CITY GUIDE
CITY GUIDE
From the train station, it is approximately a 20-minute walk to the centre of town. On the way, you can view the Sashuis (Sluice House or Lock House), outside the gate to the Begijnhof (see my review of the Antwerp Begijnhof here). Continue towards the Church of Our Lady Bruges and behind the church, you’ll find Bonifacius Bridge, a beautiful brick bridge that crosses a small canal alongside some charming wooden homes.
For the best views of the town’s historic buildings, you’re best to head to the canals. Some of the better photography points include: Jan van Eyckplein, Groenerei, Huidenvettersplein & Rozenhoedkaai.
Grote Markt pinpoints the centre of the town. It is surrounded by colourful medieval buildings with restaurants, Historium Brugge, Provinciaal Hof and Belfort van Brugge (the Belfry of Bruges). Nearby, you can stroll to Burg Square for an eye opening view of Stadhuis (City Hall) and Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed (Basilica of the Holy Blood).
After all this traipsing around town, you’ll want to give your feet a rest. Head to Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan to enjoy a Belgian beer in the courtyard.
A tiny corner café tucked just behind Market Place, The Gulliver Tree is a family run coffee and tearoom in a homey space that will make you feel as if you’ve walked into a friend’s living room. Choose from the extensive coffee and tea list and nab a spot in the cosy lounge area opposite the fireplace. If you have an hour or so during your 24 hours in Bruges, select a title from the corner bookshelf and make yourself comfortable.
Coffee selections other than the standard cappuccinos and lattes come in a plunger accompanied by an egg timer to tell you when it’s time to pour and sip. Make sure to take a look at the mouth-watering selection of homemade cakes too!
Want waffles and toppings to suit? This is the place for you. The waffles are placed on a paddle-pop-like stick, smothered in chocolate and then sprinkled in confectionery. It’s a technicolour dream and the krytonite for any sweet tooth. A fair warning, the waffles do not come hot unless you order them fresh. There are waffle sticks which you can purchase to takeaway. They come conveniently individually packaged so you can unwrap for a sugar fix later in the day.
This is the corner store where you can satisfy your dessert cravings day and night. Order your waffles fresh and hot with drizzled chocolate and topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. If it’s a particularly hot day, we’d recommend a scoop of ice-cream in the perfectly crispy waffle cone. There is always a line out the door which speaks volumes of the calibre of their sweet treats!
Located amongst a string of restaurants on the edge of town, NOMAD is a must for those who are serious about brunch. Minimalist decor provides the perfect canvas for hot plates that arrive looking like an art piece that you don’t want to destroy after you’ve taken a zillion photos for your Instagram. It was quite crowded when we visited and we so we dined at the bar but this provides optimum vantage point to watch the waiters in action. If you miss the brunch menu, you can swing by in the evening for a cocktail.
A sleek, contemporary restaurant on the edge of town, nibble on complimentary carrot croquettes before feasting on chateaubriand with seasonal vegetables or the catch of the day. Suitable for a charming dinner date as well as groups, make sure to book in advance.
Silver jewellery fans take note. If you’re after a statement piece, Gingko has a wonderful display of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. All pieces are hand-made and crafted with the utmost love. Sample silver rings are on hand for you to find your ring size and preferred style. Gingko also specialises in lost-wax technology and casting in sand moulds. You may see some scultural examples on display at each of the ateliers.
There are so many chocolate shops in Bruges (try to get as many free samples as you can!) but this one I remember distinctly, as who doesn’t want to gaze in awe at rows and shelves of colourful chocolate displays? Le Comptoir Mathilde is in fact a French business with multiple branches throughout France and a few stores in Belgium. Chocolate covered nuts, chocolate with fruit and nuts, chocolate slabs, chocolate spreads – you name it and this store will most likely have it!
For further information, advice and recommendations, visit the official Bruges tourist website. It is super accommodating with options to view the website in Dutch, French, German, English and Spanish!
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We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
