We had a post popped onto the forum yesterday by one of users, (Bluewurst), and I thought this was superb – so here you are, the whole post.
I will try here to give some independent, factual advice for your trips, some might be fed some rubbish in some places, some might not want any, but I thought if I could help with one tip, then all good.
As an expat living within walking distance of Belgium, I hope I can pass on some advice garnered personally, and from some Belgian colleagues.
ID
It’s law in Belgium to carry photo ID at all times, this can be a passport (fits into your jeans pocket) or a driving licence is generally accepted. Bear in mind, that as is the case with most countries in Europe, the local plod are not going to bother you unless you are acting like fannies, and then they will be absolute jobsworths and be a right pain.
In over 3 years, I have only been asked for ID once, which was when crossing the border and I was speeding, they were ok till I gave them some lip, then it got very official very quickly!
Just respect plod, you will be ok.
one other thing, covering your face is not on in Belgium (mainly to do with burkhas, but if you cover your face with a hoody/scarf, they will be most dis-chuffed, so don’t do it.
Planes
Two airports, Zaventem (which is close by and have shuttles to Brussels) and Charleroi which is NOT close to Brussels. it is around 50km away!
From Charleroi, there are a couple of ways of getting to Brugge.
Trains (and Buses)
Either get the bus shuttle to Brussels station, then a train to Brugge. The shuttle will take about an hour, the train about 50 mins after that, and same train station.
You can get a combo ticket which will get you by bus to Charleroi south train station, then a train to Brussels and a train then onto Brugge. again, about two hours all in.
DO NOT get a taxi from Charleroi to Brussels, it will be 100 eur, and you might find the local taxi drivers tell you the shuttles are cancelled, which will be bull, and is a favourite scam from Charleroi.
Things to note
If you get the shuttle bus (most will), make sure you notice where the bus drops you, as this is where you will get it on the way back. The station is crap with signage, as the shuttle is independent and not attached to the railways.
The bus will leave about every half hour (apparently) and in plenty of time (two or three hours before the flight time)
There are several stations in Brussels, which can be confusing, the one you will go to from the airport/shuttle is Brussels Midi/Zuid (two names, as Belgium has several languages), so me careful of the signs, Brussels Central is not right. Brugge trains also go from Brussels Midi (apparently).
The Belgian public transport network is usually superb.
Trains from Brussels to Brugge are around 50 mins, and run once an hour in general.
Automobiles
Fuel in Belgium tends to be cheaper than other countries, especially if you are not on the motorway.
If coming via Calais or Dunkirk, beware of the speed camera in the Zone Controlle on the motorway around Dunkirk, its 110kmh and is live. It is well signposted though.
There are also speed cameras on the Belgian road network, but they are not all live, but I recommend you don’ risk it. If you do get caught speeding, the fines can be eye watering (stories of over 1000 Euros are not uncommon, and yes that’s over a thousand Euros!) These will be on the spot, with you being marched to a cashpoint, or your car seized. I have not been caught, and generally there are not a lot of police on the roads, but they might take the view that the Brits are an easy target.
The other things to watch for are that Belgian roads are absolutely cr@p, potholed, and if it rains, slippy. When raining, they can be full of standing water, (even the motorways), so aquaplaning is a danger and your car might move about like you haven’t experienced before. This is horrible to drive on, so take your time.
Belgian drivers you will find are the worst in Europe, a lot of them have not a clue, and some haven’t even passed a test! (They didn’t have a test or licences until the sixties). It’s not uncommon to be driving or overtaking and them to pull out on you with one flash of an indicator, or even none! It wont matter how close or how fast you are going, once they decide they are moving, they are out in front of you!
This can be scary, please be aware they could pull out at anytime, and for no reason other than they want a different view of the road! Also don’t be surprised if they decide to exit from lane 3 of the motorway, over to the exit, within 100 metres of the exit (go across all 3 lanes), that seems to be a favourite trick.
