Bruges, with its beautiful medieval architecture, cobblestone streets and picturesque canals, seems to be straight out of a fairytale. Often called “Venice of the North“, it beckons travelers to tour its grand squares as well as its tiny back alleys and discover all its wonderful charms.
While not as popular as Paris, Rome or London, I believe that Bruges, which lies just a little over 50 miles from Brussels, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. You will fall in love with its wonderful historic buildings, quaint cobblestone streets and lovely canals. Its entire historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site so you know I’m not the only one who thinks Bruges is special. Besides being beautiful, the city is known for having some of the best waffles, beer, mussels, frites and chocolate in Europe which will certainly please most every visitor.
Click on any photo to enlarge and see a slide show
Hopefully, travel will return to normal soon and we will once again start to plan trips but unfortunately my husband and I won’t be traveling to Europe as usual this fall. Instead, join me on a quick virtual trip to Bruges…no planes and crowds to deal with. Let me show you some of the sights that await us as we walk along the cobblestone streets and tour the city by horse drawn carriage, when our feet need a rest. Of course, a visit to Bruges would not be complete without a boat trip on the city’s lovely canals where you are treated to magnificent views around every bend. My husband and I have toured Bruges all three ways and I would suggest you do the same if you visit on your own.
While I always enjoy discovering new destinations, I’d love to return to this picture postcard city because one visit is just not enough and it has been well over ten years since my husband and I last visited. I’m reminded of this lovely city every day because my Avatar, that tiny picture that represents me on social media as Back Road Journal, was taken in Bruges.
The Stoofstraat, or Stove Street in English, is one the Bruges narrowest streets where the walls are so close to each other you can spread out your arms and touch both sides as you see me doing in the photo. There is another photo of me on that same street as I stopped to gaze in the window of Tsjokoreeto Chocolate Shop. The beautifully decorated window displayed pralines, truffles and other kinds of chocolates to lure shoppers into the little shop. You will find shops like this on almost every corner in Bruges. Also found on the same street, Malesherbes is a tiny restaurant with just six tables so reservations are a must as it has a good reputation for the food it serves.
The historic city, circled by canals is very compact and easily walkable. The perfect place to start would be the impressive Market Square where a market has been held for over 10 centuries. The square is surrounded by beautiful step gabled old guild houses that are now cafes and small bistros. The square is dominated by the famous medieval Belfry Tower with its 47 bell carillon. If you have the strength and aren’t claustrophobic, you can climb the 366 narrow steps to the top for an impressive view over the city.
Horse drawn carriages tie up in the square waiting to take visitors for a thirty minute tour around town. The tour will stop along the Wijngaardplein near the Betuinage for the horses to rest and so you can stretch your legs . This is the only place in Bruges where the swans are fed, which is why there are so many in this spot.
The Beguinage, a walled convent inside the city center that is now the lovely home to the Benedictine sisters. You are allowed to enter the pretty grounds but it is designated a quiet zone, making it all the more lovely spot to visit.
Also be sure to visit the beautiful Burg Square with its Bishop’s Palace, Town Hall and Law Courts, now the Tourist Office and the Holy Blood Basilica.
On the Walplein Square, you will find the ancient and well loved brewery The Halve Maan, Half Moon in English. It is the only remaining original family owned brewery and many say has the best beer in Bruges. One of its beers called “Brugse Zot” is considered one of the best blonde beers in Belgium. We joined one of the brewery’s tours which even took us to the rooftop of the brewery for a fantastic view of the city. After you finish the tour, there is a tasting and afterwards you will be given a glass of your favorite beer.
Once you’ve visited this beautiful city, your thoughts will return to it time and again. Perhaps your favorite memory will be the beautiful view from the canals at Rozenhoedkaai, the Quay of the Rosary in English. It is where you can see the Belfrey Tower and the Church of Our Lady’s brick tower, the second tallest in the world. It is probably the most photographed location that you will see during your entire visit to Bruges. Be sure not to miss, especially on a lovely day.
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If you have been to Bruges or it is on your list of places to visit, you probably already know that because of its size, it is possible to see all the major attractions in just one day but to really enjoy this delightful city, you need to spend a couple of leisurely days to appreciate all its charm. I believe that everyone needs to spend at least one night in Bruges because that is when it is the most beautiful and romantic as many of its wonderful historic buildings are all floodlit. With Bruges’ picture postcard setting, beautiful architecture, museums and good food, this Belguim city just oozes with charm and certainly has something to please any visitor. I do hope to be able to return to this picture postcard city as one visit is just not enough.
Back Road Journal 
You sure know how to do justice to a European city’s beauty. Can’t wait to visit.
Someplace I want to visit when we can travel again! Love the pictures — such a pretty city. Thanks!
Beautiful pictures Karen (as usual) – I’ve never been to Bruges, but you make it look quite enticing!
A delightful place that is on my list. I did get away to Arran Island in Scotland so the travel is starting to happen again.
This is now on our Bucket List! BEAUITFUL pictures my friend!
