Bruges is a marvellous city, beautifully romantic, with a relaxing atmosphere.
The canal-side setting of the historic centre has given rise to comparisons to Amsterdam, though Bruges is definitely a quieter alternative to the Dutch capital.
Like the rest of Belgium, Bruges is known for its mussels, chocolate, lace, and beer and there are plenty of places to shop for these around the city.
This combined with the nice environment makes it really nice to come here.
Attractions in Bruges
The historic centre of Bruges is where visitors spend the majority of their time, and with its compact size it’s easy to get around on foot or by bicycle.
The main tourist areas are largely vehicle-free, making it even more pleasant to explore the city’s streets.
The historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2000 in recognition of its many beautifully preserved medieval buildings.
Among these the best known is the Belfry of Bruges which was built on the main market square in 1240 though largely destroyed by fire then rebuilt again in 1280.
The Belfry is one of Bruges’ most popular attractions because you can climb (for a fee) the 366 steps to the top and enjoy fabulous views over the historic heart of the city.
Other notable medieval architecture includes The Beguinage, City Hall, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, plus you’ll find many attractive little bridges crossing the canals.
The windmills are another attractive feature of Bruges.
Grote Markt
There are many cafes and restaurants in the historic centre with the most popular on the main square, ‘Grote Markt’, where you can sit and watch the world go by.
Hotel Recommendation
You can have a very contented stay at the four star hotel Jan Brito, a hotel near the city centre and just 500 metres from the popular Market Square.
They have comfortable beds, good breakfast, nice rooms, and the friendly staff provide great levels of service. The hotel is a beautiful old building with elegant period-style furnishings and modern touches that make your stay a pleasant one. And it has free wireless Internet.
Parking is readily available in the secure car park just about 100 metres from the hotel.
There are many other hotels as well worth having a look at.
Beer and Chocolate eldorado
With its reputation for chocolate you won’t be surprised to hear there is a chocolate museum in Bruges. Detailed insight into the history of chocolate and its impact on Belgium and Europe can be read on the Choco-Story page.
The museum is an interesting place to visit, but frankly you can get the chocolate experience in numerous places around Bruges as most chocolate shops make their own chocolate.
The beer brewery “De Halve Maan” is another attraction, with a museum and opportunities to sample the beers, and on that subject don’t miss the large Beer Wall.
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Bruges Christmas Market, November 23, 2018 – January 1, 2019
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Vleteren Craft Beer Festival in Belgium, 6 – 7 June 2019
June 9, 2018/by RogerUpcoming events in the Netherlands -Belgium -Luxembourg
february
15decAll Day03marDutch Ice Sculpture Festival in Zwolle, The Netherlands
Event Details
Take a journey through a frozen world and view over 100 ice and snow sculptures made by the world’s best ice artists. The 3,000 square metre hall is chilled to -10 degrees
Event Details
Take a journey through a frozen world and view over 100 ice and snow sculptures made by the world’s best ice artists.
The 3,000 square metre hall is chilled to -10 degrees Celsius, so you’ll need to dress warmly!
The Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival is held in Zwolle, 120 km. from Amsterdam.
Time
December 15 (Saturday) - March 3 (Sunday)
23febAll Day24Chocoa Festival, Amsterdam
Event Details
A festival for all chocolate lovers held in January in The Netherland capital city Amsterdam. Read more >>
Event Details
A festival for all chocolate lovers held in January in The Netherland capital city Amsterdam.
Time
february 23 (Saturday) - 24 (Sunday)
march
01marAll Day03Amsterdam Coffee Festival
Event Details
Amsterdam Coffee Festival is a vivacious festival filled with music, art and of course, fabulous coffee. Learn, drink and enjoy. Read more >>
Event Details
Amsterdam Coffee Festival is a vivacious festival filled with music, art and of course, fabulous coffee.
Learn, drink and enjoy.
Time
march 1 (Friday) - 3 (Sunday)
03marAll Day06The Carnival in Binche, Belgium
Event Details
The Carnival in Binche is really something special. In 2003, this unique event was recognized by UNESCO as a “masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity” Read more
Event Details
The Carnival in Binche is really something special. In 2003, this unique event was recognized by UNESCO as a “masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity”
Time
march 3 (Sunday) - 6 (Wednesday)
21marAll Day19aprKeukenhof flower garden, Spring Festival in Lisse, The Netherlands
Event Details
Flowers as long as your eyes can see in Keukenhof Garden. Springtime in Lisse, The Netherlands. Don't miss the flower parade ! Read More >>
Event Details
Flowers as long as your eyes can see in Keukenhof Garden. Springtime in Lisse, The Netherlands.
Don’t miss the flower parade !
Time
March 21 (Thursday) - April 19 (Friday)
april
13aprAll DayBloemencorso Flower Parade Bollenstreek
Event Details
Since the end of the second World War, The Dutch have gathered in Bollenstreek - A flower parade to celebrate the beauty of spring flowers. Reade more >>
Event Details
Since the end of the second World War, The Dutch have gathered in Bollenstreek – A flower parade to celebrate the beauty of spring flowers.
