstration of flavoring agents malt, hops and grains. The most interesting parts of the tour are perhaps the tools and machines used in the manufacture of beer in the last century. The end of the tour are views of Bruges from the roof of the old brewery. Guided tours last 45 minutes and at the end, it offers visitors a glass of "Bruges Zot". Included in the price of € 5.50 for the visit, so that the route itself is a bargain. Visiting hours are from 11 am to 4 pm (until 15:00 in winter), but the brewery has a Restuarant De Halve Maan the Brasserie which is open from 10am, serving lunch and dinner as well as varieties of beers Henri Maes.
57 - The famous Belgian moules frites (frietjes mosselen). Mussels are one of the typical dishes are served with a side of fries. The traditional way is to cook it in a pot with white wine and / or onions and celery, using only eat mussel shell having food. High season is from September to April, and as with all other seafood, do not eat that have been closed. Belgium's mussels are always the Netherlands. Imports from other countries are neglected.
58 - "Zalongou" bronze sculpture (lost wax) Height: 225cm Artist: Dirk De Keyzer in the Absolut Art Gallery Dijver street. Bruges.
59 - Chocolate in Bruges. One of the best places is the Chocolate Line. Bruges is a paradise for chocolate lovers. The cobbled streets are lined with shops selling chocolate and homemade treats, including chocolates, truffles, Kirschen drunkards, delicious chocolates, and snowballs (favorite during the winter months). Shop is recommended Dumon Chocolate (Oostendestraat 99 - Torhout - Belgium Phone:. 0032 50 22 16 22 0032 50 22 16 22 - Fax:. 0032 50,222,333) and Old Chocolate House in Mariastraat (on the left) ( 1 Mariastraat) also sells gingerbread, cookies, candies and marzipan.
60 - MUSEUM & GALLERY EXHIBITION Salvador Dalí. On display is a rich collection of world-renowned graphic art and sculptures, along with a splendid collection of watercolors and drawings. The gold, mother-of-pearl and mirrors accompany visitors to the world of surrealism.
61 - Bruges. Markt and Burg Square are located in the center of the old town and are two good places to start your visit. The Markt is the main square of Bruges. This area is surrounded by colorful shops and restaurants. The Grote Markt in Bruges Market Square. This square was used as a market, and 958, and a weekly market was held here from August 1983 to 985 - almost a thousand years! Today the square is surrounded by large banks (with ATMs), a post office and many guild houses converted into restaurants outdoors. The market is full of pedestrians and cyclists, and is a good place to start or end a walking tour of the city. The Belfry is located in the southern end of the market square in Bruges.

