The best of Bruges

If you ask me to make a list of my favourite cities in Europe, Bruges is definitely going to be among the toppers. Bruges is perhaps underrated and to many even the name might not sound familiar, but I felt in love with this city minutes after I arrived there.

Ghent to Bruges

The train from Ghent to Bruges takes 30 minutes or sometimes even less. There is a train for this route in almost every 15 minutes. So no need to buy a ticket in advance. A ticket for people aged under 26 costs around 6 euros. Therefore I would encourage people to try adjusting both Ghent and Bruges in their Belgium tour even if they have a short time.

Accommodation

The hostel rates in Bruges were slightly higher than Brussels and Ghent; however one still can find a place for 20 euros per night. My friend and I however, did couchsurfing, with different hosts. Again an amazing experience that would stay in my mind forever. My host was an extremely polite, friendly and hospitable Belgian woman. Not only she picked me up from the station, but also took me for a walk and showed me around. We then had a nice dinner together which she had prepared herself. All this time we also enjoyed good deep conversations which further revealed how wonderful person she was! And her super friendly and fluffy cat kept our company.

Time to wander around

We arrived in Bruges quite late in the evening, therefore we didn’t see much on our first day. I, however, while taking the walk with my host, saw some major sights, as her house was right in the main city centre.

Markt

Markt ("Market Square") is the first place you need to go. Because this square is like the heart of the city and most of the major touristic sights are located either in the square or somewhere around it. The history of the square goes back to as early as the 10th century. Even in the medieval ages it was used as a marketplace. However the market was renovated almost 2 decades ago.

In the centre of the square lies the statue of patriotic heroes Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck who fought for Flemish Identity.

Belfry of Bruges

You will find a number of attractive spots and sights, but undoubtedly you will find one place weighing over the others and having a charm and air of its own. The Belfry of Bruges. Some 80 metres high. Climbing that never ending narrow staircase is definitely worth it. A charming view of the entire city awaits you at the top. Make sure to grab some snacks before you, and be prepared for the big queue. Don’t carry any heavy item with you. I hope I am not making it sound as something horrible!

We went there with our travelling back packs and after climbing few meters, dropped them in a small rest area. When we returned our bags were gone. Once we reached the reception, we realized how big of an issue it could be! They told us that generally in such situations they even call police. It can be a serious security concern. So don’t repeat the mistakes we did.

By the way the ticket costs around 8-10 eurosdepending upon your age.

Provinciaal Hof

Provinciaal Hof or the Province Court is another remarkable building nearby. It was used for government meetings in the past, but now the building is mostly used for exhibitions and ceremonies.

The neogothical building with dozens of horse carts in front of it; made me feel like being in 19th century. And just to mention the sun was shining bright and beautiful that day.

Bruges City Hall

Bruges City Hall, I keep mixing the building with the Court House, they are different yet similar. I would like to assume that I just uttered some deep wise words when I said “different yet similar”, or it can be the other way around. “Similar yet different”. Just let me know in the comments which one you think is better.

So this city hall is one of the oldest city halls in the whole Burgundian Netherlands region, dating back to the 14th century.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Just a few steps away from the City Hall is Basilica of the Holy Blood. The structure was very different from the basilicas that I had been to earlier. Even though it doesn’t has a big front facade, the remarkable grey and golden colour combination will grab your attention. Though the chapels have been renovated multiple times, it originally was built in 12th century.

The Basilica is widely and best known for the relic of Holy Blood - a flacon containing a cloth with blood of Jesus Christ, as per the belief of many.

However there are certain days and times when you can visit and see that, so better check that before and plan accordingly.

Church of Our Lady

The first thing that you are going to note in the city is The Church of our Lady. Why? Owing to its sky-high tower, the Church not only is the tallest building in the city, but the tower is the second highest brick tower in the world. So no matter where you go in the city, you will find the tower staring right at you. And while talking about the tower, let me also mention that the facade is no less. You see it and you know its Holy.

Old St. John’s Hospital

Next to the Church of Our Lady, you can find a medieval hospital, well it is not being used as a hospital anymore, and rather it houses a museum now where medical instruments and hospitals records are on display. My Couchsurfing host told me that she was born in that hospital. Isn’t it interesting that the hospital you were born in is now used as a museum, could make you feel pretty old though, but a legend as well.

Saint-Salvator Cathedral

The main cathedralof the city and again, just a few steps from the Church of Our Lady and the main square of the Brugges. I had a limited time, therefore couldn’t enter inside, however here is a picture of the exterior.

St. Walburga Church

St. Walburga Church was closed when we visited, but let me share the beautiful front face of the Church which is inspired by some church in Italy.

St Anne’s Church

Here is St. Anne’s Church, a small walk from St. Walburga, but this was also closed. I however loved its simple architecture.

Jeruzalemkerk

Then we paid a small visit to the Jerusalem Chapel. I would encourage the readers to search about Anselm Adornes and the The Adornes Family. You will then know why this place is unique and must be visited. The place is opened from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm, and the ticket costs around 7 euros.

What to Eat

Waffle from Chez Albert. I took one with just chocolate and simply fell in love with that. Tasted like something from heaven. It was located near to the Market Square. Just use Google Maps to find it.

Verdict

Well, I simply loved Bruges and would highly recommend everyone to visit it. The best thing is that everything is on a walking distance. You can even roam around the whole city on foot. And that definitely would be the best walk of your life.

And well between Ghent and Bruges, I will vote for Bruges.

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