Time
All Day (Saturday)
19aprAll Day21DGTL AMSTERDAMElectronic Music Festival
Event Details
Taking place in Amsterdam over the Easter weekend, this festival offers the finest electronic music at a unique festival terrain, NDSM Docklands. Read more >>
Event Details
Taking place in Amsterdam over the Easter weekend, this festival offers the finest electronic music at a unique festival terrain, NDSM Docklands.
Time
april 19 (Friday) - 21 (Sunday)
27aprAll DayKings Day in Netherlands
Event Details
Celebration of the Kings Day 27 April - A big party day in The Netherlands and specially in Amsterdam Reas More >>
Event Details
Celebration of the Kings Day 27 April – A big party day in The Netherlands and specially in Amsterdam
Time
All Day (Saturday)
Location
Amsterdam
27aprAll Day28Zythos Bier Festival, Belgium
Event Details
Try some of many tasteful Belgian beers at Zythos Beer Festival. Read more >>
Event Details
Try some of many tasteful Belgian beers at Zythos Beer Festival.
Time
april 27 (Saturday) - 28 (Sunday)
may
01mayAll Day05Antwerpen Proeft - Taste of Antwerp
Event Details
Belgium is already an established culinary country in Europe, and if you visit Antwerp in springtime, don’t miss the food festival; Taste of Antwerp will be held 1 May and 3 - 4
Event Details
Belgium is already an established culinary country in Europe, and if you visit Antwerp in springtime, don’t miss the food festival;
Taste of Antwerp will be held 1 May and 3 – 4 May in 2019.
Time
may 1 (Wednesday) - 5 (Sunday)
24mayAll Day26Brussels Jazz WeekendFree Jazz Festival
Event Details
Brussels Jazz Weekend is a free festival that offers jazz in all its forms: from swing to bebop, and from blues and rock to world music. Read more >>
Event Details
Brussels Jazz Weekend is a free festival that offers jazz in all its forms: from swing to bebop, and from blues and rock to world music.
Time
may 24 (Friday) - 26 (Sunday)
30mayAll DayDauwpop FestivalPop and Rock mini festival in Hellendoorn
Event Details
Fantastic bands play on five stages in this mini pop and rock festival in Hellendoorn, in the Netherlands. Read more >>
Event Details
Fantastic bands play on five stages in this mini pop and rock festival in Hellendoorn, in the Netherlands.
Time
All Day (Thursday)
june
08junAll Day09Hello Festival, in The NetherlandsEarlier Retropop Festival - Pop and Rock
Event Details
Nostalgic Retropop Festival is now called Hello Festival. Held every year in Emmen, the Netherlands. Read More >>
Event Details
Nostalgic Retropop Festival is now called Hello Festival. Held every year in Emmen, the Netherlands.
Time
june 8 (Saturday) - 9 (Sunday)
08junAll Day10RIBS & BLUES FESTIVAL IN RAALTE, THE NETHERLANDS
Event Details
Ribs & Blues takes place over the Whitsun / Pentecost weekend with a fantastic line up. Read more >>
Event Details
Ribs & Blues takes place over the Whitsun / Pentecost weekend with a fantastic line up.
Time
june 8 (Saturday) - 10 (Monday)
28junAll Day30BEER PASSION WEEKEND – ANTWERP
Event Details
Keep yourself refreshed at this exuberant festival dedicated to an incredible selection (200+) of Belgian beers in Antwerp this weekend Read more >>
Event Details
Keep yourself refreshed at this exuberant festival dedicated to an incredible selection (200+) of Belgian beers in Antwerp this weekend
Time
june 28 (Friday) - 30 (Sunday)
july
06julAll Day07Vleteren Craft Beer Festival
Event Details
With over 30 breweries in attendance, there will be plenty of beer to sample. In addition to local Belgium breweries, there are brewers coming from the US, Sweden, the UK, the
Event Details
With over 30 breweries in attendance, there will be plenty of beer to sample.
In addition to local Belgium breweries, there are brewers coming from the US, Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Russia, Argentina, Italy, Portugal, Estonia, and France.
Time
july 6 (Saturday) - 7 (Sunday)
12julAll Day14Bospop Festival in Weert, The NetherlandsPop and Rock Festival
Event Details
Bospop Bospop has a rich history. It's an old-fashioned and fun pop-rock festival that is taking place for the 39th time 2019. Read more >>
Event Details
Bospop Bospop has a rich history. It’s an old-fashioned and fun pop-rock festival that is taking place for the 39th time 2019.
Time
july 12 (Friday) - 14 (Sunday)
19julAll Day28Gentsefeesten in Ghent, Belgium
Event Details
Gentsefeesten in Ghent, Belgium in July, is one of Europe's largest cultural events. It's been running since 1843. Read more >>
Event Details
Gentsefeesten in Ghent, Belgium in July, is one of Europe’s largest cultural events. It’s been running since 1843.
Time
july 19 (Friday) - 28 (Sunday)
september
14sep(sep 14)1:00 am15(sep 15)1:00 amFree State of Stellingen historical festival in Appelscha
Event Details
This charming festival reclaims the time when the municipality of Ooststellingwerf existed as a Free Nation from 1300 to 1500. A nice historical festival worth a visit.. Read more >>
Event Details
This charming festival reclaims the time when the municipality of Ooststellingwerf existed as a Free Nation from 1300 to 1500.
A nice historical festival worth a visit..
Time
14 (Saturday) 1:00 am - 15 (Sunday) 1:00 am
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