Bruges: Decadently Chocolaty - Impossible to Resist!
Written: Jun 30 '08 (Updated Sep 14 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: City is compact enough to tour in one day - beautiful and bewitching!
Cons: One day is hardly enough to see it all!
The Bottom Line: Built during the Middle Ages, Bruges will charm you with its churches, buildings, arts, museums, market squares, and will intoxicate you with its wonderful chocolate!
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| reginafug's Full Review: Bruges |
There is something very magical about cities with centuries-old buildings and crisscrossing canals. The city of Bruges fits that mold, an ancient city that is well-preserved and it allows you to journey to a medieval era gone-by. While in Bruges visit world-class museums, art galleries, learn all you can about chocolate-making, or just watch the world go by from an outdoor table of an ancient pub, while drinking one of the 350 famous Belgian beers!
Where is Bruges?
Known as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is located on the northwest part of Belgium, in the province of West Flanders. Without a doubt, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities on the European continent and should be included in your itinerary when visiting Belgium.
Getting There
Getting to Bruges is extremely easy thanks to Belgium’s excellent railway system. In just one hour, tourists staying in Brussels can reach this lovely city, and if you’re staying in Antwerp , the ride is only 30-minutes. Its proximity to Belgium’s main cities makes this compact city ideal for a one-day tour. Should you wish to stay longer than one day, there are at least 50 inns in the immediate area. Given Bruges’s popularity, you’ll probably want to make advanced reservations.
If traveling by train, pay attention to the stations signs because while in English and French the city is called “Bruges”, in Flemish it’s called BRUGGE. It's important to be on the lookout for the stop called “Stationsplein BRUGGE. Once you exit the train you have the choice of walking approximately one mile into town, or taking a bus or taxi to the CENTRUM or Market Square. Walking from the station, however, is quite delightful, as you’ll see the modern part of the city meld with the historical part of Bruges.
Of Special Interest
Bruges was built during the Middle Ages and its charm and appeal lies in the fact that its churches, buildings, arts, museums, and market squares were built so long ago, yet they are preserved to perfection. The historical value of Bruges is inestimable, and as a result, Bruges was proclaimed by UNESCO “Patrimony for Humanity” and placed it on its World Heritage list in 2002.
Historical Bruges is only about 1,000 acres, and in it, the traveler can observe the various periods that influenced it: the Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanticism. One can sense the mystery of time as one walks on the cobblestone streets of this remarkable city. Speaking of cobblestone streets, this is one reason why all visitors should wear extremely comfortable shoes!
When to Go
Know that this city is extremely popular and packs of tourists descend on this pretty city from early May to mid-September. We visited during early April, while there was still a chill in the air, but the day was brilliant and the sun felt warm on our faces. Early fall tends to be the right time as well, though, this part of the country is known for endless days of drizzle as winter approaches.
To See and Do in Bruges
Important places that should be placed on your “to-see” list:
~ Minnewater Lake - If you decide to walk towards the old city from the train station, you will undoubtedly run into one of the loveliest parks around. Called the Minnewater or “the Lake of Love” (Dutch word minne = love), this is a canalized lake. From its banks or little bridges you can admire the many beautiful swans that grace its waters. The swan is one of the symbols of the city of Bruges.
~ Groeninge Museum - Feast your eyes and travel through six centuries of paintings.
~ Church of our Lady - See Michelangelo’s Madonna, dating to 1504. This painting is the only work of art that left Italy during his lifetime
~ Chapel of the Holy Blood - An ampoule that reputedly contains the blood of Christ is safely stored here.
~ The Belfry of Bruges - Climb its 366 steps to the top if you dare! This Belfry (or tower) is found in the main square, and once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with the best views of this charming city.
Just for Fun
~ The Chocolate Museum - Chocolate lovers can tour a museum entirely dedicated to the history of chocolate and learn about the process of chocolate-making. This museum is a delicious source of historical, geographical and botanical information. Get recipes for all things chocolate, taste chocolate, speak to chocolate-makers, and learn all you can about this addictive food.
~ The Antiques and Flea Market - Every Saturday from March through October you can find many vendors displaying their wares next to the canal. We visited Bruges on a Saturday, and indeed it was fun to rummage through the merchandise for a couple of hours. Of course, having to deal with the plane's baggage allowance prevented us from buying a few things; nevertheless it was fun!
~ Carriage Rides - Drawn by enormous Belgian draft horses, it’s amazing that a horse with such impressive girth manages to get through the many twisting alleys and narrow streets. Asking for a discount is not unusual, so don’t be shy!
~ Canal Ride - It’s a must! Ride one of these water taxis and see the city from entirely different angles, impossible if you’re walking through the streets. There are various stations along the city canals where you can board one of these water taxis.
~ Drinking/Dining - Make time for lunch or dinner and sit outdoors at any of the charming restaurants found throughout the city. Enjoy a delectable local dish and wash down it down with one of the many fine Belgian beers,
~ Arts and Crafts - Admire an artisan dressed in the local dress work the Bruges famous lace.
Annual Event - not to be missed
Chocó-Laté ~ the European Chocolate Festival! - This is a major event for chocolate lovers the world over! If you are a veritable chocolate lover, plan to be in Bruges during May 1 to 4, 2009, and be part of the third annual Chocó-Laté.
Shopping
It’s so much fun to step into the many antique shops, souvenir shops and of course, chocolate shops. The opportunities abound to find the perfect gift, but if you’re doing a one-day tour, window-shopping may be your only alternative, as there is so much more to do in Bruges!
Closing thoughts
One day in Bruges is hardly sufficient to experience this marvelous city and learn about medieval history. However, for those who are limited on time, as we were, in one day you can walk on cobblestoned streets, go through narrow alleys, indulge in a fine meal, and drink a fine beer or two, visit a museum, a church, ride a water taxi, peruse the wares at a flea market... phew, now wonder we were exhausted - the options in Bruges are limitless!
While walking around the city, I hope you take notice of the ever-present and bewitching, alluring aroma of chocolate. The scent of chocolate permeates the city, the alleys, its being. Throughout the city center you’ll find many chocolatiers offering many samples to tempt you; it was in Bruges where I learned to love chocolate. Once you step into their chocolate shops, you’ll be amazed at the never-ending procession of sweets and pralines wafting that irresistible aroma of chocolate.
The aroma of chocolate is impossible to ignore, how can you not indulge? I hope in the end you give in and purchase a few pounds of chocolate to take home!
Thank you for reading!
©Reginafug 2008
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May
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