Video| My trip to Bruges

Bruges travel guide

A few days ago I spent three days in the magical town of Bruges. Bruges is in Belgium and is around 1 hour 30 mins from Brussels by train. I wanted to share a detailed post and share everything from Where I stayed, how I got to it and all of the touristy things I did. I really fell in love with this town, it has cobbled streets, medieval buildings and it is a town full of charm. 

How to get to Bruges?

I flew from Dublin to Brussels airport Zaventem with Ryanair. I got my flights really cheap which was great. Then to get from Brussels to Bruges you can get a train from the airport. The train station was really easy to find and once you get in the arrivals hall follow the signs for the train stations. It is located on level -1 of the airport. There is a direct train every 30 mins from the airport or if you miss the direct train you can get a train to Brussels Zuid/Bruxelles-midi and then change and get a train then to Bruges. For more information on the trains click here. I found this website to be the most useful for navigating the trains. 

Once you arrive at Bruges train station you can either get a bus which is €3 or you can get a taxi to your hotel which is roughly €10. Depending on where your hotel is you might also be able to walk to your hotel. Check on google maps to see if you can. 

Where I stayed

I stayed in the most charming hotel called DeCorenbloem, the location was perfect as it was a few minutes walk to the market square. It was also a few steps away from one of the cute bridges that go over the canal. I liked the location because it was away from the hustle and bustle of the square but a few minutes walk to everything. I treated myself to a stay in the Empire suite. Each room has its own unique decor and charm. I would definitely stay here again. The only thing I will say is that I wouldn’t recommend to families. As the hotel has antique furniture and stairs it may not be baby friendly. It is perfect for solo travellers and a romantic break for couples. There is a beautiful garden out the back with a sun house. The host was lovely too and the little dog who lived there was adorable. I had the breakfast on both mornings and the eggs and bacon were delicious. There was also croissants and cereals too. You could have coffee and tea from the breakfast area at any time of the day which I thought was lovely. Overall it was charming, clean, friendly and I would recommend it. I felt at home. 

Things to do in Bruges 

Bruges is a town that you can easily navigate around. I spent 2 nights/3 days in Bruges and I think that is plenty of time to squeeze in everything. My biggest piece of advice is that everything closes around 6pm and 7pm except for restaurants. The museums close at 6 and the boat tours can stop from 5pm so make sure you get the Bruges earlier in the day to do those activities. 

For €8 I got a boat tour along the canal, this was so fun. You get to see all the gorgeous buildings from different angles. It lasted about 30 mins. I went early in the day and there were no queues. 

Climb the Belfry. Now, this is something I would recommend doing early in the day as the queue does get long. It is 366 steep steps to the top but it is definitely worth it. They can only let a certain amount of people in the tower at the same time which can cause long queues. It took me about 15 mins to climb to the top and the view is amazing! 

 Tour the brewery. For €8 you can do a tour of the brewery and you can get to go to a terrace on the tour that gives you a fantastic view. You also get to taste the beer and get one glass included in the ticket price. I actually liked the beer and ended up staying for a second.

Walk and cycle. You can rent a bicycle to get around the town. I saw lots of people doing this and the town seemed very bike friendly. I chose to walk the cobbled streets and just get lost walking around, taking in all the stunning buildings and stopping at all of the cute trinket shops. You see so much more when you walk around a town. 

Taste the Belgian chocolate and beer. It would be a sin not to taste the delicious chocolate that Belgium is notorious for. You will find loads of shops selling waffles and chocolate. On Wednesday when I was there they had a market in the square. I got some delicious chocolate covered waffles. I also got some hot chocolate to keep my hands warm when I was walking around. You can try different beers too, just passed the market square is a pub where you can try different beers and sit out facing the canal and just watch the world pass by. My favourite was the cherry beer. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. I have a Youtube video on my channel to so please check that out. Please let me know if you plan on visiting Bruges. I would love to go again but I think next time I might get the train from Brussels to Paris and squeeze in the two cities in one trip. 

Thanks so much for reading, 

Chat soon, 

Catherine.  

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22 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    October 7, 2017 / 7:31 pm

    Incredible post! Your photos are outstanding, they are so sharp and professional!! I always loved the movie and I will go one day 🙂

  2. Catherine Carton
    October 7, 2017 / 7:42 pm

    Aw, thank you Rebecca! I really appreciate that x Thanks for reading!

