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Imagine a city, built of small little historical houses lined up side by side around the canals, hypnotizing with the rhythmic rattle of the carriages that roam in the cobblestone streets, filled with the smell of chocolate coming from many little chocolatiers…Yes, that is Bruges!I was in Bruges in 2013 for the first time and had the opportunity to visit this beautiful city again in October 2018. Bruges impressed me again just like the first time. This city, where the settlement began in the Bronze Age, has become a commercial center with its port opening to the North Sea and lived it’s golden ages between 12-15. centuries. It is one of the lucky cities that survived the first and second world wars with little damage, and with its medieval texture hosts thousands of tourists every year. The historical center is in the UNESCO World Heritage List and therefore protected.
The Old City Hall
As in every European city, there is a city hall in the center of Bruges and all important buildings are gathered around this square. It is a vibrant square with colorful cafes where all the tourists meet. This is also the departure point of the phaeton tours. It is a pleasure to sit on the steps of the city hall and watch the street performers here in a good weather.
The first two things that come to mind in Belgium are chocolate and beer, and Bruges is definitely the right address for both of them. You can spend hours just looking at the windows of chocolatiers with a wide variety of chocolate, but it is also a pleasure to visit the shops that allow you to taste some products 🙂 It is inevitable for a chocolate lover like me to have stomachaches until noon 🙂
Beer Is The Highlight
Beer production is also a highlight in Bruges. The most famous beer is the Bruges Zot (Bruges’ fool), whose factory can also be visited. I did not visit the factory to enjoy the beautiful weather, but since this beer can be found in every corner, you don’t necessarily need to visit the factory to try it. The beers you can try is of course not limited with Bruges Zot, there are tens of beer sorts in every café or bar you enter, but I have two favorite places, Beer Wall and De Garre.
Beer With A View
When you find the most beautiful view (at least the most beautiful for me) of the city, Beer Wall will be right on the opposite site of the canal. In nice weather the garden is quite enjoyable.
Best Place To Chat All Night
De Garre is a pretty difficult place to find, because the entrance of the street resembles an apartment entrance. We looked around for almost 20 minutes then had to ask a local 🙂 But with its beers, friendly staff and warm atmosphere, I think it worth looking around a bit.
A City Of Canals
Another highlight of Bruges is the canals. This is a city built around the canals like Amsterdam, and it is also called the Venice of the North. There are no walking paths around the canals in the old city center unfortunately; but it is possible to have the boat tour around.
Take Your Time For Bruges
Brugge is a small city and a one day tour will be enough to see it. If you somehow fall into Brussels one day, you should extend your stay one day to see this lovely city. A day with long walks on the streets, chocolate and beer tasting, enjoying the street performers in the main square will take you to another world shortly.
Now open the places to visit list and write in big letters: BRUGES
