Bruges seems like a medieval fairy story land.
One in all Belgium’s most celebrated historic cities, this capital of Western Flanders as soon as served because the business coronary heart of Europe through the Center Ages. A day journey to Bruges is an excellent addition to your Belgium journey itinerary.
Town’s compact measurement and egg-shaped perimeter make it conducive to aimless wandering. Don’t be scared to get misplaced in its feudal streets; you’re assured to come across meandering canals, topped steeples, and hidden parks.
I took a day journey from Brussels to this UNESCO World Heritage Website to uncover the its well-known Gothic allure.
(In your go to to Brussels, learn: Discover kid friendly activities in Brussels.)
Right here is an outline:
Day journey to Bruges: get there from from Brussels
- It solely takes a little bit over an hour to achieve Bruges by way of a direct-line practice from Brussels. Trains run virtually each hour.
- When you arrive at Bruges station, exit the principle exit, cross the road and cling a left. The historic district is lower than a 10-minute stroll away.
- An grownup weekend round-trip ticket prices roughly €15 and commonplace weekday fare prices virtually €29. Tickets can simply be bought the identical day from a kiosk or ordered online.
To not miss highlights in your day journey to Bruges
This itinerary is for guests who plan to reach by 10:00 within the morning.
Markt
I like to recommend beginning on the metropolis’s heart: Markt Place. This public sq. lies within the shadows of the town’s well-known belfry tower and is a orientation level for a stroll. The stair-step, brick facades of the previous guild halls are actually properties to buzzing eating places.
The blocks surrounding the Markt are crammed with retailers and cafés catering to vacationers. Sure, it’s crowded right here, however it’s a enjoyable spot for people-watching and options some well-preserved samples of Brick Gothic structure.
On the Mark you can too journey again in time, and expertise the medieval Bruges, as you’ve got one other spotlight, the…
Historium, Brugge
Expertise medieval Bruges up shut within the Historium and immerse your self in fascinating scenes from 500 years in the past. Uncover the unbelievable structure and storied retailers within the Historium’s themed halls.
Mixed movies with particular results and stage units carry the previous to life. With a VR headset, you may even expertise interactive 360° movies and see medieval Bruges up shut.
A spotlight is the Historium Tower, which affords you a wide ranging view from a peak of 35 meters. Stroll by way of bathhouses and backyards as they could have seemed 500 years in the past. Video shows carry forgotten locations to life and allow you to discover the world as in the event you had been there your self.
You’ll have a singular expertise at this museum! There’s a particular emphasis on offering data that’s tailor-made to you and your loved ones. Your youngsters will love this museum as a result of there’s a lot for them to find.
The displays are lovingly designed and current the content material in an interesting and comprehensible approach. You might be assured to be taught lots and luxuriate in your time right here to the fullest!
A go to to the Historium is an unforgettable expertise for anybody who needs to expertise historical past up shut.
Price: €18.50
Period: 1.5 hours
Final admission: 1.5 hours earlier than closing
Opening hours: each day 11:00 – 18:00
Tackle: Markt 1, 8000, Bruges
Burg
From here, it’s a short stroll east to the Burg, the city’s other ancient main plaza.
In the 9th century, the Burg became the municipal base of operation of Flanders.
You’ll be amazed at what there is to discover in Burg Square. While the Market Square is the heart of Bruges, the Castle Square is its soul. This has been the center of power for centuries, and even today the city government is headquartered in the 14th-century Gothic town hall.
The town hall, also called Stadhuis, was built in 1376. Inside you can admire the beautiful Gothic hall, decorated with its paintings from around 1900.
Surrounding this magnificent and majestic square are monumental buildings that characterize the cityscape. Each of them was built over the centuries and reflects the architectural style of the period. Here, you’ll find a variety of architecture: the Gothic Town Hall, a Court of Justice built during the Renaissance, the Baroque era Deanery, and Romanesque Basilica of Holy Blood.
A handy architectural guide gathered in a single place!
It will take you from the Basilica of the Holy Blood to the Freiamt and the Provost’s Office, allowing you to fully experience the beauty of the Castle Square.
