"Brugge Belgium - The Venice of the North" Brugge by fossettes

Brugge Travel Guide: 3,368 reviews and 6,666 photos

We went to Brugge, Belgium for a weekend get-a-way on the recommendation of several VTers. Brugge is a beautiful city settled as early as the 7th century. However, it's glory days were in the 12th and 13th centuries when it was one of the most important ports in northern Europe. It is often called "The Venice of the North" because of it's beautiful architecture and lovely canals.

We arrived into town around lunch time and quickly found a nice cafe serving local classics such as mussels steamed in white wine and celery, baked chicken with french fries and a wonderful Belgian stew made with ale.

After lunch we strolled through the town toward the Grand Place, the main square of town that has been the hub of city life for centuries.

Charlotte in the drivers seat!

We had nice weather and we were able to enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour around town. This was a good way for us to get a feel for the city (and be charmed by it's beauty!) After the carriage ride we headed back to Grand Place for a pick-me-up in one of the cafes facing the square.

After checking into our hotel, The Hotel Academie, we had a rest and watched some Belgian cartoons (the Belgians love cartoons!) Because it's a small city with many narrow, one way streets, people tend to park their cars and walk. The lack of cars (and headlights) makes for quiet, dark evenings. As we ate dinner in a small bistrot on a quiet square, the only sounds we heard from outside were the horses pulling carriages over the cobbled streets and the rain as it fell. It was as if we were transported back in time.

Detail - Church of the Holy Blood

On Sunday we visited the major sights of town. We started out with a boat ride through the canals, followed by a visit to St. John's Hospital! Not becasue we were sick, but because it is now a beautiful museum called the Memlingmuseum. The hospital is still in existance today and is one of the oldest in Europe. They have moved however, to more modern facilities, but the building that houses the museum dates from the 13th cantury. Then a visit to the city hall and the Basilican Church of the Holy Blood. Built in the 12th cenury, the Basilica houses a relic containing Christ's blood.

After lunch, we climbed the 366 stairs to the top of the Bell Tower. We stood beneath the 47 bells as the bell ringer played lovely tunes on the carillon. A word of caution to any planning on climbing to the top...Have the beer and pate sandwich AFTER you climb, not before as we did!

On the way out of town we made a stop for a box of chocolates and waffles (Oh-h-h-h, the waffles!) to eat in the car. What a great weekend!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful city, friendly people, good food, great for kids.

Last visit to Brugge: Mar 2003
Intro Updated Mar 21, 2003
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Reviews (2)

Canal Boat Tour Things to Do (1)

The canal boat tour is a bargain! For about 14 E our family of three had a 45 minute tour of the city from a different... more travel advice

Modern Comfort in Old Brugge Hotels (1)

The Hotel Academie is a 4 * hotel in a quiet location. It is housed in a building that is about 100 years old, but the... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Mar 26, 2003

5 photos

Brugge Close Up

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Comments (11)

aussirose Aug 23, 2010 at 5:46 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the tips Kelly Anne. Looking forward to visiting next year yeh!! :o) xx
aussiedoug Nov 20, 2008 at 2:41 AM Report Abuse

I'll be spending Easter next year with Belgian friends near Ghent. Hope Brugge is not too far away as it seems like a great place to visit.
iandsmith Nov 2, 2006 at 3:45 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the excellent photo and tip, though they were few in number. I'm off there next year.
36waterfalls Aug 9, 2006 at 1:59 AM Report Abuse

Very pretty pictures!
orlikins Sep 9, 2003 at 1:27 AM Report Abuse

great pics! :)
MURRA Jun 6, 2003 at 1:06 PM Report Abuse

catchy fotos ,good tourist spots
sabsi Jun 6, 2003 at 1:01 PM Report Abuse

beautiful different pics of brugge. i esp. love the start pic!
Pavlik_NL Apr 16, 2003 at 12:32 PM Report Abuse

Your eye for detail has captured Brugge in a very special and beautiful way. Realy a wonderful page and I am very happy you liked this pearl of Flanders. Au revoir, Paul
cadzand Apr 2, 2003 at 8:35 AM Report Abuse

I love the detail pictures ! Another pleasant way to sicover Bruges.
funkymama Apr 1, 2003 at 10:42 AM Report Abuse

Great page and lovely pics in your t-logue