Trip Report - Brugge
Ellemay
frequent traveller
24 May 2009
based on 8 votes
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Bruges, Zonnebeke
- Category: Recent trip
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Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Shopping, Active/Outdoors, Never been before, Repeat visitors
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Appeals to: Business travellers , Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Families with small children, Families with teenagers, Large groups, Seniors, Students, Budget travellers , Active/adventure, Tourists
- Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Tags:
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Bruges is the capital of West Flanders and the city is now a World Heritage Site of UNESCO.
Bruges is a gorgeous Medieval town which reminded me of Tallinn in Estonia. There is the similar market square the cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages that echo the sounds of clippity clop, parades, and colourful street held markets.
Its a town which can easily be discovered on foot but bring a good pair of walking shoes as these streets are tough going on tender feet. (It will take months for my feet to recover !)
At times the town feels incredibly touristy but at night you are reminded of the beauty and magic of the buildings reflecting light on the still canal waters making an array of trickling shadows.
It's a romantic town with endless cobblestone lanes to explore with array of museums, art galleries and churches. If you are a art connoisseur or museum junkie then you will adore Bruges.
Bruges also has wonderful shops which sell everything yummy like beautiful pastries, delicious chocolates and crusty tarts and bread. It's a place you can happily indulge and treat yourself . |
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The high-speed train Thalys runs from Bruges to Paris 3 times a day and takes approx 2 .5hrs www.thalys.com.
If coming from Amsterdam you will have to change trains at Brussels which takes approx one hour and leaves every half an hour. So there's no reason to panic as plenty of trains are available.
From Brussels to Bruge the local train takes approx one hour passing through Ghent .
From Antwerp it takes forty minutes on the train.
If flying from overseas fly into Brussels or Paris for easy access into Brugge.
From the UK you can take the ferry into Oostende or Zeebrugge and then it's only another 20 minutes by car. |
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The best way to get around Bruges is by foot. However, saying that make sure you bring an excellent pair of walking shoes as these cobblestone roads, streets and malls absolutely are a killer on your feet. All major attractions are easily accessible by foot.
There is a small tour bus that goes around the city which is a MUST DO if visiting Bruges. It departs from the Market Square every hour on the hour. It does get crowded so try and get there early as there are limited seats.
Apart from walking, cycling is your next best option which can be fun but I wouldn't recommend it if your are inexperienced as there are no cycling tracks, however there are plenty of one-way streets which make you feel a little more comfortable. |
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Bike Hire can be found at Bruges station for the day you'll need to bring a passport as ID. If you don't feel confident enough you can always do the Quasimundo cycle tour which takes approx two hours where the guides takes you down some back streets , medieval fortifications and past some beautiful canals with the added bonus of hearing the history and facts of Bruges. There are numerous tours you can do including a ride to Dammes. |
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5. Best Western Premier Hotel Navarra
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Ave price:
$211
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The Hotel Navarra is housed in a gorgeous 17Th century building and is located approximately 5 mins walk into the Market Square. The location is terrific and all major attractions can easily be reached by foot. We stayed at this hotel for 4 days due to a conference being held in the hotel.
Check in – Fast, friendly and efficient.
Room – After catching 2 lifts and winding ourselves through the corridors we found our large attic room which was very spacious with a separate lounge room. The room 303 consisted of a good size working desk with Internet connection and two comfortable settee chairs and a table. Off the lounge room was a extra large bedroom with attic windows which looked out onto the historic rooftops of Brugge.
The only disappointment was the king size bed was actually 2 single beds pushed together which were extremely uncomfortable. The bathroom was off the bedroom and was clean with shower over the bath. Tea and coffee making facilities and safe.
Staff – all very friendly and helpful.
Breakfast – was served in the main dining room on the lobby level. There was plenty of variety including continental and hot food.
Facilities – A good size indoor swimming heated pool is located in the basement level with a gym and sauna attached. A computer is located near reception. Secure Parking can be found at the back of the hotel. There is a lovely jazz bar on the ground level.
Overall – We loved our spacious attic suite but disliked our uncomfortable beds. The worst element of this hotel was depending where your room is located it can be almost impossible to find. It can become a maze with all the corridors and hallways and with 2 lifts which operate from different sides of the hotel. It became a main topic in the conference – did you get lost ?