  3. Carrie Walsh
    October 7, 2017 / 8:37 pm

    I've been to Bruges twice and reading your post has made me relive it all again. Lovely pictures and yes the cherry beer is lovely. You can get it over here which is great. I am definitely going to remember that hotel for the next trip over there.

  4. Catherine Carton
    October 7, 2017 / 8:39 pm

    Thanks so much for reading Carrie, I would love to see it again in Summer or Spring and see it full of flowers. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the Cherry beer!

  5. Sarah O'Donovan
    October 7, 2017 / 10:49 pm

    I was so excited when I heard you were travelling to Bruges. Your snaps/insta and now your blog, did not disappoint!!! I loved it there and cannot wait to return. Thank you for sharing your experience and beautiful photos!

  6. Karen Constantine
    October 8, 2017 / 7:06 am

    Bruges was never really on my list of places to go until reading this post pal. LIVING for the vlog!!

  7. Catherine Carton
    October 8, 2017 / 8:15 am

    Aw, thank you for reading! I can't wait to share a Vlog on Thursday, every corner was just so beautiful x

  8. Catherine Carton
    October 8, 2017 / 8:16 am

    OMG, Bridie, it is a photographers dream, Every corner, every shop, just dreamy x

  9. The Porcelain Rose
    October 8, 2017 / 9:46 am

    Looks amazing Catherine, I'm so excited for our trip now in December.. We're staying in Brussels, getting the train to Bruges for one day and then getting the train to Amsterdam:-) Where was that gorgeous Christmas shop you were in? X

  10. Aileen
    October 8, 2017 / 9:58 am

    I'm flying to Bruges this day 3 weeks for 3 days also and I can't wait, thanks for all the tips. I'm going to spend 2 days in Brussels also we before flying home so I hope ot is as nice to explore! I'm guessing you will have a vlog on this too? ��

  11. Kim Possible
    October 8, 2017 / 12:08 pm

    I just added this to my list of places to go, such a beautiful place! Your pictures are so perfect, they seem like pages from a fairy tales.

  12. Catherine Carton
    October 8, 2017 / 1:53 pm

    You are going to love it! The Christmas shops were near the market square but there is loads of them, also when you are going there will be christmas markets too! Can't wait to see your pics x

  13. Catherine Carton
    October 8, 2017 / 1:54 pm

    You will love Bruges, brussels is also stunning, Brussels will be more lively in the evening, Bruges is fab but it does get quiet in the evenings. x

  14. Catherine Carton
    October 8, 2017 / 1:54 pm

    Aww, thank you! I think everyone should visit Bruges at least once in their life. It is like a little fairytale town x

  15. Jen
    October 11, 2017 / 1:14 am

    Beautiful photos and such a cute dress you're wearing. Bruges looks so clean and neat and full of history – I'd love to be able to visit. Alas, as I'm on the other side of the world it probably won't happen. I'll have to enjoy it through your photos and video.

  16. dervilla keaney
    October 11, 2017 / 2:29 am

    Looks gorgeous Catherine … defo on my list of places to convince the hubbie to go to �� photos fab as always

  17. Catherine Carton
    October 11, 2017 / 9:16 pm

    AW you would love it Jen, it was just so pretty, Like a fairytale. I will have a video up on Thursday on my Youtube x

  18. Catherine Carton
    October 11, 2017 / 9:17 pm

    You will love it Dervilla, Thanks so much of reading and commenting x x

  19. My Vintage Vanity
    October 13, 2017 / 1:16 am

    You did an awesome job capturing your trip in video and photos. I loved the tea pot that you picked out.

  20. megan
    July 25, 2019 / 12:47 am

    Hey Catherine,

    I just watched your video on YouTube and came here and read your post. Thank you so much for sharing! It has given me great ideas for my trip in a few months.

    Could you tell me the name of the stores you went to? They seem so cute!!

    Thanks!
    Megan

  21. daintydressdiaries
    Author
    July 25, 2019 / 12:27 pm

    Thanks so much for popping over Megan! X

  22. megan
    July 25, 2019 / 4:21 pm

    Of course 🙂 !

    What shops did you visit while you were there? I love the things you bought!

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