snapshots of my travels |
Belgium is one of my favorite places. Just the architecture alone made me instantly fall head over heels with this country. I was so intrigued by the number of languages being spoken around me, from French to English to Dutch and German, and I was completely infatuated by the bicycle culture. If I could up and move anywhere in the world today, I would go to Belgium.
Oh, plus, my idol, Audrey Hepburn is Belgian. Bruges is a lovely little Flemish town on the English channel, often referred to as the Venice of the North and designated as the "European Capital of Culture," in 2002. Being right on the English channel, it provides fish and trade between the UK and Europe. Cruise the Canals
With the exception of the winter months, it is possible to pay a small fee to cruise down the canals of Bruges. It is a wonderful way to see all those hidden corners of the city that can't be accessed by foot, such as secret gardens, tiny bridges, and unique architecture. While it may be a little bit cliche and Venice-esque, it is a lovely, relaxing, and romantic way to spend thirty minutes to two hours, depending on the company. Buy the Brugge City Card and to receive a guided tour of the city. Most boats leave from Burg Square.
Rent a Bike
Under almost every window and next to every door rests a bicycle in Bruges. The culture here supports bikes in a similar way that Amsterdam does - the flat lands and bike lanes make it the perfect city to forgo a car and pedal away. The quiet lanes take you right alongside canals, parks, and residential areas. Plus, you might want to go for a bike ride after eating all those waffles! Check out the Visit Bruges website here to see exactly where you can pick up a bike.
Picnic
While Bruges is incredibly beautiful and charming, it is also a popular tourist attraction, making the prices more expensive than most places. After hungrily circling around the city center, I became dismayed by just how ridiculously expensive the restaurants were. Thirty-five euros for a lunch? Twenty euros for a glass of wine? No thank you. I wouldn't be able to afford those prices even if I shared a meal. The solution? Buy some bread, fruit, and cheese, then find an open space to have a picnic. We found a cheap cafe and bakery called Venice Corn (weird, right?) and, while this wasn't a fine dining experience, the sandwiches were affordable and tasty.
Wander Aimlessly
While walking down a small stone street just outside of the city center, I turned a corner came across this scene: an older couple, still very much in love, kissing under and arch. It looked like a work of art. My boyfriend turned to me and said, "I hope that's us when we're that age - happy and traveling."
In a place like Bruges, simply keeping your eyes open while meandering is the best way to discover beauty. Window Shop
Okay, I apologize for the erotic image above, but it was just too eye catching not to share...
The shops in Bruges are all filled with unique and handmade items, making it the perfect city to spend an afternoon window shopping, ducking in and out of stores to discover all sorts of knick-knacks, from knitted clothing, glass trinkets, specialty beer, and even art workshops. Yes, this does happen to include genitalia shaped chocolate... Hey, I just wanted to prepare you ahead of time. To my surprise, window shopping also included finding a winter wonderland shop that plays Christmas music year round, selling Christmas decorations and snow globes. There's something for everyone, seriously. Enjoy the Views from Above
Located in the main city center, the Markt Square, the Belfry tower is considered one of the most iconic symbols of Bruges and offers the best views of the city. Back in the day, it was used as a post to spot fires around the city, but ironically it burned down. Most of it has been rebuilt since 1822, now with special stones that won't catch fire so easily. While it is free to enter the courtyard, a trip to the top costs 8 euros. Oh, and I've got a few words to say about the Belfry Tower. It closes way too early in the day. I left Bruges feeling rather gypped, but promised that I would return one day, if only to make it to the top.
Address: Markt 7, 8000, Brugge, Belgium Hours: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
What is one thing you would love to do while in Bruges? Let me know in the comments!
73 Comments
Andrew Lishak
1/26/2017 05:04:16 pm
I have been to Bruges three times and its a great place to come for about 4-5 days. It has beauty and is very nice looking at all the old buildings. It's great going on boat trip and seeing all the chocolate shops. I am going for my birthday in April and can not wait☺ . Restaurants I would use are Gruuthuse they do three course meal with steak for €20 which is always super. Sivalai Thai is an excellent meal and the owner is very friendly. I hear there could be a film sequel to the film In Bruges which is exciting☺ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LZoApHKemwY
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1/28/2017 04:16:03 am
Wow thank you for this comment Andrew! I hope you have a wonderful birthday celebration while in Bruges. 20 euros? My gosh, I wish I had found this place... although I'm not sure I would have wanted Thai food in Belgium :P
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1/28/2017 04:17:28 am
Haha you should go see the movie In Bruges while in Bruges!! Thanks for reading Vibeke.
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Hey Cassidy this is just what I needed to read as I am off to Bruges and Paris on a mini cruise at the end of April I have been once before and remember how beautiful the architecture was and how lovely the waffles were!! Can't wait to take. Y mum - keep up the good work xx
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1/28/2017 04:18:55 am
That sounds like a lovely trip, Sara. I absolutely loved the waffles. I miss them. Have fun with your mum :)
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1/28/2017 04:20:10 am
Chocolates come in all shapes and sizes in Bruges. Graphic, but still super tasty, I'm sure. I hope you get the chance to visit soon!