Basilica of Holy Blood
While you’re visiting the Burg, the Basilica of the Holy Blood is value a fast gander. For those who wish to imagine it, it homes a sacred relic: “A vial mentioned to comprise drops of blood from Jesus Christ.”
Within the Higher Basilica, the relic of the Holy Blood is displayed for guests to venerate each day from 14:00 to 16:00. There may be additionally an exhibition each Friday morning from 10:15 to 11:00.
Although constructed within the twelfth century, the higher chapel was renovated within the nineteenth in a Victorian Gothic type illuminated with stained-glass home windows and colourful murals. The decrease chapel, nonetheless, retained its austere Romanesque roots.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Museum are open each day from 10:00 to 17:15. On Fridays, Sundays and holidays, the Higher Basilica just isn’t accessible between 10:45 and 12:15 as a consequence of Mass, until you want to attend Mass.
Admission to the Basilica of the Holy Blood is free, whereas admission to the Museum prices 5 euros. Youngsters beneath 12 have free admission.
Burg 13, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Rozenhoedkaai
You’re standing on what just isn’t solely essentially the most photographed sq. in Bruges, but in addition a spot of historic significance.
The Rosary Quay, or Rozenhoedkaai, was as soon as a market the place rosaries had been offered.
Right now it affords a wide ranging panorama that has impressed many artists to arrange their easels and seize the idyllic picture. You possibly can watch them at work and possibly even take house a hand-painted picture of Belgium’s most well-known panorama.
You’ll even have a very good view of the resort from the film “See Bruges …. and die”, the place the principle protagonists stayed and jumped out of the window.
Let your self be enchanted by this particular place and benefit from the postcard view of the hustle and bustle on the water, on the bridge and within the alleys.
Canals
Uncover why Bruges is nicknamed “The Venice of the North.”
Go away the Markt and Burg and cross south to expertise the town’s trademark waterways. Throughout medieval instances, the canals served because the artery of Bruges, connecting it to commerce on the North Sea.
Comply with the canals away from the crowds to uncover some quaint facet streets and greet the swans.
Choco-Story Bruges
Chocolate lovers take word! A candy shock awaits you off the crushed vacationer monitor at Choco-Story Bruges.
This chocolate museum is a real temple for chocolate lovers from everywhere in the world.
Right here you may be taught every thing about cocoa and chocolate, from recipes to the historical past of this candy delicacy. You possibly can even meet the specialists who make Belgian chocolate! You’ll have the chance to speak to specialists concerning the well being advantages of chocolate.
In an enthralling Fifteenth-century wine bar, you’ll find out how cocoa is remodeled into the scrumptious confection. You too can browse an intensive library of every thing you must learn about chocolate.
Have you ever ever questioned how the Mayans made their cocoa drink? At Choco-Story Bruges you’ll lastly discover the reply to this query, in addition to many different thrilling information about chocolate.
Immerse your self within the very important transformation of cacao into chocolate, be taught concerning the historical past, geography and botany behind it, and uncover secret recipes.
For these for whom the very phrase “chocolate” brings a smile to their face, a go to to Choco-Story Bruges is a should.
Price: €13
Period: 1.5 hours
Opening hours: each day 10:00 – 17:00
Tackle: 2,Wijnzakstraat, 8000, Bruges
Included:
- Self-guided audio tour of Choco-Story Bruges
- Stay chocolate making demonstration & chocolate tasting
- Personalised audio information obtainable for youngsters in all 11 languages
- Seek the advice of an intensive library of works on cocoa and chocolate
- Speak to specialists about chocolate
Chocolate Workshop at Choco-Story Bruges
Put together for an hour of candy creations and uncover make your own irresistible chocolate treats. Below the steering of an knowledgeable chocolatier, you’ll be taught new expertise and follow the artwork of chocolate making.
Along with the workshop, you’ll have the chance to go to the Choco-Story Museum, the place you’ll be taken on a culinary journey by way of the historical past of chocolate. Be amazed by an interesting demonstration of how chocolate is made and style the Belgian chocolate creations that may enchant your senses.
This enjoyable workshop will provide you with an unforgettable expertise and an opportunity to deepen your love of chocolate. So don’t hesitate and join now to create your personal candy delights and spend an unforgettable day on the Choco-Story Museum.
