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Bruges is also famous for its beers – there are more than 3,000 different beers in Bruges aloneCredit: Alamy
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A canalside bar is a great place to enjoy a drinkCredit: Shutterstock
WHY SHOULD I GO? Aside from its incredible history and great beer — Belgium produces some of the strongest lagers in Europe — the city is surprisingly affordable to get to, by train, ferry or plane.
My family of four packed the car, took the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk and within a few hours were wandering the streets and winding canals framed by old buildings.
As well as pretty architecture, food is another part of what makes Bruges so special, so pack your eating trousers and come hungry.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? The city isn’t large, so it can be easily covered on foot in a couple of days.
Bruges boomed in medieval times and by huge luck dodged the destruction caused by the world wars, which reduced other nearby cities to rubble.
It is now a Unesco-preserved area of magnificent 17th-century buildings, so a stroll around the historic streets is a great way to spend the day.
We left our car at the apartment and didn’t use it once during our three-day stay.
Instead, we relied on a decent map app. Just make sure you pack a sturdy pair of shoes.
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? I’d thoroughly recommend buying a museum pass — around £27 for adults, £20 for under-25s and £14 for 13-17-year-olds (see museabrugge.be) — which gives you 72 hours of access to all the key sights, including Sint-Janshuismolen, one of four old windmills in the city.
You can also visit Groeninge Museum, which houses paintings from the 14th century to the 20th.
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Our favourite attraction was the 83-metre Belfort tower in central square the Markt, which gives a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. You just have to clamber up its 366 steps first.
Some may recognise it from 2008 film In Bruges, starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.
If one charming square isn’t enough, then next door is the Burg, the centre of the city in the Middle Ages.
It includes the Basilica of the Holy Blood, where a cloth said to be stained with Jesus’s blood is stored.
That may not appeal to the kids, but a canal trip sure will.
These cost around £12 per adult and £7 per child and will take you on a 30-minute tour of some of the city’s most scenic spots (see visitbruges.be).
WHERE SHOULD I EAT? With so many sights to see, the many cafes dotted about in the side alleys were our top choice, offering quick, light bites.
Avoid the tourist traps around the main squares, though.
French fries are a must in Bruges — the Belgians claim they invented chips and pretty much everywhere in the city does them well.
They’re often served with mayonnaise, but there are plenty of designated fry shops that have an abundance of other sauces to choose from.
Wash them down with locally-brewed beer and finish with some traditional chocolates for the complete Belgian culinary experience.
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Visit the 83-metre Belfort tower in central square the MarktCredit: Shutterstock
I FANCY A DRINK! If you don’t go to Bruges for the history, then the beer is another main lure.
Internationally known for its brewing skills, Belgium isn’t shy of boozers and it is estimated that there are more than 3,000 different beers in Bruges alone.
De Halve Maan brewery, south of the city centre, is a popular spot that offers behind-the-scenes tours of the brewing hall, as well as those all- important samples.
Most bars serve a decent pint, just make sure to quiz the — usually English-speaking — bar staff on the alcohol content.
We struggled to walk home in a straight line after ours.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY? There’s an array of hotels and apartments within walking distance of the centre.
We decided to rent The Guesthouse Next Do, a two-bedroom house just over a mile out of town, which is a beautifully-decorated property with all the mod cons.
Shops and bakeries are on its doorstep and, best of all, there was a free parking spot, which some of the hotels in the city walls don’t provide.
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French fries are a must in Bruges and are often served with mayonnaiseCredit: Shutterstock
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Publish date : 2025-02-21 12:35:00
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