About Bruges
Bruges (Brugge in Flemish) is the capital of the West Flanders region of Belgium. The local language spoken is Flemish although English is widely understood. It is a superb example of a medieval city with its historic market place and canals. While its wealth may have come from the wool trade in the 13th century, after the silting up of its main waterway to the sea, it meant that the merchants left and the city almost fell dormant. It wasn’t until the 19th century that tourists began to pass through Bruges on their way to the battlefield at Waterloo that prosperity started to return. Nowadays it is an extremely popular destination with tourists worldwide but still retains its historic charm.
Getting to Bruges
Arriving by ferry the easiest route is by car taking the N31 or by train from Zeebrugge Terminal (Zeebrugge Strand) to Bruges by train takes about 20 minutes and the ticket price starts at 5.60€. The station is 25 minutes walk from the ferry terminal. The nearest international airports are Ostend – Bruges (37 km), Antwerp (97 km) and Brussels (111 km). The city has several autoroute connections E40 from Brussels and Ghent and E34 Antwerp. The Dutch border is 30 minutes and the French border is 45 minutes drive away.
A 15-minute walk from the station was the Hotel NH Brugge (Boeveriestraat 2). It was extremely comfortable, clean, and only 10 minutes from the centre of the city. The breakfast was superb.
Grote Markt in Bruges
Grote Markt is the historical city centre. A square surrounded by historic buildings and the site of the famous Christmas market. The walking tours and the city tour set off from here, and there is some parking available close by. The Provincial Court is an impressive building at east side of the square. It is now used as a ceremonial building though originally it was a government meeting house. There are several places to eat in the kiosks around the square, but I tried Grand Café Craenenburg (Markt 16). The tapas menu was reasonable and the Leffe beer was excellent. There is plenty of outside seating which fills up quickly on a sunny day.
Historium museum, Bruges
Historium Bruges is an interactive museum just beside the Provincial Court. It tells the story of Bruges from the Golden Age. Very family friendly. You can walk out onto the balcony overlooking the square and visit the Duvelorium Grand Beer Café as well. Tourist information is readily available in the building.
Belfort Brugge
Belfort Brugge (Belfry of Bruges). Situated at the south side of the square, this medieval bell tower affords fantastic views of the city if you do not mind climbing the 366 steps to the top! Built in the 13th century, it is 83 metres high and an iconic landmark. The bell tower has 47 bells which are played from 11am till noon on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Opposite the tower is the Salvador Dali museum on the corner of the square. One minute away at Breidelstraat 3 is the Bruges Beer Experience. A useful stop after climbing towers! An interesting look at Belgian brewing, there is an interactive museum, shop and of course, a bar. There are 16 beers available and the bar and shop are open from 10am – 6.30pm.
Bruges City Hall (Burg 12). A 14th century hall and museum with beautifully painted walls and ornate façade.
Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres (Kartuizerinnenstraat 6) is a micro brewery next to the canal. Tours of the brewery run every 20 minutes from 10am – 6.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Take a seat out on the terrace and relax with a cold beer. Opposite on the other side of the canal, you can take one of the 30-minute Boat Tours (Dijver) for 10€ and see the city from the canal.
Minnewaterpark (Minnewater 1-15). Looking for a quiet place to relax? Then take a walk to this park. It has tree lined pathways and lots of benches, only 10 minutes from the rail station. Walk over the Park bridge and there is more green space and a statue of Hendrik Pickery, a celebrated sculptor.
Choco-Story (Wijnzakstraat 2) After Belgian beer, chocolate is the next thing to try. Yes, another museum but do not worry, there is a bar after this stop. Covering the 5000-year evolution of chocolate, you will find over 1000 related objects on site and there is also a demonstration area with tastings of the finished product. The museum is open from 10am – 5pm and entry costs 9.50€.
Café Rose Red (Cordoeaniersstraat 16) A bar offering Trappist beer, a lot of it! Only about 1 minute from Choco-Story and 5 minutes from the centre, it is slightly off the beaten track but a haven for beer lovers. Very relaxed with a small outside courtyard, there are snacks to be had (cold meats, cheese etc) while you enjoy your beer. There are red roses hanging from the outside windows and beams over the room. Take a seat at the bar and enjoy the well stocked back bar and the huge selection of draught and bottled beers.
Bruges is a great city though it never feels too overwhelming. It gets remarkably busy with tourists but there is always a place to get away from the hustle and bustle. Maybe a quiet bar, park, or a walk along the canal banks. If you get the chance, give it a try.
