23 Jul Bruges – A Summer Tale
Welcome to Bruges in Summer
Bruges is the most picturesque city of Old Flanders and is famous for its Lace-Making. It is a charming town near Brussels with unique architecture. With its cobbled streets and World Heritage-listed medieval buildings, the Belgian city of Bruges is so pretty and easy to get to and explore on foot. Its charming streets, fantastic beers, boutique chocolate-makers, and canalside bars are ideal for a weekend getaway.
Visitors love travel to Bruges in December when the entire place is decorated with Christmas lights and the winter season sends an inviting atmosphere. But, I think it is also excellent in summer when the flowers bloom and the temperatures are mild. You’ll find plenty of attractions and restaurants to keep you busy during your stay.
If it’s a European summer that you’re aiming for your next vacation, you can never go wrong with Bruges. This charming medieval town in the heart of Belgium boasts its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and cosy cafes, making it a popular tourist destination. Plus, since it’s smaller than those other European cities, it’s perfect for those who want to explore without feeling overwhelmed.
Our visit to Bruges is genuinely one of a kind. We’re not sure what we’re more excited about, soaking up the medieval architecture or indulging in all the fantastic food. From restaurants to breweries, this town has something for everyone. And we’re lucky to have experienced them on our Bruges summer stay!
How To Get There
Getting to Bruges is easy because there are multiple ways to do it. You can fly to Brussels Airport and take a train to Bruges. You can find the train stations just below the airport, and the trip takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. You can also take a bus from Amsterdam, Paris or London to Bruges; this usually takes around six hours. Finally, you can also opt to drive to Bruges, about a four-hour drive from Amsterdam and six hours from Paris.
Once you’re in Bruges, getting around is easy, too, as it’s a pretty small city that allows you to go pretty much anywhere by walking, or you can rent a bike. Buses and taxis are also widely available.
Places Of Interest
Markt (Market Square)
Bruges is a beautiful city to visit, full of history and charm. The Markt, also known as the Bruge’s main square, is full of life, buzzing with people, music & restaurants. Stroll around on a hot summer’s day, find a relaxing spot and people-watch, and be surrounded by grand architecture, including the Belfy Tower.
Another picturesque spot is Minnewater Park (Lake of Love Park), surrounded by charming gardens and trees, perfect for outdoor meals and relaxation. There are available benches around the lake’s perimeter, so you can sit back, enjoy the scenery, and watch people.
Belfry Tower
The Belfry Tower is the city’s most iconic landmark, allowing visitors to climb the 366 steps to the summit, where a spectacular view of the city is waiting. The Belfry Tower in Bruges was once used as a watchtower to keep an eye out for invaders. Today it’s one of Belgium’s most popular tourist attractions.
City Hall
Visit City Hall, the 14th Century Gothic style Town Hall,
St. Salvator’s Cathedral
Bruges’ oldest parish church (12th–15th century).
Canal Tours
A canal tour is also highly recommended when visiting Bruges in summer. The views are incredible, and you’ll learn much about the city’s history.
Groeningemuseum
Alternatively, if you’re interested in art or culture, the Groeningemuseum is worth a visit. It has an extensive collection of Flemish paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Where To Stay
After a long day tour of this beautiful medieval town, of course, you’ll need to find a relaxing place to stay. Fortunately, there are a lot of charming bed and breakfasts, luxurious hotels, and comfortable motels just around the neighbourhood.
The luxurious Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage is one of my top favourites. This 5-star hotel sits in a centuries-old building on the outskirts of the city centre, and it offers beautiful views of the canals and medieval rooftops. The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant and spa with an indoor pool and hammam.
If you’re looking for a centrally-located hotel in Bruges, I recommend the Rosenburg Hotel Brugge. This 4-star hotel in Bruges is located in a quiet part of town with beautiful gardens, perfect for relaxing in the afternoon. In addition, the hotel staff is super friendly and will ensure you have a great stay.
The Hotel Boterhuis is also a good place to stay. This 3-star hotel in Bruges offers an excellent value for money, with comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. Hotel Boterhuis is a former monastery in the heart of the historic centre of Bruges, close to Market Square and Belfry.
Where To Eat
Enjoying its fantastic food scene is one of the best parts of visiting the city. Lucky for us, we’ve got the inside scoop on some of the best places to eat in Bruges, no matter your mood or taste.
To start with, we have That’s Toast – a great little café with a selection of sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries, and desserts. They use fresh ingredients, and the combinations are inventive. It’s a perfect spot for quick lunch or snacks while exploring the city.
There’s also a famous fine dining restaurant in the city, the Bruut. It’s a Michelin-starred restaurant and lives up to the hype. The food and the service are top-notch. It serves up some of the best Belgian cuisines in town, and you’re sure to find something you’ll love on its menu.
Another hidden gem in a small alley off one of the city’s main squares is the Taboule. The menu features traditional Belgian fare with a twist, and the dishes are tapas-style so you can try everything bit by bit. The lamb tagine is excellent, but you can’t go wrong whatever you order.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.