48 Hours in... Bruges
TRAVEL COLUMNIST JULIA GORDON GETS NATIVE IN THE CITY OF STRONG BEERS, MUSSELS AND FRITES
Bruges is a medieval city that looks like a real- life fairy tale. With glorious buildings and long winding canals, Bruges is just the perfect place to go to get away from it all.
It’s not a party city, so if you are looking for that, choose somewhere else. But where it’s lacking in discos, it’s made up for in the excellent beers and delicious food. Beer, waffles, chips and chocolate – what more do you need in life?
Getting There
eurotunnel.com/uk/home/
Traveling from Kent to Bruges couldn’t be easier. Take the EuroTunnel and from Calais you are only 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Bruges. This is the fastest and usually the most economical way to go. Once you try it, you will soon be planning all your road trips to Europe.
Food
Just like other cities when you are a tourist, there are good places to eat and some not so great. Don’t eat in the main Market but go for drinks there and try a lovely Cherry Beer (also known as Kreik). If you are struck on the Market for dinner, go for the chips from the vans in the square.
If you want more of a place to sit and eat to try proper Belguim Fries don’t miss chez Vincent. This is a higher-end fast food joint – serving up stews, croquets, burgers and traditional Belgium chips with aoli. All at an excellent price.
Sint-Salvatorskerkhof 1, Bruges 8000
For a lovely breakfast/brunch my first stop is always That’s Toast. This hipster café has an excellent selection of, you guessed it, meals on toast. Sweet and savoury, they have you covered. You can make it as healthy or as naughty as you like.
Dweersstraat 4, Bruges 8000
When people think of Belgian food, waffles often top the list. Oyya is the place for fresh waffles, ice cream and hot chocolate. This chic little corner shop only serves the best and all at very reasonable prices. It’s on one of the main shopping streets so you can grab your treat and window shop while you indulge.
Noordzandstraat 1, Bruges 8000
Park Restaurant is voted No.1 on TripAdvisor and for good reason. This fine dining restaurant has a gorgeous atmosphere, friendly and professional staff and most importantly the food is delicious. They have an excellent wine list and a large bar. Even if you are on a budget they sometimes have set menus so there really isn’t a reason to miss out on a night of fine dining.
Minderbroedersstraat 1, Bruges 8000
Drinking
De Halve Maan brewery is a family-run brewery which not only brews great beer but gives tours as well. The 45-minute tours are reasonably priced at €10 – even better you get a beer at the end included in the price. You learn about new and old brewing techniques and get a great view from the brewery’s roof. All boxes ticked on a visit here.
Walplein 26, Bruges 8000
All you need to know is that there are 300+ beers with a few on tap at 't Brugs Beertje but... I’ll tell you more. This traditional pub is where locals and tourist all go, so you will be in good company. The staff are knowledgeable and by the end of your visit you will know the type of beer to keep drinking the rest of your stay in Bruges.
Kemelstraat 5, Bruges 8000
Shopping
Since you drove to Bruges you can go shopping for things you don’t normally get to shop for on holiday. This florist has some of the coolest house plants you can find.
Long hanging succulents, unusual cacti and any other types of plant that would make a hipster coffee shop green with envy. All these cool plants are at extremely reasonable prices from the friendly woman that owns this shop.
Vandaele /Ludwig Wapenmakersstraat 7, 8000 Bruges
There are SO MANY good Chocolate shops in Bruges there is no right or wrong. You should try to pop into as many as you can. But if you have to choose my personal preference is The Chocolate Line. You can see them making these edible works of art in the back of the shop and the staff will talk you through all that’s on offer. They have all the classics, plus seasonal offers and unique flavours like Bacon. A tip for here and most chocolate shops is, if you are buying for yourself you can save money by getting the chocolates put in a plastic bag instead of a gift box.
Simon Stevinplein 19, Bruges 8000
Hotels
If you are traveling over via the EuroTunnel then it’s important to find a hotel with parking. These three are some of your best options:
Although it’s a chain, the Crowne Plaza is a good choice for Bruges. It’s in a great city centre location, the rooms are big, the beds are comfortable, and it even has an indoor pool. All of course with parking for €23 per day. Burg 10, 8000 Bruges
Another city centre hotel but family run, is the 3-star Hotel Alegria. This hotel is clean, stylish and offers
a very good continental breakfast. If you are lucky enough to have warm weather, you can sit in their garden for breakfast, too. You can park in their private parking garage for €15 per day but just make sure you book ahead. Sint-Jakobsstraat 32-34, 8000 Bruges
If you are looking to feel like royalty, then look no further than the Hotel Dukes' Palace Brugge. This 5-star hotel will bring you back to the 15th century with touches of modern elegance. There is even a spa if you want to treat yourself and a loved one. With this hotel having everything you can hope, parking is available for €25 a day or €3 per hour.
Prinsenhof 8, 8000 Bruges