Food and Drink
Belgian beer is great, so many different ones, so many different flavours. Lagers (Jupiler, Stella), wheat beers (Hoegaarden is one of the rubbish ones!), and trappist beers (really strong!), as well as ones that are flavoured with fruit (Kriek is one of my favourites, it’s cherry flavour).
One thing to be aware of though, is that some of these can be stupid strong, up to 11% proof, with 7%+ not uncommon. So think Special Brew strength with a better taste!!! So it can quickly see you off, not only get you squiffy, but make you drunk enough to pass out (got the t shirt). So I would suggest that respect the beer is a good adage, don’t want to miss the game. The good news is that Brugge is known as a “pub town” and has lots of choice for booze… cant wait!
Food
Food will be no problem, Belgium is underrated for food and is noted for having a massive choice of top notch food from chips to Michelin starred gourmet food.
Particular favourites of mine are chips. Even from street chippies, they tend to be not the thin cheap fries (like Maccie d’s), they are proper chips, double fried, so they are crispy on the outside and fluffy and soft inside – wonderful! Mayo tends to be compulsory, but think of it as a vinegar substitute, and it’s great!
Stoemp, Belgian mashed potato, with veg or bits of meat through it,sounds bland, but is proper grub. Carbonnades Flamandes…. Belgian beef stew… if you see this, go for it! Think a slightly sweet beef casserole that’s been cooking for hours… guaranteed to make a Brit cry… gorgeous.
Obviously stuff like mussels and chips and chocolate anything are worth trying, but you shouldn’t go wrong with grub. Hearty food, fresh, and packed with flavour, should be perfect to Brit tastes. If you are so inclined, the better food is as good as any in the world, top quality.
The language
Brussels and the airports are tend to be French, but Brugge will be predominantly Flemish (a variant of Dutch), so might be worth just a few numbers and please and thanks being learnt (it goes down VERY well with the locals!)
Yes/No are Ja and Nee (yaa and Nay)
Please Alstublieft (ahls tew bleeft)
Thank you Dank U
een
twee
drie
The last one, two, three, should be self explanatory!
Tips
Buy Belgian fuel!
Buy Belgian tobacco to finance the trip (3.60 ish Euros for 50 g, in the UK it’s 12 quid!), a 10 50 g pouches are about 36 Euros, which will be the UK equivalent of about £100 plus. (There is theoretically no limit for personal use), fags are cheaper too, but not that sort of difference (5 Euros for 20). Get fags and tobacco from Fuel stations, (the big ones will be better even on the motorways, the prices are regulated).
Brugge itself is one of the nicest towns in Europe, and is a hidden gem, the medieval city centre is easily walkable, with the Markt (market place) the centre, and is where I suggest the majority of noses will congregate. The atmosphere should be brilliant!
There are a multitude of churches, museums, galleries to see, top end stuff. A canal sightseeing trip is also recommended.
Central Brugge is not car friendly, as it is old, and compact, but everything is within walking distance, and most places are within walking distance of the main hotels.
However the main thing is that Brugge is known as a “pub town”, and is full of bars, and nightlife. Live music (especially jazz) is common too, meaning the town will be lively and atmospheric. There are a lot of “cellar bars” which are in the cellars of medieval buildings, superb.
Smoking I am not sure about (havent been to all the bars) but think similar to UK.
Brugge will be fantastic, but I wouldn’t recommend Brussels for very long, capital city, think London with extra traffic problems and no road signs!
Personally, I can’t wait to get there, and having seen it, am a little ashamed I haven’t been there often before.
Look forward to seeing you all there.
By the way, they are a good side!
I hope this is helpful!
Bluewurst
Very helpful article. Where can you park? Are there Park and Ride facilities outside Brugges?
Whatever you do don’t go to any of the bars in the central square unless you have easy access to an extra mortgage. Last time I was there I was charged 9 euros for a litre of sparkling water in one restaurant. There are loads of good bars slightly off the beaten track and they charge sensible prices
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