Bruges seems like a medieval fairy story land.
One in every of 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 dimension 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 Web site to uncover the its well-known Gothic attraction.
(In your go to to Brussels, learn: Uncover child pleasant actions in Brussels.)
Right here is an summary:
Day journey to Bruges: How you can get there from from Brussels
- It solely takes slightly over an hour to achieve Bruges through a direct-line practice from Brussels. Trains run nearly each hour.
- When you arrive at Bruges station, exit the principle exit, cross the road and hold 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 nearly €29. Tickets can simply be bought the identical day from a kiosk or ordered on-line.
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 middle: 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 at the moment are houses to buzzing eating places.
The blocks surrounding the Markt are crammed with outlets 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 too can journey again in time, and expertise the medieval Bruges, as you will have 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 deliver the previous to life. With a VR headset, you possibly can even expertise interactive 360° movies and see medieval Bruges up shut.
A spotlight is the Historium Tower, which provides you a panoramic view from a top of 35 meters. Stroll by bathhouses and backyards as they may have seemed 500 years in the past. Video shows deliver forgotten locations to life and allow you to discover the realm as in the event you had been there your self.
A go to to the Historium is an unforgettable expertise for anybody who desires to expertise historical past up shut.
Value: €18.50
Period: 1.5 hours
Final admission: 1.5 hours earlier than closing
Opening hours: every day 11:00 – 18:00
Deal with: Markt 1, 8000, Bruges
Burg
From right here, it’s a brief stroll east to the Burg, the town’s different historic predominant plaza.
Within the ninth century, the Burg grew to become the municipal base of operation of Flanders.
You’ll be amazed at what there may be to find in Burg Sq.. Whereas the Market Sq. is the center of Bruges, the Fort Sq. is its soul. This has been the middle of energy for hundreds of years, and even at the moment the town authorities is headquartered within the 14th-century Gothic city corridor.
The city corridor, additionally known as Stadhuis, was inbuilt 1376. Inside you possibly can admire the attractive Gothic corridor, adorned with its work from round 1900.
Surrounding this magnificent and majestic sq. are monumental buildings that characterize the cityscape. Every of them was constructed over the centuries and displays the architectural fashion of the interval. Right here, you’ll discover quite a lot of structure: the Gothic City Corridor, a Courtroom of Justice constructed through the Renaissance, the Baroque period Deanery, and Romanesque Basilica of Holy Blood.
A useful architectural information gathered in a single place!
It should take you from the Basilica of the Holy Blood to the Freiamt and the Provost’s Workplace, permitting you to completely expertise the great thing about the Fort Sq..
Basilica of Holy Blood
Whilst you’re visiting the Burg, the Basilica of the Holy Blood is value a fast gander. For those who need to consider it, it homes a sacred relic: “A vial mentioned to include drops of blood from Jesus Christ.”
Within the Higher Basilica, the relic of the Holy Blood is displayed for guests to venerate daily 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 fashion illuminated with stained-glass home windows and colourful murals. The decrease chapel, nevertheless, retained its austere Romanesque roots.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Museum are open every day from 10:00 to 17:15. On Fridays, Sundays and holidays, the Higher Basilica shouldn’t be accessible between 10:45 and 12:15 because 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. Kids underneath 12 have free admission.
Burg 13, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Rozenhoedkaai
You’re standing on what shouldn’t be solely probably the most photographed sq. in Bruges, but additionally a spot of historic significance.
The Rosary Quay, or Rozenhoedkaai, was as soon as a market the place rosaries had been bought.
In the present day it provides a panoramic panorama that has impressed many artists to arrange their easels and seize the idyllic picture. You may watch them at work and perhaps even take dwelling a hand-painted picture of Belgium’s most well-known panorama.
You’ll even have view of the lodge 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 occasions, the canals served because the artery of Bruges, connecting it to commerce on the North Sea.
Observe the canals away from the crowds to uncover some quaint aspect streets and greet the swans.
Choco-Story Bruges
Chocolate lovers take observe! A candy shock awaits you off the crushed vacationer observe at Choco-Story Bruges.
This chocolate museum is a real temple for chocolate lovers from everywhere in the world.
Right here you possibly can study every part about cocoa and chocolate, from recipes to the historical past of this candy delicacy. You may even meet the consultants who make Belgian chocolate! You’ll have the chance to speak to consultants in regards to the well being advantages of chocolate.
In a captivating Fifteenth-century wine bar, you’ll learn the way cocoa is remodeled into the scrumptious confection. You may as well browse an intensive library of every part you want to find out 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 details about chocolate.
Immerse your self within the important transformation of cacao into chocolate, study in regards to 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.
Value: €13
Period: 1.5 hours
Opening hours: every day 10:00 – 17:00
Deal with: 2,Wijnzakstraat, 8000, Bruges
Included:
- Self-guided audio tour of Choco-Story Bruges
- Reside chocolate making demonstration & chocolate tasting
- Personalised audio information out there for kids in all 11 languages
- Seek the advice of an intensive library of works on cocoa and chocolate
- Speak to consultants about chocolate
Chocolate Workshop at Choco-Story Bruges
Put together for an hour of candy creations and uncover find out how to make your individual irresistible chocolate treats. Beneath the steering of an knowledgeable chocolatier, you’ll study 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 the historical past of chocolate. Be amazed by an interesting demonstration of how chocolate is made and style the Belgian chocolate creations that can enchant your senses.
This enjoyable workshop provides you with an unforgettable expertise and an opportunity to deepen your love of chocolate. So don’t hesitate and join now to create your individual candy delights and spend an unforgettable day on the Choco-Story Museum.
