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05/12/06 - Brugge, Belgium (Rhine Valley & Bruges photo album)

Bicycling & strolling through the quaint streets of Brugge

A half day of train travel found us in Brugge (that's Bruges, for you English-speakers) at 4pm on Wednesday.  From the train station, we walked much of the way across this small northern Belgium city to our hotel, the very friendly and well-run (unlike some castles we know) Hotel Adornes, where we quickly hopped on their complimentary bicycles to get our tour started.  We cycled down the canal-lined streets and through the picturesque neighborhoods of the city for an hour or so, before heading to the touristy town center for some dinner.  The local specialties here are chocolate, waffles, mussels and beer, and we managed to try two of the four at dinner (leaving the waffles and chocolate for another time).  We agreed that it was probably the best food we'd ever had at an obviously touristy location, and also got to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the main plaza to boot!  Then, after an exceedingly romantic walk (yes, still some romance after 500 plus days spending all of our time together) back to the hotel (please see exceedingly romantic photo to right), we called it an early night so we could start early the next day.

Thursday called for another half day of Brugge tourism on this short stop in Belgium.  We're not used to having so little time in one place anymore.  How do you working Americans with your 3 measly vacation weeks manage?! 

Brugge is a small town that used to be a wealthy center of trade (it seems like every town we've visited in North America and Europe says that same thing).  It has been very well-preserved, but, although touristy, feels like a real city where people live and work, and does not feel quite as cutesy and postage-stamp-size as some of the darling, little towns in Holland (which of course Caroline loves).  Generally speaking, we found the tourist sights of Brugge to be a little over-rated and underwhelming, compared to the similar sights available in the Netherlands, and the touristy areas tended to be mobbed with groups that must have contained every school-aged child in Belgium (with a smattering of senior tour groups thrown in for variety).  We discovered that the true delight of Brugge is experienced by leaving the museum district and other tourist-heavy areas and simply strolling (or cycling) along its lovely canals, admiring its quaint, historic architecture, and enjoying its many sidewalk cafes, which give the city a lazy, pleasant charm. 

Brugge is a must-see for anyone who visits northern France and/or the Netherlands and especially if you only have time for one of those two and we found about 24 hours to be ample time to get a good taste.  It's a lovely combination of the ease and friendliness of Holland and the gastronomical delights of France.  Prepare to be charmed!