The Medieval and Fairytale Charm of Bruges

Bruges is definitely one of my top favorite vacation destination. It’s magical, fairytale-esque, colorful and absolutely charming. In addition, the whole of Bruges is medieval and well preserved.

Bruges (or Brugge in Dutch) is a small town in Belgium. Flemish (a Dutch dialect) is the local language in Bruges. Most people in Bruges speak English and you won’t have any problem getting by.

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Accomodations –

Bruges is compact so anywhere you stay will be walking distance from the city center. A lot of the hotels are converted from seventeenth- and eighteenth-century medieval buildings. We stayed in Nuit Blanche. I felt like a princess staying here. This is by far the most magical, enchanting and truly wonderful B&B we have ever stayed in. We stayed at the best room of this place overlooking Lover’s Bridge, the canal, garden and The Church of Our Lady. The location is close to eveything. What made it special staying here are also the energy and enthusiasm that David (owner and artist). He has his amazing art studio downstairs. He gave us a tour of the place and recommended some great restaurants and things to see. The three courses rich breakfast is exquisite, served in the room or downstairs per your wish.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Eat and Drink

Here you will find the best chocolate, beer, and waffles. Other than those three things, traditional Belgian food consists of a stew called Waterzooi, mussels and french fries.

Here are some of my favorite spots you should check out on your next visit here

The Swans at Minnewater Lake

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A peaceful and picturesque area. Minnewater means ‘Lake of Love.’ Take a stroll over the Minnewater Bridge and soak in the scenery. Legend has it that in Bruges lived a young lady called Minna, who was in love with a humble man called Stromberg. Forced by her father to marry another man from a higher class while her warrior love was off to battle, young Mina ran off into the woods and eventually died of exhaustion. Stromberg honored her by building a dam to hold back the stream, burying her and then letting the water flow over her grave – hence the ‘Lake of Love’ and accompanying bridge.

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Spend sometime here to soak in the scenery, enjoy the weeping willows, ducks, the bridge and ofcourse lots of swans. Swans is the city’s emblem.

Burg Square

Burg Square is Bruges’ central plaza and a great starting point for any day out in the city. The square is surrounded by neo-classical buildings, a gothic town hall and a courthouse that dates back to the 1700’s.

Markt Square

Markt Square is the main square of the city featuring many historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. In the past around the year 958, together with the majestic belfry tower, was the scene of medieval festivals, fairs, tournaments and executions. Today, the square is the meeting place for locals.

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Belfry

The Belfry is a medieval bell tower in the centre of Bruges and is one of the city’s most prominent symbols. You can go up 366 steps, and be rewarded with a breath-taking and unforgettable panoramic views the city.

Beguinage

Take a stroll here and notice the charming  white-coloured house fronts and tranquil convent garden. It was founded in 1245 and the home of Benedictine nuns. You enter the Beguinage over a small bridge and through a gatehouse dating from 1776.

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Bonifacius Bridge

Also known as Lover’s bridge, is one of my favorite spot. This pedestrian bridge with romantic views of the canal & town is breathtaking. Though many exclaim the Bonifacius Bridge as being the oldest of the city’s many, it actually only dates back to 1910. Legend has it that once you cross the bridge the first person you see on the other side is the one you will marry… This is one of the most scenic places of Bruges.

Other Things to See and Do:

☆The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a beautiful renaissance building consisting of two churches and inside contains a piece of cloth with Christ’s blood on it.

☆Take a boat ride through the Canals

☆Museums To Visit

Frietmuseum

Historium Bruges

The Chocolate Museum

Museum van de Sint

The Fries Museum

Folklore Museum Bruges

If you’re looking for a romantic, relaxing city break I can pretty much guarantee that Bruges is the place for you!