The ultimate holiday planner for Bruges
Written by
Emma Harrison
•
5 min read
Why you should visit Bruges
Gorgeous architecture, mesmerising canal views, charming cobbled streets and delicious waffles, welcome to Bruges! This picture-perfect destination in Belgium is ideal for romantic breaks, fun with friends or a fab solo escape!
From its well-preserved medieval architecture and its sublime art to its indulgent food and fairytale vibes, Bruges is one of the most enchanting places to enjoy a city break.
Best of all, you can find flights from London (and other destinations) from £103 to Brussels and then it’s just a hop, skip and a jump on the train to Bruges! It will only take 53 minutes or alternatively you can get the Eurostar from London to Brussels from £138.
So, if you are considering a weekend break to Bruges now is the time to make it happen and why not start by creating your very own Bruges Pinboard?
One of the best ways to see the compelling gothic city is by cruising its waterways by boat. Take a guided boat tour where you will learn about the history of the city as you weave your way through the canal of this historic centre of Bruges and the neighbouring areas.
From shorter 30 minute tours to longer deep dives, viewing the storied buildings, the romantic bridges and medieval facades which are reflected in the water make for a thrilling experience and is definitely something to add to the ‘See & Do’ section of your Bruges Pinboard.
Where to stay in Bruges
If you are looking for the ultimate luxury hotel experience then head on over to the Hotel Van Cleef, yes it’s erring on the pricey side, but it’s absolutely beautiful!.
This luxury boutique hotel is set within a neoclassical mansion that overlooks a pretty stretch of canal. Palatial, luxurious and full of character, the hotel is located in the charming eastern quarter of Bruges giving guests a real haven of peace in the middle of this busy city.
All of the 16 rooms are beautifully presented with marbled bathrooms - complete with whirlpool baths, with fabrics designed by Missoni. The hotel has its own stylish bar - the St Petersburg Bar which offers cocktails, wine and other drinks which can be enjoyed overlooking the canal.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS
Here are our top three travel tips when visiting Bruges:
This tiny city has UNESCO-World Heritage site status but is very compact, making it really easy to explore on foot. It’s best explored by wandering around the city, but if you require a more concise plan when visiting Bruges, why not download Pogo Plus where you can have your very own tailored holiday planner provided for you in the shape of a travel itinerary!
For the most panoramic views of the city, head on up the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry tower. Yes, there are a lot of steps granted! But unequivocally it is absolutely worth the effort and you will be rewarded with the most far-reaching and mesmerising views over the red-tiled roofs of the quaint city and a bird’s eye view of the Burg Square below. Add it to your Bruges Pinboard and of course, wear your most comfortable shoes!
Can you really say you have been to Bruges if you haven’t tried their world-renowned waffles? We think not! There are endless cafes and restaurants that you will want to pop on your Bruges pinboard, but we can’t help but think that Chez Albert is the GOAT of all the waffley eateries in this spell-binding city! Not only are the waffles absolutely delicious, but the cafes are utterly charming too!
