Beautiful Brugge!
Brugge skyline
Located in Northwest Belgium, beautiful Brugge is a small city sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North and is the westernmost province in Belgium. The location has been occupied since prehistory as a coastal settlement. The coast became the center of world commerce and was most prosperous in the 14th century. The historic Brugge center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the best preserved examples of a medieval European settlement.
The Brugge Market Square is one of the more famous photo opportunities. The historic Belfry, a medieval bell tower, is prominent symbol of Brugge and offers a wonderful opportunity to climb the tower for some wonderful views of the city. The Historium Museum offers a nice experience of historic Brugge. Within the Historium is the Duvelorium Grand Beer Cafe. A great place to go and drink a flight of Duvel beers, a family-run, independent Belgian brewer.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood, built 1131-1157, is a Roman Catholic basilica reportedly housing the relic of the Holy Blood, a small glass vessel containing a cloth reported to be stained with the blood of Jesus Christ, collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought from the Holy Land. Tucked away from the market square, the Basilica is located in Castle Square next to Brugge City Hall.
Brugge Belfry in winter Basilica of the Holy Blood
One of the best activities is to take a Brugge canal tour. These boats, found throughout the Belgian canal area, will take you on a leisurely jaunt around the city’s canals.
Brugge canal boat tours
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Belgian food and beer as a must do! Belgium has over 200 breweries and UNESCO listed Belgian beer culture as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2016. Belgians love their beer! So much so, serving the correct beer in the correct glass is a must. Walk into one of the numerous beer shops and you will have a selection of over 300 beers to choose from. Having a Belgian beer with a tasty Flemish beef stew, some Belgian frites with mayonnaise (don’t ever call them French Fries in Belgium!), or a Belgian waffle with Nutella or Belgian melted chocolate is a great way to top off the day!
Belgian frites with mayonnaise // Flemish beef stew // Belgian waffle with chocolate
Belgian beers