Bruges is one of the most breathtaking cities around the world. Located in Belgium, Bruges is also the capital of West Flanders, the Flemish region of the country.
With its amazing architecture, it has a population of over 116,000. As one of Belgium’s most visited cities, we needed to check out why it is so loved, and why it is said to be THE city you must visit when travelling around the country.
The Best time to visit Bruges
Like a lot of cities in this part of Europe, when the sun is out it is lovely and warm. As the weather gets colder, visitors will experience slight drizzle and gloomier days. But this doesn’t take away from the beauty and charm of the city. In fact, rugging up and heading to Bruges in autumn and winter is probably the best time to go. Buildings covered in lights and cozy cafe fires. Of course visiting Bruges in the European summer is also great but you naturally get more crowds and tourists, especially with overseas tour groups.
We visited in October as part of our road trip around Belgium. We had half sunny, half gloomy days and cooler nights, but dry.
Getting around Bruges
One we had parked the car, it stayed there. The city is small enough so you can get around Bruges on foot, which is what we did.
If walking around is something that just doesn’t excite you, why not bring your own or rent a bicycle. This way you can cross the city in just 30 minutes.
Either of these options will allow you to really absorb yourself into the medieval feel of Bruges.
While not an exact mode of transport from A to B, you may want to see the sights of the city by boat, and go on a tour of the city canals. Or perhaps a horse drawn cart is more your style?
What you need to see in Bruges
Being that it is such a small city, and gorgeous to walk around, you can easily see the top attractions in Bruges.
Lovers of stunning architecture and history will love wandering the cobblestoned streets. As you wander be sure to check out Belfort van Brugge, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Liberty of Bruges, and the Church of Our Lady. The gothic inspired architecture of these buildings and surrounds make the exterior of these just as spectacular as the interior.
Bruges’ unmissable attraction is the Belfry Tower. Make the 366-step climb on the hour to hear the tower’s incredible ensemble of bells ringing out their special tunes. One tip – only a select number of people are allowed to climb up the belfry tower at one time, so the queues can get pretty big. Plan ahead where you can.
What to eat in Bruges
As I mentioned in the other posts about Belgium, there is nothing better to eat in these cities than fries and waffles. And again we had our fair share of them in this city too.
What we really enjoyed in Bruges, which we highly recommend, is checking out ALL the chocolate shops. In some you can view the chocolates being made, or book into a chocolate tour with tasting. The kids will love finding the coolest (and probably the biggest) chocolatey treat, and eating it quicker than the time it took to pick it out. These shops can be found everywhere in the city and all offer something a little bit different.
If you are in Bruges on a Wednesday, head to The Market Square for the local produce market. Sample meat, cheese and bread and of course waffles. The square is home to many landmark buildings including the Belfry Tower, but also a great place to grab a meal, coffee or Belgian beer.
Speaking of Belgian beer, parents do not have to miss out on trying some of Belgium’s finest beers. There are many beer houses and breweries around, or cafes that have their own house drop. As a very family friendly city, you will find drinks and food that the children can also have in these places too.
One of the highlights of our family trip to Bruges was waffles for breakfast! Rog and I were even a little cheeky and a beer with our waffles because, when in….Bruges!
Final Thoughts
There is something so charming about Bruges. There are plenty of family friendly restaurants and accommodations , and so many activities, we didn’t have time to do them all. I look forward to the day I can return to experience more, and would definitely add Bruges to the must-see cities in Europe list.
8 comments
I can’t wait to go back there and spend more time. Your family is adorable and looked like they enjoyed that donut. I like your suggesting of using the bike to get around, last time I was there I waked. So may have to rent a bike! Thank you.
Thank you. They love to eat, but more importantly they don’t mind posing for photos.
I love travelling and love Belgium too! Thanks a lot for bringing back my memories💕
My pleasure. There will be more posts coming soon too so please keep an eye out or subscribe.
Belgium looks like a beautiful place. I hope I get to visit someday. Thank you 🙂
It is definitely worth it. I hope you can get there too.
Bruges is such a beautiful, timeless city. Your opening image is just stunning! I did visit Bruges, many years ago, your post inspires me to think about a return visit. Did you stay in the city itself? Last time I was there, it was just my husband and I. Now we are a family of five, I’m thinking airbnb or renting an apartment might be a better option than a central hotel.
We did stay in the city. We stayed at the Novotel. The family suite was a single bed and a pullout sofa bed and we found it roomy and comfy. But it is just the four of us. We were able to walk everywhere and the buffet breakfast was fabulous.