The hotel has a lovely facade and is elegant oozing with heaps of charm and character. We found it to be excellent value for money and we enjoyed our stay. |
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If visiting Bruge the canal tour is a must do on your list. It certainly reminded me of Amsterdam with its gorgeous stone bridges and Medieval buildings scattered along the water’s edge. It’s a very relaxing, romantic and scenic tour which is well worth the effort to do.
We were apart of a conference group so our tour guide only spoke in English which was funny as on our boat were twenty or so people from all parts of the world. Luckily, all were fluent in English. So it would be important to ask whether the guide speaks in your language first before hopping onto the boat.
There are 5 places where you can get on a canal boat.
De Meulemeester -- Wollestraat
Gruuthuse -- Nieuwstraat
Georges Stael -- Katelujnestraat 4
Michielssens -- Huidenvettersplein
Coudenys -- Rozenhoedkaai
Daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The trip takes about 30 minutes., so it’s a great way to relax and give your feet a rest from walking on all those hard cobbled stone paths. |
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Bruges has two major town squares, the largest and most popular is the Market Square (Grote Markt). Is pedestrian friendly with no cars allowed. There are a few major attractions to be found here like the famous Belfry Tower and the Medieval Cloth Hall which was used as the setting for the film "In Bruges" with COLIN FARRELL. The square is usually jam packed with tourists except when the locals take over on Wednesday; so its really is the heart of Bruges.
Numerous restaurants can be found around the perimeter but watch your pocket as these are very expensive. You can get a coffee around the corner for half the price.
Every Wednesday morning between 8am - 1pm the square turns into a vibrant lively market where fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry and other food items. Its a fabulous way to enjoy the morning tasting the fresh products of Bruges. The little yellow tourist bus operates from the square and runs every hour on the hour daily.
The other Bruges square is called Burg Square where all the administration of Bruges is operated from. |
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The Belfry Tower was built in the 13th century and is 83 meters tall. Its located in the Market Square is the tallest building in Bruges so you cannot miss it. If feeling fit there are 366 steps which lead up to the top of the tower ,there are a few resting places to catch your breath. Once at the top you are rewarded with a stunning view of Bruges and having the opportunity to seeing the Carillon which contains over 47 bells.
The Bruges Belfry Tower Poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
As the evening shades descended,
Low and loud and sweetly blended,
Low at times and loud at times,
And changing like a poet's rhymes,
Rang the beautiful wild chimes,
From the belfry in the markt
Of the ancient tower of Bruges. |
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Our Lady Church is the largest church in Bruges it dates back to 13th Century in Romanesque style and later additions were added with a touch of Gothic architecture. Inside you can find Michelangelo's Carrara marble statue of Madonna and Child (1540) in the church's right wing chapel. The Church also contains the tomb of Mary of Burgundy and some wonderful 15th Century Flemish paintings. |
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There are numerous interesting and historical statues scattered around the city of Bruges. The two most apparent and obvious in the market square are of two leaders Jan Breydel and Peter De Connick, two heros who led a group against the French and made Flanders independent in the early 14th century.
Statue of Albert the first can be found opposite the station, in the park on the way to 'T Zand is the statue of Albert 1st (1878 - 1934) called King Chevalier.
Jan van Eyck (c. 1385 – 1441) was a 15th century Flemish painter statue stands proudly on the street.
I'm not sure how many statues are in the city of Bruges but you will find one at least on all the major streets, plazas and squares. You could try counting them ! |
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There are numbers museums and art galleries in Brugge to keep any art lover or history buff amused for days.
The Groeninge Museum - Open every day from 9.30h till 17.00h The museum house some valuable Flemish Masters paintings including two works of the famous artist Jan Van Eyck the museums prized procession being the masterpiece 'The Madonna with Canon Joris van der Paele' painted in 1436.
The Gruuthuse Museum - which was the formal house of of Gruuthuse' which belonged in the late Middle-Ages to the family Van Brugghe-van der Aa. The collection consists of furniture, silverware, metalware and Sculptural art.
The Archeological Museum - contains relics of Stone Age to the Middle Ages .
Diamantmuseum - Bruges is where the art of diamond polishing was created in the 15th century by local goldsmith Lodewijk van Berquem. This is one of the world's largest diamond museums.
Museum Lady of the Potterie - contains valuable tapestries and silverware.
The Brangwyn Museum - contains the history of lace making.
The Brewery "De Halve Maan" - Enjoy a tour around the brewery and some tasting afterwards.
The Guido Gezelle Museum - One of Flanders best known poets - houses his works. |
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Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate...
