Canal in Bruges
Travel

Adding Bruges to Your Bucket List is a Must

10 min read

When considering picturesque European medieval towns to add to your bucket list, then Bruges is a must.  Located in the northwest part of Belgium, the charming town comes complete with cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, canals, chocolate, fantastic food, lots of beer and tons of charm.   Really, is there anything else you could possibly want?

Bruges City Center

The City Center

The heart of Bruges is its city center, and here is where you will want to stay during your visit.  Most of the things to do and see are in this area.  The town is compact, basically contained within a ring of water that goes around most of the town.  Bruges is very walkable and by walking, you will really get a feel for it’s history. 

In the historical center of Bruges is Markt square and should be your jumping off point.  The square is a UNESCO World Heritage site and just stepping into Markt square it is easy to see why.  Restaurants, stunning architecture, and a 13th-century bell tower surround the square.   Once a major trading and commercial town, several European styles influence the buildings in Bruges.

Markt square is dominated by the 13th century Belfry Tower or Belfort.  Standing at over 272 feet tall (83 meters), this bell tower was once used as a municipal building and housed the treasury.  At the very top is an observation area that was once used to spot dangers that might be approaching the area.  For a small fee, you can still climb the 366 steep and narrow steps (yes, we climbed it), for a fantastic view of the city and countryside.

Located within the bell tower is the carillon.  A carillon is a musical instrument with bronze bells and is played on a keyboard.  Concerts can often be heard throughout the day.

Canals

Head south-east from Markt square, behind the Bell Tower, to Rozenhoedkaai.  Here you will find probably the prettiest and most photographed view in Bruges.  Often called “Venice of the North”, canals run throughout the city.  Rozenhoedkaai is just one of five places where you can take a boat tour on the canals.  The view of the city by boat offers a unique perspective as you float by beautiful gardens and under romantic bridges.   

Bruges Rozenhoedkaai Canal
Bridge in Bruge
purple flowers by Bruges canal

Art

You will find countless museums located throughout the city.  These museums cover everything from art, to chocolate, to beer.  There is something here for everyone.  Bruges is the birthplace of Flemish art, so works from artists such as Jan Van Eyck and Hans Memling can be viewed at the Groeninge Museum and at The Church of our Lady.

One very important piece of art is a sculpture located within The Church of our Lady called the Bruges Madonna.  Sculpted by Michelangelo, it depicts Mary and the infant Jesus. To me, the statue has sadness to it.  Mary’s face seems to shows the heavy heart of a Mother who knows the path her son is destined to take.  Her eyes look down and away from him as he stands in front of her with one foot lower than the other as if he is about to walk away.  Mary gently holds him with only one hand.  

It is the only sculpture by Michelangelo to leave Italy during his lifetime.  It was taken from Bruges during WWII by the Germans but was later found in a salt mine at Alt Aussee in Austria.  Upon its return to Bruges, it was placed in the Church of our Lady.  

A great movie to watch about the recovery of the Bruges Madonna and other art that was taken during WWII is “The Monuments Men”.

Madonna and Child in Bruges

Chocolate

Belgian Chocolate is assorted flavors

It would not be a trip to Bruges if you didn’t have chocolate.  Not just chocolate mind you but Belgian chocolate.  It seems like every street offers this sweet treat.  With so many flavors to experience, life is just too short to enjoy them all.  But, it’s fun to try.  Bruges even offers a chocolate museum for the true connoisseur.  Choco-Story talks about the history of chocolate and how it became important to the Belgians.

Beer

Wherever you travel, there are just some things that you must do, and in Bruges or anywhere in Belgium for that matter, it is to try the Belgian beer. Okay, so this will ruffle some feathers and will probably strike up quite the debate, but as far as which country has the best beer, it’s Belgium.  I know German beer is great, beer from the UK is wonderful, although it’s served too warm for my taste.  And, in recent years the US is making a large splash in the beer world with their micro-breweries.  But, Belgium wins due to the vastness of styles.  There are literally hundreds of beers to choose from.  Their brewing history runs deep throughout the country.  There is a beer to fit every taste.  In Bruges, there is so much to do and learn about beer from museums, stores, and breweries themselves.

The Bruges Beer Experience offers a unique learning experience on what goes into creating a great beer.  It is very hands-on, giving the opportunity to touch and taste the ingredients.  Learn about what makes a Trappist beer and the history behind Abbey beers.  Purchase tickets online by following the link above.

Beer Museum sign showing admission cost

After learning about the history of beer, head to one of the breweries located within Bruges to see how it all comes together.  At the height of beer production within the city during WWI, some 34 breweries had locations in Bruges, but today only two remain.

Bourgogne Flandres barrels resized condensed

Bourgogne des Flandres started brewing beer within the city walls in 1825 but did close in 1957 partially due to competition with lager style beers.  But, after nearly 60 years, Bourgogne des Flandres is once again brewing beer within the city.  Considered a traditional Flemish style beer, Bourgogne blends both old and young beers together to create a red-brown beer with a balanced sweet and sour taste.  Tours of the brewery are offered daily and tickets can be purchased online.  Afterward, stop by the bar where you can try a variety of Belgian beers while overlooking one of the beautiful canals.