De Winden Vier (De Sneeuwberg)
62 - De Vier Winden (From Sneeuwberg) Restaurante.Una fine dining experience at a good price. The restaurant is located on Market Street and is easily distinguished by its small thin TVs placed in the front windows. The restaurant is divided into two spaces. The orange room, which has a large TV screen hanging, and the next room (where no TV), appearing in a romantic light with fireplace, decorated in a classic style, deep reds, wooden beams and candlelight, which creates a much more relaxed atmosphere. The staff is attentive and friendly.
63 - Restaurant Cafe Taverne Lion Belge. Bruges
64 - Bruges offers a wide selection of local, does not mean that all the restaurants serve the same food. Restaurant 't Roeg Praatk' Speelmanshuys.
65 - Mozarthuys Brasserie. This small brewery near the Burg done a fabulous Flemish beef stew. Mozarthuys Brasserie Restaurant (ideal for lunch) is located in the Burg. The Mozarthuys Brasserie is the ideal place to stop for lunch. They also prepare delicious mussels in white wine (another specialty Flemish). Arthie, the Orangerie de San Martin (Martin Group Hotels) Restaurant Bistro, Wollestraat 10, 8000 Bruges
66 - Typical restaurant in Bruges. Brugeoise Taverne. Menu type € 16.00 to € 22.00. a la carte (starter, main course, dessert, without wine) from 20.00 € to 30.00 €. Open from 9h to 22h.
67 - Bruges: The belfry and the Cloth Hall. The market square is dominated by the Cloth Hall and the bell tower of 83 meters high, which is one of the symbols of the city. The cloth hall and the façade of the tower dating from 1240. The first tower, however, was destroyed by fire in 1280. At the time of the fire the four wings of the living fabric already existed, and the two segments of the square tower. The present octagonal cupola was added to the tower between 1482 in 1486. The wooden spire atop the tower was again destroyed by fire in 1741. After the last fire and was never rebuilt. As in most cities of the Netherlands the tower, was the place where the records of the city have been preserved. At the same time, these towers were used as watchtowers. Inside the tower, each bell has a distinct sound and a function (eg the danger bells, the bells of important announcements, bells to indicate the time, etc..)
68-night Bruges with bell tower in the background, the most typical landscape of Bruges. At night it is advisable to give a ride to see the sights of Bruges in the channel Dijver and ilumninados bell tower.
69 - Bruges by bicycle. Bruges is a city cyclist. In most one-way streets in the center, you can travel in both directions. In the larger streets outside the old town, mostly have bike lanes. There are many bicycle rental shops and is by far the most popular form of transportation in Bruges. If staying in a hostel, you may be able to get a bike for free or get a discount. If we look for a bike rental shop is likely to have to give about 20 euros as a deposit to be returned later and the rent will be around 9-12 euros per bike. There are many small towns around Bruges to which you can easily get on a bike and is a nice trip to do once we know the city.

Brujas: El Ayuntamiento y la Plaza de Burg
70-Bruges: The Town Hall and the Burg. Bruges is a city with two seats. The bigger the market, the commercial heart of medieval Bruges. The second place is called "Burg". Here he was, and still is, the heart of the administrative Bruges. It was here that Count Baldwin I had a fortified castle built to protect the area against the Normans and Vikings. The castle has long gone and the main religious building of Bruges, the church of San Donatius, which stood on the opposite side of the town hall. Where was the church there is now a small wall, and a partial reconstruction of the walls of the church choir. It was built here after San Donatius foundations in 1955. The church was built around 900. The central part was octagonal, like the cathedral of Charlemagne in the German city of Aachen that inspired. The place of prayer dates from 900 and was replaced in the 12th century a Romanesque church. This version of the church of San Donatius was destroyed in 1799 during the French occupation of the Southern Netherlands. Some of the art treasures went to other churches (Cathedral of San Salvador in Bruges). Several celebrities are buried in San Donatius: Gunhilde Princess (1087), the Flemish painter Jan van Eyck (1441) and the Spanish philosopher Juan Luis Vives (1540).
71 - Bruges: The Town Hall and the Burg. Count Baldwin I had a fortified castle built to protect the area against the Normans and Vikings. One of the most beautiful buildings of Bruges can be seen here is the Gothic Town Hall of 1376. It was one of the first municipalities in the Netherlands Monumental. On the facade are six gothic windows. The front also shows the weapons the city and villages that were under the administrative domain of Bruges. There are 48 niches for statues. The original statues (biblical figures and counts of Flanders), were demolished during the aftermath of the French Revolution. Their 19th century replacements have been changed to more modern. In the entrance hall there is a staircase leading to the so-called Gothic Hall (1386-1401). This room was decorated in 1895 with neo-gothic wall paintings that illustrate the most important events in the history of Bruges. The Burg square is really a sample of European architectural styles. Beside the Gothic town hall is the old Civil Registry in renaissance style. (1534-1537). The decorative statues were also smashed to pieces in 1792, but later reformed. The bronze statues represent Justice, Moses and Aaron. Since 1883 the building is used as Peace Court. On the left is the old Court neo-classicist style. (1722-1727). Inside this building is located the famous TV 'Brugse Vrije'. The chimney was built between 1528 and 1581 in wood, alabaster and marble, to commemorate the victory of Emperor Charles V against the French king Francis I at Pavia. The old Court now houses the tourist information center of Bruges.

