Bruges, Belgium

 City of Canals 

For hundreds of years the canals of Bruges have linked the city to the sea and has had the promise of prosperity for international merchants. By the 15th century it had become one of the largest Hanse cites in Europe. Much of the medieval city center remains intact and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is perfect to explore by walking or touring by boat.  It is also known as the birthplace of the Flemish Primitives - great 15th century artists such as Jan Van Eyck and Hans Memling. Bruges boasts a valuable structural heritage and is a fine example of an architecturally homogeneous city, particularly famous for its brick Gothic buildings. Really, anytime of year is a great time to visit this charming city.  There are plenty of wonderful local hotels but to me there is only one place to stay, Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce.  This legendary 

boutique waterfront hotel is located at the convergence of two canals. It has a half-timbered facade complete with stained glass windows. In the middle of the old city, it provides a unique and very convenient location to experience the city at its best. With only 16 traditional rooms, book early! Quality and authenticity are at the heart of Flemish cuisine, which focuses on using traditional and seasonal ingredients to create hearty dishes to warm the soul. Dishes such as Carbonade flamande eor stoofvlees - sweet and sour steak and ale stew comes in variations, and many families hand down their own recipes. Restaurants range from upscale to food trucks. Our favorite small restaurant for lunch was Brassiere Mozarthuys. 

Housed in a sixteenth-century building, it has a welcoming, traditional interior and a spacious terrace. The menu features classic dishes at fair prices, while the staff offer excellent service. It's located on the old Huidenvettersplein, where the tanners once worked and more recently the poorer citizens of Bruges came to buy affordable fish. Nowadays, it is a quaint, cozy square where artists sell their work. Try the grilled turkey with fries. For dinner I would recommend 't Huidevetterhuis. Located in the heart of the city in a square on a canal, it too specializes in local food. The Flemish beef stew with Brugse Zot, salad and fries is simply delicious.  There are number of must see/ must do things to include in your Bruges itinerary - the classics. 

From the Rozenhoedkaai and the Market Square, through the Lake of Love and the canals, to the Beguinage, the almshouses and much more. Iconic sites that give the city its look and charm that you identify with Bruges. Now centuries old, but seemly young, it is always exceptionally impressive. The Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) is the city’s most popular spot for photography, a centuries-old hotspot. Years ago, rosaries were sold here; today it provides one of the city’s loveliest views. The perfect place for a picture with your beloved. Summer or winter, morning and evening, sun or rain, the romance of the Rosary Quay always works its magic. Come and feast your eyes!

The 'Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde' with its white-colored house fronts the tranquil convent garden which was founded in 1245. This little piece of world heritage was once the home of the beguines, emancipated lay-women who nevertheless led a pious and celibate life. Today the beguinage is inhabited by nuns of the Order of St. Benedict and several Bruges women who have decided to remain unmarried. From the 13th to the 15th century, Bruges was an important trading center at the crossroads between the Hansa cities of Scandinavia, England and Germany (known collectively in those days as the ‘Easterners’) and the most important commercial regions in France, Spain and Italy. The Spanish traders established themselves at Spaanse Loskaai (Spanish Unloading Quay), while the Easterners set up shops on the Oosterlingenplein (Easterners’ Square). Places where you can still feel the atmosphere of days long gone by.

 

A visit to Bruges is not complete without a boat trip on the Bruges canals, the arteries of the city. Accompanied by swans floating alongside you on the water, you will discover Bruges from a surprising perspective, because some things you can only see from the water. You can embark at one of the five laqnding stages in the heart of Bruges. For half an hour, the captain will take you on a tour of the most beautiful spots on the water. Along the way, you will be able to admire some of Bruges' highlights from a completely different angle and will be given an explanation of what you see.  All shipping companies follow the same route and have four non-covered boats (umbrellas are provided in case of rain) with a capacity of 35 to 40 people per boat. Price is around $15.

The Gouden-Handrei canal abounds in tranquil views. The canal was a part of Bruges’ first city walls. It was excavated in the 12th century, and although Jan van Eyck lived and worked on the other side, it’s a strikingly peaceful spot. So it gives you that special feeling that you’re the only one who knows about all this loveliness. A canal, all to yourself. Age-old beauty to be enjoyed all alone. 

The Market Square is the heart of Bruges, but the Burg Square is its soul. For centuries this has been the center of power in the city, and Bruges’ city administration still occupies the 14th century Gothic Town Hall. This grand, majestic square is lined with monumental landmark buildings. These were built over the centuries, and reflect the building style of their age.

From the Basilica of the Holy Blood through the Liberty of Bruges to the Deanery. Immerse yourself in the riches of Bruges.                                                                                                              Bruges is just one of those towns that is steeped in history, very easy to see by foot in one or two days and is worth a visit if you are in Belgium; and if you're not, go there anyway as it is worth a visit. Certainly, a bucket-list destination.