Sign in with Facebook"Bruges/Brugge - a very special place" Brugge by ranger49
Brugge Travel Guide: 2,680 reviews and 7,153 photos
Bruges - medieval centre of trade and prosperity where art flourished; neighbour to the battlefields in the War “ to end all wars”; player in Northern European movements towards constitutional monarchy, democracy and European unity; UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, and European Capital of Culture in 2002 .
The history of this beautiful little city is well documented and it is not my intention to re-write it.
Nearly 30 years ago we spent about 30 hours in Bruges and it has taken all this time to fulfil the promise we made to ourselves then - to make another visit - one day..
We really thought we had seen a lot of Bruges on that, short memorable visit. It was our first child-free trip in years. We took few photographs but had lots of memories.
Back then we were short of both time and money and not that good at budgeting in Belgian francs. Nor did we then use credit cards...
We chose to stay in what looked like a very nice, affordable guesthouse that served meals, a couple of kms away from the Markt.
We thought that would make it a bit cheaper than accommodation in the old town.
We struggled a bit with the language and did not know that it was one of the best restaurants in the city and that on Saturday nights ( the day we were there) a set 9 -course gourmet meal was served.
It was superb but almost cleaned us out, so our planned two nights in Brussels had to be cut back to one!
It is still there at Zandstraat 2 but was closed during our stay this time - otherwise we might have gone back to the Pannehuis for old times sake and a meal - had better not leave it another 30 years!
On that long, long ago first visit, in early March, there had ben very few visitors about. The canal boats and the horses and carriages were not on duty. There were few, if any, groups or conducted tours.
But on this recent visit on our first walk-about - on a Sunday afternoon in July - we quickly noticed the difference. The streets seemed to be teemimg with people and the horses and their carts clattered by on the cobblestones every couple of minutes.
It was the opening night day of the Brugge Tripel Dagen Festival and throngs of people - families, youths and seniors were making their way to the Markt for the 6pm opening of this popular local event, timed to co-incide with Belgian National Day (July 21st).
There was a relaxed and happy atmosphere as people made their way towards the Markt where all the action was to be. As we admired the view at Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) a young Belgian man of 18 or so offered to take a photo of us together.Tourists from all over the world strolled around in the evening sunshine and it was good to be back.
Our hotel this time was perfectly located in the old city.
A two minute walk brought us to this charming scene surrounded by shops and restaurants - a place we failed to find on our first visit. I t was also close to the "station" for the horse and carriage rides - of which more elsewhere.
We are usually independent travellers but this time booked - with a little apprehension - a 4 day 3 night short break through Riviera Travel and would have no hesitation in using them again. A good balance of guided and free time, good hotel, and an excellent guide.
- Pros:Simply - a very beautiful, historic, atmospheric town
- Cons:Busy - but why wouldn't other people want to visit too!
- In a nutshell:A little place with a lot to offer.
Reviews (14)
Use your legs!
Transportation
(2)
Walking and cycling are the best ways to see Brugge. It is an easy place to get around; carry a street plan marked with... more travel advice
Horse and Carriage
Transportation
(2)
One of the most familiar SOUNDS of Bruges is the clatter of horseshoes on cobbles as parties of tourists take a tour of... more travel advice
Time out AGAIN
Things to Do
(6)
When will VT get this problem sorted? Will try again - when I have got over losing 20 minutes of work on line! UPDATE... more travel advice
't Zand - Fountains, Statues, frogs and...
Things to Do
(6)
This large square has undergone a major change since our visit years ago. Now it is a real happening place, bordered by... more travel advice
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Comments (22)
Wonderful page! Thank you. Love the canals, flowers, petit museum, restaurant spilling onto the sidewalk, the stone work.... well, everything!
Hi Barbara. Started your page yesterday - finished today. Fantastic!! :o) I just loved Brugge! Enjoyed your pix in the Beguinage Museum. We didn't go inside. And I know where I am eating next time... Gruuthuse. We saw that place and I liked the look of it :o) Great page mate!! Hugs Ann.
Lovely. First photo is amazing..and good advice.. let's walk more..
Brugge looks like a darling place - love your canal picture. Thanks for sharing some unusual items of information.
Bruges is special...
Thanks for explaining what a beguinage is. I've seen them in several places but could never quite figure out what they were all about or how they were different from a convent. Good that the tour company found such an excellent hotel for you.
I've always wanted to see Brugge. Congrats on your Barney nomination!
I enjoyed most things about my visit to Brugge..thanks for the reminders..Id like to give it another chance sometime...its such a pretty place..wow amazing restaurant prices...Id forgotten!!
Stunning page on a lovely city. Brought back such good memories, thanks for sharing ;-)
great info on Bruges - thanks for sharing. Clare