Pub Cathedraak en Brujas.
72 - Pub Cathedraak in Bruges. Cathedraak is a gay nightclub where often several resident DJs. Should you happen too soon can also come and admire the gothic environment.
73 A view of one of the many canals running through the medieval city of Bruges, and the bell tower. Bruges, also known as the Venice of the North, has a population of over 117,000, of which 20,000 live in the historic center a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city was founded by Vikings in the ninth century, and from the 12th to the 15th century, Bruges became an important center of trade due to its location near the North Sea and its canals, but in 1500, his muddy main channel began, and the city fell into despair until tourism and a new harbor have given new life in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Bell Tower was built in the 13th century. Inside the tower, 48 bells are 366 steps to reach the top. In 2008, a film by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson called In Bruges was filmed almost entirely in the city.
74 - Festival of Bruges Centraal. 'Installing feu - Company Carabosse': Path poetic and festive installations made with fire. After being Cultural Capital of Europe in 2002 and Corpus Bruges 05 Bruges in 2010 is back with a cultural map of festivals. The theme is "Central Europe". For four months, Central Bruges will attract people to an intense and varied selection of concerts, movies, shows and exhibitions. The program has been developed in collaboration with cultural institutions in Bruges and the various local actors.
75 - Brugge Centraal. Every five years Bruges is the setting for a cultural festival. This time the creative people in the area and several Central European artists are taking over the city. For four months, Central Bruges will attract people to an intense and varied selection of concerts, movies, shows and exhibitions. The program balances East and West, past and present, confrontation and harmony. The path of modern art 'Luc Tuymans: A Vision of Central Europe and the historical exhibition' Van Eyck to Dürer are the protagonists of this important event. 'Installing feu - Company Carabosse': Road poetic and festive installations made with fire

Bruselas cuenta con dos aeropuertos de primer orden situados en Zaventem

Bruges: Tripadvisor winner

No need many words to describe Bruges: and his name alone evokes a magical and unforgettable. Those who have visited him say a walk in Bruges is a journey to the past, a fairy tale come true.
If you want a map of Bruges can download it here or you can ask us to send you a paper plane.
Bruges is only an hour by train from Brussels, all equally excited. The views of canals, historic buildings, its romantic, leave their mark on your memory. The historic center of Bruges was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.
800 years ago, Bruges was the first major capital of the County of Flanders and one of the main commercial cities of Europe. Currently, within the walls of the city you can see a huge number of monuments and art treasures. The walls, towers and gates to the medieval town is still virtually intact. In recent years vehicular traffic is regulated in favor of pedestrians. Therefore it is advisable to leave your car in one of the parking places located within walking distance of downtown. The most appropriate way to visit Bruges is to walk slowly to enjoy all its charms. You can also opt for a boat trip exploring its medieval canals, during which you can admire the beauty of this city with a different perspective.
The heart of Bruges is located in the Grote Markt or Plaza Mayor, surrounded by glorious facades as the Provincial Palace, the living tissue or "From Cloth Hall" and the imposing monument known as Atalaya, symbol of freedom and autonomy Bruges. In the Basilica of the Holy Blood XII century, located in the fortress (Burg), saved the relic of the Holy Blood of Jesus Christ. The Cathedral of San Salvador, meanwhile, is the oldest parish church in Bruges. The Church of Our Lady has the highest brick tower of the city.
Be sure to visit the Lace Center and School where you can learn to make lace and visit the museum. Another must visit Bruges is its peaceful Beguine, reminiscent of the Middle Ages in the heart of the city.
Bruges also has a modern and dynamic aspect: in 2002 he was European Cultural Capital, which served to revitalize the city and launch a series of highly topical projects, as its new auditorium or Concertgebouw, an impressive concert hall, with a varied program of performances and concerts.
Bruges will surprise you with its rich calendar of cultural events. One of the most striking is the Procession of the Holy Blood, the end of spring. Also worth Channels Feasts, or "Reiefeesten", held every three years and recall medieval Bruges. During the famous Cactus Festival, which takes place in the romantic park Minnewater concerts you can hear blues, reggae and world music.
And if you want an alternative to the most popular routes on the outskirts of Bruges find quiet trails, green meadows and colorful landscapes. Do not miss the small town of Damme, just 30 minutes by boat from one of the most beautiful canals of Flanders.
The Museum of the chip:
The Friet Museum or the Museum of the chip, whose slogan is' go tot patat friet "ie," a fried potato "is defined as unique in the world, since it only shows the history of the potato and the chip. The museum is housed in an impressive building of S. XIV, and houses more than 400 ancient objects used in the handling of the potatoes. Is also interested in the origin of the chip and the presence of this delicacy in art. After the visit you can taste the "frietjes" in the medieval cellar. www.frietmuseum.be

