I was so excited at the prospect of visiting Bruges and for good reason! Let me just start by saying that I have some Belgian blood. Born in The Netherlands (located right above Belgium) I am aware that the two neighboring countries are similar in many ways. So it was imperative for me to visit the country of my ancestors and see for myself.
You’d probably like to know how to pronounce Bruges, right? Ah, if it were just that simple. As is common in Belgium I’ve come to find out, this beautiful city has two different names and spellings/pronunciations. Bruges [pronounced broozh] is the English and French version. And Brugge [pronounced broo-gha] is the Flemish version. Both are correct. But here in the US we say Bruges and in Belgium and The Netherlands they say Brugge. It can get a little confusing when talking with the Dutchies (nickname for my cousins).
You may very well never even have heard of Bruges before. It is not necessarily one of those cities like Paris or Rome or London that roll off your tongue when you think of Europe. *By the way, I’ll be writing about all three of those fascinating cities in the future.* But let me tell you Bruges will certainly not disappoint. As a matter of fact, I guarantee you will fall in love with Bruges the minute you step foot there.
But let’s just dive right in to the best of (IMHO) what I will refer to as Bruges hereon out. Let the countdown begin!
“I would rather own a little and see the world than own the world and see a little.”
—Alexander Sattler
#10 :: Belgian lace-making
Lace is not just a craft in Belgium but a part of this region’s cultural heritage. Dating back as far as the 15th century this art form became more and more popular in Bruges. By the early 20th century nearly 70% of Belgium’s lace was being made in Bruges.
The Lace Centre where lace-making is taught is also home to a fine and interactive lace museum where you can actually learn some tricks of the trade. Short- and long-term courses for lace-making are available here and on the second floor of the Lace Centre you can see the lace-makers at work. It is truly fascinating to see these talented artisans making bobbin-lace (as shown below) and needle-lace. I am really disappointed that I didn’t think to video tape the fascinating demonstration myself. But lo and behold I found one online for you:
Although this centuries old art form has a rich history, designer lace-making has also found its way into contemporary high-end couture showrooms such as the lingerie of Korean designer Sun Mae and the wedding couture of Veerle Praet.
#9 :: Zand Square Fountain
Zand is the largest public square in Bruges. Used as an open air market on the weekend it also serves as a popular venue for open air concerts.
The fountain has a central pool with 4 sculptures around it (a mermaid, a group of cyclists, fishermen and four bathing ladies) and is at its most dramatic when the jets are turned up high.
Zand Square Fountain is really quite charming. And the atmosphere surrounding it is pretty awesome so when you visit Bruges you shouldn’t miss it.
#8 :: Horse and Carriage ride through town
One thing that makes a visit to Bruges really special is a romantic carriage ride (like I did in Vienna) through the heart of the city along the canals and historic small bridges. The carriage driver will provide you with a colorful recollection of the history of Bruges. Along the way you will see small picturesque nooks and crannies within the city center, several museums and other historic sites.
In good weather conditions the carriages roll until 10 pm. 50EU will get you a carriage full (max 5 people) for a 30-minute ride. This is truly a delightful way to see the city.
#7 :: The Beerwall
In this 15th century mayor’s house you will find an exposition called “All Belgian Beers.” They call this the Beerwall, appropriately named, which displays all of 1721 Belgian beers. It is a really impressive collection.
Behind the Beerwall is their 2Be-Shop where you can pick up souvenirs as well as 2Be-Bar which serves a dozen beers on tap and has a magnificent view of the canal from the terrace. Roydio and his cousin Joan enjoyed a flight of beers and it was here that Roydio decided that Belgian beer is the best in the world. You’ll have to come to Bruges to find out if that indeed holds true for you but I’m confident that you might just agree.
As we enjoyed the absolutely perfect weather and cozy atmosphere on the terrace of this charming medieval city I couldn’t help notice some swans making a meal of the low hanging foliage along the canal. I mean, when do you ever find an adorable scene like that? Not often for sure. I was thoroughly entertained and it certainly added more of that typical Bruges charm to my visit.
#6 :: Canal Tour
After a long enjoyable break at the Beerwall we went back to see about a canal tour. Bruges is often called “the Venice of the North” referring to the numerous canals and bridges on the river “Reie.” Make sure to take a canal boat tour because there are many sides of Bruges you can only see from the water.
Tours take only about 30 minutes but the tour guides do a great job of packing in a lot of information about the city in that short time frame. And I consider the price of 8EU very reasonable for a unique perspective and view of Bruges. I loved all the old bridges especially. It was a comfortable and worthwhile ride.
#5 :: Belgian waffles and chocolates and more
Did you know that Belgium is famous for some of their delicacies? We are all familiar with Belgian Waffles. It was Belgium that came up with the idea of adding all of those delicious sauces and fruit and whipped cream on top of plain old waffles. What a great idea!
