Bruges is magical. A fairy tale village with beautiful architecture, cobbled streets, large squares and a series of canals which crisscross it. While in Brussels with work earlier this year I decided to take a day trip to Bruges. It’s just over an hour away on the train and well worth the trip. In this snapshot of Bruges I’ll tell you where to eat, drink, run (if your that way inclined) and some fun things to do.
What To Eat
I only had a day to explore and wanted to make the most of. Food wise you will find anything and everything you want to eat in Bruges. Being in Belgium, top of my list was the simple yet exquisite frites. Widely available, topped with some rich and tangy andalouse sauce they are a perfect companion for any traveler.
Belgian Frites
If you are looking for something a little more substantial and want to be right in heart of Bruges then you can of course try one of the many cafes and restaurants around the Grote Markt. A word of warning however, prices tend to be a little higher than along some of the smaller side streets. You can of course stop and enjoy a drink at a table on the square and save the food till later.
Grote Markt
Along Wijngaardstraat you will find a line of restaurants, bistros and cafes all with outdoor terraces which are perfect for people watching while you enjoy a large bowl of mussels. I tried out Bistro ‘t Minnewater which was less expensive than the restaurants around the Grot Markt and on the way back to the train station. Unfortunately I managed to lose all my food pictures from here so if you do visit and try it out, do let me know what you think and share your photos.
Bistro ‘t Minnewater
What To Drink
Belgium as we all know has quite the name for beer and I’m happy to report that Bruges embraces that wholeheartedly. A friend had recommended a bar to me called De Garre. He didn’t however tell me how bloody difficult it was to find. It is at the end of what you can only call a narrow slit between two buildings which I walked past twice before finding it. A small and cosy tavern with two floors serving over 130 beers. One of the most popular of which is their own house beer also called De Garre. Be warned however its 11% alcohol and tastes incredible so you are bound to have more than one. It also comes served with some delicious cheddar cheese which compliments it perfectly.
Another watering-hole in Bruges well worth a visit is 2be bar and beer shop which is housed in a 15th century house. They have an extensive range of beers to sample or buy, or both and a suntrap of a terrace overlooking the canal out the back. The perfect spot to sit back and enjoy a cold one.
2be Bruges
Where To Run
While I’ve been a bit lazy (that will be changing) in terms of running on the blog lately, I have run in a few European cities. It’s a great way to see the sights, discover new areas and of course earn all the food and drink I devour while away. While visiting Bruges I did of course naturally keep an eye out for the perfect running spot. Without doubt it has to be Minnewaterpark. A beautiful park perfectly suited to enjoying a run. If you are feeling a little less energetic it’s also an ideal spot to wander through when you get off the train on your way into the town.
Minnewaterpark
Whats Fun In Bruges
Two activities top of my list for the trip to Bruges were, visit the De Halve Maan Brewery and of course take a trip along the canals. The brewery trip takes about 45 minutes and tours run in English between 11am and 4pm. Its well worth a visit and you do of course get to try a glass of Brugse Zot Blond at the end of it.
If you want to stay a while in the brewery you can combine your visit with lunch in the courtyard where you can enjoy two courses for €19 and three courses for €24.
De Halve Maan Brewery
De Halve Maan Brewery
De Halve Maan Brewery
No trip to Bruges would be complete without taking a trip along the canals. They are the perfect way to meander through the town and learn a little of the history from your tour guide. Prices vary but generally are in or around the €8 mark. Tours usually last about 30-40 minutes and you can join one at numerous stations along the canal.
Canal Tour
Canal Tour
Bruges truly is a wonderful town to visit and I cannot recommend it highly enough. To round off the post I’ve a slideshow of snaps below from my visit. If you do get to visit, feel free to get in touch. I’d love to hear what you think.