Belfry (Belfort) and Market Halls (Hallen), Bruges

Advantages: Very pleasant, easy to visit, excellent food and beer
Disadvantages: None

...Bruges is a delightful city in the North of Belgium in the part of the country known as Flanders. The first habitants called it Bruggia or Burg and it literally just means borough. However in the 13th century the Counts of Flandres built parts of the town and it became a centre for trade and the arts from the 13th century. It is that town that it is possible to see today. I recently visited the city again. As regular readers of some of my reviews know I often travel with my job in Northern Europe and was visiting the Gent and Brussels areas again this past week. Like many Belgian towns and cities Bruges has a splendid Market Place surrounded by old impressive buildings. In the Bruges Market Place there is the Provincial Palace along one side and the Belfry at one end. Around three sides of the square now there are shops and bars... Read review

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Advantages: Stunning buildings, lots of bars and two breweries to visit.
Disadvantages: Gets VERY busy and be prepared to pay tourist prices!

...while walking between bars, but our time was limited, so we didn’t get to see all Bruges had to offer. The best way not to get lost in Bruges is to keep the Belfry Tower in view ~ it has 366 steps so is easy to spot! The buildings are stunning, the canals are pretty and there are lots of flowers. Bruges has its fair share of Museums, including the Memling Museum (full of 15th Century paintings), the Diamond Museum (bet you can’t guess what that one’s all about) and the Groeninge Museum (packed with religious art). ~~~DID I LIKE IT? I thought Bruges was great! It is visually very stunning and is certainly worthy of another visit in the future. My only gripes were that it is expensive, as tourist places often are, and it can get far too busy for comfort. I found it quite easy to get around with the aid of a good map and that the people... Read review

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Advantages: Scenery, Great hotels, food and shopping
Disadvantages: Can be crowded in Summer

...I have visited Brugge or Bruges to the French, in the Flanders region of Belgium many times. I have to say it is probably my favourite European city. There are two parts to Brugge, the new and the main residential exterior area, and the old walled medieval town and haunt for the many tourists that are drawn to it. Brugge dates back hundreds of years but detailed history of it starts around the 13th century, hence there is some marvellous architecture to observe, including the 272 foot high Belfry, located in the central Markt and main square. If you fancy the exercise, scale the 370 odd steps to gain a superb view of the town. There are great and inexpensive places to eat and drink in Brugge. If you like Belgian beer, try the local golden ales, that in some cases will literally blow your head off. The beers are served to you... Read review

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