Bruges - The Belgian City with a Taste of Chocolate!

The lovely and ancient city of Bruges with its crisscrossing canals and beautiful centuries-old, stone buildings allows you to engage in a delightful journey into a well-preserved medieval past. While in Bruges, taste the world's most amazing chocolates, visit one or two world-class museums, art galleries, or just rest your feet at an ancient pub and order one of those 350 famous Belgian beers!

Where is Bruges?

Bruges is known as the "Venice of the North" and it is located on the northwest part of Belgium, in the province of West Flanders. Bruges is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities on the European continent!

Thanks to Belgium's excellent railway system, tourists may take advantage of the one-hour proximity from Brussels or the 30-minute ride from Antwerp, making this compact city ideal for a one-day tour. Of course, should you opt for an overnight stay, there are many quaint inns in town and its environs, but given the busy tourist season, you'll probably have to make very advanced reservations.

If traveling by train, you must pay attention to the signs. While in English and French the city is called "Bruges", in Flemish it's called "BRUGGE", and you must look for the stop called "Stationsplein BRUGGE. The station is only about one mile from town, and if you decide to walk into the center of town, it'll allow you to see the modern part of Bruges as it melds into the historical part of the city. You will know when you've arrived in medieval Bruges as the paved streets turn into cobblestone streets! If you don't want to walk, of course you may hire a taxi, or take a bus to the CENTRUM and exit the bus at "Markt" or the market square.

What's Special about Bruges?

Built during the middle Ages, Bruges, the capital of West Flanders appeals to the imagination with its historical churches, buildings, arts, museums, and market squares, all preserved to perfection. Such is the historical value and attraction of this small city, that UNESCO proclaimed it "Patrimony for Humanity" and placed it on its World Heritage list in 2002!

In this small city of about 1,000 acres, the traveler can remark on the various periods that influenced it: from the Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, to Romanticism, to name a few. One can certainly sense the mystery of time as one travels on the cobblestone streets of this remarkable city.

When to go:

Be aware that this city is extremely popular and hordes of tourists descend on this pretty city from early May to mid-September. We visited during early April, while there was still a chill in the air, but nevertheless, the day was brilliant and the sun felt warm on our faces. Early fall tends to be the right time as well, though, this part of the country is known for endless days of drizzle as winter approaches.

What's there to do in Bruges?

As previously mentioned, the city's main attraction is the extremely well-preserved architecture, which can be admired as you walk around. Important places that should be placed on your "to-see" list are:

~ Groeninge Museum: exhibits six centuries of paintings,

~ Church of our Lady: here you'll see Michelangelo Madonna, dating to 1504. This painting is the only work of art that left Italy during his lifetime

~ Chapel of the Holy Blood: where an ampoule that reputedly contains the blood of Christ is stored.

~ The Belfry: climb if you dare, the 366 steps to the top, this Belfry found in the main square, will reward you with the best views of this charming medieval city.

Just for Fun:

~ Carriage Rides: these carriages are drawn by enormous Belgian draft horses, which in spite of their impressive girth, manage to get through the many twisting alleys and narrow streets. Prices are competitive, but asking for a discount is not unusual.

~ Canal Ride: de rigueur! By riding in one of these water taxis, you'll b able to see the city from different angles, impossible if you're walking through the streets. There are various stations throughout the city where you can board one of these water taxis.

~ Drinking/Dining: You must take time for lunch or dinner, sit in an out-of doors restaurant (weather-permitting) and have a delectable local dish, to be washed down by the many fine Belgian beers,

~ Belgian Waffles: taste the best waffles (no kidding) on that side of the world, and

~ Arts and Crafts: Admire an artisan dressed in the local dress work the Bruges famous lace.

Closing thoughts:

What a marvelous way to spend a day: learning about medieval history, appreciating the well-preserved buildings, walking on the cobblestoned streets, going through narrow alleys, indulging in a fine meal, and by the end of the day, unless you're spending the night in Bruges, you'll be exhausted and ready to go back to your hotel, but you'll have wonderful memories dancing in your head.

While walking around the city, I hope you noticed one marvel that is omnipresent in Bruges: the bewitching and subtle aroma of chocolate. The scent of chocolate permeates the city, the alleys, its being. Throughout the city center you'll find many chocolatiers offering many samples to tempt you. Once you step into their shop, you'll be amazed at the never-ending procession of sweets and pralines wafting an irresistible aroma of chocolate. It's impossible not to indulge, and I hope you purchase a few pounds of chocolate to take home!

No wonder some think this city tastes of chocolate!