Ciao tutti!
I’m recapping my recent vacation travels again in today’s post and this time we’re making our way back to Belgium into the quaint city of Bruges, or as the French say, Brugge! A few days after traveling to Brussels, we hopped back over the border of France and Belgium into this beautiful city that simply oozes charm. Honestly, I had never been too curious about Belgium but Bruges sold me. If you remember from my travel post about Brussels, there was a strong French influence in the city but Bruges, on the other hand, is in the Flemish region of the country and has a much different feel! 🇧🇪
Relax and walk along the canals
I really didn’t research anything about the city before stopping in for the afternoon, so my friend and I just started exploring. We came upon the closest thing I’ve ever seen to a real life story book — the magnificent canals that run through Bruges. In Milan there are canals as well, but I had never seen such picturesque ivy covered walls, traditional homes, and fairy tale bridges on either side of these calm little channels.
I felt like I was in a Disney movie, and couldn’t believe that people actually live and go out to dinner in places that cute. We crossed over the adorable bridge and found a stunning restaurant (third photo below) just covered in greenery as well as secret gardens and quiet streets. If we had had more time, we could have popped on one of the boat tours going by as they seemed to have gotten the best view of the city!
Admire the architecture
The city has some incredible architecture, as most of its original medieval style is still intact and it is considered one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe!
The one aspect of Bruges that immediately stands out to a Belgium-newcomer are the roofs. Almost every building and house has the same triangular shaped “step-roofs” or “crow-stepped gables.” This is a design seen in several other countries as well, that was conceived due to the availability of square shaped stones at the time they were built as well as the convenient access it provides to reach the rooftops (before cranes and tall ladders came about).
Take some time in the Markt
One of the most beautiful places to find these step-roofs is in the Markt, or “Market Square” center of the city. When I visited, there was a big festival happening in the square so we heard some traditional music and walked around there for a bit. There were a bunch of cute cafes, restaurants, and bars surrounding the large square and I spent a little time here just taking everything in.
I also learned that the city center is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO!
Explore the quiet narrow streets in the center
Not far from the Markt, we stumbled upon some peaceful little streets and just strolled down them admiring the colors and architecture around us. Bruges is definitely a small enough city that you could be around people and activity in the center square and main streets if you wanted, but also find quiet, calm streets to walk down nearby. I love when you’re traveling and find your own little spots that aren’t bustling with people but still make you feel like you’re getting to know the city.
Take a waffle break and keep on walkin’!
And don’t forget that you’re still in Belgium so if you need a little energy boost mid-walk, you can find easily find one of the best waffles of your life! 😍
Have any of you been to Bruges? I would love to go back for a few days next time and hop on a boat and see all the streets a little closer. What do you all think about the city? Would you visit?
A presto,
Amanda❤️
Its beautiful there! I would love to go.
Author
Yes, so beautiful!!
Thanks for sharing. Love the beautiful photos and your descriptions. It almost felt like I was there with you. 💜🍒
Author
Thank you so much, I appreciate the feedback!
Hahaha I love where you can’t believe they go out in places that cute! Yes they are super cute places!
Author
That was exactly the feeling. And I didn’t really read up on the city before so when I came across the canals I was blown away!
I bet! They’re really gorgeous! We have canals we go kayaking though in CA and we name them after European cities lol!
Author
haha how funny! Love kayaking! 🙂 I didn’t know there were canals in CA!
Great post, I’d love to visit! It really does look like a Disney movie, how idyllic! ❤️
Author
It was so stunning and unexpected! I went as more of an afterthought and it just blew me away!
Loved this! I want to go here someday and this post just makes me wanna go faster 🙂 AND it’s not to far from me on the euro tunnel app…. Hoping for a long weekend break! How many days do you think is enough here? xx
Author
Oh you’re so lucky you’re not too far! You know, if I had gone with my boyfriend, I would have probably done 3-4 days to see it all fully and experience some of the food and cute restaurants. There’s plenty to do and see in a long weekend. 🙂
I’m so getting on this now!! That sounds pure bliss to me!! I love eating and drinking way to much when I go on holidays 🙂 Its the best part for me!!! Thank you for putting this on my radar! xxx
Author
Yay! It definitely merits being on the radar 🙂 I hope you can make it there!
I would certainly visit! It is so absolutely charming! x
Author
Yeah! It totally blew me away! 🙂
Great photos! It’s nice that you had a good time 🙂
Author
Thank you! And yes, still dreaming about it!
My boyfriend and I actually went to Bruges back in July, and I think we might’ve actually been there around the same time? When we were there, they were setting everything up for a local festival! It is such a beautiful city; it’s like a fairytale.
xoxo
Freya
tgifreya.wordpress.com
Author
Oh my goodness, how funny! There was a huge festival going on, I’m sure it was the same one! I honestly went as an afterthought and now I’m wishing I spent more time. But now I have another reason to go back! 🙂
Lovely place.
Okay, when can I move here? Seriously though, these pictures are incredible!
xo Logan
https://peculiarporter.com
Author
Hahahah that’s what I’m saying! Thank you so much! 🙂
lovely
What a lovely post, Bruges looks beautiful. I’ve never been but I would love to go in December to visit the Christmas markets.
Author
I bet the Christmas markets are even more beautiful there, I’d love to see that too!
It looks beautiful!
This was lovely! Thanks for sharing.
I have nominated you for the blogger recognition award. Check it out here https://islandgirlonamission.blog/2017/09/01/blogger-recognition-award/
Author
Thank you so much, girl! <3
Great photos! It looks like such a lovely place to go 😊
Author
Thank you! Yes, totally worth a visit! 🙂
We are due to visit Bruges for a long weekend next month. This post was insightful. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Oooh! How fun, I’m jealous!
What a beautiful post. I was there, but it rained the whole time, so it was nice to see your good weather while there.
Author
Thank you! Oh no, that’s too bad. But it gives you another excuse to go back!
It is absolutely charming! Beautiful photos! I hope I can visit one day!
Author
Thank you! Yes, definitely worth a visit at some point!
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I enjoyed reading your post, very helpful as I am headed there in a month!
pearlgreyblog.wordpress.com
Author
Thank you! Oh awesome, have a great time then! 🙂