Bruges Visitors guide info

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Bruges is a city full of fascinating stories. Cultural, artistic, cosmopolitan and above all enigmatic with a blend of influences from the Middle Ages to modern times. The entire historical city centre is a Unesco World Heritage site.

Strolling through the medieval network of streets or sauntering along the quiet canals and the green moats you will fall hopelessly in love with its elegant secrecy. Thus an intimate place that is best discovered as a couple. In Winter the dimly lit winding streets and the misty canals can
seem even more poetic. As if the city waits for the dark to reveal its best side.
If you map out the strengths of Bruges – no mean feat - you will find culture right at the very top. The city is inundated with cultural events throughout the year: ground-breaking dance routines, fascinating one-man
shows, and entertaining city festivals, alternating with exhibitions with an international allure, ... Bruges has it all, and everything within walking distance.

Love Bruges Visitors guide 2009

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This brand-new Visitors Guide gives all the information necessary for a successful stay in Bruges. Don’t miss the classics served. A few pages further you will find all you want to know about our most important events.
Would you like to set off straight away? Then leaf through to the three themed walks and discover Bruges whilst sauntering along its historic streets and squares.
Bruges, Proud World Heritage City neatly presents all highlights: an absolute must for first-time visitors. The Bruges: B of Burgundian takes you back to Bruges’ Golden Age, showing you a northern city with a southern character, whereas Strolling Through Silent Bruges goes off the beaten track. A great experience from start to finish.

All practical information – from opening times and admission charges to bike rentals – is carefully compiled at the back of the guide.

Bruges world heritage city

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For centuries the canals of Bruges have linked the city to the sea, a guarantee of wealth and prosperity. International merchants built up Bruges into one of the largest Hanse cities. In the 15th century the city flourished as never before. Large parts of the medieval heritage remained
practically intact. It is thus logical that UNESCO designated the entire
city centre as a world heritage site. Saunter along the enigmatic canals, the arteries of the city, and immerse yourself in Bruges’ Golden Century

Fabulous Flanders

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Glorious Brussels
Coastal Gems on the Flemish Coast
Ypres Pilgrimage
Mussels and More
From Beer to Jenever
At the Cutting Edge of Fashion

So what is it about Flanders that captivates our visitors, making them want to come back time and again?
First timers are amazed to discover that a small region, so close to home has so much to offer. But cobbled streets and picture perfect canals are only part of the story… the Flemish take their food seriously, so there are restaurants aplenty.
And if you want to combine relaxation with culture or shopping, you can admire works by Flemish Masters, or buy creations by cutting edge designers.

Guide 2009 for tourist attractions and museums in West-Flanders

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West-Vlaanderen has a long list of 43 tourist attractions and museums in store for you. You can choose from a wide range of activities, recreational possibilities and visits.

The Great War in the Flanders Fields Country

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4th August 1914 - 11th November 1918: the start and the end of the First World War - two crucial dates in the history of the Westhoek.
For four long years this tiny corner of Belgium was the setting for the ‘Great War’. More than half a million soldiers were killed, wounded or missing. Tens of thousands of ordinary men and women were forced to flee their homes. Towns, villages and even the very countryside itself were blasted into oblivion.
Even today, this global conflagration still determines to a large degree the appearance of the modern Westhoek. Numerous memorials, cemeteries and war sites dominate the landscape, underlining the impact that the First World War had on this region. The war almost seems to have become part of the ground over which it was fought.
The constant retelling of personal reminiscences by survivors and their families and the continuing acts of remembrance show that the memory of this terrible conflict is by no means starting to fade.
On the contrary, the influence of the First World War in the Westhoek is clear for all to see. During the last 10 years a number of major initiatives have been launched to preserve the historical heritage of the ‘Great War’ and to make this heritage accessible to a wide public.
Moreover, this spirit of remembrance has given rise to a second and equally important idea: the idea of ‘no more war’, the Westhoek’s message of peace to the world.

Ghent Dazzlingly Authentic

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As you leaf through this brochure, you will soon see why: wonderful historical buildings and monuments in perfect harmony with more modern additions, and three stately towers form the magnificent skyline. Thanks to the largest pedestrianized area in Belgium, you can admire this unique treasure trove of historical heritage undisturbed.
But leafing through this brochure is, of course, not enough. Only by walking around yourself will you experience what really makes Ghent unique and, once again, that means the inhabitants of Ghent themselves.
Because Ghent is alive and kicking. Its cultural establishments attract full audiences, its shopping streets and markets teem with activity and cafés and restaurants only close their doors in the early hours of the morning.

Leuven

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Leuven is very proud of both its past and its heritage, and rightly so. There is a lot to see and to do in and around Leuven.
Although the first references to the town can be traced back
as far as the 9th century and in spite of its strategic location on
the river Dyle, it was not until around the 11th-12th century that Leuven began to develop as an important trading centre within the Duchy of Brabant. It was at this time that its first town wall, churches, monasteries and abbeys were built.
The town’s once flourishing cloth trade had fallen into decline
by the 14th century, but a new golden age dawned with the 15th century. The university was founded (1425), various industrial concerns flourished and the main market square with its fine Gothic Town Hall was laid out.

Ypres

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Ypres is a city with a very rich and varied past.
During the Middle Ages Ypres was a flourishing trading centre. In those days Ypres was one of the main Flemish cloth centres next to Bruges and Ghent.
The impressive cloth hall bears witness to this golden age. Saint Martin’s cathedral and the splendid ramparts also date back to this period.
During the First World War the charming town was reduced to a heap of rubble. Ypres was almost entirely destroyed by four years of senseless violence. The citizens of Ypres rebuilt their city with respect for the past.

Guide 2009 for tourist attractions and museums in Belgium

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The last edition of the Guide to Tourist Attractions & Museums in Belgium, the best tool you can have for discovering entire Belgium!

Ostend Visitors guide info

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To help you find your way around Ostend even more easily, the makers of this edition have explored all the nooks and crannies of the city for you. From back to front, from left to right. As they went along they tried on the latest (swimwear) fashions for you, found you the most original souvenir and tested the best outdoor cafés and the most delectable restaurants.

Bruges and Brussels

Press the play button to start the video and see Rick Steves travelling in Belgium!
This is a low resolution flash file on Google from American Public Television.