Bruges is in the Flemish (Dutch-speaking) part of Belgium. The local dialect, West-Flemish, is so distinctive that even Dutch speakers from the Netherlands sometimes struggle with it.

The good news: virtually everyone in Bruges speaks English. Tourist-facing staff are often fluent. You can get by entirely in English without any problems.

But making an effort with Dutch goes a long way. A few phrases:

'Dank u wel' (thank you) — say 'donk oo vel' 'Alstublieft' (please / here you are) — say 'als-too-bleeft' 'Goedemorgen' (good morning) — say 'khoo-duh-mor-khun' 'Een pintje, alstublieft' (a beer, please) — the most useful phrase 'Mag ik de rekening?' (can I have the bill?) — 'makh ik duh ray-kuh-ning'

French works too — Bruges is bilingual in practice, even if it's officially Flemish. Many restaurant menus are in Dutch, French, and English.

The word 'Brugge' (with two g's) is the Dutch name. 'Bruges' (with an s) is French. Locals use 'Brugge.' Using the Dutch name is a small sign of respect.

West-Flemish is technically a separate dialect group, not just an accent. 'Ik peize' (I think) instead of standard Dutch 'Ik denk.' 'Nen toebak' for a cigarette. If you hear locals speaking and it doesn't sound like any Dutch you've learned — that's West-Flemish.