Bruges: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Belgian city of Bruges

Bruges is a charming Belgian city that captivates from the first moments of being there. Here, if you put aside modern gadgets and ignore the cars, you can seriously think that you've traveled back in time to medieval Europe.

Bruges is a city of swans, canals, ancient cathedrals, traditional Christmas markets, and leisurely walks. In Bruges, every inch of cobblestone and every brick of the buildings breathes history, not a showy one, but real, with moss-covered, damp walls of houses, time-darkened facades, and quiet parks.

Getting to know this magical city is best started with a stroll around the main square, Grote Markt. A standard tour of Bruges would not be complete without visiting the Belfort bell tower (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the nunnery of single widows, and the fine arts museum. Bruges also boasts interesting thematic museums: the Friet Museum, the Beer Museum, the Lace Museum, and the Chocolate Museum.

When to go?

Traditionally, tourists visit Bruges during Christmas to attend the local market and experience the festive atmosphere. However, it should be noted that the winter weather in Bruges is not the most favorable for walks. Winters in the city are damp, and the temperature rarely drops below zero degrees Celsius, making it quite chilly at this time. The best weather conditions for strolling through the ancient streets are observed in the summer season. If you want to explore the town without the crowds of tourists, opt for visiting in the mid-spring or early autumn.

What to buy?

Shopping in Bruges is quite captivating, as tourists usually bring back not clothes or shoes, but exclusive and atmospheric items that will remind them of a pleasant trip to the medieval city for a long time. Antique shops and flea markets, where you can find souvenirs and interior items from different epochs, are very popular in Bruges.

Belgian chocolate makes for an excellent gift for friends and relatives. In Bruges, you will find not just ordinary chocolate bars. Local chocolate boutiques sell works of confectionery art, and each candy is a creation of professional chocolatiers. Another souvenir that your friends will appreciate is Belgian beer.

Belgian lace is also a symbol of Bruges. Handmade lace items are distinguished by their extraordinary delicacy of workmanship and elegance of patterns. The variety of items is no less astonishing: nightgowns, aprons, curtains, tablecloths, napkins.

What to try?

It's hard to stay hungry in Bruges. Local dining places and street stalls offer a variety of delicacies. Of course, no menu, whether from a budget café or a fancy restaurant, would be complete without the Belgians' main culinary invention – French fries, which are consumed here both as a standalone dish and as a side, for example, with mussels in sauce.

Flemish cuisine is widespread in Bruges. Worth mentioning is the chicken soup "waterzooi", Belgian cheese, stewed rabbit, and fish soup. The most popular snack in the city is called "frikandel". This dish consists of fried potatoes, which can be accompanied by sauces, sandwiches, vegetables, and other toppings at will. Another favorite dish among locals is mussels, traditionally served in their shells with various sauces (wine, cream, garlic).

Where to stay?

Bruges is a tourist city, so finding accommodation shouldn't be a problem. However, it's worth noting right away that the cost of hotels here is slightly higher than in similar European cities. The historic part of Bruges is home to fashionable boutique hotels, where the rooms may even feature authentic antique furniture and vintage decor.

For budget travelers, there are several hostels available. In the modern districts of Bruges, there are quality chain hotels and mid-priced guest houses. Literally within five to ten minutes, you can find and book a hotel that meets your requirements perfectly.

Bruges, Belgium

Belgian city of Bruges

When to go?

What to buy?

What to try?

Where to stay?