Brugge city guide: Key information for Aston Villa fans

Aston Villa supporters will make their first trip outside England in the new Champions League season on Tuesday, September 8, when Unai Emery's side travel to Belgium to face Club Brugge.

The two clubs are familiar with each other after meeting three times during the 2024-25 campaign, first in the league phase before Villa came through their two-legged knockout tie.

For those making more of the trip than simply going to the match, FootballGroundGuide looks at some of the main things Aston Villa fans need to know before heading to Brugge.

Facts about the Jan Breydel Stadium

The Jan Breydel Stadium was built and opened in 1975 under the name Olympiastadion. It was designed as a shared ground for Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge, who still play their home matches there.

The stadium took its current name from Jan Breydel, a Bruges folk hero from the 14th century, and underwent major renovation work ahead of Euro 2000, when Belgium co-hosted the tournament. Around 29,000 fans can now fit inside the ground, which remains home to both of the city's professional clubs.

Where is the Jan Breydel Stadium located?

The ground is in Sint-Andries, roughly 3.5 to 4 kilometres south-west of Bruges' historic centre and main railway station. Club Brugge lists the address as Olympialaan 72, 8200 Sint-Andries.

Most of the places visitors will want to see are on the other side of the city. Markt Square is the main hub, while the canals and medieval streets around the old town are easy to explore on foot.

How to get to the Jan Breydel Stadium

By bus

Bus 3 is the route recommended for visiting supporters. It leaves Bruges railway station every 20 minutes and heads towards the Sint-Michiels Vogelzang stop, which is around a 10-minute walk from the stadium.

Home supporters use a different service, with Bus 30 running towards Sint-Andries Kerk, a stop much closer to the ground.

Matchday arrangements can change, so fans should check the information provided with their ticket before setting off.

By train

Bruges railway station is the easiest starting point for anyone arriving by train. From there, the stadium can be reached by local bus or on foot, with the walk taking around 40 to 50 minutes.

Cycling is another option, with a Blue-bike rental point located outside the station, and the journey to the stadium is roughly 4 kilometres.

By car

Driving to the Jan Breydel Stadium is possible, although parking becomes more complicated around matches.

The official stadium car parks require a valid parking pass, while visitor parking Zone Z1 can be reached via Doornstraat and Zeeweg from the Jabbeke exit.

Parking restrictions are also put in place on nearby streets and are enforced on matchdays. Fans without a parking pass are better off finding a legal space further from the ground and walking the rest of the way rather than risking a fine.

Where to stay in Brugge

For a first visit, the area around Markt Square is probably the most convenient place to stay. The main sights, restaurants and bars are all close by, although hotels in the historic centre can cost more than those further out.

Staying near Bruges railway station is another sensible option, particularly for Villa fans using public transport. It is close to the city centre and also gives easy access to the buses used to reach the stadium.

What else is there to do in Bruges?

Markt Square is a good place to begin exploring Bruges. The Belfry Tower dominates the square and rises 83 metres above the city, although reaching the top means taking on its long staircase.

There is also Rozenhoedkaai a short walk away, which provides one of the city's best-known canal views. The Basilica of the Holy Blood and Groeningemuseum are also nearby for those wanting to see more of Bruges' history and art.

For something less demanding, a canal boat trip is an easy way to see parts of the old city without spending hours walking around it.

Where to eat in Brugge

Belgian food and beer are a big part of the Bruges experience, and Brasserie Cambrinus is one of the better-known places to combine the two. The city tourism board lists around 400 beers at the venue, alongside traditional Flemish food, and it is worth booking in advance if you plan to eat there around matchday.

Those after something quicker can try a Belgian waffle from Chez Albert on Breidelstraat, close to Markt Square. Moules-frites and shrimp croquettes are two other local dishes worth looking out for during the trip.

Pubs and bars in Bruges

Beer fans will have plenty of choice in Bruges. ‘t Brugs Beertje is one of the city's best-known beer cafes, with around 300 Belgian beers available and five served on tap.

De Garre is another popular stop, tucked away in a narrow alley between Markt Square and Burg Square. Its own Tripel van De Garre is the obvious drink to try, although there are plenty of other Belgian beers on the menu.

For something with a bit more history, Cafe Vlissinghe dates back to 1515 and is recognised as the oldest cafe in Bruges. It offers the more traditional feel of a Belgian brown cafe rather than a modern beer bar.

Practical information for fans travelling to Brugge

The euro is the currency used in Belgium, while cards are accepted in most places around Bruges. Meanwhile, carrying some cash is still useful for smaller cafes, market stalls and independent shops.

Aston Villa fans travelling to the match should also keep an eye on the club's ticketing information. Away tickets for the Champions League fixture will be distributed through Aston Villa's official channels, with the club expected to provide supporters with the relevant travel and matchday details.