Bruges, Belguim is absolutely adorable. It looks like it was taken straight from a fairytale. Hopefully, these pictures of Bruges, both from above and on the charming streets, will inspire you to make it your next destination ASAP.
Bruges from the Belfry
If you fancy climbing up about 400 steps in a spiral staircase, then consider visiting the Belfy in Bruges. From the top, you’ll see just how beautiful Bruges is, with its winding streets and orange rooftops. While we visited on a very foggy day, I still couldn’t help walking round and round the top taking in all the views.
Dating back to the 13th century, the Belfry is the most important tower in Bruges. At over 83 meters tall, it was an important status symbol in the Middle Ages. It formerly housed the treasury and city archives, in addition to a market for the town.
At the top of the tower, you’ll find a carillon—47 bells playable by hand with a keyboard—with bells ranging in weight from two pounds to 11,000 pounds. Historically, the bells were used not only to mark the passage of time but also to alert residents of fires, work hours, or important events. Today, if you visit at the top of the hour, you’ll get to experience the ringing of the bells.
On the streets of Bruges
Although Bruges was very touristy in my opinion, I did enjoy the cute little streets. The main thoroughfares were packed on the grey, misty spring day we were there, but we managed to find some quiet side streets that made me fall for Bruges.
Walking around, Bruges is really like a chocolate box town. Everywhere you turn you’re greeted with beautiful architecture, large plazas with waffle vendors, and side streets with chocolate shops all bearing signs stating that they sell the best chocolate in Bruges.
Stadhuis (City Hall) in Bruges
My favorite stop probably had to be inside of City Hall. We arrived during a wedding and were sent away but were able to enter upon a return visit later in the day, and I’m so glad we did!
Built in 1376, it is one of the oldest in the Low Countries and has been used as the seat of city government for over 600 years.
Inside City Hall is the beautiful Gothic hall. It was remodeled in the 19th century and decorated with beautiful murals and woodwork from floor to ceiling. The ceiling dates from 1385. The murals were painted in the 19th century and depict different people from Belgian history, including Jan Van Eyck, Brueghel, Rubens, and more. I could definitely see why someone would want to get married there!
Overall, we spent a day in Bruges, which was the perfect amount of time for me. I would love to return on a sunnier (warmer) day and explore the side streets a little more because I can only imagine they get cuter the more you wander around!
Have you been to Bruges?
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
yes! I loved it!! did the canal boat ride, climbed the Belfry, walked around, found the windmills, had waffles and chocolates..
almathews says
How was the canal ride? We were considering it but the queue was way too long! I had a waffle too and it was delicious :D
Jaime @angloyankophile says
Wow – Bruges from above looks like a chocolate box! So pretty! We went with my family around Christmas-time a few years ago and … I didn’t really care for it, although my parents really loved it. I would have liked to get off the beaten path a bit more and I did appreciate it for the beautiful architecture and the pretty views, but I don’t think I’ll be going back again anytime soon. I overheard a couple saying that they visit Bruges FOUR TIMES per year! And my first thought was, WHY? But to each his/her own. :)
almathews says
I feel the same way! It was great to visit but I would have loved to find some quieter parts of it or go to a lesser known city altogether. It was very pretty but there have to be just as pretty places nearby. I’ve heard from so many people that it is their favourite city in Europe and I think why as well!! Like you said, to each their own :)