Belgium may be best know for its waffles and chocolates, but in the quaint city of Bruges in the northwest region of the country, beer literally flows through the street.
With a name derived from the old-Scandinavian word ‘Brygga,’ meaning ‘harbour’ or ‘mooring place,’ Bruges is one of Belgium’s best-preserved medieval cities. Thanks to its close proximity to the North Sea, by the 14th century it was a bustling trading centre and one of the largest and most important cities in northern Europe.
Today, in addition to being a charming backdrop for Hollywood movies, it’s a bustling town that offers lots to see, taste and experience.
Here are five things you must do in Bruges.
EAT
Grab a seat at a restaurant in Bruges’ famous Market Square and enjoy a fresh catch of the day. Surrounded by colourful buildings, the Belfry, and the Provinciaal Hof (Province Court), Market Square is a perfect place to begin or end a day in Bruges.
FLOAT
No trip to Bruges is complete without a cruise along its narrow canals. See new parts and different perspectives of the city from its aquatic arteries.
DRINK
Brewing beer is serious business in Bruges. Complete with a two-mile long pipeline that carries ale from the Half Moon brewery to a bottling plant on the outskirts of the city, beer lovers will enjoy guided tours and samples of the town’s pride and joy.
WALK
With buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, travel Bruges’ cobblestone streets by foot to discover why this UNESCO World Heritage City is considered to be an “outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement” by the World Heritage Convention.
CLIMB
Standing at a modest (by today’s standards) 83 meters tall, the Belfry offers breath-taking and unobstructed views of Bruges and the town’s surroundings.
Looking for more ways to explore Belgium? Check out Jen Reviews list of the 100 Best Things to do in Belgium.
This post was inspired by The Daily Post’s photo challenge. To join their next challenge, check out their blog. New themes are announced every Friday.
39 Comments
vinneve May 12, 2017, 7:42 am
Beautiful photos!
Agness of Fit Travelling February 26, 2017, 1:16 pm
Belgium has an exceptional beauty, Jon! It abounds in beautiful and stunning spots and places!
Jon February 26, 2017, 4:52 pm
Thanks for checking out my blog! Yes – I was blown away by Belgium’s charm. Hope to make it back some day soon.
nesfelicio February 24, 2017, 8:18 am
Great shots of a great place!
chloeskye12 February 23, 2017, 4:48 pm
Hey Jon, thanks for commenting at Chlohemian. These are also some gorgeous shots – I will definitely check these tips when I make it to Belgium.
Rupali February 20, 2017, 6:19 am
Interesting. I have visit this place. Thank you for sharing information.
Amy February 13, 2017, 6:06 pm
What an enjoyable and beautiful stroll!
Jon February 13, 2017, 8:53 pm
Thanks for checking out my blog!
Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist February 13, 2017, 3:45 pm
You’ve given me 5 good reasons to put Bruges on my travel list. Love the bicycles in ? town square and the atmospheric horse and carts in front of the belfry.
Jon February 13, 2017, 8:56 pm
Thanks! Hope you’re able to make it there soon!
restlessjo February 13, 2017, 2:16 am
It was cold and foggy when we were there (many years ago now 🙂 ) and it would be lovely to see it in all its glory.
cindy January 31, 2017, 11:15 pm
Nice pics! captivating, makes me wanna go there too!
Jon February 1, 2017, 6:31 pm
Thanks so much!
twobrownfeet January 26, 2017, 3:24 am
Took me back to Bruges. Gorgeous images. 🙂
Jon January 26, 2017, 10:19 pm
Thanks so much!
rxfrazier January 23, 2017, 11:33 am
Nice travelogue, beautiful scenes, great photos. Thanks!
Jon January 26, 2017, 10:28 pm
Many thanks!
Maria Jansson Photography January 23, 2017, 9:02 am
I love the old houses! Thank you for sharing with us!
Jon January 26, 2017, 10:28 pm
My pleasure!
settleinelpaso January 22, 2017, 11:05 pm
Lovely photos!
Marion Driessen January 14, 2017, 8:51 am
Beautiful photos of a beautiful town. Thanks for bringing back memories. 🙂
Jon January 14, 2017, 9:25 am
Thanks for checking out my blog!
Marion Driessen January 14, 2017, 10:14 am
My pleasure, Jon. 🙂
Photography Journal Blog January 12, 2017, 1:42 am
Very nice, we are thinking about visiting here. I’ve also checked out your Instagram feed and am following you over there.
Cheers,
Amy
Jon January 12, 2017, 6:36 pm
Thanks so much!!
Cardinal Guzman January 11, 2017, 3:24 pm
I had no idea that the name derived from Brygga. That’s awesome! Beautiful place, visited it about 6-7 years ago. We arrived super early in the morning, so the streets were empty for a couple of hours, but then the tourists started pouring out from the hotels…
Jon January 11, 2017, 4:47 pm
We had the same experience. We spent the night and found that the town was very peaceful and quiet in the morning, but once the tour buses started to arrive, the boats and streets were filled with tourists!
Beth Norman January 11, 2017, 7:08 am
You really have an eye for photography. The shot with the beer bottles was very interesting. I love the colourful row of houses, and of course the photo of that gorgeous wife of yours.
Jon January 11, 2017, 4:53 pm
Thanks! Sarah’s always happy when she’s eating fresh mussels!
Paula January 10, 2017, 7:17 am
Beautiful stroll in the streets of Bruges.
Jon January 10, 2017, 8:53 am
Thank you!
Caboosemama Little Pleasures January 9, 2017, 3:10 pm
One of the most charming towns I have ever visited! Thank you for sharing that!
Jon January 9, 2017, 5:46 pm
Thanks so much for checking out my post! Anything you’d add to this list?
Alexandra January 9, 2017, 6:30 am
great images Jon!! I have never been to Bruges, wow, beautiful architecture…!!
Jon January 9, 2017, 8:50 am
Thanks so much! If you can make it to Belgium or France, it’s surprisingly easy to get there!
kayrpea61 January 9, 2017, 12:19 am
I agree with all your suggestions, and even the horse drawn tour was fun. Just stick to beer and don’t drink the water is my tip 😉
Jon January 9, 2017, 8:59 am
Great tip!
Maverick ~ January 8, 2017, 11:14 pm
Wonderful images, thanks for sharing them.
Jon January 8, 2017, 11:37 pm
Thanks so much for checking out my post!