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1/26/2017 10:21:33 pm
I just went to brugge not too long ago and I absolutely loved it ! I highly recommend all the activities you're mentioning, so awesome!
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1/28/2017 04:22:45 am
What time of year were you there?! That's so cool! Thanks for reading :)
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1/27/2017 05:34:29 pm
Belgium looks so beautiful! I definitely need to go there one day!
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1/28/2017 04:29:00 am
It is just gorgeous, Adriana. I bet you would love it!
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1/27/2017 05:35:19 pm
OMG Bruges looks amazing! I have never been there, but now it's definitely on my bucket list :) Thanks for sharing!
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1/28/2017 04:28:20 am
It is amazing! You should absolutely make a visit, Chelsea!
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1/27/2017 08:58:55 pm
Oh how I love Bruge!! It's so pretty and quaint! And the mussels...they are the BEST!!
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1/28/2017 03:32:09 am
This looks amazing. I am looking forward to more posts like this. Pics are really good and i love begus. I so want to go there.
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1/28/2017 04:21:08 am
Why thank you, Neha. I am happy you want to read more!
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2/1/2017 12:36:43 am
Hey Abigail, thank you for your comment! If you have the chance to go, let me know if you like it :)
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1/28/2017 11:40:29 am
Bruges looks lovely. I like those European cities like Amsterdam that advocate cycling, although it does sound a bit expensive - 35 Euros for lunch, and I don't think I'd be too keen on eating that chocolate either! Nice post though, great pictures!
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2/1/2017 12:44:22 am
Thank you for reading, Raymond. I am a huge fan of cycling. I wish there was more of it in the USA. Honestly, I could never eat erotic chocolate either! Definitely normal shaped chocolate though. :D
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1/28/2017 05:11:05 pm
Bruges looks lovely. I love a city you can cycle around, buy bread and cheese, and picnic. It seems so romantic, too bad it's so pricey.
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2/1/2017 12:53:45 am
That sounds like my perfect kind of day, Mel :D
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1/28/2017 05:34:50 pm
I've never been to Belgium but I would love to go to Bruges - look at that awesome architecture - wow! My plan would be to just wander around aimlessly and see what hides at each corner. Oh and ride around on a bike of course!
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2/1/2017 09:35:38 am
Thank you for reading, Lydia. I love the architecture and the colors of the buildings! That sounds like a great plan :)
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1/28/2017 06:55:59 pm
Missed out on visiting Bruges while I was in Belgium but this makes me want to return and check out Bruges! Definitely looks like an ideal spot to leisurely ride a bike and get lost.
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1/28/2017 08:50:46 pm
seriously love the look of this place! Great post
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I wish I had spent more time in Belgium, as I only spent a day in Brussels. Now I'll have to add Bruges to the list of places! It looks like a very charming city with plenty to offer and the architecture is beautiful. But those prices you mentioned are pretty eye-opening! O.O! Sandwiches and groceries for me!
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I spent a few days in Bruges and went everywhere by push bike. I loved it and it was a great way to keep fit.
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These are all such fantastic tips. Good to know that Bruges is a bit pricier because of its popularity, but I love your solution! Having a picnic in the park looks delightful! I have never been to Belgium, but I hope to one day! It sounds like you had such a wonderful time there.
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Bruges and Belgium have never been on my radar, but this post makes me want to visit. The city looks absolutely charming and i love that it is a great place to bike and picnic. Such a great way to save money too. I also love boats and a boat tour sounds like a great way to see the city.
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1/29/2017 07:49:36 am
Have been wanting to visit Bruges ever since I saw the film In Bruges. Your posts captures the basics of the town really well and I like how you mention some of my favourite pass-times which many people overlook - walking aimlessly and picnics - both of which are excellent money saving ways too. Thanks
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1/29/2017 08:39:23 am
The prices you mentioned for a meal or a drink do seem expensive, you could by a pair of shoes for that! I'd have done the same as you and had a private picnic. I didnt know you could go up the Belfry, I'll do that next time.
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1/29/2017 09:41:12 am
This place looks so quaint and simply delightful. I haven't been to Belgium but will absolutely add this to the bucketlist when I do. Thanks for sharing!
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1/29/2017 10:20:02 am
Aw Bruges looks absolutely adorable! I love all that architecture and the canals its like Amsterdam but cuter. Such a shame about the tower, I've missed so many opportunities due to something closing way too early but that's the way it is in central Europe a lot of the time
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I visited Bruges a few years ago and to this day it remains one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited! For some reason it felt more like a quaint little medieval village than an actual city! I think I went during off-season too so there were hardly any other tourists, which made the visit even more special! Wandering around aimlessly and window shopping were 2 of my favourite things to do while I was there, mostly while eating a Belgian waffle or two!
