World City Guide

Getting Around

Central Bruges retains its medieval street layout, and is thus not the most car-friendly of cities. By far the best ways to explore its many narrow and winding lanes are either on foot, by bus or by bicycle. The interesting part of city is compact – little more than 1km (0.6 mile) across, and it is only a 15 minute walk from the station, and five minutes’ walk from the other main city parking area at ‘t Zand.

Horse drawn carriage rides can be boarded at Markt (Marketplace), while the canal boats offer another option (see ‘Tours’).

Public Transport
De Lijn (tel: (059) 565353 or (070) 220200; website: www.delijn.be) operates the Bruges city and regional bus services, with more than 50 routes serving the city and surrounding areas including the coast. The main bus terminal is outside the railway station, with many services also stopping at ‘t Zand opposite the new Concert Hall and in the central Markt. Discounted daily passes are available.

Taxis
Taxi stands can be found at Markt (tel: (050) 334444) and at the station (tel: (050) 384660). Local operators include Bruges Taxi Service (tel: (050) 334455; website: www.brugsetaxiservice.com) and Taxi Snel (tel: (050) 363649).

Driving in the City
Central streets can be congested, and on-street parking is limited to designated areas on main streets – other areas require display of a parking disc. Maximum stay between 0900 and 1900 in metered parking spaces is four hours, with the restrictions also applying on Sundays and public holidays.

Car Hire
Rental cars are available from Avis, Koningin Astridlaan 97/7 (tel: 0800 99877 or (050) 394400; website: www.avis.be), Autoverhuur Unirent, Monnikenwerve 181 (tel: (050) 319495; website: www.unirent.be), Europcar, Sint-Peterskaai 48 (tel: (050) 314544; website: www.europcar.be) and Luxauto, Sint-Peterskaai 59 (tel: (050) 314848; website: www.luxauto.be).

Bicycle Hire
Cycles can be rented from De Ketting, Gentpoortstraat 23 (tel: (050) 344196) and Popelier, Mariastraat 26 (tel: (050) 343262) as well as many hotels and hostels.