The first and only time I had ever heard of Bruges was in the 2008 movie “In Bruges” in which the city is so boring that Colin Ferrell’s character concludes: “Maybe that’s what hell is: the entire rest of eternity spent in Bruges.” However, Bruges is hardly hell. In fact, the peace and tranquility of the city is what makes it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Brussels.
By heading just 60 miles (90 kilometers) outside the country’s capital of Brussels, you find yourself in Bruges. The journey takes less than 90 minutes making it perfect for a day trip to Belgium’s Flemish region. Bruges, the capital of West Flanders, is the perfect place to escape the bustling city life and slow things down a bit.
As soon as I arrive in Bruges, it is obvious why this city is often referred to as the Venice of the North. Canals carve in and around the city center where swans glide gracefully on the water. Chocolate and lace shops are plentiful here and can be found on almost any of the city’s cobblestone streets.
Top 5 Must See
Burg Square
Burg Square is one of Bruge Belgium’s two Medieval squares. Key landmarks on the square are Bishop’s Palace, the Town Hall, Old Civil Registry and the Holy Blood Basilica.
The Beguinage (Begijnhof)
Just behind the Minnewater lies the Beguinage ‘De Wijngaard’ (= the Vineyard). Swans float gracefully on the lake, children are feeding ducks and there is a sense of peace and tranquility. Specifically, the Beguinage is a monastery for the Benedictine sisters who live in the group of whitewashed houses surrounding a little garden. Today the nuns of the Order of Saint Benedict inhabit the site. The Beguinage entrance gate closes without fail at 6.30 p.m.
The Belfry
The belfry of Bruges, or Belfort, is a medieval bell tower in the historical centre. For incredible views climb the steep staircase consisting of 366 steps to the top.
If you stare at the tower from a distance, you will notice that the 83 meter-high tower leans slightly to the east. Oops!
The belfry was added to the market square around 1240, when Bruges was prospering as an important centre of the Flemish cloth industry. After a devastating fire in 1280, the tower was largely rebuilt. The city archives, however, were forever lost to the flames.
The Markt
Surrounded by hundreds of little gifts shops and countless tourists, Brugges Markt is a must-see. But skip on the restaurants in the area. They cater to tourists which means tourists prices, crap service, and mediocre food. See below for spots to go.
The Rozenhoedkaai
The view from the Rozenhoedkaai is one of the most photographed spots in Brugs. Snap some photos, be amazed out how beautiful this city is and then go grab some food or drinks at one of the places below!
Eat & Drink
Waffles & Fro-Yo
For the best waffles in town head to Oyya when you can also indulge in some amazing frozen yogurt as well. This is a local go-to that I was told about by a local. Take your grub and head around the corner to Het Muntplein, a small square perfect for people watching.
Pasta in a Box
A popular thing to do in Bruges is eat pasta from a box. Once upon a time, someone was eating Chinese take-away right out of the box when their friend said I wish I could have Italian food in a box. And boom! Just like that the ideas was born. Ok, that is completely false but my guess is that is kind of how the idea was born. For the best pasta in a box head to Bocca.
Oldest Bar in Bruges
Hidden in the Saint Ann quarter is Café Vlissinghe that opened in 1515! That makes it nearly 500 years old and it has been kept almost completely in it’s original condition. Sit outside on the terrace during summer or cosy up by the stove during the colder months. Note: cash only!
The Not-So-Secret Secret Bar
To find this bar you will have to find the smallest street in all of Bruges. De Garre is located down a small alley near Wollestratt. This is a very popular bar for both tourists and locals and it can get rather packed so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a spot. The exposed brick is beautiful and the entire bar is warm and cosy albeit often packed. What’s really to love is that De Garre serves a specialty beer appropriately named “Garre” which is 11% alcohol!
