If you have ever heard of Bruges, it is, probably, from the well-known movie "In Bruges". But this wonderful town is remarkable not only due to the big screens, but because of its cultural significance, being even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This fabulous medieval town with its “gingerbread” houses, canals, bridges and cozy walking streets has fully preserved its medieval environment till nowadays. The Old Town is totally pedestrian. The only transport here is water, so you should definitely take a ride around the canals of Bruges. Along with this, you will see the city from a different perspective.
You can get to Bruges in a couple of hours from Brussels, where you can fly with low-cost airlines from many European cities or take a direct flight from Moscow.
The best time to visit Bruges, in my view, is either second half of spring (during fragrant blooming) or in autumn (playing with bright colors of the leaves) and the winter months, when the city is adorned with Christmas decorations. In summer, the crowds of tourists in the narrow streets of the city will not let you to fully enjoy the slow going and peaceful environment of this medieval town.
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1) The place, where it is good to start exploring Bruges, is this bridge. The stone Boniface Bridge (Bonifacius Bridge at 10, Groeninge 6) is the most popular and familiar (from the pictures) location of Bruges. Built in the XX century, it totally fits into the medieval environment of the city and leads to the Old Town.
If you come to Bruges for just a day by bus or train, most likely, you will get here on your way. It is a 15-minute walk from the Railway Station.
2) Next to the bridge there is a boat pier (Boat Trips Brugge on Nieuwstraat 11), from where you can take a guided tour around the canals of Bruges. Its working hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee for one person is €8 (the boat can accommodate up to 30 people). By the way, you can take a private boat for €240 and enjoy your boat ride without any tourists.
3) After that, head to the central market square, Grotte Markt. There are numerous souvenir shops and small coffee shops, so you will have an opportunity to wake up having a breakfast with Belgian waffles and a cup of nice coffee. Or try local French fries that seemed to me absolutely delightful! And besides that, you can enjoy a bit of shopping here.
4) You should also go to the top of the Belfort Bell Tower located on the Grotte Markt. You will have to pass through 366 steps, but, as a reward, you will get an absolutely incredible view. This is one of the best panoramic platforms in the city.
The entrance to the tower costs €8. But you will have to spend at least half an hour in the queue. That’s why I recommend coming here right to the opening at 9:30 a.m.
5)Groeninge Museum is definitely worth visiting as well. You will have wonderful opportunity to enjoy the art and admire Jan van Eyck and H. Bosch as well as the other works of the best painters of the region.
The ticket to the museum is €6. It is worth allocating at least 2 hours to get acquainted with its collection.
6) As for a meal, I recommend to you having it at the café, called "Soup" where you can taste their delicious hot soup and excellent Panini.
If you want to try pure Belgian food, go to "At Tattie's" serving the dishes with the king crab and tuna.
And, if you are looking for authenticity, the best is "Café Vlissinghe", the oldest restaurant of the city operating since the XVI century.
7) In Bruges, you can also visit the active mills: the Koeleweimolen Mill and the St. John's Mill (Sint-Janshuismolen). They are both located on Kruisvest Street.
The entry fee is €4.
Visiting hours: from 09:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Lunch time: from 12:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Monday is closed.
8) I recommend that you don’t limit your tour around the city only to the central part of Bruges, but also wander around its narrow streets and, definitely buy some Belgian chocolate.
Almost on every turn, you will see sweet shops, most of which are offering samping before purchase.
9) And finish your day with a walk along the waterfront of the Lake of Love in Minnewater park.
This lake is really very picturesque and it is located near the Railway Station, so it is a good final location of your city tour, if you came to Bruges only for a day.
How to get to Bruges
From Brussels Zaventem Airport:
From Brussels Airport you can go by train for an 1,5 hour trip with a transfer at Brussels South Station (Bruxelles-Midi).
