Day 1: Bruges

Exploring Bruges: Day 1

If you set out to design a fairy tale medieval town it would be hard to improve on Bruges; picturesque cobbled lanes, winding canals, photogenic shops and historic churches.

On the surface, Bruges’ centre is like stepping into a time warp because half of it’s charm shines through exploring it’s historic architecture, alleyways, restaurants and cool bars.

Tips:

• On the Eurostar, make sure you travel on an “any Belgian station” ticket.
• Most of Bruges’ museums, attractions and shops are closed on Mondays.
• Mussels are a Flemish speciality, and a must try in Bruges with frites and bier.
• Much of the city center is pedestrianised, with a bus service that runs regularly between the station and the centre – a one-hour ticket costs € 3.00.
• Driving is discouraged in Bruges – you don’t need a car!

Travel:

An hour away from Brussels by train, Bruges is a city best explored over a couple of days. Arriving by Eurostar from London, the journey is about 3 hours with a quick change at Brussels Midi / Zuid station. The average journey time is about 59 mins (because some trains have less stops). On arrival in Brussels make sure you look for the fastest train.

When you arrive at Bruges’ station it’s about a 20 minute scenic walk to reach the Markt.

Hotel: Hotel De Orangerie

In the heart of Bruges, this traditional hotel, built in 1500, is located on the most picturesque canal. Originally a XV century monastery, it has been converted into a boutique hotel with plenty of old world quirkiness soaked up from the city itself.

Only two blocks from the main square, it’s conveniently located, and some of the rooms have terraces overlooking the canal.

Exploring: Day 1

Markt

Markt is the main square in Bruges, the heart of the old town. Lined with medieval style gothic step-gabled buildings and horse-drawn carriages, this part of Bruges wakes early preparing itself for the camera-clicking tourists who tend to arrive on day trips.

Begin your day grabbing a coffee in the Markt and then climb the 83-metre high Belfry tower.

Belfry Tower

The Belfry of Bruges is the tallest tower in Belgium and on a clear day you can see the coast from the top. Formally a treasury and municipal archives, it served as an observatory for spotting fires and other danger.

At the top, it offers amazing panoramic view of the city.

It’s best to visit early (9.30am), before the main crowds arrive, because only a limited number of people are allowed in the tower at the same time. Inside you’ll learn about the history and working of the world-heritage protected Belfry. Those who take on the challenge of the climbing the tower (it’s definitely worth it) can pause for a breather on the way up in the old treasury, where the city’s charter, seal and public funds were kept.

366 steps up in total. Inside you’ll past the 47-bell carillon, which still chimes in the city.

Pricing: Adults € 12,00

Opening times: 9.30am – 6.00pm (last tickets 4.15pm)

Burg square

A short block east of the Markt is Burg square, one of the most historic parts of Bruges, with buildings from the gothic, renaissance and neo-classicist eras.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Tucked away in a corner of Burg square is the Basilica of Holy Blood, a chapel ornately decorated with statues and medallions. This is where the holy blood relic is brought out for veneration twice daily. The holy blood is believed to be drops of blood and water washed from the body of Christ, as popular legend says, following the crucifixion.

Pricing: Free

Opening times: 9.30am – 12.30pm / 2.30pm – 5.30pm

Veneration of the relic: 11.30am and 2.00pm (daily)

Lunch: Gingerbread Tea Room, Sint- Amanddsstraat

Hidden down the winding pedestrian street of Sint-Amandstraat is this charming tea room serving lunch, brunch and of course the infamous Belgian waffles. The decor is vintage all over, and the service is excellent with a warm, family-run feel.

On a nice day you can sit outside, along the cobbled streets – it’s really a true hidden gem, and a Belgian waffle brunch is definitely a must when in Bruges!

Opening times: 9.00am – 5.00pm

Pricing: Cash only

Canal boat tour

A trip to Bruges isn’t complete without a ride along the canal, one of the best ways to see the city. You can board from five different landing stations around the city for a half-hour trip. One of the most popular boarding spots is just off Burg square, where you can hop on board a rickety boat and float past the city’s most fascinating landmarks.

Rozenhoedkaai is a famous photo stop for visitors on the canal trip, you’ll find many tourists queuing for an iconic photo here as it’s known as the most typical ‘Bruges’ scene.

Opening times: 10.00am – 6.00pm (last departure: 5.30pm)

Pricing: €8.00

Begijnhof

The Beguinage area is a delightful part of Bruges that is well worth visiting. For centuries, this little piece of world heritage was once home to the beguines, a community of women who chose to live away from society and devote their lives to God. Today, it’s inhabited by nuns and several Bruges women who have decided to remain unmarried.

The gardens are well-kept and peaceful, in spring a carpet of daffodils add to the quaintness of the scene.

Look out for the horse fountain over the bridge, which spurts water allowing horse carriage drivers to fill buckets to give their horses a drink.

Inside the museum you can get a good feel of what day-to-day life was like in the 17th-century with an old dining room, sitting room and portrait of the traditional costume.

Opening times: 6.30am – 6.30pm (gardens), 10.00am – 5.00pm (house)

Pricing: €2.00 (house), free (gardens)

Pre-dinner drinks: 2be bruges

In this 15th century former Mayor’s house you can find every variety of Belgian beer displayed on a huge glass beer wall, shown alongside its accompanying beer glass.

There’s also a hidden terrace where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful canal views of Bruges, of course with a cherry beer in hand!

Opening times: 10.00am – 7.30pm

Dinner: Bistro t’ Lammetje

Tucked away in a small square next to the Djiver, this is a cosy haven with outdoor and indoor seating. It’s a perfect place to soak in the smells, sights and sound of Bruges as the day trippers leave. Moules et Frites is a classic, served in saucepans stewed in water or garlic, offering a real authentic taste of local cuisine.

Opening times: 11.00am – 10.00pm (closed on Mondays)