Hello everybody. Which Belgian cities will we discover today? You’ll find out in a bit.

Brugge is the capital of West Flanders. Its historic center still keeps intact its medieval architecture (has been saved by wars). Since 2000, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2002, was the European Capital of Culture. Because of its canals, the city is often considered as the Venezia of the North. The canals are called by the inhabitants Reien (in Dutch Grachten). Once were used for the carriage of goods while today they are used exclusively for tourism purposes (we think you can put a nice tour in these canals on the list of things to do absolutely!).

To know more (to eat, what to eat, where to have fun, acculturate …) continue to read.

What you say to start to know something about our destination? Let’s go!

TYPICAL FOODS

The Brugge cusine (as well as Antwerp cuisine) is generally influenced by its proximity to the sea, so it will easily find dishes made from fish. Now we will see some examples.

•  Fish soup
• Fillets of haranguing, served cold with white beans.
  
• Soups, in general, are the main dishes and they are prepared in different ways. Some examples are vegetable soups (cabbage soup), but also those with prosciutto and panna or the cream of peas and leek.
  
• Very famous are also the pies, whose the main ingredient is Brussels sprouts.
• Waterzooi – dish made from fish or chicken with panna and vegetables (such as carrots, celery, potatoes, leek).
  
• Beer rabbit
• Boudin – pork sausage made from bread, eggs and spices.
  
• We can’t forget about the mussels with fries.
• Bodding – cake made with stale bread, lard, eggs, sugar and spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and dried fruits). It is usually sprinkled on the icing sugar and served with a sweet sauce or whiskey or rum sauce.
  
• Gracht brood – a typical dessert, baked and covered with caramelized sugar.
  
•  Don’t forget about wafles (also called gaufre) and the delicious chocolate.
  
• The traditional local beers are Leffe, Grimbergen, Hoegaarden, Affligem. The beer is often the main ingredient in recipes, is widely used in culinary purposes. An example may be the Bruegel mussels.

 

WHERE TO EAT (RESTAURANTS/CAFE’..)

Speaking of dishes, can we forget where eating these tasty dishes? Of course we can’t!

• Pomperlut – Belgian, European, French cuisine.
  
• Gruuthuse Hof – typical French, Belgian, European cuisine.
  
• De Vetten Os – Italian, French, Belgian, Dutch, European cuisine.
  
• Reliva– traditional French and vegetarian cuisine.
  
• ‘t Grillkasteeltje – steakhouse, barbecue, typical European, French, Belgian cuisine.
  
• Books & Brunch – vegetarian, vegan. Good place for a healthy and nutritious breakfast.
  
• Chez Albert – Belgian cuisine. Here you can taste the famous wafle.
  
• La Baguette – French cuisine. Here you can enjoy sandwiches, pizza, coffee…
  
• ‘t Brugs Beertje – pub
• Bauhaus Bar And Restaurant – bar /pub.
• Neuhaus – chocolate shop.
  

PLACES TO VISIT(MUSEUMS/THEATERS..)

The culture is waiting for us and we can’t make it certainly wait; so let’s start!

•  Markt – is the market square in the center of Brugge. The square is surrounded by important buildings such as the Belfort and the Provincial Court. Every Wednesday the square hosts a market and every year it is the starting point of the men’s cycling race (Tour of Flanders).
  
• Burg – is a square in Brugge, surrounded by many historical buildings such as City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. One time this square had the fortitude function, there were wall and gates.
  
• Belgionze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady) – Catholic church in Gothic style. The church has a tower which is considered one of the highest in Belgium. Here you can admire the sculpture of the Madonna and Child, by the famous artist Michelangelo.
  
• Hospital of St. John – ex hospital, now a museum, not far from the Church of Our Lady, which is often known by the name of Hans Memlingmuseum, because it contains some important works by the artist Hans Memling.
  
•  Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek o Basilique du Saint-Sang) – Catholic basilica, known mainly because here is preserved a cloth with the blood of Jesus.
  
• Church of Our Lady of the Pottery  – a baroque church, inside which there is a museum with sculptures, paintings, old utensil, furniture…
  
• Sint-Salvatorskathedraal – is the main church of the city, it contains many works of art and frescos.
  
• Groeningemuseum – museum housing the collections of Flemish and Belgian art.It is famous for the Flemish Primitives and the Renaissance and baroque collection, but also for Symbolism, Expressionism collection and modern art.
• Gruuthusemuseum – Museum of Applied Art. It’s a medieval palace next to the Dijver canal.
  
• Begijnhof – is a complex of buildings (grouped around a tree-lined garden) which is part of the Beguinage (members of religious associations) and belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Today, there live the Benedictine nuns.
  
• Frietmuseum -Museum of potatoes, located in Saaihalle building (one of the oldest buildings in Brugge). It’s a whole museum dedicated to the history of the potato and the production of these. After the visit, you can taste the Belgian fries with different meats and sauces. Worth it!
• Choco-Story – chocolate museum, located in St Jansplein. Amazing!
  

It’s time for the theaters and concert halls of the city.
Sirkeltheater, Stadsschouwburg, De Werf, Concertgebouw.

Curiosity: the most important sport in Brugge is definitely football, in fact, the city has hosted the UEFA European Football Championship. In 2010 it was also the set of the film Cuore di cioccolato. They are also  important festivals, such as chocolate, beer and music ( any kind of music).

 

ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)

Now we can have fun but let’s see where.

• Minnewaterpark – an oasis of peace and so much wonder. This park is also known as “Lake of Love” (hence the name minnewater, minne in Dutch means love), it has a beautiful lake where you can take a ride on the boat and admire beautiful swans.
  
• Koningin Astridpark – a beautiful park full of tranquility and beauty, once there were a Franciscan abbey.
  
• Bruges Art Route – green area where you can admire the beautiful windmills.
  
• Quasimundo Bike Tours o The Pink Bear Bicycle Company – a bike tour to explore the city and its surroundings, to  enjoy the magnificent scenery and trails that the city offers.
  
• Moment Segway Tours – you can visit the city on an electrical device, the Segway. An original way to learn while having fun.
  
• Legends of Bruges Free Walking Tour – a free guide that will make you learn everything about the city and lots of curiosities and will make taste some local specialties.
  
• Kinepolis – cinema.

And for nightlife? Don’t worry, here are the places where have a nice night.

• De Coulissen – nightclub.
  
• Cafe Rose Red.
• t’ Poatersgat – bar.
• Keldercafé Le Trappiste Brugge– cafè.
• Ma Rica Rokk –  dance bar.
• Cactus Club– cafè with live music.
  
• Joey’s Bar – bar with live music.

 

Even today our adventure is over. We already have an idea of what will be our next destination. If you also want to find it, stay tuned!

Let us know your opinions about this place. If you liked it or not, if you have been or are you going to go? What did you like least and what more? We are curious to read your opinions.

A big kiss to everyone.