Getting Around

The center of Bruges is compact and filled with pedestrians-only streets, which makes walking the best way to get around. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes; those charming cobblestones can be hard on your feet.

By Bus

Most city and regional buses, operated by De Lijn (tel. 070/22-02-00; www.delijn.be), depart from the bus station beside the rail station, or from a secondary station at a large square known as 't Zand, and many buses stop at the Markt in the Old Town. Purchase your ticket from a De Lijn sales point or automat before boarding and you'll pay less (the "twin" prices listed here reflect this distinction). An enkele rit (one-way) ticket costs 1.20€/1.60€ ($1.90/$2.55) for two zones, and 2€/2.70€ ($3.20/$4.30) for three or more zones. A dagkaart (day card), valid for the entire city network, costs 5€/6€ ($8/$9.60) for 1 day; 10€/12€ ($16/$19) for 3 days; and 15€/18€ ($24/$29) for 5 days. Children 5 and under ride free.

By Bicycle

Cycling is a terrific way to get around Bruges, or to get out of town to the nearby village of Damme by way of scenic canal-side roads. Unlike most Belgian cities, Bruges has made cyclists privileged road users. They can travel in both directions on many of the narrow, one-way streets in the center city -- but some streets are one-way only and you'll be fined if you're caught riding against the traffic flow. Ride with caution, because the streets are filled with visitors, many of whom have no experience of bikes en masse and are liable to step in front of you without looking.

Rent a pedal-bike from the rail station, for 9€ ($14) per day; you get a discount on rentals of 3 days or more. In addition, many hotels rent bikes to guests, and there are at least a dozen rental stores around town. A good one is De Ketting, Gentpoortstraat 23 (tel. 050/34-41-96), for 6€ ($9.60) a day.

By Car

Don't drive. Leave your car at your hotel parking lot (if it has one), at one of six big, prominently labeled underground parking garages in the center (these get expensive for long stays), at one of four cheap park-and-ride lots beside the rail station, or at a free parking zone outside the center city. It's a short walk into the heart of the old city from any of the parking lots. Driving the narrow streets, many of them one-way, can be confusing. Parking rules are firmly enforced, and unlawfully parked cars will be ticketed, wheel-clamped, or towed.

By Taxi

There are taxi stands at the Markt (tel. 050/33-44-44) and outside the rail station on Stationsplein (tel. 050/38-46-60).