In Bruges, Belgium, Old World Charm comes to life in its beautiful architecture and intricate canal system. Visitors of all ages will enjoy indulging in hand-crafted chocolates, while beer connoisseurs can also enjoy some of the best beers in the world. A culture-rich adventure awaits for any traveler looking to visit this quaint city, frozen in time.
Bruges is a fairy tale town come to life, with cobblestone streets and Renaissance architecture. Its unique intersection of historic roots meets modern tourism makes this Belgian town a must-visit for anyone keen to explore distinct pockets of European culture.
There’s sights to be seen, foods to be sampled, and moments of relaxation to be stolen. We’ve compiled our favorite 13 stops during out time in Bruges.
1. Wander through the City Center
Where better to start than in the heart of the city? In the city center, Bruges’s iconic Gothic architecture is on display for all to indulge upon. Bruges is known to be a city steeped in history, and the city center highlights its longstanding roots.
2. Climb The Belfry
The Belfry is a pinnacle of architectural beauty within in the city center. If you are up to the climb, you can tackle the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry and you will be rewarded in spades with the breathtaking view of the city.
3. Seek a peek at Jesus’s blood at the Basilica of the Holy Blood
In a fascinating tale, the Basilica of the Holy Blood purports to have acquired a vial of Jesus Christ’s blood, which they maintain on display. The basilica itself is an ornate personification of Catholic opulence, with multiple levels and daily worship offered. Entry to the Basilica to view the vial is free, and those that are interested in more background can enjoy the accompanying Museum and Treasury for only €2.50.
4. Float around with Boottochten Brugge
The best canal tour in Bruges!! Bruges has an amazing canal system throughout the city, and the Boottochten Brugge canal tour is the perfect way to take it all in from a nautical vantage point. The canal tour afford a whole new perspective on Brugge architecture and infrastructure.
5. Stop by Sanseveria Bagelsalon for a power breakfast.
You have to have a good breakfast to start the day off right, and Sanseveria Bagelsalon delivers a bagel sandwich that will be on your mind all day. A delicious, hearty breakfast! Not only is the food tasty, but the ambiance in this charming, vintage cafe makes it more than worth the stop.
6. A Belgian Waffle from Chez Albert?? Yes Please!
You can’t visit Belgium without trying a warm, fresh Belgian waffle from Chez Albert! With the delicious array of toppings, this could be your breakfast, or it could be your dessert… regardless of your choice, it’s guaranteed to be delicious! We originally thought we’d share a waffle, but quickly decided one would not be enough!
7. Warm Up at The Old Chocolate House
There are loads of beautiful chocolate shops in Brugge, but The Old Chocolate House sells the best hot chocolate! If there is even a hint of a fall chill in the air, lean into it and savor your new soon-to-be-favorite cup of cocoa.
8. See Your Chocolate Dreams Come to Life at Pralinette
If you can dream it, they can do it. Not only does Pralinette have the endless eye-catching assortment of delicious, artisan chocolate, but they also have impressive chocolate sculptures. We visited around Easter, and they had larger-than-life easter bunnies in the window and throughout the store. 10/10 would recommend visiting for both the tasty treats and the chocolate imagination!
9. Sample Some Tasty Treats at Chocolat de Julie
As if taste-testng chocolates could ever be a hassle! The assortment of chocolates at Chocolat de Julie were certainly eye-catching and made us want to sample them all. This chocolate shop is a little less popular with the tourists, so we found the prices of their tasty treats were a little less as well— but no less delicious!!
10. Relax for a Moment at Cafe Rose Red
Vibe check? Cool vibes only at Cafe Rose Red. This cafe bar is a little off the beaten track, but so worth tracking down, with its genuinely historic atmosphere and amazing selection of beers. You’ll know you’re at the right place when you see the roses hanging from the ceiling!
11. Explore all Three Floors of De Garre
Tucked down an easy-to-miss, narrow alley, you’ll find De Garre. This hidden gem will become quite popular throughout the day, as all three floors of this quaint, medieval-chic bar find themselves packed to the gills. Definitely worth tracking down to try their beers… especially if you consider yourself a beer savant. Their beers come with a couple nibbles of cheese— a perfect compliment!
12. Adventure Below Surface Level at Le Trappiste
Le Trappiste oozes character from every corner of its unique cellar bar. Guaranteed to have something you’re interested in with their awesome variety of beers on tap and loads more from across the world available in bottles. The underground bar feels a bit like a 21st century speakeasy with its posh vaulted ceilings while still maintaining the airs of a classic Belgian pub. The ambiance is as good as the beers!
13. Wind Down at Riesling & Pinot Wijnbar-Wijnshop
It’s a little off the main drag, but you simply must wander into the Riesling & Pinot Wijnbar-Wijnshop for a cute wine bar experience. It’s most peculiar how one glass of wine magically turns to three.
What’s in a Name?
Is it Brugge or Bruges? The answer is both! Dutch and French are the predominant languages spoken in Belgium (with some German as well), and Bruges is located in the Flanders or predominantly Dutch region of Belgium. The spelling is Brugge in Flemish/Dutch and Bruges in French as well as English.
Hop, Skip, & a Jump
Bruges is a little over 150 miles from Amsterdam, making it feasible to visit both cities in one trip. Amsterdam is a sister city… rich in historical architecture, with an equally pervasive canal system to explore and even more great beers to try. The easiest way to travel from Bruges to Amsterdam is typically by train, and the 3-4 hour ride (depending on the route), flies by. If you’re curious what Amsterdam has to offer, check out our blog post here.
written by Dana
CEO of being stubbornly independent, Dana lives to speak her mind as her feisty personality lends itself to her outspoken nature. Dana epitomizes the concept of “spending money on experiences, not things” as she is constantly complaining that she has nothing to wear, but ALWAYS has her next trip on the docket. Dana recently graduated from FSU, and has joining us big kids in the adult workforce. She works with our dad at Wherry Truck Lines, keeping all the good ‘ole boys in line.
