: Eleonora Censorii
Bruges by Wheelchair: Hidden Gems and Accessibility Tips from Locals
The "Venice of the North" has similar issues, when it comes to accessibility, to the "original Venice": cobbled pavements, lots of historic buildings and bridges. But with some locals' tips and tricks, you can enjoy a wonderful holiday. And not miss on the chocolate and beer - especially.
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Hi, I'm Eleonora from Brussels. Visiting Bruges is easy for me, just an hour by train. In June 2024, I spent a day in this charming city with my friend Erik (you'll spot him in the photos with a green shirt and eyes) on a tour organized by Inter Vlaanderen, the Flemish region's disability and accessibility organization.
We explored Bruges' initiatives to facilitate wheelchair access. We met Tim from Bruges, who works for Inter, and along the way, we connected with Emmanuel, a local YouTuber showcasing the city from a wheelchair perspective, and Janae, an American architect specializing in mobility. This guide is the result of that day out, and some more research and tips from Tim, Erik and Emmanuel. Thanks guys!
Essential Planning for Your Accessible Bruges Visit
The first step to an enjoyable trip is proper planning. Fortunately, Bruges provides a fantastic resource for visitors with disabilities—the Accessible Bruges Guide. This downloadable guide, created by the city itself, is a treasure trove of information on accessible and less accessible places, helping you navigate the best routes through the city.
Key features include:
- Detailed maps with accessible routes that avoid cobblestone-heavy areas and difficult bridges
- Locations of accessible toilets
- Information on accessible tourist attractions
This guide is available in multiple languages, so be sure to download and save the accessible Bruges guide for easy access during your trip.
Bruges by WheelsPOV: Experience the City from a Wheelchair User’s Perspective
If you're curious about what it's like to explore Bruges in a wheelchair, and want to see it beforehand, check out WheelsPOV on YouTube. Emmanuel, the creator behind this YouTube channel, takes viewers through Bruges from a wheelchair user's perspective. His videos offer a firsthand look at the streets, attractions, and accessibility features, giving you a realistic idea of what to expect.
Here are two of his most popular videos for exploring Bruges:
https://youtu.be/77f0kYQ-3hw?feature=shared
https://youtu.be/iMATPXvMNio?feature=shared
Accessible Spots You’ll Love - Erik's favourites
While Bruges is known for its major attractions, there are a few lesser-known, wheelchair-friendly spots worth visiting. Here are Erik's favourite spots.
A Panoramic View: Concert Hall of Bruges
For breathtaking views of the city, head to the Concertgebouw of Bruges. Not only is the venue fully accessible, but you can also enjoy a drink or snack at the rooftop café, offering a panoramic view of Bruges' medieval skyline. If you’re a music lover, consider booking a concert while you're there.
Chocolate Paradise: The Chocolate Line
No visit to Belgium is complete without indulging in some local chocolate. For a delightful and accessible chocolate experience, make your way to The Chocolate Line. Simply ring the bell, and a staff member will quickly provide a portable ramp, giving you access to their decadent chocolates.
A Hidden Historical Treasure: The Jerusalem Chapel and Adornes Estate
For history enthusiasts, The Jerusalem Chapel and Adornes Estate is a must-visit. This medieval gem offers partial accessibility, so it’s important to check the details on their website beforehand. Although not fully accessible, the parts you can explore are fascinating and worth the visit.
Download the full guide to accessible Bruges
We have prepared for you a full guide with more tips from the locals and useful information to prepare for your visit to Bruges - including good spots out of the "tourist traps" to eat a bite. Dowload the Visit Bruges with the locals guide here!