It opened its gates in 1975 and is considered one of the most classic football stadiums in Europe, having one of the warmest atmospheres. In 2000 it hosted matches for the final phase of the UEFA Euro. Its capacity is 29,062 spectators. It is worth taking the tour of the stadium and visiting the club’s Museum.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO JAN BREYDEL STADIUM
*** BUS: 5, 25, 52.
*** TRAIN: IC, L
BRUGGE: THE CITY WHERE FAIRYTALES COME TO LIFE
The medieval style of the city and its canals of fairytale beauty create a collage of images that will make you fall in love with the city. The beautiful towers, the cobbled streets of incomparable beauty and the picturesque squares will seduce you and make you want to make it your travel destination every year.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +32
Nearest airports from city center: Antwerp Airport (96km), Brussels Airport (107km), Charleroi Airport (151km), Eindhoven Airport (179km), Eindhoven Airport (205km), Amsterdam Airport (235km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** BELFORT and MARKET SQUARE (Markt 7, 8000 Brugge)
The impressive tower, which is 83 meters high, dates from the 13th century. Climb the 366 steps and see the impressive view. As you climb the stairs, see the treasury dating back to the Middle Ages and everything used to ring the tower’s 47 bells.It is located in the Market Square, which for years was the site of medieval festivals, trade fairs and even executions and is now the meeting place of the locals.
*** CHURCH OF OUR LADY (Mariastraat, 8000 Brugge)
It took about two centuries to completely build the church, from the 13th to the 15th century. It first opened its gates in 1210 and its height is 122 meters. Among other things, see up close the Carrara marble sculpture Madonna and Child by Michelangelo.
*** BASILICA OF THE HOLY BLOOD (Burg 13, 8000 Brugge)
It opened its gates in 1157 and is essentially a double temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Basil. It has a Romanesque and neo-Gothic character, where the relic of the Holy Blood is kept.
*** CHOCO – STORY (Wijnzakstraat 2, 8000 Brugge)
See the history of chocolate and cocoa, from the time of the Mayans and the Spanish conquistadors to the present day. See how chocolates are made by hand and have the chance to explore the museum, playing and looking for chocolates!
*** HISTORIUM BRUGES (Markt 1, 8000 Brugge)
In this unique museum you will be told the story of medieval Bruges and you will experience the magical Golden Age of the city.
*** BRUGES CITY HALL (Burg 12, 8000 Brugge)
Ιt is a Town Hall – Museum! It opened its gates in 1421 and is one of the oldest in Belgium and the Netherlands. For over six centuries, the city has been governed in this building which features a beautiful Gothic style hall, 20th century frescoes of the history of Bruges and an impressive dome.
*** FRIETMUSEUM (Vlamingstraat 33, 8000 Brugge)
Belgium is the country whose inhabitants love potatoes and even have them as street food. In this museum you will see the History of Belgian potato production. It is the only potato museum in the world! Do not miss it…
*** SAINT JOHN’S HOSPITAL (Mariastraat 38, 8000 Brugge)
It is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe and dates back to the middle of the 12th century! Stroll through the medieval chambers, church, chapel, pharmacy and enjoy the collection of art and medical instruments.
*** BRUGES BEER EXPERIENCE (Breidelstraat 3, 8000 Brugge)
Beer lovers will find that this is not a museum like any other. It is an interactive experience and you will be able to taste, smell and touch the ingredients of a beer, so that all your senses are stimulated!
*** GRUUTHUSEMUSEUM (Dijver 17, 8000 Brugge)
Visit the museum and you will live an experience of three periods of the city’s history that were particularly crucial. From the Burgundian heyday of the city and the 17th-18th century to the Neo-Gothic style of the 19th century, you will see objects that will impress you. Tapestry, furniture, paintings, sculptures, porcelain, silver cutlery are some of the exhibits that you will have the opportunity to enjoy up close.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan! This authentic family brewery located in the city center is worth a visit and has a tradition of six generations since 1856. The local spicy beer Brugse Zot is produced here!
*** A boat ride on the city’s wonderful canals is a must.
*** Bruges has many parks. Minnewaterpark, Koningin Astridpark and LAGO Brugge Olympia are worth a visit.
*** Take a relaxing walk on the Damme Canal.
*** A visit to the Diamond Museum will impress you. There are other museums that should be worth your attention, such as Guido Gezellemuseum, Museu da Tortura Oude Steen Bruges, Museum – Gallery XPO Salvador Dalí and Arentshuis.
*** The beautiful Streekhuis Castle Tillegem will fascinate you.
FOOD AND DRINK
It’s the city of chocolate, waffles and beer! Be sure to try mussels cooked with onions and celery (moules-frites), beef stew with beer (Carbonade flamande) and traditionally cooked meats served with grilled vegetables. It goes without saying that frites should be on your menu, whether at lunch or dinner, or when you want a quick meal while walking. Of course you will find all cuisines (Asian, American, Latin American and many European).
WHERE TO STAY
The city center is the perfect place to stay. It will just cost a little more to stay. The Ezelstraat Quarter and Sint-Anna Quarter areas are good options for cheaper accommodation.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** If you like games with a liquid element, then go to Boudewijn Seapark.
*** Very nice choice to spend your time is Sea Life Blankenberge.
*** The Museo Folklórico is an excellent choice to spend your time.
*** Planetarium Volkssterrenwacht Beisbroek is a very good choice if you like space.
*** In the city you will find many malls such as B-Park winkelcentrum, Zilverpand Bruges.
*** In Zuidzandstraat, Noordzandstraat, Smedenstraat, Vlamingstraat, Academiestraat, Geldmunstraat, Philipstockstraat, Hoogstraat, Langestraat and Katelijnestraat, you will find many shops for your shopping.
*** The main shopping streets are in the area between the Markt and the old city gates
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by bike.
CITIES NEAR BRUGGE
Major cities close to Brugge are Ghent (52km), Lille (76km), Antwerp (90km), Brussels (97km), Charleroi (150km), Eindhoven (174km), Rotterdam (175km), Genk (180km), The Hague (195km).
