Bruges

Parking Bruges (Brugge) ? Free Advice!

car parking bruges city centre
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Car Parking in Bruges

Parking in Bruges is easiest if you decide first whether you want to park in the historic centre or just outside it. On this page you can see what to expect from street parking in the inner city, and when an underground car park or Park and Ride makes more sense.

Street parking rates in Bruges

street parking Bruges

The whole inner city of Bruges is a paid parking zone. Above-ground parking is limited to 4 hours and is quite expensive if you stay long.

Above ground, you pay €2.50 for the first hour and then €3.50, €4.50 and €5.50 for the following hours, with a maximum of €16 for 4 hours. Above-ground parking is free from 20:00 to 9:00.

Parking type Rate What to expect
Inner city street parking €2.50 first hour, then up to €16 for 4 hours Paid every day, max. 4 hours
Short stay €0.10 for 30 minutes Useful if you only need a very short stop
Evening above ground Free from 20:00 to 9:00 Useful if you arrive late

Street parking in central Bruges is mainly useful for short visits

If you want to stay several hours in Bruges, an underground car park or a free peripheral parking area is usually the better choice.



Cheap car parking in Bruges: how to do it

cheap parking Bruges

Bruges itself recommends free peripheral car parks and Park and Ride if you do not need to drive into the centre. If you still want to park centrally, underground parking is usually better value than staying above ground.

Parking Centrum-Station is especially practical because you can continue by bus to the city centre for free with up to 3 fellow passengers on the day of arrival.

Street parking Bruges

Paid in the whole inner city Maximum stay 4 hours

Lower-cost option

Peripheral parking or P+R Free and easier for a longer visit

Practical central option

Centrum-'t Zand or Centrum-Station Main underground options close to the centre

Our advice for car parking in Bruges

Parking in Bruges is straightforward once you know that the whole inner city is paid and above-ground parking is limited. For a full day in the city, underground parking or a free peripheral option usually makes more sense.

Based on official City of Bruges and Visit Bruges information about inner-city street parking, evening rates, free peripheral parking and central car parks.

Events in Bruges

Some of the biggest events in Bruges include:

  1. Bruges Beer Festival: This annual festival celebrates Belgium's famous beer culture and takes place in February. Visitors can sample a wide variety of local and international beers while enjoying live music and entertainment.

  2. Procession of the Holy Blood: This religious procession takes place in May and involves a parade of hundreds of participants dressed in medieval costumes. The highlight of the procession is the Holy Blood relic, which is carried through the streets of Bruges.

  3. Cactus Festival: This music festival takes place in July and features performances by local and international artists. It takes place in the beautiful Minnewater Park, which provides a picturesque backdrop for the music.

  4. Bruges Triennial: This event takes place every three years and features contemporary art installations throughout the city. The next Bruges Triennial is set to take place in 2024.

  5. Bruges Christmas Market: This annual market takes place in the historic city center and features a variety of food and drink vendors, as well as stalls selling holiday gifts and decorations. It takes place in November and December.

Popular tourist Attractions in Bruges

  1. The Belfry of Bruges: This iconic bell tower dates back to the 13th century and offers stunning views of the city from the top. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit attraction in Bruges.

  2. The Markt: This historic market square is the heart of the city and is surrounded by impressive medieval buildings, including the Belfry and the Provincial Palace.

  3. The Basilica of the Holy Blood: This Gothic-style church houses a vial of blood that is said to have been collected from Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. It is one of the most important religious sites in Bruges.

  4. The Groeningemuseum: This art museum houses an impressive collection of Flemish and Dutch art from the 15th to the 20th century, including works by Jan van Eyck and Hieronymus Bosch.

  5. The Bruges canals: A boat tour on the picturesque canals of Bruges is a great way to see the city and its stunning architecture from a different perspective.

  6. The Beguinage: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city and features a collection of whitewashed houses, a church, and a tranquil garden.

  7. The Chocolate Museum: Belgium is famous for its chocolate, and this museum provides an interesting and tasty look at the history of chocolate-making in the country.

Events in Brussels

Some of the biggest events in Brussels include:

  1. Brussels Jazz Weekend: This free music festival takes place in May and features jazz performances in various venues throughout the city, including bars, clubs, and outdoor stages.

  2. Belgian Pride: This annual LGBT+ pride festival takes place in May or June and features a parade through the city center, as well as a variety of cultural and social events.

  3. Brussels Summer Festival: This music festival takes place in August and features performances by local and international artists in various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.

  4. Eat! Brussels, Drink! Bordeaux: This food and wine festival takes place in September and offers visitors the chance to sample dishes from some of Brussels' best restaurants and pair them with wines from the Bordeaux region.

  5. Brussels Christmas Market: This annual market takes place in the city center and features festive stalls selling gifts, decorations, and holiday treats. It takes place in November and December.

Popular tourist Attractions in Brussels

  1. The Grand Place: This historic square is the heart of Brussels and is surrounded by stunning architecture, including the Gothic-style Town Hall and the ornate guildhalls.

  2. The Atomium: This iconic landmark was built for the 1958 World's Fair and features a unique design of nine interconnected spheres. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city.

  3. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: This museum complex houses a vast collection of art from the 15th to the 21st century, including works by Flemish and Dutch masters like Rubens and van Gogh.

  4. The Manneken Pis: This small bronze statue of a boy peeing into a fountain has become a symbol of Brussels and is a popular photo spot for visitors.

  5. The Royal Palace of Brussels: This neoclassical palace is the official residence of the King and Queen of Belgium and is open to the public during the summer months.

  6. The Comic Strip Center: Belgium is famous for its comic book culture, and this museum celebrates the country's contributions to the art form, including the beloved character Tintin.

  7. The European Parliament: Brussels is also home to the European Union headquarters, and visitors can tour the Parliament building to learn more about the workings of the EU.