BRUGES, BELGIUM

Oftentimes referred to as “Venice of the North”, Bruges is home to many canals, cathedrals, and places to drink beer. It is quiet, yet touristy, and has plenty to see! From its historic city center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to Minnewater Lake, Bruges is not a place you’ll want to skip if you find yourself in Belgium!

Attractions:

Markt: The central plaza of Bruges is always poppin’! For a great aerial view, visit the Belfry of Bruges and climb the bell tower. It is open daily from 10:00am-6:00pm and costs €12 to enter.
Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan: Half Moon is a family-run brewery open daily from 11:00am-6:00pm (45-minute guided tours cost €12). Be sure to try the Brugse Zot!
Free Walking Tour: This 2-hour tour will take you to all of the main spots of the city! You pay what you think this tour is worth at the end. You can reserve your spot here.
Minnewater Lake: Sit along the “Lake of Love” and enjoy the ambiance! Super quiet and peaceful.
Groeninge Museum: This museum houses Flemish and Belgian art from across six centuries and costs €12 to enter.
Other spots to check out include: Church of Our Lady, Burg Square, Jerusalem Church, City Hall, Old St. John’s Hospital, and Church of St. Magdalene.

Accommodation:

I did not spend a night here but there are plenty of great hostels namely St. Christopher’s Inn - Bauhaus Hostel.

Transportation:

Ghent is 30 minutes by train from Bruges and costs €9. To my knowledge, there is not a bus running this route.
Brussels is 1 hour by train from Bruges and costs €17. The bus ride is 1.5 hours and costs €6.
Paris, France is 2.5 hours by train (indirect; via Brussels) from Bruges and costs €100. The bus ride is 3.5 hours and costs €13.
Amsterdam, Netherlands is 3 hours by train (indirect; via Brussels) from Bruges and costs €82. The bus ride is 4.5 hours and costs €19.

Thanks to my sister, Antoinette, for the amazing pictures!