Lifestyle

When in Bruges

Often times we travel for fun, but most of the time we’re on a plane heading somewhere for work or other non-touristy reasons. That said, you should never stop enjoying and exploring the city you’re heading to. When it is entirely up to me, the sun takes me to exotic places around the world, but on one occasion, work took me to Belgium and it was an amazing experience.

Belgium might not be your first choice of destination when visiting Europe, but it has its hidden gems, and my favorite one was Bruges. Oh if I could only go back!!

If you feel like traveling back in time, to the medieval ages with a modern twist, then Bruges is the right place to visit. There is no specific time of year to visit the city, but your experience might vary depending on the time you decide to explore it. From late November until Christmas, the entire old town of Bruges transforms into a Christmas market wonderland with fun festivities.

 

The best way to explore the town and its historical scenery which is on the UNESCO world heritage list, is by the horse-drawn carriages or by foot. Walk! Yes, walk in the cobbled streets and tiny alleyways. Don’t worry about getting lost because all the ways will lead to the Belfry bell tower, an 80-meter medieval construction, in the middle of the town that can be seen from anywhere. So always keep it as your reference. The view from above is beyond spectacular if you have the energy to climb the 366 narrow spiral stairs!

 

The Grote MARKT is located at the center surrounded by cafes and restaurants, outlined by small multi-colored houses that remind you of the Christmas gingerbread homes.

 

While you are wandering in the old town’s streets, you will find yourself tempted by the smell of sweets and chocolate. Belgium is known to produce the best chocolate and waffles in the world, and as much as you will try to resist, you will find yourself binge eating on the exceptional waffles coated with whatever your mind can imagine. After all, we all know that on vacation the calories don’t count.

Trust me happiness can exist on a stick!

One more thing to stimulate your appetite are fries. Yes, fries are Belgian and not French. Belgians take this fact so seriously that you’ll find a food stall, or restaurant specialized in Belgian fries at almost every corner you turn. My goal here is not to make you fat, but it would be a sin not to share this information.

The city has effectively more canals than roads; it’s known as the Venice of North, so trips around the canals are a must especially because they allow you to enjoy the unique Flemish architectural facades. From May 5 till September 16, 2018, the city has hosted a beautiful open-air exhibition called the “Triennale” where 15 original works of art were spread along the town under the "Liquid City" theme. The most controversial piece was a blue whale made of plastic wastes recovered from the sea that endangers the maritime ecosystem.

 

However, the most cliché and photographed site in Bruges is the quay of the Rosary. It definitely looks like a postcard. You will find couples hunting you to capture their everlasting picture there.

So whether you’re heading there for a fun weekend, or you have a work conference scheduled, Bruges will pleasantly surprise you as it did me!

 

Marie-Therezia Hadchiti
Instagram: @therychoux



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