While it is Brussels that is the capital of Belgium, the City of Bruges is widely regarded as the country’s most impressive city. It sits in the North West of Belgium in the Flemish Province of West Flanders with a section of it on the Country’s coast.
The heart of Bruges City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its population is around 120,000, a figure that doubles when including the greater metropolitan area. You may not know but Bruges has something in common with much larger cities such as Amsterdam and St. Petersburg; it is full of canals and your Bruges pictures will certainly include water.
Bruges’ architecture is impressive. Much of it is Gothic with the overall impression that visitors will get in Bruges justifying Bruges’ inclusion as one of the prettiest small cities/towns in the whole of Europe. Your Bruges photos will persuade your friends to agree.
The Belfry of Bruges
One of the Bruges images you should certainly have in your album is the Belfry. It is arguably the most prominent landmark in Bruges, located right in its heart. In the past, it held municipal archives and a treasury. It remains an excellent lockout point although that is less important in the modern day.
Its history includes the loss of those archives in a huge fire in 1280 and modifications two centuries later to include a stage and the image of St. Michael but fire struck again. When a further fire destroyed another spire that idea was shelved and a stone parapet in Gothic style added. If you want a good view over Bruges, climb ts 366 steps
Markt Central
Belgium is known for its beer and chocolate, a strange combination in many ways. If you head for Markt Central, you will find plenty of bars and restaurants to sample those and the other things for which Flanders is rightly proud.
Bruges has a few local favourites beyond beer and chocolate. Waffles come to mind immediately and they combine very nicely with chocolate. That is something that you can enjoy at any time of day. A snack on the move as you are exploring the centre of Bruges are chips, double fried in ox fat and covered in mayonnaise.
If you visit a local restaurant, look out for mussels with onions and celery or any of the slow-cooked meat dishes like beef stew. Some say that Bruges is part German, with plenty on your plate, and part French because of the quality on your plate. That beef stew is a real winter favourite and there is plenty to see and do in Bruges in the winter.
Centrum
Dukes Palace is the only 5-Star hotel in Bruges. That and Novotel Bruges Centrum are good options if you decide on a Bruges visit because you will be in the heart of the City. UNESCO recognised the Old part of Bruges as a World Heritage Site. Bruges was one of the Hanse cities in its heyday, the 15th Century when trade flourished.
Large parts of the mediaeval city remain and UNESCO saw both its architecture and its role in promoting the works of many Flemish painters as a great contribution to history and culture.
Bruges Shopping
Shopping in Bruges is special at the best of times. Regular markets open all year round but the Christmas Markets in Bruges are the most famous of all. Belgium has two December Festivals, the other being Saint Nicholas early in the month. As a result, you will find great shopping from the end of November onwards with the action going into the New Year.
You will be able to smell the waffles so wrap up well, and maybe take a horse-drawn carriage while you are there. Grote Markt has an ice rink just below the Belfry if you want a bit of exercise.
Minnewater Lake
In practical terms, Minnewater Lake gathers water from rivers and streams to create the waterways that you find throughout Bruges. The locals call it the Lake of Love relating the legend of Minna and her warrior beau Stromberg. Walk over the bridge on the Lake with your partner and you will find eternal love the saying goes.
There are numerous benches around the Lake which since the late 70s is in a park of the same name. The Lake is artificial although you would not know by looking at it. It is centuries old and built to prevent flooding in low lying parts of the City. While you are there, take a look at some of the surrounding buildings. Della Faille Castle in neo-Gothic style is on the east bank and the Begijnhof Ten Wijngaerde is to the north. That is a 17th Century building that was home to single and widowed women seeking a pious life.
Waterways
Everyone knows about cruising the canals of Amsterdam but the experience of doing that is just as good in Bruges. Indeed, some of the city’s highlights are seen at their best from the waterways. There are several landing and embarking points in the city centre and an organised tour will have commentary in several languages. There is a single route for everyone and it is only between December and early March that cruises are not available. Have your camera ready because there is plenty for you to photograph as you go along, often followed by the swans that seem attracted to the boats.
Conclusion
Bruges travel is a pleasure, even if it is just for a couple of days. Many cities have tourists visiting all year round although spring to autumn is the peak time. Having said that, Christmas is a great time in Bruges as long as you have warm clothing. It is not a huge city and you can see much of it by walking. The rest you can mostly see by cruising. When the beer is so good, you certainly do not want to be driving.