Experience in Brugge, Belgium by Wendy

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

Brugge is an amazingly beautiful city! It is well known for it's old and well-kept architecture. Some claim that they feel like they have gone back in time while being able to enjoy the privileges of modern life.

Brugge is always bustling with people and tourists, be it on a sunny day as when it is pouring. This allows you to experience a wide diversity of cultures. (And people in Brugge can therefore also often communicate in English).

The public transportation there is great! They have trains, lots of busses, etc. Having a bus pass is certainly a good idea! While I live in a small town about 15 minutes from Brugge, it is a city we often go to for shopping, walking around, dining out, etc. 10/10 would recommend!

What is the student lifestyle like in Brugge?

Be prepared to eat a lot of fries... The things they have there 'Frituur' are places that are going to become a second home for a lot of you. They often sell fries which you can eat with nothing else or combine it with fried meats. Don't ask what they contain, no one knows! (Which might not be a bad thing... ).

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

Don't be afraid to try the thing they sell through a hole in the wall. Often, these food places don't have anywhere for you to sit inside and you will often just have to eat standing up, but these are often the best tasting foods! Waffels, Crepes, Sandwhiches...

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What places would you recommend visiting in Brugge?

There are so many wonderful places in Brugge! It really depends on what you want to see. For all the typical tourists out there who want to enjoy beautiful buildings (And yes, Belgium's most prominent religion is Catholicism).

1. Markt (Perfect for a bit of shopping and stopping for a bite to eat)
2. The Belfry
3. Church of our Lady
4. Basilica of the Holy Blood
5. Groeningemuseum (18th, 19th-century and modern artwork)
6. Choco-story (Beglium is well-known for it's chocolate... don't miss the chocolate museum! )
7. City Hall
8. St. Salvator's Cathedral
9. Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan (Another thing Belgians pride themselves on is their beer. This brewery has guided tours... Worthwhile! )
10. Frietmuseum (Did you know french fries aren't really french? They were first created in Belgium! This museum tells more on their history and you get a free sample)
11. Old st. John's Hospital

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

Try all the little bistro's and restaurants (not the big chains). You get to try real Belgian food and will often get to experience the Belgian hospitality (that might mean getting away from the centre and all the excitement. ) Family-run businesses are really enjoyable.

What advice would you give future students heading to Brugge?

1. Don't forget to study
2. Rent a bike! (Or get a buspass, but bike's are the best way to get around)
3. Eat/drink as much chocolate, beer, waffels and fries as you can! Trust me, you will miss it.
4. Get lost... Trust me you will find and see so many cute and unexpected places
5. Don't worry about looking like a tourist, there are so many there, no one cares!
6. Enjoy!

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