The second brewery located within the city of Bruges is De Halve Maan Brewery.  This brewery has a deep history in Bruges, and has mention in the town registry dating back to the 1500s.   

Under the De Halve Maan name, there are three different labels. 

Brugse Zot:  Three styles

  • Blonde
  • Double – brown beer with a bitter flavor and double the alcohol
  • Sportzot – seasonal beer

Straffe Hendrik: Two styles

  • Triple – golden beer that is rich in flavor
  • Quadruple – brown beer with an intense flavor

Blanche de Bruges

Word of caution here, umm…be careful of beer that is a double, triple or a quadruple, especially if you want to remember drinking the beer in the first place.    Just say’n.    

Statue of Halve Maan outside of Brewery

In 2016, a 3km underground pipeline was installed that runs from the brewery to the bottling plant located outside of town.  Daily tours of the brewery are available and reservations are available online.  Don’t forget your free sample at the end of your tour.   There is a tavern located on site offering both lunch and dinner options.  Of course, De Halve Maan beer is also available.

Food

Bruges offers great food options throughout the city.  Large restaurants, small taverns, and street vendors offer a wide range of options.  There are a few foods that no trip to Bruges should be without. 

Belgian Fries or pomme frites

(Don’t even think about calling them French Fries!!)

They are thin-cut fries from Belgian potatoes.  The secret is they are double fried to give them a crispy exterior and a soft interior.  They should be lightly salted and served in a paper cone.  Lastly, no ketchup!!  Instead, they are served with mayonnaise. 

Mussels

I love mussels and I do think Bruges offers the best ones.  I assume that the proximity of Belgium to the coast offers a direct line of fresh mussels into the country.  These little shelled delights can be found throughout the city in restaurants both large and small.  You can find them cooked in a variety of ways, including simply steamed with butter and garlic, cooked in a white wine sauce or with a tomato base.  All of the options are fantastic.  Look for chalkboard signs sitting outside the restaurants to see what the restaurant is offering.

Pot with mussels in Bruges
Belgian Waffle with ice cream, fruit and chocolate

Waffles - they’re not just for breakfast

Belgian waffles are often sold most often as street food and are eaten more as a sweet treat instead of as a breakfast food, so don’t expect syrup.  Instead, they are often served with a huge array of different toppings including fruits, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and powdered sugar.

Lace Making

Lace Makers in Bruges
Lace Making in Bruges

As you stroll the streets and squares around Bruges, I hope you are lucky enough to come across ladies making lace by hand.  On one of our recent trips, we came upon a group of ladies sitting together each one creating these pieces of art.  Lace making has been an important industry in Bruges since the 15th century.  Their work is exquisite and a true art form.

Bruges is truly a delightful city and should be on your bucket list.  We love it so much, we have visited several times.  The city is full of culture, fantastic food, and great beer.  It is one of those places you can visit and quickly begin feeling relaxed and truly enjoy yourself.

14 Comments

    • admin

      Alicia, glad you enjoyed the post. Hopefully, it will inspire you to plan a trip there very soon. Thanks for commenting.

  • Debra

    You brought the city of Bruges alive and never having heard of it, I would love to visit. I enjoyed each section; especially the one on the Burges Madonna. Great travel blog!

    • admin

      Hi Debra! Thanks for your comments. It does seem as though most people have never heard of Bruges and it’s unfortunate because it is a delightful town. Make sure you watch the movie “Monuments Men” before you go. You will appreciate the Madonna, even more, when you realize it was almost lost forever.

  • Georgette

    WoW! Bruges reminds me so much of Venice! Yes, I must add this to my bucket list. Definitely a place to travel with my husband. I have traveled the world and he always has said he would like to take me somewhere I have never been. This would be perfect!

    • admin

      Hi Georgette….Yes, Bruges is often referred to as the Venice of the north. I encourage you to go. It is nice to venture out and try a new place. Hope you get to go soon. Thanks for commenting.

  • Maya

    Having never heard of this place before, your pictures and the info you share brought it to light for me. Definitely adding it to my bucket list !

    • admin

      Hi Maya…an YES it needs to be on your bucket list. It’s a beautiful city and is easily walkable. Thanks for your comments.

  • Kelly

    Loved this post!! It took me back down memory lane, since I did almost all of these things back in 2006!! 🙂 Great minds think alike. Glad to know that all my favorites are still there. Would love to go back now that I’m a mom with my kids. Still looks so beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
    -Kelly (www.mynewdanishlife.com)

    • admin

      Kelly, thanks for your comments. I am happy that it brought back some great memories for you. I didn’t have any kids with me when I was there, but I think they would enjoy it as well. I hope you get to visit again soon.

  • Christine Z

    I love Bruges! We were there back in 2008. Your post brought back a lot of memories. It’s a beautiful area and one that doesn’t get enough attention, in my opinion. The best part of going anywhere in Belgium is all the free chocolate samples. LOL.

    • admin

      Hi Christine Z, yes Bruges is underrated. I enjoy it so much more than Brussels who always seems to get more attention. We have visited Bruges multiple times and would love to back again. Food is excellent!! Beer, chocolate, and mussels…are a must.

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