A romantic weekend in Bruges

Fresh from Brussels, go and put your bags down in your accommodation. The city is home to some magnificent establishments, ranging from palaces to English cottage-style B&Bs. Bruges can be visited on foot, so your hotel will almost always be in the city centre. But there's nothing to stop you choosing a hotel in a neighbouring town like Damme, hiring a bike and visiting the city that way. You should expect to pay between €10 and €15 for a day's bike hire.

Where to stay in Bruges

Then visit the Belfry to learn more about the city's history. Climb the 366 steps to enjoy a 360° view of the city. You may also hear the legendary carillon, made up of 47 bells that have been ringing in Bruges since 1745.

Discover the Church of Our Lady (Kerk van Onze-lieve-Vrouwe). At 115.6 metres, its brick tower is the second highest in the world. It houses a fine collection of works of art, including the most famous of Bruges, Michelangelo's "Madonna". Incidentally, this is the only sculpture by the artist to have left Italy during his lifetime. Admission is free, but you have to pay to admire the Madonna. Next, explore the Saint-Jean hospital, founded in the 12th century and one of the oldest in Europe. Now a museum, it contains old surgical instruments and various religious objects.

For lunch, why not opt for a cone of chips on the go? Here's the place to go for good Belgian fries in Bruges:

• Chez Vincent / Sint-Salvatorskerkhof 1, 8000 Bruges - 5 minutes' walk from the Grand Place

Time to explore the canals!

Start by crossing the Bonifacius Bridge, surely one of the most picturesque spots in this medieval city. It blends in perfectly with the rest of the scenery, even though it was only built in the 20th century. Continue on to the Quai des rosaires, surely the most popular and photographed spot in the city.

Make the most of the opportunity to take a short boat cruise on the canals. Romanticism guaranteed. The town's heritage has been preserved down to the smallest stone. And so that tourists can make the most of a lovely cruise on one of the river shuttles, the town has provided five landing stages.

Find a typical Belgian brasserie

For your evening meal, find a small brasserie where you can enjoy a typical Belgian dish. Stoemp, waterzoï, carbonades and other family dishes await you, accompanied by a good beer. Tip: Bruges is very touristy, so try to find establishments where the customers speak Dutch to ensure you get a quality meal.

Visit a museum in the morning!

Bruges is a city of art, culture and heritage. Whatever you do, you'll find a museum to interest you. From the most cult like the Groeninge, where you can discover Flemish primitive art and one of its illustrious painters Jan Van Eick, to the strangest and most unusual like the museum of torture, you will learn more about Belgium and its history. The Museum of Chips, the Museum of Beer and the Museum of Chocolate are just some of the national treasures that the people of Bruges have chosen to showcase in their various museums.

🍴For breakfast: a Belgian speciality

The waffle is one of the country's national emblems. It's impossible not to stop off at the "House of Waffles" in Bruges. This new institution, which opened its doors in 2018, offers an extensive menu of sweet and savoury waffles. A family institution, the restaurant pays homage to the family's grandmother Monique Van Waefelghem (whose name means: the house of waffles in Dutch) by converting part of the family home into a small restaurant.

House of Waffles :

Wollestraat 31, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

https://www.thehouseofwaffles.com/menu?utm_source=easyvoyage

Digestive visit

For the afternoon programme, set off to discover the Bruges beguinage. One of the most beautiful in Northern Europe. Then return to the heart of the city to admire the Place du Burg (Castle Square in Dutch) and take a look at the Town Hall. Don't hesitate to enter the building, which is truly impressive. But above all, stroll around and lose yourself in the heart of the city. It's surely the best way to visit the city and soak up the atmosphere. Every street corner is a historical relic well worth a visit. You'll discover the Palace of Liberty, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur.

Dining in a trendy, secret spot

For dinner, opt for a place away from the city centre, tucked away in a secret garden far from the big tourist institutions. The restaurant at the Boutique Hotel 'T FRAEYHUIS welcomes you to its little secret corner to enjoy magnificent cocktails and delicious tapas. The perfect way to round off a romantic weekend.