The museum has a candy and academic attraction and provides many alternatives for interactive experiences. The workshop is relaxed and there may be loads of scrumptious chocolate to take dwelling.
Value: €35
Period: 1 hour
The Church of our Woman
On this church you possibly can uncover a world of inventive treasures.
Do you know that Bruges is dwelling to a Michelangelo treasure? The altarpiece within the church’s giant chapel enshrines a white marble sculpture of a sorrowful Madonna and Baby 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 dropped at Bruges.
Within the choir of the church you possibly can 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 means south, cease for a wholesome, vegetarian lunch at De Bron.
Diners have a alternative of fastened menus primarily based off portion dimension: soups, small, medium, and huge plates. Your waiter will assist clarify the menu in English. Most substances are regionally sourced and there may be additionally a sensible choice of natural beers.
To enter the restaurant, you could have to make use of the buzzer on the entrance door then enter by the door on the suitable.
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 in regards to 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. 🙂
For those who like “French” Fries, then go to the Frietmuseum in Brugge.
Within the coronary heart of Bruges, in a historic constructing relationship from the 14th century, an thrilling perception into the historical past of potatoes and French fries awaits you.
Get sensible tips about find out how to make the right crispy fries and take a look at them your self with quite a lot of scrumptious sauces.
Discover interactive displays and let your children tackle the position of a French fry prepare dinner – an unforgettable expertise for younger and previous alike.
For those who’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 possibly can order scrumptious fried potatoes and sauces, discover the historical past of the potato and refill on fascinating details about French fries.
The modest Friet Museum is the right place for an unforgettable time out in Bruges.
Value: €9.50
Opening hours: every day 10:00 – 17:00
Deal with: Vlamingstraat 33, 8000, Bruges
Books and Brunch
This can be a chill spot to get caffeinated or munch on hearty salads, sandwiches, and sweets. It additionally doubles as a cool bookstore the place it’s straightforward to lose time perusing the printed phrase.
Open Monday via Friday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Garenmarkt 30, 8000 Brugge, Belgium. www.booksandbrunch.be
Astridpark
Take a detour by the secluded gardens of Astridpark on the best way again to the town middle. Catch some recent air from tranquil spot on the grassy garden and watch the exercise across the gazebo and pond. This can be a good location for a picnic if the climate is good.
8000 Brugge, Belgium
Bruges Beer Museum and Beer Tasting
If that doesn’t sound like the suitable afternoon exercise… Style totally different Belgium beer at Bruges Beer Museum.
Be taught in regards to the well-known and scrumptious Trappist and Abbey beers, the brewing course of, ladies and beer, and meals pairing.
The Bruges Beer Museum provides a novel expertise that goes far past the idea of an extraordinary museum. Right here you can see 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 famous, and the Bruges Beer Museum is the right place to immerse your self on this world. Take a guided tour of the brewing course of, study substances and uncover the fascinating historical past of Trappist and Abbey beers. You may as well learn to pair totally different beers with meals and expertise the historical past of ladies and beer first-hand.
The museum additionally has one thing for the little ones: The Children Tour is an entertaining story in regards to the Bruges Bear that may be learn or listened to in ten totally different languages. An ideal alternative for the entire household to find the Bruges Beer Museum!
Good to know: The venue gives 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.
Value: €18
Opening hours: every day 10:00 – 18:00
Deal with: Breidelstraat 3, 8000, Bruges
- Admission to the museum
- Beer tasting (3 samples of 15cl) (non-obligatory)
- Use of a pill with headphones for every customer over the age of 4
- Particular audio tour for kids
Belfort (Belfry)
The Belfort Belfry is the tallest constructing within the previous district. It used to carry municipal archives and function an commentary put up.
You’ll have the chance to climb the Belfry, an 83-meter-high Thirteenth-century tower that’s one among Bruges’ three iconic landmarks. Climbers shall be rewarded with unspoiled views and an up-close take a look at the carillon with 47 melodious bells. On the climb up, there are a few flooring with displays in regards to the tower’s historical past and mechanics.
Along with the towers of the Church of Our Woman and Saint Salvator’s Cathedral, it types an imposing backdrop. When you’ve climbed the 366 steps, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Bruges and the encompassing space. Alongside the best way, you possibly can cease on the Treasury, which as soon as housed the magistrates, the town seal and the town treasury.
Upstairs, you can see the spectacular music roll that controls the carillon. From the tower room you possibly can even see the piano on which the carillon is performed at the moment. The carillon within the tower consists of 47 bells and is performed by a metropolis carillonneur. Particular carillon live shows might be heard through the summer time months.
The Belfry is an excellent instance of medieval structure that displays the significance and self-confidence of cities and residents. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Web site since 1999, together with 55 different belfries in Belgium and France. This historic landmark of Bruges is to not be missed.
Beware, it could get loud up there when the bells ring! A restricted quantity of tourists are allowed up at a time, so anticipate a little bit of a wait.
Open daily from 9:30 am – 6:00 pm. Admission: adults € 10,00; seniors and youth underneath 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 well-liked picture motif!
You may be amazed by the Boniface Bridge in Bruges. It could be one of many youngest bridges, however it symbolizes the town in a beautiful means. There’s a mysterious ambiance right here and there are quite a few romantic and unbelievable views vying in 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 nearly fairytale-like. Proper subsequent to the bridge is the Resort Bonifacius, whose wood 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 revel 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 Aspect 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. You probably have further time and vitality, wander to the jap boundary of the town to view among the metropolis’s previous windmills. It was the right finish to my day journey to Bruges.
