Linked with Brugge, its historic metropolis, by a 7.5 mile canal, Zeebrugge is a seaside resort looking to the future. The international port, jutting far out into the sea, doesn't prevent holidaymakers from frolicking on the fine little sandy beach. On the sea front, hotels and cafés give tourists their warmest welcome. Being Belgium's leading fishing port, Zeebrugge has quite a lot of fishmongers' shops. Besides being a passenger port with regular ferry services between the United Kingdom and the continent, Zeebrugge also has an attractive marina which can accommodate some 100 vessels. Zeebrugge also enjoys a very convenient geographical location, just a few miles away from beautiful Brugge, the fashionable sea resort of Knokke, and the picturesque village of Lissewege. During the summer season the beach invites to (sun) bathing, playing and relaxing. Autumn and winter are the right seasons to take a firm walk along the seaside. On the western dam, a promenade reaches far out into the open sea. At the foot of the dam the "St. George Memorial" commemorates the Battle of Zeebrugge (23.4.1918) on which occasion the British Royal Navy finally put the German U-Boot base out of action. The City Community House on Marktplein is the seat of the city administration. The premises also have a socio-cultural function.