There are also heaps of tourist shops selling Belgium Beer Mugs, tapestries, lace and general souvenirs. The most impressive shops are the boutique type which sell beautiful tableclothes, napkins and quilt covers.
The main shopping street is Steenstraat which is located off the Markt Square and is opened between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
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13. De Florentijin Restaurant.
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The De Florentijnen is located in a former Florentine trading post offering a contemporary cuisine. We attended this restaurant due to our conference dinner being held in this restaurant. The décor of the restaurant was fresh with starch white tablecloths and napkins offering a modern contemporary style. It’s a large restaurants with upstairs and downstairs sittings.
The food was excellent and the staff a credit to this establishment. Usually conference dinners can border on boring but this meal was delightful and the wine fabulous too. Well done ! |
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14. Kardinaalshof Restaurant.
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| This restaurant has to be Number One in Brugge. The service, food and staff are all above standard. Nice cosy atmoshpere and not too expensive. Try the sweets they are to die for ! http://www. kardinaalshof.be/ |
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The Olive Tree Restaurant is located just off the Main square (Grote Markt) on Wollestraat 3. We stumbled across this restaurant by accident whilst trying to cope walking on the cobbled paved footpaths.
The restaurant offers a Greek Mediterranean Menu which was appealing after some heavy meals we had consumed in the last few days. We found the staff to be friendly and attentive and evidently it’s a family run business which is probably why the service was good.
The food was excellent light and tasty. The wine list was average but adequate. Prices were also very reasonable compared to other restaurants in town especially those near the main square.
I would recommend this restaurant for a casual lunch or dinner. |
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Traditional Belguim / Flemish menu with gracious hosts. Reasonable prices and great service. The bistro is closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
Another to try is http://www.degastro.be/ - nice menu and good atmosphere. |
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17. Yummy Bruges Food. !!
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The first shop which will catch your eye is the Chocolate shops. There are numerous chocolate shops to be found in Bruges. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate...the shops are absolutely divine and so well presented I just want to buy some chocolate even though I dislike it !!
If visiting Bruges one cannot go past visiting the Old Chocolate House where you can see the chocolates being made and taste the results.
Also try how the Belgians eat their chips or fries with heaps of dripping mayonnaise.
Try a yummy hot chocolate and delicious waffle in one of Bruges cafes any time of the day !
For the blokes hop down to one of the bars and taste a few of the local beer's there are over 700 different types of beer in Belgium so if your looking for something special the hop down to one of the beer shops/ bars which can be found around the town.
The Delicatessens are also fabulous, I highly recommend you trying some of their pasties and tarts it all tastes and looks scrumptious. |
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There are numerous cafes, restaurants and bars in Brugge, so there's many places you can sit and try one of Belguim famous beers on tap. Café Vlissinghe' is the oldest pub in town founded in 1515 and is interesting to sit and have a drink in.
t Brugse Beertje: Kemelstraat 5 - have heaps of different beer and is well patonized by the locals.
Just stroll around the two main squares and you will find plenty of places to be entertained in. |
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19. Tyne Cot Cemetery and Polygon Wood Memorial.
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The Polygon Wood Memorial of the Australian 5th Division lies deep in the forest along a country road located between Ypress and Zonnebeke in Belgium.
The land was given to Australia after WW1 for the fifth Division’s tribute to those who fought with between 1916 – 1918 in France and Belgium.
The moment you step outside your car and walk slowly through the forest path to the memorial you are totally overwhelmed with a sense of utter sadness. The path leads you to a large memorial with steps up to view the hundred’s of graves that are dotted in straight rows most only have inscribed on them “ A solider of the Great War “ on their headstones. Others, names carry a heavy burden with ages between 19 and 26.
As I walked around the grounds I was engulfed with a pure feeling of peace and love. It’s was a totally spiritual feeling which is almost intangible and unimaginable to describe. The knowledge that these men can never come home is a sadness which lies deep in most Australians thoughts as true heroes.
We later drove to Tyne Cot Cemetery where over 12,000 men are buried most being British , Australians and New Zealanders. A total mind blowing experience. |
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If you are wondering if its Brugge or Bruges there is a common reason why you see two different spellings. In Dutch and Flemish its spelt Brugge and pronounced Broo-gah . Now if your English or French its spelt Bruges and pronounced Broozh...so its okay to use either...
The locals can speak fluently in French, English, German and Dutch but the main language being Dutch, the Flemish appreciate it when you say a few Dutch words.
Otherwise , you are best to speak English rather than French. |
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Compliment Ellemay
