Why Brugge is the best kept secret in Belgium
Ever heard of Brugge?
Me neither, until my mom suggested it as a day trip from Brussels. At just under an hour train ride away, it’s the perfect addition to your Belgium trip.
Here’s some quick footnotes on the history of Brugge:
It’s a medieval town, either called Bruges in French or Brugge in Flemish (the language of Dutch people).
Brugge dates back to the 12th century, and it got it’s popularity due to it’s flemish cloth, but once Antwerp started to grow people left Brugge which helped preserve it’s architecture.
Known as “The Venice of the north” due to it’s beautiful canals that flow through the city.
Renowned Bruges painter Jan van Eyck (1370-1441) spent most of his life in Brugge and a statue honoring him is found in the square named after the sculptor, Jan Calloigne.
So what’s so special about Brugge?
Picturesque views, gothic architecture, quiet canals envelope the entire city.
First, the medieval center has been remarkably preserved and is a UNESCO world Heritage site. If you see a blue/white emblem on a building, it means it’s restored to it’s original cultural property design. The Hague Convention started the protection of these buildings back in the 1950’s. The architecture is gothic in every sense, it’s amazing to know how many places are still intact after all these years and wars.
Brugge is also not a popular destination for travelers compared to the larger cities of the Benelux region. Bruges has been beginning to enforce tourist restrictions like cutting off weekend cruise ships, but for the most part it’s not very crowded. We went on a Tuesday and it was quiet and peaceful. The town of Bruge is pretty small, so it’s easy to see everything in a day or if you want to marvel longer stay a few more days to take in all the beauty. It’s truly a place to move at a slower pace, just taking it all in.
But seriously, Brugge is BEAUTIFUL. Everywhere you turn are picturesque spots. From cute cafes, ivy grown brick row houses, to the windmills just outside the town limits, you will feel as if you entered a fairytale. I could have spent all day just walking up and town the streets admiring this gorgeous, romantic city.
How to enjoy Brugge
Classic shop in Brugge
Peak season is April to October, with May being the busiest month. We were there Mid- October and it didn’t feel crowded at all!
Bring cash! Many places like the canal tour and other smaller coffee shops will not accept cards.
It’s 28 Euros for a 52min train ride from Brussels central to Brugge, and your way back ticket is actually free on the weekends to encourage local tourists.
It’s a 10 minute walk from the train station to the city center, and you can get there via the scenic route by walking through Minnewater park.
We ate lunch at a Brasserie called Brugge Die Scone, which claims to have “the most charming view in town" and I have to agree! The service was excellent and the food was delicious with Flemish delicacies.
Grab some bikes from Adventure Bike Riding near the City Centre market square and bike out to see the Windmills! There are four along the river. Then continue to bike around all the empty city streets. This was my favorite thing we did in Brugge!
After dropping off the bikes, explore the museums/shops around the market square and climb the 366 steps to the top of the Belfort Tower. Important note- all museums are closed on Mondays here!
To give yourself a rest from all that activity, grab a canal tour from any of the local vendors. It averages about 10 Euros and is a 35 minute tour (If it’s cooler weather like it was for us, grab some Belgium hot chocolate before boarding).
Directly across from the Brugge Die Scone is a massive willow tree. Underneath is actually patio seating for The Beerwall. You’ll know you’re at the right place when you see the moped with beer stickers all over it (see photo). They have over 2,000 different beers and a different glass for EVERY type. We noticed the coolest ones that have a wooden handle, just be sure to not pull a rookie move & actually hold it by the wood handle and not the glass!
Have a little more time? Just outside of the city centre sits Loppem Castle. Not many know of this place so it could be a fun and eerie halloween activity admiring the Flemish Neo-Gothic interior decorating and finishing with the outdoor maze. 7 Euros.
Loppem Castle Gardens, located just outside of Bruges
So now you know the best kept secret of Belgium- better visit before the secret gets out!
Sincerely,
Sarah
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