Finishing up a 6 night stay in BRUGES- part of a 20 day trip to Belgium and Netherlands. Since this forum tends to have a lively debate about how much time is adequate in Bruges I thought I would provide a detailed report about how we spent our time.
We loved Bruges -- the medieval architecture, canal, bridges, squares large and small. On our arrival day we checked in at our accommodation, Amaryllis Dieltens B& B that also provides apartment style accommodations. Since we were staying for almost a week we booked the Holiday House a two story, one bedroom place. We enjoyed having breakfast and coffee in the morning and dinners in the evenings “at home.”
We took a canal cruises which was a lovely way to see Bruges from the Canal. The guide pointed out some buildings of note, bridge facts and general points of interest.
Chocolate stop for the day : Dumon.
On Friday we went to the fish market - I think we were too late as there was only one vendor left. We took a walking tour with Ambassador City Tour- part of the free walking tour community. The tour was informative and ended at the De Haven brewery.
Saturday is one of the main market days - fantastic market where we picked up sausages and vegetables to cook for dinners in. Following the market visit we ventured out to Ostend , one of the coastal towns on the North Sea. We enjoyed a seafood lunch and walk along the promenade.
Chocolate stop for the day: Old Chocolate House.
Sunday started with a waffle from an adorable food cart that parks in front of the belfry. We tried the Belgian style waffle- a pillow of goodness. We originally planned to bike ride to Damme but decided to take the paddle boat instead since the weather had been unpredictable which doesn’t stop the locals from riding bikes but we’re from California. An 18 euro round trip ticket money well spent to enjoy beautiful views and a slow mode of travel up to Damme. In Damme we had a fantastic lunch at Tante Marie, a brassiere and patisserie with the most gorgeous and tasty desserts, We admired the windmill and returned to Bruges in time for a beer at Bourgogne Flanders.
chocolate stop for the day: Pralinette
Monday started with a waffle from Chez Albert this time the liege style which I think I prefer. We took the train to Ghent for lunch and a walking tour with Guru Walks , another free, tip based walking tour.
Tuesday was our last day in Bruges. We stayed local and did laundry at the Laundrette , a laundromat that markets itself as a tourist and locals spot. A small washer is 7 euro and includes soap. These machines are energy efficient so about 20 minutes of drying time was sufficient, credit cards accepted. While the laundry was going we enjoyed a coffee and brioche at Aux Merveilleux, a gorgeous tea room right off the main square near the laundromat.
We enjoyed one of our best meals of the trip so far at Cambrinus, which was recommended in the RS guide and several food blogs. The place was packed at lunch with several people turned away so if you have your heart set on this place and their 400 beers you may want to book a reservation .
Hubby wasn’t interested in visiting the hospital so I went solo and thought it was a well presented representation of medieval health care with multi media exhibit that brings in contemporary issues in health care delivery. After reflecting on how far we’ve come and also how far there is to go in health care, I strolled to the Bergjinhof and the Basillica of the Holy Blood.
Chocolate Stops:
Olivier’s
Chocolate Line
Sukerbuye
Hot chocolate stop: Depla
We enjoy taking a slower pace to travel, mixing sightseeing with wandering, lingering in a cafe or people watching with a drink. Bruges was a great homebase to do all of that. I can’t imagine coming here for a day trip or just one night.
weekends are crowded with day trippers - Bruges is much more enjoyable during the week, in the morning and evenings.