Cycling in the city
Bruges is a city at a human scale. Small-scale, compact and ‘walkable'. But if you want to venture beyond the beaten track, then cycling is the ideal means of transport. This will get you to peaceful residential neighbourhoods, the City Ramparts and the mills more quickly. Do literally a lap of the city or pass through a range of city districts. There will be plenty to catch your eye on the way:
In the St Anne district
An amiable residential neighbourhood with labourers' cottages and green corners. St Anne, in the north-east of the city, embodies the calm of Bruges. Bordered by the water of the Langerei on the one side, by the City Ramparts on the other. No shortage of hidden corners and green spaces. The ideal neighbourhood to get out of the rat race for a while.
Must-sees on the way: the St Anne's Church, the Adornes estate-Jerusalem Chapel, Lace Centre, Museum of Folk Life, House ‘Gezelle’ with garden, Our Lady of the Pottery museum, Hemelrijk and Oliebaan, the garden suburb, the Major Seminary with front garden and English Convent.
In the St Gillis Quarter
St Gillis stretches out to the north of the Gouden-Handrei. In the 15th century, this district – with its many inns and bathhouses – was a place for entertainment, but it was also home to numerous artists. This is why it is known as the ‘artists' district’. It is still easy to wander off into the picturesque winding alleys, all in the shadow of an imposing ‘village church’.
Must-sees on the way: the St Giles’ Church, Gouden-Handrei, Gouden-Handreibrug, Torenbrug and Augustine Bridge, the Wednesday Market and the Oosterlingen Square and Hof Campers & Hof De Jonghe.
In West Bruges
Push your boundaries, leave 't Zand Square behind you and explore West Bruges. In the 19th century, this part of the city became isolated from the rest of the centre, but this is now a thing of the past. No reason not to go there, then. You will find an abundance of green spaces there, along the least well-known part of the City Ramparts, and are sure to discover a few hidden gems.
Must-sees on the way: the City Ramparts, footbridges at the Blacksmith's Gate, Chapel of Our Lady of the Blind, the Dumery bell and the Old Water House.
Along the Bruges City Ramparts
With its 26 hectares and over 3000 trees, the Vesten form broad green ramparts around the city. A protected view of the city and the perfect place to stroll. Or admire the city’s treasures from the secluded cycle path along the city walls during a pleasant circular ride around Bruges. There’s plenty to see along its 7 km-long route.
Must-sees on the way: the Lake of Love with the Lovers' Bridge and Gunpowder Tower, Barge Bridge, Conzett Bridge, marina Coupure, Sint-Janshuis Mill and four mediaeval city gates.
