Bruges has been one of the major tourist attractions in Belgium for years. Its medieval architecture, the eccentric canals, alluring cobblestone streets and the Market square offer beautiful scenes wherever you look, and not to forget, the drool worthy waffle and chocolate stores and boutiques that will leave shopaholics speechless!
To best experience this getaway is to stay overnight here, that way you can experience all that Bruges has to offer. Below are the different locations and neighborhoods you can consider staying at.
1) City Center:
Essentially the city center is fairly small in size and is surrounded by the Ring Road circling around it. The hub of all activities is the Market Square, easily located by the 83-metre-tall dome like belfry in the square. This part of town is very family friendly and one can spot children chasing ducks alongside the river, amidst the greenery. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Center.
Places to stay: Hotel Van Cleefs,Radisson Blu Hotel, Hotel Passage
Places to eat : Bistro Pro Deo, Pomperlut,Markt
2) 'T-Zand
This getaway is found on the western edge of the city. It is named after a famous street in the area. This town is famous for its Saturday Market also known as Grote Markt. Filled with multiple restaurants and cafes, you will get lost just deciding where you want to eat. This location is also safe for families with parks such as the King Albert Park which gives the area a pleasing charm. Also, it is in close proximity to the Bruges' concert hall
Places to Stay: B&B Chester, Hotel Dukes' Palace,Park Hotel Brugge.
Places to Eat: In the Mood,Nomad, Central Park 27, Le Fous de Bruges
3) Sint-Anna Quarter:
The streets here give you a very vintage feel with 17th century town homes and cottages located on both sides of the street. The Famous Cafe Vlissinghe is also located here which has been open for around 500 years. There are also beautiful old structures such as St. Anne Church which portray the great architectural prowess of the 17th Century.
Places to stay: La Maison de Nathalie, Hotel Van Cleef, The Secret Garden B&B
Places to eat: Sint Anna,Bistro Pro Deo,Je Restaurant,Clos Margaux
4) Ezelstraat Quarter:
Located at the northwest corner of the Ring, named after the main road which runs through this area, Ezelstraat Quarter houses a beautiful park area closed to traffic with a gate significant with history. This Park is known as Ezelpoort roughly translated as Donkey's gate. The back of this area is lined with delightful shops and cafes.
Places to stay : Hotel Heritage,B&B De Bornedrager,Hotel Marcel
Places to Eat : Restaurante De Bottelier,Pieter Pourbus,In Den Wittenkop
5) Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Quarter:
Named based on the Church of Our Lady and the Museum alongside it, this is the art corner of Bruges. There are certain areas which date back to the 13th Century. Filled with art marvels, from the designs of the churches to the sculptures and paintings of Michelangelo, one can find everything here. This location is also known for the Groening Museum. If you're a foodie then this is also the place to be for you as this location has a long list of breweries and chocolatiers.
Places to Stay: Hotels De Castillion, Hotel Acadamie,Martins' Brugge
Places to Eat : Osteria 45,Serendipity,Twinterras,In Den Wittenkop