With picture perfect canals to meander along, numerous yummy treats to try and more beers than you can count, Bruges makes a fabulous weekend destination. Although this quaint city has become popular with tourists it retains a certain charm and old-worldliness to tag onto a visit to Brussels, and there’s still plenty of quiet alleys or beer gardens to hide in from the Summer crowds!
Keep an eye out for: Gastronomic delights – with Belgium being the home of chocolate, fries, waffles and more beers than you can count you’ll find something delicious to try on every corner!
How to get to Bruges
By plane – Although Bruges has its’ own very small airport, the limited flights to Bruges Airport mean you are better landing slightly further afield. Many low cost European carriers fly directly to Brussels International airport from multiple destinations including London (1 hour), Lisbon (2 hours 40), Copenhagen (1 hour 30) and Frankfurt (1 hour). You can catch a direct train from Brussels Airport to Bruges, taking just under 90 minutes and costing only €20, including the airport surcharge. If you’ve got extra time, tag on 2 days in Brussels for the full Belgian experience!
By train – Belgium has a great rail system meaning travelling to Bruges by rail is one of the easiest ways to reach this quaint town. If you are travelling from London on the Eurostar you can get a cheap additional ticket taking you to any Belgian station and simply change at Brussels Midi onto one of the trains heading to Bruges, the journey time from Brussels is around 50 minutes. From the train station to your hotel I would advise taking a taxi, unless you’re travelling light, as the lovely cobbled streets aren’t the easiest to wheel a suitcase along!
By car – Bruges is relatively well connected to surrounding cities, and you can drive from Brussels, Antwerp or Calais (if travelling across on the Eurotunnel) within 1 hour 30. Ensure you prearrange where to park your car as many of the central areas are pedestrianized and parking is nearly impossible to find.
Where to stay in Bruges
Guesthouse Bonifacius – With only three rooms you need to book early to stay in this popular boutique B&B! Overlooking one of Bruges’ canals and named after the picturesque Bonifacius Bridge that crosses over the canal, the restored 16th century house has been designed with luxury in mind.
Hotel Van Cleef – Away from the busier part of Bruges sits this exquisitely decorated neoclassical mansion. Family run and lovingly decorated, every detail is carefully considered. You can enjoy afternoon tea out on the terrace in Summer and enjoy a tipple in the evening at the St Petersburg bar.
Maison le Dragon – Located within touching distance of some of Bruges’ prettiest canals and only a few minutes walk from the central square, this beautifully refurbished boutique hotel is perfectly located. With only four suites all tastefully decorated and featuring whirlpool bathtubs you’ll never want to leave, Emmanuel has created a lovely home away from home. Before you venture around the canals of Bruges tuck into a divine breakfast platter including a selection of cheese, chocolate, charcuterie and pastries and Emmanuel will give you an introduction to the area including some great bar and restaurant recommendations.
Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce – Overlooking one of the best views of Bruges’ canals and featured in the film In Bruges this hotel has been created from merging together four Middle Aged houses. Rooms at Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce range from simple, elegant standard rooms to superior rooms decorated with lavish fabrics and period furniture.
Where & What to eat in Bruges
What?
Chocolate – When you wander through the cobbled streets of Bruges you’ll undoubtedly pass many chocolatiers selling Belgian’s famous chocolates. Try some of the local pralines and delicious Florentines stacked high in the windows, and marvel at some of the amazingly intricate chocolate creations.
Waffles – When in Belgium you must of course have a sweet snack of Belgian waffles. Around the main square there are several small shops selling waffles with endless topping options, and you can even get a waffle on a stick!
Chips/fries/frites – Whatever you may call them, you probably don’t know that Belgium claims to be the inventor of fries! Find some of the best fries at ‘fry carts’ dotted around the main square (the longer the queue, the better the chips!), and if you fancy learning more you can visit the world’s only museum dedicated to fries.
Mussels – As Bruges isn’t far from the coast you’ll find excellent mussels piled high in steaming bowls. Larger and fleshier then most places these are delicious served with Belgian fries.