I LOVE this city. I was in Bruges about 25 years ago and remember it like it was yesterday. The architecture, the chocolate, all of it! I remember renting a bicycle and just riding around for hours trying to capture every inch of it. This post brought back great memories. Thank you. 🙂 ~Valentina
The photos you’ve shared certainly highlight what a gorgeous city Burges is, Karen. Stunning! It’s true that for all the European travel that is typically promoted I don’t often hear about Belgium. I can’t imagine why it is overlooked. I do hope you will be able to resume your travel with ease soon. You must be very eager!
Thanks, Karen, I have no need to travel there now that I’ve read your post and enjoyed your photos 🙂
Great shots of the city Karen. We spent a day there many years ago and what I remember most is the chocolate and the beer.
We were in Bruges in February 2020! Unfortunately, it rained the entire three days we were there but it was beautiful! Definitely want to return when we’re finished with this mess.
It has been on my list but just moved way up thanks to your beautiful post.
I’ve been to Bruges a number of times and it is indeed as beautiful as you so well describe it. Mussels, frites and a great Belgian beer is a simple but fabulous meal. And of course their chocolate is heavenly.
Hi Karen, your virtual tour is a wonderful journey into the past for me. We visited Bruges for three nights way back in 1998. We walked it and toured via carriage and have lifelong memories of the holiday. The Basilica of the Holy Blood was under renovation at that time so we pledged we must return to view it when it was restored. It was on our 2021 schedule to return, but alas that will not happen. Perhaps in 2022. Take care…
lovely!
Karen, I always enjoy your travel posts. I have Bruges on my short list. Thank you for the gorgeous virtual tour!
Beautiful!
What a lovely post Karen – it’s definitely on my list of places to visit!
What a beautiful place! Somewhere else to put on my bucket list!
These are beautiful captures of Bruges, Karen. I recall the places of the first three photos here. I, too, waiting for our next travel…
Oh my—Bruges looks like such a beautiful place to visit! Your photos are really beautiful too! 🙂
Wonderful photos! They brought back memories of my own trip to Bruges. Such a beautiful city. Hope to make it back there one day.
Wow, how gorgeous is Bruges!! I love the canals which really does make you think of Venice. Thanks for the virtual tour, it is lovely!
On a Baltic cruise we were to visit Bruges but had to be detoured because of a canal fire. I regret not having the opportunity to visit such a lovely place.
Magical is a perfect word for that city. It looks like a fairy tale come to life. And to see it by horse-drawn carriage is the ultimate.
Very interesting. Beautiful photos.
My husband and I visited Bruges in 1979 and loved it. I remember we ate a restaurant called Witte Porte (spelling!) . That was our first fancy meal in Europe. We had borrowed my father’s car to tour Europe, no reservations needed. Those were the days!
We are re-considering our December trip, and this looks like a good option. When do you expect to travel again?
Well done, a lovely set of photos. Enjoyed this virtual visit. Sorry I am not keeping up with blogs and comments just so much going on. Lots to do in the garden and I have not had time to process photos that I have taken, I am getting backlogged!!
Hope all is well, take care, Diane
Your post brought back wonderful memories of our visit, and I totally agree with the post title. We had a wonderful visit, and I wish a return one was on the horizon. I may have to look through my photos because yours sure made me smile. Thank you.
Your post was exactly what we needed. to know that we can enjoy travel virtually until we can do it again soon is very comforting. So many beautiful photos. They could all be a post card photo or in a National Geographic article. Really! you are super talented!
I agree…Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe….not only they have good restaurants, but the pastries and chocolates are delicious!!…..Abrazotes, Marcela
Wow, what a gorgeous place! Never been… need to go!
This is one part of Europe I havent seen, a lot of my friends who have been there asked me why I havent been to this place, they said it is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe cant agree more based on your pictures. Now I wish I chose this over Brussels when we visited Belgium before
We had the chance to visit Bruges several years ago, and you did a great job describing it here, Karen. It truly is one of the prettiest cities that we’ve visited in Europe! And, yes, we did enjoy a Brugse Zot while we were there. 🙂
What a glorious spot! I have never been there but oh, this post makes me want to add it to the list!
Beautiful canals, amazing architecture, and tasty food? I’m in!
Bruges is one of my most favorite cites, I will go there whenever I have a chance to visit.
I’ve never heard of Bruges, but now I’m in love with it! What gorgeous pictures!
If your pictures are any indication it sure is gorgeous. The first one could be a painting! Going onto my list
Bruges looks lovely, but can you believe that despite living in the south of England I have never been to Belgium. I would love to go and maybe 2022 will be a good year for a drive around that part of Europe. The old buildings and canals make it look very much like Oxford or Cambridge.
Bruges is definitely one of the places that tops of list of cities to visit. We have only been to Bruxelles. Your photos and write up are so alluring, and it is nice to know where your iconic photo was taken!
We went to Bruges on a day trip one December. There wasn’t enough time to see everything but I had no idea, in any case, there was so much to see!
WOW – what a beautiful city! I’ve always been interested in it every since I saw the movie In Bruges many years ago. I had never heard of it before then. So much history and the buildings look amazing.
I love Bruges!!!! One of my favorite cities in Belgium, hands down. Your pictures are breathtaking Karen, and such a lovely, detailed article. You transported me to this beautiful city!
Bruge is a great place to visit..