We'll be in Paris at Christmas and were thinking we might make a day trip up to Bruges. 1. should we stay overnite or will a day trip do it? 2. if we stay overnite, do we need reservations in advance at a hotel/b&B?
3. Besides the diamond museum and the chocolate museum, what should we see? Any info greatly appreciated. Stephanie
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9102 posts
1. Overnight would be best. Bruges is stunning a after dark when everything is lit up.
2. You can probably find a room without reservations, but to get the best price it's usually better to reserve. 3. The diamond and chocolate museums would go on the bottom of my list of attractions. The top attractions would be the basilica, Groeninge Museum, Onze Lieve Vrouwkerk, convent, and the brewery tour. For all the details you should purchase Ricks guidebook. This site can give you the basics: http://wikitravel.org/en/Bruges Here's a taste: http://youtu.be/s-BYMPMhjpU
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
At that time of year, spend the night.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
I second the Onze Lieve Vrouwkerk (has Michelangelo's "Madonna and Child" sculpture, the only sculpture of his north of the Alps). Also visit the Memling Museum (check the hours at that time of year). If it isn't too cold, I also recommend a canal boat tour.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9102 posts
I'm not 100% certain, but I don't believe the canal boats operate during the winter months.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
"I'm not 100% certain, but I don't believe the canal boats operate during the winter months." They don't, despite the scene in "In Bruges" where the character jumps out the window and lands on the boat. Creative license...
Posted by
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
2349 posts
When do the canal boats run? (Lovely video, Michael. Thanks.)