Where?
Patrick Devos – A great gastronomic experience awaits at Patrick Devos as you enter this beautifully restored house. Part of the Alliance Gastronomique you can expect fabulous local flavours matched with great wines.
Sans Cravate – Located away from the main tourist area of Bruges, this Michelin star restaurant’s ethos is to make those dining here feel at home and relaxed. Dine on beautifully presented dishes that mix classical methods with originality, and sip on exceptionally matched wines.
Bonte B – Don’t let the sleek and simplistic interior fool you, the dishes served at Bonte B look like a work of art. The chef prepares very inventive creations which you can enjoy in a cosy atmosphere.
Hertog Jan – Although no longer technically located in Bruges, this Michelin 3 star restaurant is worth the 20 minute taxi journey out of the city. Hertog Jan focus on a seasonal menu and farm to kitchen dishes, presented like a work of art! Sadly they have recently announced the closure of this restaurant at the end of 2018 so make sure you visit before then to experience their culinary magic.
The Olive Tree – For some cuisine from further afield, The Olive Tree has an excellent reputation for Mediterranean cuisine. You can enjoy all the sunny flavours of Greece here and finish off with a shot of Ouzo!
Where & What to drink in Bruges
What?
Beer, beer and more beer! – There are hundreds of Belgian beers to try. Although note that Belgian beer is a lot stronger than the average pint with Delirium Tremens (one of my favourite Belgian beers) suggesting that a few bottles will have you spotting pink elephants!
Hot Chocolate – With all the delicious chocolate that Belgium produces it stands to reason that they also produce a fabulous hot chocolate, and you wouldn’t be wrong to think so.
Where?
2be Bar – Wander past the iconic beer wall showcasing a wide range of Belgium’s famous beers alongside their respective glasses to reach this popular beer bar complete with lovely terrace overlooking the canal. This popular spot has 16 beers on tap at one time with loads more by the bottle – you can order a tasting of several beers complete with nibbles to match! For an introduction to Belgian beer this is the best place to go, although on a sunny day you’ll have to be quick to grab a table.
The Old Chocolate House – Along with an extensive assortment of gingerbread, pralines and truffles, the Old Chocolate House sells the most divine chocolate milk. For those with a sweet tooth this quaint little tea room is a must visit!
Bourgogne des Flandres – Experience one of the beer’s brewed in Bruges itself, don’t be deceived by the dark colour this beer is actually very smooth to taste. If you’ve time take a brewery tour to learn more about this iconic beer and Belgian’s beer history, before pulling up a chair at the bar either on the spacious outdoor terrace or indoor seating area
What to see & do in Bruges
Practice your photography skills around Bruges – Bruges is one of the most photogenic cities I’ve visited, with cobbled streets, ancient canals and even windmills there’s a wealth of amazing scenes to be captured. Learn more about your camera and the city of Bruges with one of Andy’s photo tours – not only will he show you some of the best places to get that killer shot but also give you an insight into Bruges’ history and some great recommendations for the rest of your trip.
Go on a self-guided beer tour – Being in the home of beer there’s no better place than to try some new Flemish brews. Wandering around the cobbled streets you’ll stumble on many a taproom, beer shop or brewery offering a wide variety of Belgian beers to try. Don’t forget to stop by the Belgian beer wall on your wandering and stock up on some Belgian beer to take home as a souvenir!
Wander around the beautiful canals and parks of Bruges – Dubbed the Venice of the North it would be a crime to visit Bruges and not explore the quaint canals, and away from the water’s edge there are also many lovely green spaces to explore. You could even take to the water with one of the city’s boat tours, although be prepared to queue in Summer so get there early.
Soak up some of Belgium’s culture – Explore some of Bruges’ culture by visiting the Basilica of the Holy Blood, an intricately decorated church famous for a vial that supposedly contains Christ’s blood, and for art lovers visit the Groeninge Museum, a Fine Art museum highlighting painters who lived and worked in the area.
