Things to Do in Bruges: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Relocating from Canada to Europe has allowed us to explore new cities on long weekends without breaking the bank. On the All Saints ‘ Day weekend, one memorable trip took us to the charming town of Bruges, Belgium. Here’s a detailed recount of our two-day adventure, covering transportation, accommodation, and the best spots for eating, drinking, and sightseeing in Bruges.

Transportation: Getting to Bruges

Traveling within Europe from Düsseldorf offers several convenient options. Without a car, the choice often boils down to trains or buses. Interestingly, train prices can sometimes rival or even exceed the cost of flights. For our Bruges trip, we opted for the budget-friendly Flixbus, booking our round-trip tickets for two at 110 euros a fortnight before departure. Although Flixbus allows you to select your seats for a small fee, we skipped this and still managed to sit together.

Our journey began at the Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (HBF), where the bus typically arrives 15 minutes before departure. The ride to Bruges took about five hours, and we entertained ourselves with music, books, and snacks. The bus dropped us off near the Bruges train station, conveniently close to our hotel and the city center, enabling us to explore the city on foot.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bruges

Given our last-minute planning, finding affordable accommodation was a bit of a challenge. Prices had surged from the 100-120 euro range to over 200 euros for last-minute bookings. Staying outside the city could have been cheaper, but we preferred the convenience of being in the city center, opting for the Novotel Bruges. Booking through Booking.com, we secured a room for 170 euros with the option to cancel for free if needed.

The Novotel proved to be an excellent choice. Located centrally, it allowed us to walk everywhere we needed to go. The room was clean and spacious, equipped with complimentary water, tea, and coffee. Fast check-out was a breeze: we simply dropped our room keys in a designated box.

The hotel’s breakfast, available for 9 euros per person, was tempting but unnecessary for us because we had plans to try local breakfast spots. A minor gripe was the use of a shower curtain instead of a more modern glass partition, and the separate toilet room lacked a toilet brush for hygiene. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Novotel Bruges earned a solid 9 out of 10 from us.

Breakfast: Starting Your Day Right

Sanseveria, a quaint breakfast spot, became our morning haven in Bruges. Earning a perfect score from us, this café dazzled with its charming décor, warm service, and delicious offerings. Located on a serene street, it’s popular among both locals and tourists, so reservations are advisable. We were fortunate to snag a cozy corner table without waiting too long.

Sanseveria is renowned for its bagels. We indulged in the “Richard,” a bagel loaded with bacon, avocado, cream cheese, and greens. Paired with a rich Americano and filtered coffee, it was the perfect start to our day. The café also offers a selection of teas and freshly squeezed orange juice for those not keen on coffee.

Sweets and Treats: The Chocolate Experience

No trip to Bruges is complete without diving into its famous chocolate culture. Bruges is home to the Choco-Story museum, a paradise for chocolate lovers. This museum chronicles the history of chocolate through engaging pictures, videos, and demonstrations, and offers unlimited chocolate samples. Though we skipped the museum shop, we explored two other chocolatiers: The Old Chocolate House and The Chocolate Line.

Our first stop was The Old Chocolate House, celebrated for its hot chocolate served in a cozy upstairs tea room. We ordered dark hot chocolate and gingerbread cake. The hot chocolate, prepared by melting chocolate pieces into a large mug of hot milk, was delightful, especially for those who prefer less sweetness. However, the gingerbread cake was overly sweet for our taste.

Next on our chocolate trail was The Chocolate Line, known for its unique and innovative flavors. From chocolates infused with wasabi to those spiced with tequila, this place is a must-visit for adventurous foodies. Another sweet spot, Aux Merveilleux, had us queuing for its famed meringues. We tasted “The Magnifique,” a meringue covered in almonds and caramelized hazelnuts – a truly magnificent treat.

Waffles: A Belgian Delight

Belgium is synonymous with waffles, and Bruges offers some of the best. House of Waffles is a popular destination where we savored strawberry-topped waffles. Though there were long lines, the wait was worth it. On the flip side, our impromptu stop at ‘t Brugsch Friethuys for Belgian fries was disappointing due to their overpowering fried smell and lackluster flavor. We recommend doing a bit more research before choosing where to sample this Belgian staple.

Belgian Beer: A Tasting Adventure

Belgium’s beer culture is legendary, and Bruges is no exception. The city is a haven for beer enthusiasts, offering hundreds of varieties beyond the well-known Leffe. We explored two notable spots for beer lovers: 2Be Moodshopping and The Bottle Shop.

2Be Moodshopping combines shopping with beer tasting. The bar, located along a picturesque canal, offers a selection of local mini beers. After the rain subsided, we enjoyed our brews at the canal-side tables, savoring the unique flavors. The store itself sells an array of beers and branded glasses, along with Tintin memorabilia, as the beloved comic character is of Belgian origin.

The Bottle Shop is another must-visit for beer aficionados. It boasts an extensive collection of Belgian beers and glassware, making it a paradise for collectors. Contrary to popular belief, we found it more reasonably priced than many other souvenir shops.

Evening Entertainment: Nightlife in Bruges

After a day of exploring, we sought a cozy spot to unwind and enjoy some music. Comptoir Des Arts, a blues bar, was our choice for the evening. Though there was no live performance due to the All Saints’ Day holiday, the bar’s ambiance and music were perfect for a relaxing night out. We tried award-winning beers like Malheur 12 and Gouden Carolus. Do note, Malheur 12 has a potent 12% alcohol content.

Sightseeing: Discovering Bruges’ Charms

Bruges is a city that captivates you from the moment you arrive. Its medieval architecture, charming canals, and cobbled streets create a fairy-tale atmosphere. Every corner invites exploration and photography. The city’s churches and museums are also significant attractions, and while we didn’t delve deeply into museum visits, we admired many structures from outside and explored a few interiors.

Must-See Places in Bruges:

1. The Market Square (Markt): This central square is the heart of Bruges and a perfect starting point for any tour.
2. Burg Square: Known for its stunning Gothic buildings, this square is a testament to Bruges’ rich history.
3. Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek): This basilica is famous for housing a relic believed to contain the blood of Christ.
4. Church of Our Lady Bruges (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk): Home to the world’s second-tallest brick tower, this church is a marvel of medieval architecture.
5. Belfry of Bruges (Belfort van Brugge): Climb this iconic bell tower in the main square for panoramic views of the city.
6. Minnewater Park: A serene park offering picturesque views of the Lake of Love (Minnewater), perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Coffee Culture: Savoring the Brews of Bruges

As a coffee aficionado, I made it a point to seek out the best coffee spots in Bruges. We initially planned to visit The Gulliver Tree, renowned for its excellent brews and ambiance but found it closed. Instead, we ventured to EspressoBar – I Love Coffee. While the café’s design was appealing, the flat white and Americano we ordered didn’t live up to our expectations.

Conclusion

Bruges, with its blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, offered us a weekend full of memorable experiences. Whether you’re indulging in its famous chocolates, sipping on a rich Belgian beer, or simply wandering its beautiful streets, Bruges has something for everyone. Our next adventure takes us to Amsterdam, and I look forward to sharing those experiences as well. Until then, happy travels!

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