There are places that manage to get under your skin, even though you do not really know them very well. Bruges is that kind of place. Both times I’ve visited it I noticed its beautiful Gothic buildings, the picturesque corners inviting tourists to stop for a photo and the fact that it truly is a heaven for food connoisseurs.
Bruges became known around the year 1450, when the Royal House of Burgundy established residence in this tiny town. At the same time, the churches and traders' houses you may still see today have been built. During medieval times, Bruges became known as a commercial city in the heart of Europe and managed to keep its particular appearance until present days.
Located in the Flemish province of West Flanders in Belgium, Bruges is known to be one of the nicest and most romantic cities in Europe. Packed with romantic canals and beautiful swans, this city is often being called "Venice of the North." Its medieval streets lead to beautiful squares, boats float on the canals and you will often see very-well preserved historic buildings, thus making Bruges a year-round destination.
So, here are the main activities you should not miss when in Bruges:
Visit the historic center
The historic center of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and it is beautifully preserved. As it barely has 4 sqm., it is very easy to visit it and admire the outstanding public squares, markets and cobbled streets.
The beating heart of ancient Bruges is the old market square (Grote Markt), lined with pavement cafes and colorful brick buildings. Do start your visit here and consider hopping on a carriage to explore the city.
Very close to the Market Square, you will find another impressive square - Burg Square, hosting some emblematic buildings, such as the Town Hall or Basilica of the Holy Blood. The burg is one of the city’s most beautiful squares.
Do not leave the historic center without climbing the 366 steps to get to the top of the 12th century Belfort, with its 83-metre Belfry Bell Tower. If you like 360 degree views, this is one activity you should not miss when in Bruges. Note that Belfort formerly held the city’s treasury and the municipal archives.
Go on a boat cruise on the canals
A cruise along Bruges’ canals is also one of the best ways to see the city, as it allows you to view the city from a different perspective. You should know that boat tours run from March until November every year. For more information, visit Bruges tourism website (https://www.visitbruges.be/visit).
Enjoy a few hours of silence at Begijnhof (beguinage)
Near Minnewater Park, the Beguinage (a World Heritage Site since 1998) is one of the most peaceful places in Bruges. The Béguines began living here in 1245. They were lay women who dedicated their lives to God without removing themselves from the world, thus forming unified communities. Nowadays, these buildings house Benedictine nuns. Also, Begijnhof is now the perfect place to get away from the city noise. This walled oasis of religious calm, with its impressive courtyard garden, its white painted houses and its limitless silence will charm all tourists.
Try local cuisine
No wonder Belgian fries are famous worldwide. Topped with sauces, they make the perfect snack. In Bruges you’ll even find the world’s only museum dedicated to fries - the Frietmuseum (http://www.frietmuseum.be/en/) Frietmuseum has exhibits on the history of the fry from the cultivation of potatoes to the current manner to cook the perfect Belgium fries. As a bonus, at the end of the tour, you will get to eat freshly made fries.
Belgium waffles are famous all over the world and, once you get to Bruges, you’ll understand why. Waffles are served either with sugar on top or with lots of toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate, fruit, ice cream.
Belgium is also well known for its gourmet chocolate. In fact, you’ll find more than 50 chocolate shops in Bruges Since you are here, visit the chocolate museum in Bruges: Choco Story (http://www.choco-story.be/ENG/), to find out more about the history of Belgian chocolate and taste the free samples offered by the museum.
Last, but not least, do not miss the steamed mussels when in Bruges. Always served with Belgium fries and mayonnaise, this is the perfect way to end a beautiful day spend in Bruges.
Have lunch at Restaurant De Stove
Restaurant De Stove (http://www.restaurantdestove.be/en/) is an intimate restaurant, serving daily caught fish and other Flemish specialties. Everything is homemade, so do not miss this charming restaurant when in Bruges.
Stay in a charming boutique hotel
Lots of the hotels in Bruges were converted from seventeenth and eighteenth-century medieval buildings. I really liked staying at the elegant Hotel Van Cleef, a small luxury boutique hotel overlooking the canal (http://www.hotelvancleef.be/en/) . It truly is one of the most amazing places to stay in Bruges.
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