Experience in Brugge, Belgium, by Evelyne

What is it like to live in Brugge? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Life in Brugge is easy-going. People are really friendly, you can ask them anything, they will always try to help you.

Brugge is a really small city, you can go anywhere by bike or feet. It has a lot of green spaces where it's lovely to walk or sit and watch other people.

What is the student lifestyle like in Brugge?

Brugge isn't really a student-city, but it has a really good nightlife and great shops, so there's everything you need. Also, it's very touristic, but after a few weeks you won't notice that anymore.

How much does it cost to live in Brugge?

Brugge isn't very cheap, just like the other cities in Belgium. Especially the meat costs a lot. You can find the most items at supermarkets and twice a week there's a market in Brugge, which is really good to buy fruits and vegetables.

There are some really good restaurants in the city, but don't go to the ones on the marketplace or 't Zand, because they are to expensive and not very good.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Brugge? Is there any advice you can give?

I don't know.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Try some typical Belgian dishes: moules, chocolate, fries, ribs... Brugge has a great gamma in (cheap) restaurants. You will find everything you want: pizza, chinese, asian, greek... With the ingredients you'll find in the supermarkets you can cook anything you want.

What places would you recommend visiting in Brugge?

Go to some museums: Groeninge museum, gruuthuse... You should definitely go to the Belfry and climb the stairs. When the weather is good, the view is amazing. Walk to the 'Vesten' along the mills.

Is it good to eat out in Brugge? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

1. 'Restaurant Carillon' (Sint-Amandsstraat, 24): you can have a 3-course menu for 19€!
2. 'El Greco' (Sint-Jakobsstraat, 48): Greek restaurant, cheap, atmospheric and on the first friday of the month there's a Greek-evening with music!
3. 'De Republiek' (Sint-Jakobsstraat, 36): it's also a cafe. The cocktails are amazing.

Is the nightlife good in Brugge? Where is good to go?

If you really want to party you should go to 'Eiermarkt' and 'Zand' on fridaynight!

What advice would you give future students heading to Brugge?

Have fun, enjoy, do some touristic things and meet locals!