And did you know that Belgian chocolate is known to be among the finest in the world? You’ve heard of Godiva, right? Yep, Belgian! Leonidas? Also. And two of the world’s largest chocolate factories are located in Belgium. Moeder Babeluut is a fine chocolatier in Bruges so of course we had to stop in and take a look (taste).
Moeder Babeluut
If you’ve heard of Flaamse Friet I would be surprised but this is the Belgian term for what we call “french fries.” Yes, you read that right. French Fries. HA! They originated in Belgium not France! And they double fry them in Bruges the way they were originally intended to be made. Flaamse Friet is bomb! And once you’ve had it in Belgium (or The Netherlands for that matter) you will never want the US version ever again.
Delicious coffee is always served with chocolate or cookies (both Belgian, of course). As a matter of fact if you’ve ever flown Delta Airlines chances are you’ve had one of their Bischoff cookies made in… you guessed it, Belgium!
And last but certainly not least :: Belgian fresh bread is to die for and it is unbelievable how many different kinds are available.
#4 :: Church of Our Lady
Michaelangelo’s Madonna and Child
The Church of Our Lady with its 400-foot brick steeple (the largest brick construction such as this in the world) dominates the skyline of Bruges. It is quite literally the ‘high point’ of the stonemasons’ art in this medieval city and took two centuries (13th-15th) to build.
Church of Our Lady houses the Carrara marble Madonna and Child the only Michelangelo sculpture believed to have left Italy in his lifetime. And although it was protected for hundreds of years this famous sculpture was taken by soldiers in both the French revolution and in World War II and hidden from everyone. It was later found and returned to Belgium. And now you can find it in the transept of this church.
#3 :: What a great walking town!
I loved exploring the different areas of town on foot. I have an affinity for little alleys and exotic looking doors as well as quaint waterways. All three were present in this beautiful town and walking is the best way to experience all the nuances of Bruges.
Buses are not allowed on the streets of the Bruges city center so walking is the only way you will see the entire town. But what a great way to see this charming city with all of its old world nooks and crannies throughout.
#2 :: The Best BnB ever :: De Vijf Zuilen
We were so fortunate to have found a gem and the best Bed and Breakfast we’ve ever experienced in our travels thus far. Roydio found this 5-star rated BnB on Booking.com and those ratings and reviews are not exaggerated one bit. I can confirm every single one.
Ginette is the owner and our most amazing hostess. She is delightful, informative and will treat you like kings and queens! And she has a wonderful sense of humor to boot. You will remember her name always. “Like Gilette, the best a man can get” she will recall the commercial jingle from the razor company. “I’m Ginette, the worst a man can get!”
Every room is delightful. The bed linens are top notch, the mattresses are super comfy, the dresser was adorned with a beautiful welcome gift and the beds were decorated to perfection. A sign hung out on Joan and Mitch’s door that said “Just Married” and ours was for our 29th Anniversary. Ginette sees to it that every detail is perfectly attended to.
I highly recommend De Vijf Zuilen, located walking distance from the city center. Next time we come to Bruges we will definitely stay there again. I’m really looking forward to it.
#1 :: The Historic Center of Bruges
Finally, my #1 reason that Bruges will steal your heart is its Historic Center which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. According to the UNESCO website “Brugge is an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, which has maintained its historic fabric as this has evolved over the centuries, and where original Gothic constructions form part of the town’s identity. As one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe, Brugge developed cultural links to different parts of the world. It is closely associated with the school of Flemish Primitive painting.”
Crossing over the bridge and through the medieval town gate entrance was like going back in time… Thick walls and fortifications surround the city for protection from Viking marauders back in the day.
Where in the World is Louise? Bruges :: Windmill
Bruges first rose to prominence in the 14th and 15th centuries thanks to viable waterways and the influx of well-off merchants and other elites. By the 19th century its fortunes had changed, funding was strapped tight so they could not afford modern building projects. Yet it was a blessing in disguise for this beautiful town. Medieval houses were spared the wrecking ball and Bruges’ quaint, historic beauty was rediscovered nearing the 20th century.
Architecture dating back to the 9th century, hand-laid cobble stones, crow-stepped gables, unspoiled historic cityscape and charming canals that weave through the town all contribute to making this a delightful place to visit.
While Bruges is technically a city any local will tell you the atmosphere is much more that of a village :: one swimming with tourists. But locals know that despite its many attractions Bruges is really a nostalgic town at heart and one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever been.
Bruges completely exceeded my expectations on every level. Not only did the atmosphere blow me away but every aspect of this charming medieval town made its way into my heart. From our AirBnB to the food to the Beerwall to the canals and historic laanddmarks and local people, Bruges is definitely a place I want to return to again and again.
