Belgium may be a small country, but it offers so much when it comes to history, culture, and charm. We visited two of its most well-known destinations — Bruges and Brussels — and had an amazing short break from our daily routine.
Brussels is the cosmopolitan capital of course and is a hub of European politics. We weren’t wowed by this city but we did have some enjoyable experiences that we’ve shared in this post.
Bruges on the other hand felt like stepping into a medieval fairy tale. With its cobblestone streets, dreamy canals, and well-preserved historic buildings, this UNESCO-listed town enchanted us at every turn.
– Getting to Belgium –
We started our trip in Brussels, arriving via Eurostar from London. If you’re flying in, chances are you’ll also land in Brussels first.
From there, we opted for a local train to Bruges, which takes just an hour. While many visitors do Bruges as a day trip, we decided to stay for a couple of nights to fully soak in its charming, laid-back atmosphere. The train ride was quick and hassle-free, making it an easy journey.
– When did we visit –
We traveled in May and found the weather to be quite good. The days were warm and partly sunny – mornings and evenings were a bit cool, but a light jacket or hoodie was all we needed to stay comfortable. There were also less tourists at this time of the year.
– Where did we stay –
In Bruges, we stayed in a hotel called Grand Hotel Normandy which was a short walk to the main historic centre. It also came with an indoor heated pool which was bliss.
In Brussels, we stayed in an Airbnb walking distance from the Brussels Midi train station.
– How did we get around –
In Brussels, we got around mainly by metro and on foot. In Bruges, however, everything is within walking distance, making it easy to explore entirely on foot.
Here’s an interactive map where you’ll find several places of interest and food & beverages options in both Bruges and Brussels.
Day 1-2: Exploring Bruges
Here is a summary of the Things-to-do we most enjoyed in Bruges:
Start at the Grote Markt
At the heart of Bruges, the Grote Markt (Market Square) is surrounded by colorful medieval buildings, bustling cafés, and historic landmarks. It’s a great place to soak in the city’s atmosphere, enjoy street performances, or admire the grand architecture of the Provincial Court and Belfry Tower.
The Belfry Tower
One of Bruges’ most iconic landmarks, the Belfry Tower stands 83 meters (272 feet) tall. We only admired from the Market Square as we had our little one with us.
But if you don’t mind climbing 366 steps, then the breathtaking panorama at the top will most likely make it well worth the effort.
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
Step back in time and explore Bruges with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Departing from the Grote Markt, this tour takes you through the city’s charming streets while the driver shares interesting stories about its history. Tours typically last about 30-40 minutes and it’s a relaxing way to take in the sights that our little one loved it too.
Visit the Historium
For an immersive dive into Bruges’ medieval past, visit the Historium. This interactive museum combines storytelling and virtual reality to transport you back to the Golden Age of Bruges. It’s a fun and engaging experience to learn more about the town’s history.
Enjoy a Canal Boat Tour
Bruges is famous for its canals and a scenic boat tour offers a unique perspective of the city, gliding past historic buildings, hidden gardens, and charming bridges. Tours typically last about 30-40 minutes and it was one of the most enjoyable activities for us. There are several tour operators that you’ll be able to spot easily near the canal areas.
Stroll Around Minnewater Lake
Known as the “Lake of Love”, Minnewater is a tranquil spot perfect for a peaceful walk or a romantic moment. Surrounded by lush greenery and swans gracefully gliding across the water, it’s one of the most picturesque places in Bruges.
Indulge in Belgian Waffles
No trip to Belgium is complete without waffles! In Bruges, two must-visit spots are Otto Waffle Atelier, known for its fresh Bruges waffles – made of oats, delicious and healthier compared to Brussels / Liege waffles – and House of Waffle, which offers both sweet and savory options in a cozy setting.
Savor Belgian Fries at Fritbar
Belgium is famous for its fries, and Fritbar is a great place to try vegetarian-friendly Belgian fries. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with a variety of delicious sauces, they’re the perfect snack to fuel your explorations.
Enjoy Belgian Beer Tasting at 2be Bar
For beer lovers, 2be Bar is a must-visit. Famous for its “Beer Wall”, showcasing hundreds of Belgian brews, this riverside bar offers a fantastic selection of local beers with beautiful canal views. Try a tasting menu to sample different flavors.
See our Food Explorations in Bruges in more detail, on YouTube:
Shop for Authentic Belgian Chocolates
Bruges is home to some of the world’s best chocolatiers, making it the perfect place to indulge in handmade Belgian chocolates. Visit artisanal shops like The Chocolate Line, Dumon, or Chocolatier Spegelaere to take home some delicious souvenirs.
See our YouTube Short or Instagram Reel that brings the above to life!
Day 3-4: Exploring Brussels
Here is a summary of the Things-to-do we suggest in Brussels:
As we mentioned earlier, Brussels didn’t captivate us as much as some other European cities and towns, but with just 1.5 days to explore, we still had a good time. Here are a few things we did enjoy:
Admire the Grand Place
One of the most beautiful squares in the world, Grand Place is surrounded by opulent buildings, the Brussels Town Hall, and the Maison du Roi. Visit during the day for intricate details or at night when the buildings are beautifully illuminated.
Explore the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
Built in 1847, the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is one of Europe’s oldest shopping arcades. With its elegant glass roof and neoclassical architecture, it’s the perfect place to browse luxury boutiques, high-end chocolatiers or sip a coffee at one of the cozy cafés.
Try Belgian Chocolate from Top Chocolatiers
Brussels is home to world-renowned chocolatiers. Visit Pierre Marcolini, Neuhaus, Leonidas, and Godiva for luxurious Belgian chocolates and pralines.
Indulge in Belgian Waffles
Brussels is famous for their waffles with endless toppings. In case you’re not familiar, Brussels waffles are light and airy, noted for their larger size and deep pockets. On the other hand, Liège waffles are denser and sweeter, with a caramelized sugar coating.
In Brussels (as well as in Bruges) you can sample both types – some good spots to try them include Maison Dandoy, Le Funambule, and Los Churros & Waffle.
Sample Belgian Beer at Delirium Café
Beer lovers must visit Delirium Café, which holds the world record for the most beers available—over 2,000 different varieties! Try classic Belgian brews like Chimay, Duvel, and Orval.
In fact, we went for a Beer Meter – a tasting menu that offered 10 different types of beer which included some unusual ones such as the Floral Cactus.
See our YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reel on how it went:
That’s it for this post. We hope it’s been useful. If you have more questions feel free to ask away and we’ll try our best to answer them.
