By Public transport

The cobbled streets of Bruges’ Old Town are well worn by the millions of tourists who have walked around this fairytale city. And you should take a leaf from their book, because the best way to explore Bruges is on foot. Built in a bygone era before the motor car, the Old Town was never designed to accommodate vehicles and is best avoided. If you want to get from A to B quickly then follow the locals’ lead and get on your bike – two wheels are definitely better than four in Bruges. If that sounds like too much effort, you could always jump in a taxi and let the driver worry about navigating the city’s narrow streets and one-way systems.

Driving

If you can avoid driving in Bruges, it’s best to do so. Streets in the Old Town are easily congested and on-street parking is expensive and limited to designated areas; in metered spaces the maximum stay during the day is two hours, which leaves you barely enough time for a Flemish lunch. Add this to the confusing one-way systems and you have a motoring experience that could make a saint swear. If you have no choice but to bring your car, and a hotel with reserved spaces to take the hassle and expense out of parking. Alternatively, you could leave your motor at Centrum Station where there is a 1,500-space car park. The charge includes a bus ride into the city.

Car hire

If you want to explore the wider Flanders region, renting a vehicle is a great way to do so. Car hire is available from Avis, Europcar and Luxauto. The minimum age for hiring a car is usually 21, but expect to pay a surcharge if you’re under 25.

Bicycle hire

Cycling is a popular and practical way to get around in Bruges, but cyclists should be careful on the narrower historic streets of the centre. You can hire bikes from De Ketting, Gentpoortstraat 23 and Popelier, Mariastraat 26, as well as at the railway station, many hotels and hostels.