  Bruges at dusk Until the fifteenth century , Bruges fue one of the most prosperous cities in the continent . His network of canals , which muchas veces por has been compared with Venice, which DID fuera an important trading center of Northern Europe.

Bruges : practical guide pdf

The Anonymity Bruges who lived during more than four centuries has Hecho sea one of the medieval town of conservadas better world. It was founded in the eleventh century a fortress Surroundings ninth century .

Bruges at dusk
Until the fifteenth century , Bruges fue one of the most prosperous cities in the continent . His network of canals , which muchas veces por has been compared with Venice, which DID fuera an important trading center of Northern Europe.

In the late fifteenth century , the river cuando Zwin encenagó to the city comenzaria a time of decay .

The beginning of the twentieth century , the city cuando estaba muy abandoned and mired in Poverty , fue Objet deep restoration , in becoming an important tourist destination .

Currently , more than 3 million of Travelers Visitanos sus cobbled streets each year , turning it into the most visited city of Belgium , Brussels without saying . Bruges is the capital of the region of West Flanders and , since the year 2000 , World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

What view in Bruges
Although Bruges is a small city and is difficult to escape something about bone detail , algunos de los monuments that you can not perderos (y con los que os encontraréis ) Siguientes them are :

Bruges , Belfort Canal and the
Plaza Mayor : There is also Calling Markt , this plaza is the nerve center of Bruges. It is a striking WELCOMING ALL Market on Saturdays .
Belfort : It is located in the plaza above the tower and is more characteristic of Bruges. From the tallest part , to 83 feet high and 365 trans subir floors , is obtienen las mejores vistas of the city.
Burg : Second most importante plaza of the city. Compite with the former being the most beautiful Bruges.
Stadhuis : The most characteristic building of the Town Hall Burg is sin duda . His façade dates from the late fourteenth century .
Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk : The Church of Our Lady is the most famous church of Bruges and its 122 meter tower is the tallest in Belgium .
If os gustan los There are two museums worth noting that merece : Museo Gruuthuse , a medieval manor house retreats five centuries ago , and the Groening Museum , the Art Museum of Bruges most importante .

If Tene tiempo suficiente not wasted dar a boat ride by the canals .

Cuanto tiempo dedicated to Bruges
Bruges is a lovely city but it suficientemente for Small mucha gente to finish most boring booth middle of day . Hacer lo más normal visit one day but sleep in sin city .

