Burg, 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: quaint, plenty to do
Disadvantages: pricey, popular with British SAGA tours

...the website below to find what might interest to you There are two breweries with free entrance and opprtunities to sample the products Brugge offers a year-round programme of events, particularly music ranging from jazz to classical Brugge will mainly appeal to adults, but there are parks and a nearby theme park for kids. There is as mentioned above a seaside resort at Blankenberg about 40 mins away by train Hotels tend to be upscale. Many of the chains are represented, eg Novotel, Crowne Plaza. You basically have a choice of staying in the town or suburbs, which will be a little cheaper. I stayed once at the Crowne Plaza (on loyalty points) and it was fabulous, in Burg Square adjacent to the Market Square. The bedroom was wooden panelled. The breakfast in the conservatory was out of this world, hot options, exotic fruit, smoked salmon, cold... Read review

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Advantages: Clean,beautiful,romantic. Beers are nice!
Disadvantages: busy on weekends,not too much to do

...panoramic view of the city. However, if you are claustrophobic, I would probably give this a miss as the starway can get fairly narrow and steep towards the top (though i have to say the view was worth it) The Burg was the next destination, which is another square steeped with historically medieval architecture. The main draw to this city, is the canals, and what trip to bruges would be complete without a boat ride!? There are many companies doing boat tours, and they seem to be similarly priced, so i guess one company is just as good as any other. The guides speak in 3 languages (english, french and Flemish), so you can just sit back, relax, and tune in whenever your language is up. The boats take you down most places in the city except for the "Minnewater" or "lovers lake" area , which can be reached by foot towards the south of the city... Read review

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