The call of Belgian canals, cobbled passageways leading to covered markets, and medieval spires reflected in the gently flowing mirror of the river Reie should be enough to inspire you to book a vacation to Bruges. The capital of West Flanders, Bruges, is a classic European port city known for its ornate buildings, rich history, and magical sophistication. While your eyes take in the sights, your other senses will take in the smells and tastes of Belgian waffles, beers, and chocolates. If you have Bruges on your bucket list, you’ll want to know about the key places to visit in this Venice-like city tucked into Western Europe.
Top Spots to See During a Bruges Whirlwind
Every visit to Bruges really must start in the city’s historic heart. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Center of Bruges shows off what a preserved medieval historic settlement looks like once it meets the modern-day. The next best place for really feeling Bruges in your bones is Market Square (the Markt). Used as a market since 958, this beautiful square contains attractions like the West Flanders Provincial Court and the 12th-century Belfry of Bruges. As you take in a serene view of crowds mulling about while nibbling on sticky, sweet treats purchased from nearby vendors, try to picture the square as it was when medieval festivals, political uprisings, and brutal executions brought both cheers and cries to the stones beneath your feet. If you’re looking to go home with some authentic Belgian gifts, this is the place to stock up on everything from handicrafts to desserts.
A site of pilgrimages for centuries, the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges contains a religious object that is reported to be a relic of the blood of Jesus brought back from the Holy Land by Thierry of Alsace upon his return from the Second Crusade in 1150. Both the religious and nonreligious can admire the history and beauty of this church. It contains what historians consider to be the most pristine preservation of the Romanesque style in Europe. While I mentioned the Belfry of Bruges briefly when talking about Market Square, I did want to go back to emphasize the importance of giving this attraction a thorough visit. One of the most prominent symbols of Bruges, the belfry has been a crucial part of city life for centuries because it’s been used as everything from a treasury to an observation post for spotting fire breakouts. A stunning medieval bell tower, the belfry is more than 2,000 feet tall (and central to the Collin Farrell movie In Bruges)! When it’s open, visitors can climb nearly to the top to take in views of the city below. From the top, Bruges seemed to me to be a patchwork quilt with little streaks of velvet in the places where the river crossed under canals. However, you’ll need to be in shape to cover 366 steps that get narrow at points if you want to get to the prized view at the top. If you can’t make it to the top, do spend some time admiring the exterior while having lunch in Market Square.
The Brewery Tours - I can’t give an overview of Bruges without providing comments on how to do an authentic Belgian brewery tour in the city. Home to some of the best breweries on the planet, Bruges has an entire cottage industry based on brewery tours. As far as individual breweries, De Halve Maan Brewery is the star. You can buy your tickets online to make it easier to ensure you’ll get in for a tour during the time that you’ve set aside. It took about 45 minutes for my guide to bring our small group through the working brewery. Along the way, he provided both historical tidbits about the brewing campus and insights into the brewing process. At the conclusion, tour participants are invited for a tasting. Another attraction that caught my interest while in Bruges was the Bruges Beer Experience. This is a beer museum perched right at Market Square, where you can get a true education in all things related to Belgian beer! Learn about everything from how Trappist monks perfected brewing techniques to how modern bottlers keep shelves stocked when you complete a tour. To provide an understanding of the anatomy of beer, the museum even allows you to taste, smell and touch all of the ingredients that go into beer.
Tips for Getting Around Bruges - The biggest “travel hack” to know about Bruges is that this is a very small city. In fact, your feet are your best vehicle for getting around. You can essentially cover the city end to end in about an hour! I personally prefer walking my way through the city simply because each bit of architecture is a jewel that can’t be properly studied from the passenger seat of a car. That said, there is a very dependable bus service in Bruges that takes you between the main station and City Centre every five minutes. If you are arriving in Bruges via the Bruges Train Station, you can reach Market Square on foot in just 20 minutes to be near most of the hotels and rental apartments.
© Travel Research Online 2016