The Best Activities to Enjoy and 3 Places to Visit in 2 Days in Bruges
Bruges is the quintessential Belgian city, and the capital of the Flanders region. It is a city full of culture, quality cuisine, and authentic Belgium beer and chocolate. In two days, you have time to experience some of the best activities and sights that the city has to offer. Here are some of our top picks:
Day 1 in Bruges
Visit the Markt Square
The Markt Square is the epicenter of the city, and the first place to head after a busy morning of exploring. Here you will find the city’s town hall, and Belfort, one of the most iconic towers in the city, plus a handful of amazing restaurants and cafes to relax in. Make sure you visit The Chocolate Line, an amazing chocolatier selling some of the best handmade chocolates in all of Bruges.
Experience Canals of Bruges on a Boat Ride
Bruges is known for its canals and waterways, with picturesque scenes around every corner. You cannot miss a boat tour along its canals where you can take in all the monuments, medieval buildings, and attractions in the city’s historic core. Stops include the Church of Our Lady, one of Bruges’ famous churches — it’s home to a statue known as Madonna and Child that is the earliest known sculpture of the Renaissance period.
Stroll Through Historic Streets
Bruges is mostly a pedestrian city so don’t forget to make time for strolling around! It’s full of captivating streets you’ll want to get lost in. Whether it’s exploring ancient cobblestone roads or admiring grand merchant homes, there’s something here for everyone. One top tip: don’t miss Burg Square – the first square of Bruges and home to one of its most important Gothic buildings, Stadhuis.
Day 2 in Bruges
Visit Groeningemuseum to Admire its Art Collection
No trip to Bruges would be complete without a trip to Groeningemuseum, a museum specializing in Flemish primitives. This museum has amassed an impressive art collection with works by some of Flanders’ most celebrated artists including Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Hugo van der Goes. It is home to a stunning portrait of Mary by Jan van Eyck called “The Madonna with Canon van der Paele’ — it’s definitely worth a visit!
Go Shopping
No trip to Bruges is complete without indulging in a bit of shopping! Take a leisurely stroll around one of Bruges immensely popular markets such as Karmelietenmarkt or Bruggemerkt. Here you can shop for some amazing goodies like chocolates, fruits, vegetables and so much more.
Have Dinner at De Halve Maan Brewery
De Halve Maan Brewery is an institution in Bruges. The brewery has been making some of Belgium’s most delicious beer since 1856 and offers an amazing tour experience through its facility so you can learn more about the brewing process and all its craftsmanship. For dinner it offers many delicious traditional dishes such as Flemish carbonade and soufflé. And after dinner it can be nice to relax in their outdoor beer garden with a freshly brewed beer, it’s quite an experience!
Conclusion
With just two days in this amazing destination there’s a lot you can see and do! Of all our suggested activities we believe visiting The Markt Square, Boat riding along Bruges canals, exploring Groeningemuseum and finally having dinner at De Halve Maan Brewery are absolute must-dos for anyone wanting to make the most out of their time in Bruges. To make sure it is easy for anyone visiting Bruges to find best places to stay near these destinations we recommend checking out the well-curated list of accommodation around Bruges on Airport Rentals, they are sure to offer you some great deals!
An Insider’s Guide to Bruges: The Best Activities to Enjoy and 3 Places to Visit in 2 Days
Bruges, the capital city of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, is a beautiful and picturesque destination known for its scenic canals, charming alleys, medieval architecture, and romantic ambiance. However, beyond the classic sights and mainstream tourist attractions, Bruges has many hidden treasures that only the locals know. Here’s an insider’s guide to some of the best things to do and places to visit in Bruges, that will guarantee a memorable and meaningful trip.
Local Attractions
While visiting Bruges, tourists usually flock to the Markt Square, the Belfry Tower, the Burg Square, the Church of Our Lady, Béguinage, and other popular landmarks – and while visiting those are definitely worthwhile – there are some lesser-known places worth exploring too. Start by visiting the Lace Center, a small museum located in a 17th-century building that showcases the art of traditional Flemish bobbin lace-making. It’s an unusual but fascinating piece of Bruges’ cultural history. For nature lovers, head to the Minnewater Park, which is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll or picnic. The small lake and the surrounding greenery create a beautiful, romantic atmosphere.
Another interesting spot is the Gruuthuse Mansion, which houses a collection of art and furniture from the 15th to the 19th-century. This museum is a hidden gem, featuring stunning tapestries, ceramics, silverware, and musical instruments – all telling the story of Bruges’ wealthy past.
Dining Spots
Bruges has an immense appetite for food, and visitors are in for a gastronomic treat while exploring the city. To start, try some Belgian waffles, they’re delicious. If you want to experience the local cuisine, Flemish stew is a must-try. The hearty beef stew is slow-cooked with beer and served with fries. There are many cafes and restaurants in Bruges that serve amazing Flemish stew, but for a unique experience, head to Café Vlissinghe. This traditional Flemish pub still retains its 17th-century interiors, and its menu boasts a wide range of local beers as well as Flemish specialties.
Of course, you can’t visit Bruges without indulging in Belgian chocolate! On your search for the best chocolate, skip the mainstream, glossy shops, and visit smaller artisanal shops like The Chocolate Line. Owned by Dominique Persoone, famous for his experimental chocolate experiments like wasabi, bacon, and lobster chocolate, this shop offers an avant-garde chocolate tasting experience that will definitely surprise your taste buds!
Cultural Experiences
Bruges is a city full of cultural experiences waiting to be discovered. One of the most impressive cultural highlights is the Holy Blood Procession. This annual religious procession takes place in May and involves over 1,500 participants parading through the streets of Bruges. The procession represents the story of the city’s patron saint, Saint Basil, and involves many beautiful, historical costumes and reenactments.
For music lovers, Bruges is home to several classical music venues like Concertgebouw Brugge and Stadsschouwburg Brugge. In addition, there is the Cactus Festival held every July in the suburbs of Bruges, featuring a wide range of artists and genres, from rock to folk to world music.
Local History
Bruges has a rich history that goes back to the Middle Ages, and there are many fascinating stories that surround it. One of the most interesting stories is about Jan van Eyck, an influential Flemish painter from the 15th century. His famous painting, The Madonna with Canon van der Paele, can be seen in the Church of Our Lady. The story goes that the canon had the painting made to impress the Virgin Mary so he could obtain passage through purgatory. The painting is a window to the past of Bruges and the religious beliefs of people during that time.
Another intriguing piece of Bruges’ history is the Huis ter Beurze, which was the world’s first stock exchange. It was established in the 14th-century and was the center of international trade and commerce back then. Today the building is a great example of Bruges’ neo-Gothic architecture.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
If you’ve already visited all the popular tourist attractions and want to experience Bruges like a true local, visit the Sint-Anna Quarter, which is still unexplored by most tourists. Here, you’ll find cobbled streets, pretty courtyards, and small canals – all with a cozy, quaint feel. For example, the St. Anne’s Church is a hidden gem, full of stunning murals and stained-glass windows.
Finally, for a truly unique experience, embark on a tour of the city by horse-drawn carriage. It’s a magical way to experience the city’s charm at a leisurely pace and enjoy some quieter areas of the city that you may not have discovered.
In conclusion, Bruges is a city that wears many hats; it’s a perfect blend of quaint and cozy, modern and ancient, touristy and local. There is an abundance of things to see and experience- from chocolate tasting to religious processions- in this romantic city. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to explore this hidden gem in the heart of Belgium.
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