The museum has a candy and academic allure and affords many alternatives for interactive experiences. The workshop is relaxed and there’s loads of scrumptious chocolate to take house.
Price: €35
Period: 1 hour
The Church of our Woman
On this church you may uncover a world of inventive treasures.
Do you know that Bruges is house to a Michelangelo treasure? The altarpiece within the church’s giant chapel enshrines a white marble sculpture of a sorrowful Madonna and Youngster created by Michelangelo round 1504. It was initially designed for the Piccolomini altar in Siena Cathedral. The sculpture was bought by the Moucron household of Bruges retailers and delivered to Bruges.
Within the choir of the church you may admire the spectacular Ardour Triptych by the courtroom painter Margaret of Austria, in addition to the mausoleums of Charles the Daring and his daughter Mary of Burgundy from the Fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
The church additionally stands out for its 115.5-meter-high brick tower. This makes it the world’s second tallest brick tower.
Along with the Belfort and the Sint-Salvatorskathedraal, characterizes the “skyline” of Bruges. The inside of the church has been restored to its former glory.
Open Monday via Sunday from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm. Mariastraat, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
De Bron
As you discover your approach south, cease for a wholesome, vegetarian lunch at De Bron.
Diners have a selection of fastened menus based mostly off portion measurement: soups, small, medium, and huge plates. Your waiter will assist clarify the menu in English. Most elements are regionally sourced and there’s additionally a good selection of natural beers.
To enter the restaurant, you will have to make use of the buzzer on the entrance door then enter by way of the door on the proper.
Katelijnestraat 82, 8000 Brugge, Belgium. www.eethuisdebron.be
And if shouldn’t focus that a lot on a wholesome lunch, and as an alternative wish to discover out concerning the secrets and techniques of Belgium fries… then I like to recommend you:
Frietmuseum, Brugge
Yeaph… French Fries are literally not French, however Belgium. Those who got here up with the thought ‘simply’ spoke French, what can occur in some components in Belgium. 🙂
In the event you like “French” Fries, then go to the Frietmuseum in Brugge.
Within the coronary heart of Bruges, in a historic constructing courting from the 14th century, an thrilling perception into the historical past of potatoes and French fries awaits you.
Get sensible recommendations on make the proper crispy fries and check out them your self with quite a lot of scrumptious sauces.
Discover interactive displays and let your youngsters tackle the position of a French fry prepare dinner – an unforgettable expertise for younger and previous alike.
In the event you’re a real fry fan, the Friet Museum in Bruges is the place to be. Immerse your self on the earth of those golden delicacies and uncover why Belgium is legendary for its fries. Right here you may order scrumptious fried potatoes and sauces, discover the historical past of the potato and replenish on fascinating information about French fries.
The modest Friet Museum is the proper place for an unforgettable time out in Bruges.
Price: €9.50
Opening hours: each day 10:00 – 17:00
Tackle: Vlamingstraat 33, 8000, Bruges
Books and Brunch
This is a chill spot to get caffeinated or munch on hearty salads, sandwiches, and sweets. It also doubles as a funky bookstore where it’s easy to lose time perusing the printed word.
Open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Garenmarkt 30, 8000 Brugge, Belgium. www.booksandbrunch.be
Astridpark
Take a detour by way of the secluded gardens of Astridpark on the way in which again to the town heart. Catch some contemporary air from tranquil spot on the grassy garden and watch the exercise across the gazebo and pond. It is a good location for a picnic if the climate is sweet.
8000 Brugge, Belgium
Bruges Beer Museum and Beer Tasting
If that doesn’t sound like the proper afternoon exercise… Style completely different Belgium beer at Bruges Beer Museum.
Study concerning the well-known and scrumptious Trappist and Abbey beers, the brewing course of, girls and beer, and meals pairing.
The Bruges Beer Museum affords a singular expertise that goes far past the idea of an strange museum. Right here one can find interactive applied sciences that immerse you on the earth of beer, and naturally the scrumptious beer itself!