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1/29/2017 02:42:00 pm
Last year, there was a Bollywood movie shot in Bruges. Since then, I have been wanting to visit this place. I guess my favourite would be to cruise aimlessly through the canals ... how romantic!
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1/29/2017 04:33:13 pm
Bruges always looks so beautiful in the pictures. I'd love to visit there someday and take tons of pics, wander aimlessly and have a picnic.Although the chocolates are a bit too risque for me!
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Venice of the North - I can imagine why it is called like this! Such a lovely adorable and peaceful place. Actually I heard already so many good things about this city and your post totally proofs this right. Exploring Bruges by bike must be really something really cool and when you are hungry, some "erotic" snacks can make the trip even more exciting :)
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I loved Bruges when I visited many years ago and wish I could have stayed longer than the two days I had there. I managed to tick off three of the items on your list; picnicking, window shopping and wandering aimlessly. I have to admit my window shopping was largely at the chocolate shops and it mostly turned into buying lol
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My friend's girlfriend is Belgian and he has so many good things to say about Belgium! Bruges looks like such a lovely town to just take it easy and chill out. Sounds like it's right up our alley! Interesting choice of chocolate design though lol I had a good chuckle haha
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2/2/2017 03:38:04 pm
Yeah the chocolate if funny. I'm not sure I could ever eat it though! ha
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1/30/2017 11:05:56 am
Lovely post on Bruges. I've been to Belgium but yet to visit the Venice of the North. Those genitalia shaped chocolate really stands out.
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2/2/2017 03:33:00 pm
Thank you for reading my post! Where in Belgium have you visited? Oh yeah... I'm not sure how I feel about eating penis shaped chocolate...
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2/1/2017 09:43:00 am
You should definitely visit, John! Thanks for reading my post :)
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I have a colleague from work who is from Belgium and that's why it was so interesting to find out more about this beautiful country. I can't believe how many places are actually named Venice of the North haha! Like every country has a city that's "known" as Venice of the north. The penis chocolate make me outright laugh haha and the croissants at the Venice (!?) bakery seem delicious. I would totally make a picnic out of it as well with the expensive prices.
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2/2/2017 03:12:18 pm
Yes, it was called Venice bakery! Weird, right? Thanks for reading, Kreete :)
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1/31/2017 04:20:50 am
I really love Bruges! One thing I do wish I had time to do is relax on a canal cruise. One thing I'd add if you like beer is to check out De Halve Maan brewery. I love Belgian beer, and they satisfied that craving 100%.
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2/1/2017 12:38:39 am
I will make sure to let the beer lovers know :D I'm actually more of a wine person, but I know Belgium makes some great beer. Thanks for commenting Diana.
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Amber
1/31/2017 05:17:20 am
Oh wow! Looks like a lovely trip! Amazing photos!
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2/1/2017 12:35:03 am
Thank you, Amber! It certainly was an enjoyable trip.
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2/1/2017 12:34:11 am
Thank you for your comment, Shalini! You should definitely take a trip if you can! It's the perfect place to just wander.
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1/31/2017 01:33:13 pm
I would love to get to Bruges someday! I lived in the UK for quite some time and never got there. I do love your suggestions and found the chocolate genitalia quite amusing. They are not shy when it comes to the human body that is for sure. Shopping would definitely be one of the options I would be most interested as well as cruises through the canals.
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2/1/2017 12:33:17 am
I agree! I don't think I could ever actually eat the chocolate, but I have quite the sense of humor, so it gave me a good laugh. That's so cool that you lived in the UK! Are you from the US?
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1/31/2017 03:41:10 pm
Bruges looks like a very quiet yet interesting city for me. I love the building architectures and it looks awesoms in the photos. Exploring it by foot or by bike is really great as you can slowly enjoy the beauty that it offers.
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2/1/2017 12:31:56 am
Thank you for your comment, Jan Michael. Quiet yet interesting is a great way to describe it. That's the dream, right?
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2/7/2017 09:48:30 am
I'm going to Brussels in May. Is Burges easily accessible from Brussels for a good day trip, or is one day not enough?
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2/9/2017 04:07:17 pm
Actually, this is exactly what I did! A train goes directly from Brussels to Bruges. We were only there for a day. If you plan it right, one day is enough time.
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2/9/2017 04:08:52 pm
Haha I'm glad you appreciated that! Thank you for reading, Whitney!
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2/11/2017 05:37:56 pm
I would love to cruise the canals in Bruges. It looks like such a beautiful city. We haven't even made it to Belguim yet!!
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Tereza
2/28/2017 01:41:33 pm
Not even joking when I say that Shaun has been talking about going to Bruges for YEARS. We really need to take the plunge, it looks gorgeous!! x
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ABOUT MEHi, I'm Cassidy and this is my travel journal, aimed to inspire you to go and see our beautiful world! Featured Post: |