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Transcend Time in the Medieval Outpost of Bruges
Published by Aaron Wilson, Writer
Country: Belgium 
The Experience
Bruges, a UNESCO world heritage site is perhaps one of the most under appreciated cities in Europe. The pristine and immaculately preserved medieval city will instantly arrest your senses. Bruges is inadequately dubbed ‘The Venice of the North’ and thus, erroneously equates the city’s series of canals as an oversimplified comparison to the Venetian model. However, the comparison ends abruptly there. Bruges espouses a vanity that is in no regard subjugated to the storied Venice. The city’s affinity for 12th century architecture is a clear indication to resist modernity and celebrate Belgian tradition. Bruges’ city centre is large enough to occupy yourself for a few days, but also small enough to transverse on foot.
From the moment you cross the four-lane roadway from the train station and make your way into Bruges’ city centre, nowhere is there a more abrupt contrast between ‘old’ and ‘new’. The smooth, paved roadway succumbs to uneven cobblestone streets and modern glass paneled buildings relent to elaborate brick structures. For a moment you have entered an alternative dimension that is until an Audi A6 maneuvers down the street, nudging you against the brick wall.
Follow the sweet chocolate scent from one of the numerous chocolate shops that pave the path to Market Square. The Bruges Grote Market is surrounded by countless café’s, shops and pubs that offer cuisine rivaled only in France. Find comfort on one of the sprawling patios that lie under the watchful eye of the marvelous Belfry Tower. Once you have washed down your unworldly Belgian waffle with a shot of espresso, employ your energy and walk off those calories with a 366-step ascent to the top of the Belfry Tower. The shoulder width spiraling wooden staircase makes two way traffic a challenge, but don’t fret, the stairs wrap around a cylindrical wooden beam adorned with a rope for grip. Once you have climbed the 83-meter high tower, you are rewarded with unobstructed views of Bruges' medieval city centre, and on a clear day maybe even the North Sea.
Culminate your eventful day in Bruges with a well-earned Belgian beer. An enchanting and cozy pub, De Kuppe, is located just off the main square and offers more than 100 Belgian beers, each with a taste unique as the glass it is served in. Commence your taste-testing marathon with a Duvel, or Kwak, but don’t be surprised if your tolerance is challenged. The menu card is kind enough to list the alcohol percentages attributed to each beer and most offered lie between 8% and 13%, a pleasant surprise given their light and smooth taste. The eclectic mix of beers and welcoming atmosphere offers beer enthusiasts an ideal haven to engage and celebrate the Belgian process.
From the moment you cross the four-lane roadway from the train station and make your way into Bruges’ city centre, nowhere is there a more abrupt contrast between ‘old’ and ‘new’. The smooth, paved roadway succumbs to uneven cobblestone streets and modern glass paneled buildings relent to elaborate brick structures. For a moment you have entered an alternative dimension that is until an Audi A6 maneuvers down the street, nudging you against the brick wall.
Follow the sweet chocolate scent from one of the numerous chocolate shops that pave the path to Market Square. The Bruges Grote Market is surrounded by countless café’s, shops and pubs that offer cuisine rivaled only in France. Find comfort on one of the sprawling patios that lie under the watchful eye of the marvelous Belfry Tower. Once you have washed down your unworldly Belgian waffle with a shot of espresso, employ your energy and walk off those calories with a 366-step ascent to the top of the Belfry Tower. The shoulder width spiraling wooden staircase makes two way traffic a challenge, but don’t fret, the stairs wrap around a cylindrical wooden beam adorned with a rope for grip. Once you have climbed the 83-meter high tower, you are rewarded with unobstructed views of Bruges' medieval city centre, and on a clear day maybe even the North Sea.
Culminate your eventful day in Bruges with a well-earned Belgian beer. An enchanting and cozy pub, De Kuppe, is located just off the main square and offers more than 100 Belgian beers, each with a taste unique as the glass it is served in. Commence your taste-testing marathon with a Duvel, or Kwak, but don’t be surprised if your tolerance is challenged. The menu card is kind enough to list the alcohol percentages attributed to each beer and most offered lie between 8% and 13%, a pleasant surprise given their light and smooth taste. The eclectic mix of beers and welcoming atmosphere offers beer enthusiasts an ideal haven to engage and celebrate the Belgian process.
