Bruges

I will be spending the next two days in Bruges, Belgium. Ever since the Colin Farrell Movie In Bruges, its always been a place of interest for me. So on this trip I make it a point to spend at least a day or two here to check out the hype! However in order to get there I need to take a series of trains due to some maintenance. This will take me through a few small towns and Antwerp station which I am looking forward to! 

Antwerp Station

Admittedly there are more straight forward ways for me to get from Amsterdam to Bruges. However, I make it a point to transit through Antwerp Central Station. While I’m primarily a plane nerd, I have taken an affinity to trains lately. So having an opportunity to visit the “Railway Cathedral” is one I couldn’t pass up. It is a beautiful building and certainly the prettiest train station I have visited. My plan is to have lunch here, however I notice that my train to Bruges is cancelled and my only option is to take a train an hour earlier. So while I don’t get a chance to enjoy a meal in this beautiful building, I am thankful that I don’t get stranded here. 

Getting Settled in Bruges

From Antwerp it is a 90 minute train ride until I am finally in Bruges. From there I hop on one of the few city centre buses which drops me off very close to my AirBnB.

I want to take this moment to highlight my AirBnB.  Normally I don’t, but during a time where vacancy in the city is next to nil and prices are sky high. I was able to book this WONDERFUL spot in the centre of town at a very reasonable rate. The host is super kind, very friendly and if you ever find yourself in this part of town I would wholeheartedly recommend them as a place to stay!

The Belgium Lion

After settling into my AirBnB and getting settled I head out into Bruges to explore. As its is now the late afternoon early evening, I head over to The Belgium Lion for dinner. This is a spot that comes highly recommended by my AirBnB Host. She suggested I get there early because it fills up fast. Awkwardly when I arrive I am the ONLY guest, however not long after I sit down the entire place fills up and a waitlist develops! So I guess I luck out! I order a Belgium veal stew that comes with potato croquettes and a local Belgium beer. As this is my first proper meal in Belgium, I cannot ask for a better one. Everything is amazingly delicious and on a cold winter day is very very satisfying!

The Light Experience Trail

After dinner, I take a short stroll in Bruges before stumbling upon the Light Experience Trail. This is something that my AirBnB Host had told me about but I didn’t intend to do it until tomorrow night. However, since I’m already here I figure why not check it out!

The Light Trail experience is a collection of ten light exhibits scattered throughout the city. People walk a 2.5km path following blue street lights that go from exhibit to exhibit. It runs around the centre of the city and it’s so cool that as I walk it, it feels like the entire city is doing the same! Each exhibit is very different from each other. There is almost no traffic in the streets and so while the exhibits may have music or sounds, walking is actually very peaceful and pretty!

Chez Albert Belgium Waffle

After walking through the Light trail experience, I set my sights on having my first Belgium waffle. I do this at Chez Albert. There are a few different options for toppings and I opt for strawberries and Belgium chocolate. I don’t think you can go wrong with any toppings and this is a welcome treat after walking around the city!

While snacking on my waffle, I stroll around the city centre. There is a super festive feel to the city and a cool Christmas market right in the middle. However I’ll cover that further down below, giving the Christmas market in its own section. For now after a bit of a stroll, I make my way back to my AirBnB where I settle down for the evening.

Bruges

In the morning I make myself a coffee in my room, and then set out to explore Bruges. I think the easiest way to describe Bruges is that’s very much a “fairy tale” type of city. There is a classical medieval feel to the architecture. Many of the streets are still the traditional cobblestone and there are many pretty canals that cut through the city too. Add to the fact that there is a light dusting of snow and you set the scene for a beautiful (and chilly) stroll through this picturesque city.

Bruges Christmas Market

In the centre of town is the Bruges Christmas Market. One of the things I look forward to the most on this trip is to visit European Christmas markets. Bruges Christmas Market will be my first. It is this open air market with different booths selling all sorts of food and goods. It is super festive with trees and lights everywhere and turns what is already a magical city into this winter wonderland! Add the festive crowds, music and chilly weather and it is such a wonderful and unique experience!

Christmas Market Food

One of the big draws of the market are the various food stalls they have on offer. While there are treats from all over Europe, I find myself oddly drawn to this huge bratwurst with grilled onions. It certainly hit the spot!

On top of the bratwurst is also mulled wine. While there are a lot of other awesome beverages to try, something about a hot cup of wine during the cold winter day is especially satisfying!

Beer Experience

Another thing on my list is the Beer Experience in Bruges. Belgium is home to some of the best beers in the world and the Bruges Beer Experience does a great job in showcasing it. I have been fortunate to visit many breweries in my travels. The one thing I find similar across the board is they all spend the first part of the exhibit showing how beer is made. This experience is no different. It goes through the different ingredients and then the brewing process. What sets this experience apart is that it goes a little into some of the unique Belgium beers produced in the region. Like Trappist beers that were exclusively brewed by Trappist monks back in the day.

Like all beer experiences or brewery tours, the “best” part is the tastings that follow. You get some tokens to exchange for beers to try. I really can’t think of a better way to spend part of my afternoon, taking in the ambience of the bar and also sampling some very very tasty beverages!

Cafe Delice

After “happy hour” at the Beer Experience my thoughts turn to food once again. And on the list is a place called Cafe Delice. I suppose that with the wintery weather my thoughts remain on the comforting affects of Belgium Stew. With all the walking outdoors it really is one of the best comfort foods and I thoroughly enjoy this afternoon snack/meal!

Bruges at Night

With a belly full of warm stew and a good amount of walking today, I head back to my AirBnB to rest a little before heading back out at night. While Bruges during the day is lovely, Walking around at night is something else! Especially with the Christmas decorations up, the lights, the trees the general festive mood further perpetuates the fantasy like image this city has! I really enjoy simply strolling around and enjoying the sights and sounds of this wonderful place. 

However, all good things come to an end. As lovely and calm as the weather has been, it starts to rain as I walk. Rather than hunt for a place to eat, I pass a small pasta shop advertising cheap takeout pasta. It’s called Three b Pasta and I pick up something quickly to bring back to my AirBnB. I spend the rest of the evening relaxing in my room and packing as I will be leaving the next day on my way to Brussels.