How to get to Bruges
Although you always carry ir Charter bus or rent a car, it is more usual to arrive by train or an outing with organizad :

Train: Option comfortable and quick for them to decidan ir a su air. The cualquier precio train station from Brussels is 18.80 € per journey you and they can take the durations of approximately one hour.
Organizad excursion : This option is the most recommendable interesante y . For just € 34 Recoger bone in the hotel in Bruges bear bone in a minibus , a guided tour in English Hare , tendréis books for four hours to enjoy the city vuestro air and bone except back to the hotel. Pruning book excursion to Bruges pulsando here .
Guided tours in Spanish
If you do not habe tour booked in from Brussels but Quéré MAKE guided by Bruges in Spanish , We offer a 2.5 -hour ride by just € 15 per person :

Guided tour by Bruges

Two days in Bruges : What to Do

 

Being one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and being only 90 km. Bruges Brussels becomes one of the most visited cities in the world. The main attraction for tourists is its historical center , UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. One advantage is that the old town is perfectly graspable walk (and by boat through its channel network ) with its relatively small

Being one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and being only 90 km. Bruges Brussels becomes one of the most visited cities in the world. The main attraction for tourists is its historical center , UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. One advantage is that the old town is perfectly graspable walk (and by boat through its channel network ) with its relatively small.

Most of its route is the thirteenth century and has come largely intact to this day despite having suffered the ravages of two world wars. A visit is convenient new app "Visit Bruges" application and of course the Brugge City Card for 48 hours. Read more here.

DAY 1

48 hours in Bruges : Must schedule
TOERISME BRUGGE
Brugge City Card
The Brussels Airlines flight from Madrid , Barcelona and Bilbao, from 79 euros. Once in the city leave things in the hotel and remember to purchase the Brugge City Card. The board of the City of Bruges can be ordered online and is available in Bruges in the tourist information offices in the city, at the station and at the Concertgebouw .

9:00 H. CAFETERIA " KLEIN Venetie " ( THE LITTLE VENICE )

There are many places for breakfast in Bruges, but none like this has a terrace cafe located in Braambergstraat 1, wherein the edge of the canal and along the Dijver Rozenhoedkaai ( Muelle del Rosario ), the starting point for many canal cruises . If you feel strong , a strong base of profiteroles beer and toast breakfast. Also the classic hot chocolate and waffles (Dutch , waffles ) .

9:30 H CANAL WALK

The many canals in Bruges have given the unoriginal nickname " Venice of the North " , although ironic Bruges' like to say that Venice is " The Witches of the South" . We take one of the many boats in the Rozenhoedkaai ( Pandreitje street) , probably the most photographed of the city. There are several types of cruises , the most common is 40 minutes and costs 6 € . The walk helps us get an idea of ??what the city center then will travel on foot. The Heritage Walk tells the story of Bruges by information boards at key locations in the city . Read more here.

These days we can also make the Winter Walk, a way to explore the city on foot with a guided tour . Free with the Brugge City Card.

10:30 PM Burgplein (PLAZA DEL CASTILLO)

West of Breidelstraat ( Harness Horse Street , an avenue of shops curd ) is Burgplein ( Castle Square ) , the administrative center of the city with numerous monumental buildings. Among the highlights of the city council , the fourteenth century , with a spectacular flamboyant Gothic facade . Get the inside costs 2 € ( from 9:00 to 17:00 h . ) And can see a good collection of great nineteenth-century tapestries , decorative objects, antique furniture and a spectacular polychrome vault.

At the output we can see right the striking facade of the Basilica of the Holy Blood ( Holy Blood ) Gothic style , built on a Romanesque church of the twelfth century. The relic is displayed to the public every Friday. The chapel is open access , enter the treasure chamber is free with the Brugge City Card.
Hours: April through September from 9:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00. During the rest of the year from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00.

13:30 amand H. DEN RESTAURANT ( SINT Amandsstraat , 4 )

The gastronomy is another attraction of Bruges, a city with more Michelin stars per capita . Between 1 November and 28 February , Monday to Friday , a number of upscale restaurants have joined in the call Winter Lunch (Lunch Winter ) , a gourmet meal consisting of a single dish , prepared with local ingredients region .