When to Go to Bruges
For whatever reason Bruges has seemed to elude traveler's interest. That is why I contend that it is one of the most under appreciated travel destinations in Europe. Fortunately, this affords visitors the opportunity to enjoy the city in a relatively uncontested manner. The medieval architecture and charming culture provide for a very gratifying experience. Furthermore, Bruges only lies a few hours away from Amsterdam, so combining these two destinations is a viable option.
The best time of year to visit Bruges is during Spring and early Summer, April – July. The temperatures are comfortable and sunny, spurring an onset of beautiful blooms around the city.
The best time of year to visit Bruges is during Spring and early Summer, April – July. The temperatures are comfortable and sunny, spurring an onset of beautiful blooms around the city.
Odds n' Ends
For those living in the UK, there are several ferry options offered by P&O to Bruges. Overnight departures allow you to arrive early the next morning while still receiving a good night's sleep amongst one of the cabins on board. Another popular option for transport is by train, allowing you easy and comfortable access from practically any European destination.
You can purchase a Bruges card which provides discounts to many attractions, museums, rentals, dinning and tours, including canal tours, a must do!
You can purchase a Bruges card which provides discounts to many attractions, museums, rentals, dinning and tours, including canal tours, a must do!
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
The An Officers House is located in Bruges / Brugge making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town.The An Officers ... 0 miles away
$65 EUR+
With its central location, t Walleke is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Bruges / Brugge.All hotel's guestrooms have all ... 0 miles away
$75 EUR+
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More Experiences Nearby
- Appreciating the Artistry of Lacemaking in Bruges
- Handmade lace was once integral to Bruges’ industry, particularly because it was a craft that many poorer families would pass down through the generations. Although Bruges lacemakers only usually made a pittance, it was enough to support their families in a time of great poverty. The history surrounding this craft, which dates back to the sixteenth century, is absolutely fascinating. Many people view Bruges as synonymous with lacemaking, but they know little about the industry and the lives of the Belgian workers. Taking the time to delve into the heart of this beautiful medieval city, and really experience the artistry ...
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Tour the Salient, the hottest spot on the front held by Imperial and Empire troops in World War One. Over a quarter of a million ...40.77 miles away via Lille.
$92+
Accompanied by ex-army personnel or Battlefield Guides with postgraduate qualifications, you will gain a fascinating insight into the Western Battlefields of Belgium on this small ...40.77 miles away via Lille.
$422+
+ 3 others. Show all.
Books and DVDs
- Rough Guide Directions Bruges & Ghent
- Make the most of your time with Rough Guide DIRECTIONS Bruges & Ghent. Slim, stylish and pocketable, the guide is an up-to-date, authoritative and user-friendly companion to one of Europe’s most popular regions.
- Brussels Eyewitness Travel Guide
- This travel guide covers all the major sights - museums, galleries, churches, parks and historic monuments - in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. It offers special features on Belgium history , culture and art and includes material on art nouveau, tapestry, lace and architecture.
- In Bruges (2008)
- Colin Farrell and Academy Award-nominee Ralph Fiennes star in this edgy, action-packed comedy, filled with thrilling chases, spectacular shoot-outs and an explosive ending you won't want to miss!
Elsewhere on the Web
- Brugge.be - Official Site
- Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
- Historic Centre of Brugge - UNESCO.org
- Brugge is an outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, which has maintained its historic fabric as this has evolved over the centuries, and where original Gothic constructions form part of the town's identity.
- Bruges Card - BrugesCard.de
- With this personal card you will benefit great reductions for various activities in Bruges, the brugean surroundings and Flanders: museums, excursions, daytips, tours, bike rental, bars, restaurants, events, ...
Media References
- Bruges in the Silent Hours - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- By 7 P.M., church bells and bird song replace the din of day trippers departing from Bruges. They've taken snapshots of each other standing arm in arm on brick and stone arched bridges spanning narrow canals that unwind behind them like ribbons.
- Introduction to Bruges - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Walking around the almost perfectly preserved city of Bruges (Brugge) is like taking a step back in time. From its 13th-century origins as a cloth-manufacturing town to its current incarnation as a tourism mecca, Bruges seems to have changed little
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Language Guides
French 
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