Bruges: The Venice of the North

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [tot zeens]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft
  [al-stu-bleeft]
• Thank youDank u
  [dank oo]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [sor-ry]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hu gaht hut]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [hut. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?
  [spreekt oo en-gels]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-greyp hut neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart zien, alstublieft
  [ik zou khraag duh men-yu-kart zeen, al-stu-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik eet khayn vlees]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag willen betalen, alstublieft
  [ik zou khraag vil-len buh-ta-len, al-stu-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [ga wekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-li-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dok-ter]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben fur-dwahld]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zik]

• I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag willen kopen...
  [ik zou khraag vil-len koh-pen]
• I'm just lookingIk ben gewoon aan het kijken
  [ik ben khuh-woon ahn hut kee-ken]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hu-vel kost hut]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [dat is tuh duhr]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt oo duh prays vuh-rah-ghen]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hu laht is hut]
• It's one o'clockHet is één uur
  [het is ayn ur]
• Half past (10)Half tien
  [half teen]
• MorningOchtend
  [okh-tent]
• AfternoonNamiddag
  [na-mi-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khis-tuh-ren]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-khen]
• 1Eén
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tweh]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [vayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-ven]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khen]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
  [vahr is ayn/de]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vat is hut ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u mij tonen (op de kaart)?
  [kunt oo may toh-nen (op de kaart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-er is duh vol-hen-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ....)
  [ayn ticket (nar)]

Bruges, often referred to as the 'Venice of the North,' traces its origins back to the Roman era. The name 'Bruges' is derived from the Old Dutch word 'brugj', meaning 'bridge'. Its strategic location near the North Sea made it an important trading post during medieval times.

Between the 12th and 15th centuries, Bruges flourished as a major center for trade and commerce. It became one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, known for its thriving wool and cloth industries. The construction of the Belfry of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood during this period are testaments to its prosperity.

The decline of Bruges began in the 16th century due to the silting of the Zwin, the waterway that connected the city to the North Sea. This natural event, coupled with political instability and competition from other trading cities like Antwerp, led to Bruges losing its economic prominence.

Bruges experienced a cultural and economic revival in the 19th century, spurred by the Romantic movement which celebrated medieval art and architecture. The restoration of historical buildings and the burgeoning tourism industry brought new life to the city. Bruges' unique charm and well-preserved medieval architecture began attracting visitors from around the world.

During World War I, Bruges was occupied by German forces but managed to escape significant destruction, unlike many other European cities. In World War II, it was again occupied, but the city remained mostly intact, preserving its historical heritage.

In 2000, the historic center of Bruges was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is now a vibrant cultural hub, renowned for its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and exquisite medieval architecture. Annual events like the Bruges Triennial and the Procession of the Holy Blood continue to celebrate its rich history and culture.

Bruges is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), which is approximately 100 kilometers away. From Brussels Airport, you can take a direct train to Bruges, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST), which is closer but has fewer international flights. From Ostend, you can take a train or taxi to Bruges. If you are coming from other parts of Belgium or Europe, Bruges is easily accessible by train, with frequent services from major cities like Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp. Driving is also an option, with well-maintained highways connecting Bruges to other cities.

Once in Bruges, getting around is straightforward. The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking the best way to explore. For longer distances, you can rent a bicycle from numerous rental shops around the city. Public buses operated by De Lijn cover the city and surrounding areas, and tickets can be purchased at kiosks or via mobile apps. Taxis are available but can be expensive. For a unique experience, consider taking a canal tour by boat to see the city from a different perspective.

The official currency in Bruges is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit places that do not accept cards. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Contactless payments are also commonly accepted, making transactions quick and convenient.

Bruges is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas such as the Markt and train stations. Be vigilant with your belongings and avoid carrying large sums of cash. The neighborhoods within the city center are safe, but as with any tourist destination, always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. The main hospital in Bruges is AZ Sint-Jan, located at Ruddershove 10. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues, and many operate on a 24-hour basis. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably for walking, but also consider smart casual attire for dining out. Avoid overly casual clothing like gym wear in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting churches. Silence your phone and dress modestly. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses. Don't occupy priority seats meant for elderly or disabled passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'hello' or 'bonjour'. A handshake is common in formal situations. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like Belgian waffles, chocolates, and beers. Don't rush your meal; dining is often a leisurely experience.

To experience Bruges like a local, visit the local markets such as the Saturday market at 't Zand Square for fresh produce and regional specialties. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share tips. Don't miss the chance to explore less touristy areas like the Ezelstraat quarter for a more authentic experience. Renting a bike to explore the city and its surroundings is highly recommended. For a unique experience, visit a local brewery like De Halve Maan to learn about Belgian beer culture.