One of those restaurants is Den Amand, Sint Amandsstraat 4 situated in a secluded pedestrian plaza within walking distance of Grote Markt (Market Square ) . Franco-Belgian cuisine appreciated by both tourists and Bruges' own . Meat, fish and vegetables in season , without forgetting the typical mussels cooked with celery , eel cooked in a thousand ways , and " waterzoï " sea fish and river stewed with vegetables. More information about dining here proposed .

15:00 H. CHURCH OF OUR LADY

48 hours in Bruges : Must schedule
TOERISME BRUGGE
Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady , the Bell Tower and the Cathedral of San Salvador, are the three buildings that define the skyline of Bruges. The Our ??Lady ( Onze- Lieve- Vrouwekerk , in Dutch) , with a height of 122.3 meters , is the second tallest brick building in Europe (the first is in Turin). It was built in Gothic style in the thirteenth century with baroque downstream applications. It houses the famous Madonna and Child ( Madonna of Bruges ) by Michelangelo.

Of particular interest are around : the Bonifaciusbruggetje Bridge ( San Bonifacio or Lovers Bridge ) in an idyllic and secluded park Hof Arents , especially for romantic couples . FREE with the Brugge City Card.

16.00 H. Belfort ( BELL )

It is undoubtedly the most famous tower in Brugge, but with 83 meters is not the highest , but its harmonic structure makes is considered the most beautiful . In its upper part contains a carillon of 47 bells sounded every quarter of an hour the last seven centuries. It is worth climbing the 366 steps of the staircase to enjoy the panoramic view, which , on clear days, reaching up to the North Sea. Monday to Sunday from 9:30 to 17:00 h. € 5. Free with the Brugge City Card , a card that gives free access to 26 museums and attractions for 48 hours (35 € ) and can be downloaded here.

17:00 H. Historium BRUGGE

From November 25 will be open to the public a spectacle unparalleled called " Historium Brugge " located in Grote Markt , 1. A journey of 35 minutes by the medieval magic of Bruges where the film are mixed , music and art to over seven themed rooms you have to put into play all five senses. Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 h . € 11 . Read more here. With the Brugge City Card you get a 25 % discount.

18:00 H. CATHEDRAL OF SAN SALVADOR

Bruges Cathedral is San Salvador , the oldest religious building in the city. It is also very near the Grote Markt . The beauty of its facade often take a back seat to the slender tower of the late twelfth century and 100 feet high. Bruges' Some say that between this tower and Our Lady is a secular rivalry.

Inside you can see many works of art that formerly belonged to the former Cathedral of San Donato . Remarkable tapestries , made by Van der Borcht , and under the body an impressive sculpture of God the Father made ??in white marble by Arthur Quellin .

19:00 H. MUNICIPAL THEATRE ( KONINKLIJKE Stadsschouwburg )

Bruges is a city steeped in culture every day , not just the 2002 year was declared a Cultural Capital of Europe. Among its many theaters Municipal ( Koninklijke Stadsschouwburg , Vlamingstraat , 29) is one of the most active and best preserved , although after opening the ultra Concertgebouw in 2002 it has passed a non-negligible number 2. Since 1869 he has served as the backdrop for the Performing Arts . Most of the works are in Dutch or French. Check the schedule here. 25 % Discount with the Brugge City Card.

21:00 H. SANS CRAVATE RESTAURANT ( Langestraat , 159)

48 hours in Bruges : Must schedule
TOERISME BRUGGE
Restaurant Sans Cravatte
As its name suggests (No Neck) is a restaurant without too ceremonial despite having a Michelin star pretensions. Contemporary kitchen with personality and a distinctly French touch .

DAY 2

H. 9.30 CHOCOLATE " CHOCOLATE LINE" ( SIMON Stevinplein 19 )

There is a cafe , but maybe the best chocolate in the world eat and why we started here the second and last day in Bruges. Belgium is the country of chocolate , its quality and its history. Chocolates (pralines) were invented by Jean Neuhaus in 1912. Bruges is the city with most manufacturers Shops - over 50 .

