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Highly recommend adding Brugges to North Europe itineraries

Posted on 2/25/23 at 7:55 am
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
73253 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 7:55 am
Brugge, a picturesque city in Belgium that's rich in history and culture, is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to Europe. Located near the coast, it was once a hub of coastal trade that led to merchant wealth and the development of the city's beautiful architecture. The central square, Markt, and the medieval bell tower, Belfry, offer stunning views of the city. In addition, the city has multiple restaurants offering fixed-price menus for €20, such as the one I visited, which had appetizers, entrees, and desserts such as oysters, mussels, fries, and a cheese plate. The area offers so many food options that you'll be spoilt for choice.

Another highlight of Brugge is the Holy Blood Basilica, which houses a vial believed to contain a relic of Jesus' blood. The basilica itself is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and the relic is said to have been brought to Brugge by a crusader in the 12th century. Whether you believe in it or not, it's still a must-visit spot. You'll experience a tranquil atmosphere in the chapel where silence is required and no pictures are allowed. You can also pray in front of a priest and the relic if you wish.

Art enthusiasts will be pleased to find the Michelangelo sculpture, Madonna and Child in the Church of Our Lady. It was stolen by Napoleon and later by Hitler during World War II before being returned by the Monuments Men. The church that houses it also has multiple other works of art, including ornate altarpieces, pulpits, and an ornate relic containing the armbone of St Anthony.

Brugge offers a wide selection of food and shopping options, with plenty of chocolate shops to satisfy your sweet tooth. The prices vary from shop to shop, but you can buy bars by 100g and stuffed chocolates individually. I returned home with multiple boxes of chocolates. The city is easily walkable, but I also recommend taking a boat tour along the canals for a unique perspective of the city.

If you're short on time, Brugge is a quick trip from Amsterdam and Paris and shouldn't be missed. Be sure to climb the 366 grueling steps to the top of the Belfry for an unforgettable view of the city. Trust me, it's well worth it.













This post was edited on 2/25/23 at 8:02 am
Posted by Displaced
Member since Dec 2011
32990 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 7:58 am to
fricking Bruges?
Posted by Tangineck
Mandeville
Member since Nov 2017
2766 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 8:02 am to
quote:

fricking Bruges?


"Ray, you're about the worst tourist in the whole world."
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
73253 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 8:02 am to
Honestly. I only went because of the movie. I had never heard of the place before the movie and I really liked what I saw.
I wish I had more time there.
Posted by Alyosha
Member since Nov 2020
9899 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 8:19 am to
One of my favorite cities. Very clean and not a bad part of town.
Posted by RonFNSwanson
1739 mi from the University of LSU
Member since Mar 2012
24128 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 9:01 am to
frickin fairytale place
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
73253 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 9:18 am to
It didn't seem like a real place. I felt like I was in Epcot. It's pretty crazy it's so old. Yet so clean too. Everything is well maintained.


Also was directed to a really nice pub that was on a dark street. They had 300 types of beer. Though I only tried the five they had in barrels.

The city gets quiet at night though quite a few cafes are open late and some pubs are open until 2 or 3.



Looks deserted? Inside was standing room only.

't Brugs Beertje is the pub's name.
Posted by Motownsix
Boise
Member since Oct 2022
3143 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 9:45 am to
We’re doing a France, Spain, Belgium trip summer of 2024. Bruges is on the list.
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
73253 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 10:14 am to
That's going to be a great trip.
I want to go back to Spain in November. I was thinking Spain and southern France to maybe Florence.
Now I'm thinking northern Spain (international tapas fest) then BENELUX.
Posted by Zappas Stache
Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
Member since Apr 2009
42431 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 12:20 pm to
We went in the summer and it was so packed with tourists it wasn't enjoyable. We much prefer Ghent and Antwerp.
Posted by ned nederlander
Member since Dec 2012
5574 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 1:13 pm to
Great photos. Last time I was in that area was part of a Berlin and Brussels trip I did after college. Was going to get the train to Brugges from Brussels and do an overnight excursion. But the train was early, I was hung over, and I spent that day in my hotel room watching some crap on tv and just stayed the night in Brussels.

Travel is too often wasted on the young. Really hope to fix this mistake one day and visit.
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
73253 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 7:28 pm to
What are some things to do in Antwerp? I had a train transfer in Antwerp and another in Ghent but not enough time for either.

I really liked Antwerp's train station.









On the way out I had another transfer in Brussels. There I decided to grab mussels and fries and see MannekinPiss.
I took the train one station past the main station to the central station and walked the area to the pissing statue. I was disappointed when I got there.



I then took a zig zag path to the Brussels-midi station. The city was much more modern. I just didn't really know much about it other than that stupid fountain. The area around it was pretty cool.



For me Brugge wasn't crowded. Though with its small size I can see how it would pack up quickly. The Markt and the streets packed with shops had steady foot traffic.
Posted by BlackCoffeeKid
Member since Mar 2016
12889 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 8:03 pm to
It's not really shite, but it's not really all that great either. Like Tottenham.
Posted by Quesadilla Superman
SELA
Member since Aug 2020
829 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 8:12 pm to
quote:

It's not really shite, but it's not really all that great either.


If I was retarded and grew up on a farm Bruges would impress me but I didn’t so I’m not.
Posted by jamiegla1
Member since Aug 2016
7910 posts
Posted on 2/25/23 at 9:46 pm to
quote:

We much prefer Ghent and Antwerp.

Ghent is really a great city. Id never heard of it until I started working for a company that was based there
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
73253 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 3:17 am to
Treaty oh Ghent ended the War of 1812 that's the most I've heard of it.
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
73253 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 3:20 am to
I felt more in line with Domihal Gleesons (sp?) Character than Colin Farrels for sure.

This post was edited on 2/26/23 at 3:23 am
Posted by r3lay3r
EBR
Member since Oct 2016
2418 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 7:16 pm to
Went almost 40 years ago, probably a different experience today, but maybe not...Had a great day or 2 there.
Posted by Zappas Stache
Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
Member since Apr 2009
42431 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 8:09 pm to
quote:

What are some things to do in Antwerp?


The Berchem neighborhood has one of the greatest collection of Art Noveau buildings in the world. The neighborhood is cool too with cafes, etc lining the streets. The Merksem neighborhood is full of street art (murals), though I know thats not everyones cup of tea. There is also the Royal Museum which is full of paintings by Rueben and van Eyck and the Fashion Museum is pretty funky. We haven't been to Antwerp in 10 years but we are going this summer. Antwerp isn't as pretty as Brugges but it isn't over run with tourists. If I could go to Brugges during off season I'm sure it would be better.
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