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Bruges looks 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 in the course of 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 Website to uncover the its well-known Gothic appeal.
(On your go to to Brussels, learn: Uncover child pleasant actions in Brussels.)
Right here is an outline:
Day journey to Bruges: Methods to get there from from Brussels
- It solely takes just a little over an hour to achieve Bruges through a direct-line prepare from Brussels. Trains run nearly each hour.
- When you arrive at Bruges station, exit the primary exit, cross the road and dangle a left. The historic district is lower than a 10-minute stroll away.
- An grownup weekend round-trip ticket prices roughly €15 and customary 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 The stair-step, brick facades of the outdated guild halls at the moment are properties to buzzing eating places.
The blocks surrounding the Markt are full of 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 even journey again in time, and expertise the medieval Bruges, as you’ve 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 convey the previous to life. With a VR headset, you’ll be able to even expertise interactive 360° movies and see medieval Bruges up shut.
A spotlight is the Historium Tower, which gives you a wide ranging view from a peak of 35 meters. Stroll by way of bathhouses and backyards as they could have regarded 500 years in the past. Video shows convey forgotten locations to life and allow you to discover the realm as should 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.
Worth: €18.50
Length: 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 right here, it’s a brief stroll east to the Burg, the town’s different historical most important plaza.
Within the ninth century, the Burg turned the municipal base of operation of Flanders.
You’ll be amazed at what there’s to find in Burg Sq.. Whereas the Market Sq. is the guts of Bruges, the Citadel Sq. is its soul. This has been the middle of energy for hundreds of years, and even in the present day the town authorities is headquartered within the 14th-century Gothic city corridor.
The city corridor, additionally referred to as Stadhuis, was in-built 1376. Inside you’ll be able to admire the attractive Gothic corridor, embellished 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 model of the interval. Right here, you’ll discover a wide range of structure: the Gothic City Corridor, a Court docket of Justice constructed in the course of the Renaissance, the Baroque period Deanery, and Romanesque Basilica of Holy Blood.
A useful architectural information gathered in a single place!
It would take you from the Basilica of the Holy Blood to the Freiamt and the Provost’s Workplace, permitting you to totally expertise the great thing about the Citadel Sq..
Basilica of Holy Blood
When 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 on daily basis 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 model 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 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 attributable to Mass, except you want to attend Mass.
Admission to the Basilica of the Holy Blood is free, whereas admission to the Museum prices 5 euros. Kids beneath 12 have free admission.
Burg 13, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Rozenhoedkaai
You’re standing on what just isn’t 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 offered.
At the moment it gives a wide ranging 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 house a hand-painted picture of Belgium’s most well-known panorama.
You’ll even have a great view of the lodge from the film “See Bruges …. and die”, the place the primary 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.”
Depart 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.
Observe the canals away from the crowds to uncover some quaint facet streets and greet the swans.
Choco-Story Bruges
Chocolate lovers take be aware! A candy shock awaits you off the overwhelmed vacationer observe at Choco-Story Bruges.
This chocolate museum is a real temple for chocolate lovers from all around the world.
Right here you’ll be able to study all the pieces 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 concerning the well being advantages of chocolate.
In a captivating Fifteenth-century wine bar, you’ll learn the way cocoa is reworked into the scrumptious confection. You can too browse an intensive library of all the pieces you want to learn about chocolate.
Have you ever ever puzzled 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 info about chocolate.
Immerse your self within the important transformation of cacao into chocolate, study 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.
Worth: €13
Length: 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
- Dwell 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 personal irresistible chocolate treats. Below the steering of an skilled chocolatier, you’ll study new expertise and apply 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 can 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 enroll now to create your personal candy delights and spend an unforgettable day on the Choco-Story Museum.
The museum has a candy and academic appeal and gives many alternatives for interactive experiences. The workshop is relaxed and there’s loads of scrumptious chocolate to take house.
Worth: €35
Length: 1 hour
The Church of our Woman
On this church you’ll be able to uncover a world of inventive treasures.
Do you know that Bruges is house to a Michelangelo treasure? The altarpiece within the church’s massive chapel enshrines a white marble sculpture of a sorrowful Madonna and Little one 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’ll be able to admire the spectacular Ardour Triptych by the court docket 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 mounted menus primarily based off portion dimension: soups, small, medium, and huge plates. Your waiter will assist clarify the menu in English. Most substances are domestically sourced and there’s 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 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 a substitute 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 elements 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 proper crispy fries and check out them your self with a wide range of scrumptious sauces.
Discover interactive reveals and let your children tackle the function of a French fry prepare dinner – an unforgettable expertise for younger and outdated alike.
For those who’re a real fry fan, the Friet Museum in Bruges is the place to be. Immerse your self on this planet of those golden delicacies and uncover why Belgium is legendary for its fries. Right here you’ll be able to order scrumptious fried potatoes and sauces, discover the historical past of the potato and refill on attention-grabbing info about French fries.
The modest Friet Museum is the proper place for an unforgettable day trip in Bruges.
Worth: €9.50
Opening hours: each day 10:00 – 17:00
Tackle: 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 simple 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 way of 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 proper afternoon exercise… Style totally different Belgium beer at Bruges Beer Museum.
Be taught concerning the well-known and scrumptious Trappist and Abbey beers, the brewing course of, girls and beer, and meals pairing.
The Bruges Beer Museum gives a singular expertise that goes far past the idea of an strange museum. Right here you will see interactive applied sciences that immerse you on this planet of beer, and naturally the scrumptious beer itself!
Take a self-guided tour and get an inside have 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 substances and uncover the fascinating historical past of Trappist and Abbey beers. You can too learn to pair totally 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 totally 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.
Worth: €18
Opening hours: each day 10:00 – 18:00
Tackle: Breidelstraat 3, 8000, Bruges
- Admission to the museum
- Beer tasting (3 samples of 15cl) (optionally available)
- 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 outdated district. It used to carry municipal archives and function an statement submit.
You’ll have the chance to climb the Belfry, an 83-meter-high Thirteenth-century tower that’s one in every of Bruges’ three iconic landmarks. Climbers will probably be rewarded with unspoiled views and an up-close have a look at the carillon with 47 melodious bells. On the climb up, there are a few flooring with reveals concerning 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 wide ranging view of Bruges and the encircling space. Alongside the best way, you’ll be able to cease on the Treasury, which as soon as housed the magistrates, the town seal and the town treasury.
Upstairs, you will see the spectacular music roll that controls the carillon. From the tower room you’ll be able to even see the piano on which the carillon is performed in the present day. The carillon within the tower consists of 47 bells and is performed by a metropolis carillonneur. Particular carillon concert events might be heard in the course of 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 Website since 1999, together with 55 different belfries in Belgium and France. This historic landmark of Bruges is to not be missed.
Beware, it could possibly get loud up there when the bells ring! A restricted quantity of holiday makers are allowed up at a time, so anticipate a little bit of a wait.
Open on daily basis from 9:30 am – 6:00 pm. Admission: adults € 10,00; seniors and youth beneath 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 can be amazed by the Boniface Bridge in Bruges. It might 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 improbable views vying to your consideration.
Whatever the time of day, it is a place of magical attraction that you just should see.
The encompassing panorama is just 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. If in case you have further time and power, wander to the jap boundary of the town to view a number of the metropolis’s outdated windmills. It was the proper finish to my day journey to Bruges.
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