Persoone Dominique, owner and artist of Chocolate Line, is considered the best chocolate in the world. His shop is one of the only three sweet shop listed in the Michelin Guide. Not a traditional breakfast , but here we try a "Tequila " two or three chocolate flakes and a little salt madox dropper with tequila.

And many other specialties , always based on selected chocolates : coca -cola , ginger , curry , wasabi , sake, tabasco fried onions , tea , laurel, leaf snuff , asparagus , lavender and even explosive peta - zetas .

11.00 H. groeningemuseum MUSEUM ( Dijver , 11)

Free with the Brugge City Card. Of the 26 major museums of Bruges, the Groeninge ( Dijver , 11) has one of the best collections of the Flemish Primitives ( Jan van Eyck, Hugo van der Goes, Hans Memling, Gerard David ... ), but also major works Renaissance , Baroque, Expressionism ...

Open daily , except Monday , from 9:30 to 17:00 h. The entry , which costs 8 € , you have access to the museum Arentshuis also located nearby. Free with The CITYCARD Brugge . Even a quick check of its eleven rooms will not take less than two hours . More on the art and history here.

PATRICK H. DEVOS 13.30 ( Zilverstraat 41, 8000 BRUGGE )

In the heart of Bruges , the chef Patrick Devos is an impressive full story building . The four halls date from four periods of different styles, and each one is a real gem . The garden terrace completes the picture. In this unique atmosphere , offers a gastronomic Patrick Devos , innovative and light cuisine . A mixture of pure flavors , organic vegetables and optimal harmony between wine and delicacies. The chef works with only the best quality products, mainly in the region. Therefore , it is logical that through the years , the restaurant has managed to build an excellent reputation .

15:30 H. STREET minnewater

Minnewater was once a pier where boats moored covering the regular line between Bruges and Ghent. Today is a canalized lake that leads to the quiet garden square Wijngaardplein .

There we can feed the swans, symbol of the city . According to legend, in the fifteenth century had been executed in this city an administrator who worked under the orders of Maximilian of Austria. His name was Pieter lanchals ( Pedro Cuellolargo ) and the archduke, in its report, sent to bring swans channels and on the coat of arms of the family lanchals figurase a white long-necked swan .

16:30 H. the Beguine ( PRINSELIJK BEGIJNHOF Wijngaarde TEN )

It is a joint Nordic-style houses that he built in 1245 Constantinoble Daisy (daughter of Count Baldwin , conqueror of Constantinople, Countess of Flanders) to serve as beaterio . It is opposite the square since 1928 Wijngaardplein and pious women not reside there , but Benedictine nuns . The central courtyard landscaped with grass, flowers and poplar is a haven of peace in the middle of town. You can visit the convent from 10:00 to 17:00 h . 2 € ??.

18:00 H. CONCERT HALL ( CONCERTGEBOUW )

This modern building of controversial architecture was built in the neighborhood T Zand occasion of the European Capital of Culture 2002. Besides a large theater with 1,290 seats on three levels, has a living chamber music with capacity for 320 spectators . Downstairs is Café Concert Hall and you can climb to the terrace, which overlooks an interesting overview of Bruges.

Constantly offers all kinds of music-related events. Check schedule here. 25 % Discount with the Brugge City Card

21.00 H. VAN OOSTENRIJK Maximiliaan RESTAURANT ( Wijngaardplein 16)

The restaurant Maximiliaan van Oostenrijk ( Maximilian of Austria ) is one of the most beautiful areas of the city , between the Beguine and Minnewater park. In good weather , dine on the terrace beside the Lake of Love is a delight, but its interior is also very interesting : medieval rooms with wooden ceilings . Traditional Belgian cuisine by the chef Hendrik Hostens . House pate , ham Flanders , flounder , eels in green sauce , cod , mussels in white wine ... menu for 22 € .

 

 

 


Año Nuevo. El lugar de celebración