Bruges
Bruges is the capital of West Flanders and the city is now a World Heritage Site of UNESCO.
Bruges is a gorgeous Medieval town which reminded me of Tallinn in Estonia. There is the similar market square the cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages that echo the sounds of clippity clop, parades, and colourful street held markets.
Its a town which can easily be discovered on foot but bring a good pair of walking shoes as these streets are tough going on tender feet. (It will take months for my feet to recover !)
At times the town feels incredibly touristy but at night you are reminded of the beauty and magic of the buildings reflecting light on the still canal waters making an array of trickling shadows.
It’s a romantic town with endless cobblestone lanes to explore with array of museums, art galleries and churches. If you are a art connoisseur or museum junkie then you will adore Bruges.
Bruges also has wonderful shops which sell everything yummy like beautiful pastries, delicious chocolates and crusty tarts and bread. It’s a place you can happily indulge and treat yourself.
1. Getting to Bruges.
The high-speed train Thalys runs from Bruges to Paris 3 times a day and takes approx 2 .5hrs www.thalys.com.
If coming from Amsterdam you will have to change trains at Brussels which takes approx one hour and leaves every half an hour. So there’s no reason to panic as plenty of trains are available.
From Brussels to Bruge the local train takes approx one hour passing through Ghent.
From Antwerp it takes forty minutes on the train.
If flying from overseas fly into Brussels or Paris for easy access into Brugge.
From the UK you can take the ferry into Oostende or Zeebrugge and then it’s only another 20 minutes by car.
2. Getting Around.
The best way to get around Bruges is by foot. However, saying that make sure you bring an excellent pair of walking shoes as these cobblestone roads, streets and malls absolutely are a killer on your feet. All major attractions are easily accessible by foot.
There is a small tour bus that goes around the city which is a MUST DO if visiting Bruges. It departs from the Market Square every hour on the hour. It does get crowded so try and get there early as there are limited seats.
Apart from walking, cycling is your next best option which can be fun but I wouldn’t recommend it if your are inexperienced as there are no cycling tracks, however there are plenty of one-way streets which make you feel a little more comfortable.
3. Bicycle Hire
Bike Hire can be found at Bruges station for the day you’ll need to bring a passport as ID. If you don’t feel confident enough you can always do the Quasimundo cycle tour which takes approx two hours where the guides takes you down some back streets , medieval fortifications and past some beautiful canals with the added bonus of hearing the history and facts of Bruges. There are numerous tours you can do including a ride to Dammes.
4. Canal Tours.
If visiting Bruge the canal tour is a must do on your list. It certainly reminded me of Amsterdam with its gorgeous stone bridges and Medieval buildings scattered along the water’s edge. It’s a very relaxing, romantic and scenic tour which is well worth the effort to do.
We were apart of a conference group so our tour guide only spoke in English which was funny as on our boat were twenty or so people from all parts of the world. Luckily, all were fluent in English. So it would be important to ask whether the guide speaks in your language first before hopping onto the boat.
There are 5 places where you can get on a canal boat.
De Meulemeester — Wollestraat
Gruuthuse — Nieuwstraat
Georges Stael — Katelujnestraat 4
Michielssens — Huidenvettersplein
Coudenys — Rozenhoedkaai
Daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The trip takes about 30 minutes., so it’s a great way to relax and give your feet a rest from walking on all those hard cobbled stone paths.
5. Market Square
Bruges has two major town squares, the largest and most popular is the Market Square (Grote Markt). Is pedestrian friendly with no cars allowed. There are a few major attractions to be found here like the famous Belfry Tower and the Medieval Cloth Hall which was used as the setting for the film “In Bruges” with COLIN FARRELL. The square is usually jam packed with tourists except when the locals take over on Wednesday; so its really is the heart of Bruges.
Numerous restaurants can be found around the perimeter but watch your pocket as these are very expensive. You can get a coffee around the corner for half the price.
Every Wednesday morning between 8am – 1pm the square turns into a vibrant lively market where fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry and other food items. Its a fabulous way to enjoy the morning tasting the fresh products of Bruges. The little yellow tourist bus operates from the square and runs every hour on the hour daily.
The other Bruges square is called Burg Square where all the administration of Bruges is operated from.
6. Belfry Tower.
The Belfry Tower was built in the 13th century and is 83 meters tall. Its located in the Market Square is the tallest building in Bruges so you cannot miss it. If feeling fit there are 366 steps which lead up to the top of the tower ,there are a few resting places to catch your breath. Once at the top you are rewarded with a stunning view of Bruges and having the opportunity to seeing the Carillon which contains over 47 bells.
7. Our Lady’s Church.
Our Lady Church is the largest church in Bruges it dates back to 13th Century in Romanesque style and later additions were added with a touch of Gothic architecture. Inside you can find Michelangelo’s Carrara marble statue of Madonna and Child (1540) in the church’s right wing chapel. The Church also contains the tomb of Mary of Burgundy and some wonderful 15th Century Flemish paintings.
8. Statues of Bruges
There are numerous interesting and historical statues scattered around the city of Bruges. The two most apparent and obvious in the market square are of two leaders Jan Breydel and Peter De Connick, two heros who led a group against the French and made Flanders independent in the early 14th century.
Statue of Albert the first can be found opposite the station, in the park on the way to ‘T Zand is the statue of Albert 1st (1878 – 1934) called King Chevalier.
Jan van Eyck (c. 1385 – 1441) was a 15th century Flemish painter statue stands proudly on the street.
I’m not sure how many statues are in the city of Bruges but you will find one at least on all the major streets, plazas and squares. You could try counting them !
9. Bruges – Museums.
There are numbers museums and art galleries in Brugge to keep any art lover or history buff amused for days.
The Groeninge Museum – Open every day from 9.30h till 17.00h The museum house some valuable Flemish Masters paintings including two works of the famous artist Jan Van Eyck the museums prized procession being the masterpiece ‘The Madonna with Canon Joris van der Paele’ painted in 1436.
The Gruuthuse Museum – which was the formal house of of Gruuthuse’ which belonged in the late Middle-Ages to the family Van Brugghe-van der Aa. The collection consists of furniture, silverware, metalware and Sculptural art.
The Archeological Museum – contains relics of Stone Age to the Middle Ages.
Diamantmuseum – Bruges is where the art of diamond polishing was created in the 15th century by local goldsmith Lodewijk van Berquem. This is one of the world’s largest diamond museums.
Museum Lady of the Potterie – contains valuable tapestries and silverware.
The Brangwyn Museum – contains the history of lace making.
The Brewery “De Halve Maan” – Enjoy a tour around the brewery and some tasting afterwards.
The Guido Gezelle Museum – One of Flanders best known poets – houses his works.
10. Shop till you drop !
Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate…
There are also heaps of tourist shops selling Belgium Beer Mugs, tapestries, lace and general souvenirs. The most impressive shops are the boutique type which sell beautiful tableclothes, napkins and quilt covers.
The main shopping street is Steenstraat which is located off the Markt Square and is opened between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
