After Antwerp and Ghent, Brugge was the third Belgian city I visited! It makes a quaint daytrip from another Belgian city (from Ghent for me). Every city is similar, yet retains a certain charm that has something different to offer. This is my Walking Tour, Ghent Edition.
BRUGGE
Brugge is famed for its canals, cobbled streets, medieval architecture, lace and Madonna (the sculpture by Michelangelo, not the pop star).
Here are some of my picks*:
1. Streets of Brugge
It is easy to get to the city's key attractions from the train station. The cobbled streets of Brugge lined with cute houses makes every nook and cranny endearing and photo-worthy. Pick up some Brugge lace or nougat while you are at it!
2. Church of Our Lady Brugges and Sint-Janshospitaal
It's very often that the tallest building in a small town is the church or belfry. The Church of Our Lady Brugges' most celebrated masterpiece is the sculpture of Madonna and Child by Michelangelo (which requires a fee to view).
Just beside the Church is what used to be a hospital, but is now more of a museum. Visitors can visit the medieval wards, the chapel and the artworks around the premises.
3. Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Basilica has a lower chapel in Romanesque style (only church of this style in West-Flanders)
and an upper chapel in Gothic style. But the key draw here, as its name suggests, is the relic of the Holy Blood (it's in the upper chapel, or so I heard). The Procession of the Holy Blood, an annual affair (next slated for 5 May 2016), looks like an event not to be missed!
4. Groenrei
This is Brugge's most scenic spot for photographs! You can't miss it because everyone stops and whips out their phone for what else but selfies and wefies.
5. Belfry of Bruges (read full post here.)
The first and only belfry I scaled in 4 Belgian towns. 366 steps, narrow and steep passages, significant physical effort and a pair of sensible shoes later, I am now convinced that scaling Belfries are worth it.
6. Grote Markt
Every town has a Grote Markt or Market Place, which is an open space surrounded by historical buildings. If you are lucky, the market is in full force, otherwise, settle for some Belgian waffles from the waffle truck.
7. Frietmuseum
French Fries has a nice alliterative ring to it, but the first Belgian I met ever (on a trek in Sapa) was quick to remind me that fries should really be Belgian Fries. I didn't get to visit this museum dedicated to all things fries, but it looks pretty interesting.
8. Beginjhof (read full post here.)
I love the story behind Begijnhofs, or 'Cities of Peace' run by women. Just like the Belfries, Begijnhofs or Béguinages across Belgium are designated UNESCO sites. It's a place that takes you back to a once upon a time.
More Information
Getting Into Brugge
Like in Ghent, there are 2 stations in Brugge which you arrive in, depending on whichever is nearer to your destination in the city. Choose between Staton Brugge or Station Brugge-Sint Pieters.
Getting around Brugge
It was a leisurely and scenic walk from the Brugge Station, but you can get around the town on horse carriage, boats or bicycles.
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