Take a self-guided tour and get an inside take a look at how beer is made, take part in a enjoyable quiz, and end the expertise with a refreshing beer within the bar.
Belgium’s beer tradition is known, and the Bruges Beer Museum is the proper place to immerse your self on this world. Take a guided tour of the brewing course of, study elements and uncover the fascinating historical past of Trappist and Abbey beers. You too can learn to pair completely different beers with meals and expertise the historical past of girls and beer first-hand.
The museum additionally has one thing for the little ones: The Youngsters Tour is an entertaining story concerning the Bruges Bear that may be learn or listened to in ten completely different languages. An ideal alternative for the entire household to find the Bruges Beer Museum!
Good to know: The venue supplies audio splitters for the blind and visually impaired with an escort. The hearing-impaired can expertise the identical tour as different guests by watching footage on the iPad Mini in Flemish signal language.
Price: €18
Opening hours: each day 10:00 – 18:00
Tackle: Breidelstraat 3, 8000, Bruges
- Admission to the museum
- Beer tasting (3 samples of 15cl) (optional)
- Use of a tablet with headphones for each visitor over the age of 4
- Special audio tour for children
Belfort (Belfry)
The Belfort Belfry is the tallest building in the old district. It used to hold municipal archives and serve as an observation post.
You’ll have the opportunity to climb the Belfry, an 83-meter-high 13th-century tower that is one of Bruges’ three iconic landmarks. Climbers will be rewarded with unspoiled views and an up-close look at the carillon with 47 melodious bells. On the climb up, there are a couple of floors with exhibits about the tower’s history and mechanics.
Together with the towers of the Church of Our Lady and Saint Salvator’s Cathedral, it forms an imposing backdrop. Once you’ve climbed the 366 steps, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Bruges and the surrounding area. Along the way, you can stop at the Treasury, which once housed the magistrates, the city seal and the city treasury.
Upstairs, you will find the impressive music roll that controls the carillon. From the tower room you can even see the piano on which the carillon is played today. The carillon in the tower consists of 47 bells and is played by a city carillonneur. Special carillon concerts can be heard during the summer months.
The Belfry is an outstanding example of medieval architecture that reflects the importance and self-confidence of cities and citizens. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, along with 55 other belfries in Belgium and France. This historic landmark of Bruges is not to be missed.
Beware, it can get loud up there when the bells ring! A limited amount of visitors are allowed up at a time, so expect a bit of a wait.
Open every day from 9:30 am – 6:00 pm. Admission: adults € 10,00; seniors and youth under 26 years € 8,00. Markt 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium. www.visitbruges.be/en/belfort-belfry
Bonifatius Bridge
Behind the Liebfrauen Church you’ll uncover the Bonifatius Bridge – a preferred photograph motif!
You can be amazed by the Boniface Bridge in Bruges. It could be one of many youngest bridges, however it symbolizes the town in a beautiful approach. There’s a mysterious ambiance right here and there are quite a few romantic and unbelievable views vying on your consideration.
Whatever the time of day, it is a place of magical attraction that you just should see.
The encircling panorama is solely enchanting and virtually fairytale-like. Proper subsequent to the bridge is the Resort Bonifacius, whose picket façade is so uncommon that it appears to have been taken straight from the tales of “The Lord of the Rings” or “The Hobbit”.
Shut by is the Gruuthuse Bridge, on which stands the white home of Arents – the one bridge in Bruges with a constructing on it.
Da Vinci’s Gelateria
You deserve a reward in spite of everything that strolling and climbing. From the belfry, head a few blocks northwest to Gelateria Da Vinci’s to bask in some luxurious, home-made gelato. When you get your dessert, seize a concrete seat within the close by sq. and luxuriate in.
Open Monday via Sunday from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm. Geldmuntstraat 34, 8000 Brugge, Belgium. www.davinci-brugge.be
Get Misplaced within the Facet Streets
I spent the remainder of my afternoon exploring the quiet streets within the northern part of Bruges. The neighborhood and parks right here felt extra residential and canals narrower and extra intimate. When you’ve got additional time and power, wander to the jap boundary of the town to view a few of the metropolis’s previous windmills. It was the proper finish to my day journey to Bruges.
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