Bruges photography guide

Bruges is a city that knows how to celebrate, offering a multitude of frequent and diverse festivals, concerts and events. During the warmer months, especially summer, you'll encounter a delightful array of street performers in the Market & Burg squares, so keep your eyes peeled for captivating performances.

One of the most photo-worthy events is the Procession of the Holy Blood, which takes place in late May. During this vibrant spectacle, hundreds of locals don exotic period costumes and parade through the streets of Bruges, creating a captivating visual feast. Other noteworthy events, include the Pageant of the Golden Tree held every 5 years and De Triennale, held every three years. 

Since 2016, the local hotel association, Discover Bruges, has introduced the fantastic Costumes de Venice in Bruges initiative in January. Witness the city truly transform into the "Venice of the North" as these stunningly adorned masked visitors take over the usually serene side of the year.

Bruges hosts a delightful Christmas market in the main square, from late November until January. The streets come alive with vibrancy, offering abundant photo opportunities and a warm seasonal ambiance that fills the air with generous cheer.

If possible, plan a 2 to 3 night stay in Bruges, primarily to experience the ever-changing light and occasionally unpredictable weather. As Bruges is a compact city, this duration allows ample time to explore all the recommended locations. 

Bruges also serves as an excellent base for excursions to nearby areas, particularly the charming village of Damme and the historically significant Flanders Fields in the Leper region.

If you have just one day to spare, start at the train station and begin with the serene Lake of Love/Behijnhof spot before the crowds arrive. Make your way towards the Market Square, where you can head in any direction to capture the essence of Bruges. The windmills and the surrounding area of St. Ana are particularly easy to navigate and offer abundant photographic opportunities.

Bruges is generally a safe city but do exercise caution and use common sense when it comes to your camera and other valuables. Beware of pickpockets who are often on the lookout for distracted photographers. 

Belgium, like other mainland European Union members, utilizes standard EU 220v two-pin plugs. Primary mobile networks in Bruges are Belgacom and BASE, and free public Wi-Fi is commonly available in cafes. 

Within the city ring, you can generally park almost anywhere unless specified otherwise (follow the guidelines of the grey parking meters). Between 9 am and 8 pm, parking is often limited to 4 hours. Just outside the city ring (the "Blauw Zone"), you can park for free for a maximum of 4 hours by displaying a blue EU parking disc.

A good plan is to use the Park & Ride service at the train station which includes a return bus ticket to the city center. Exploring Bruges on foot or by bicycle remains the best way to navigate the city.