‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges

Tripoto
10th Oct 2016
Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

Well! Bruges truly fits the description of a fairytale city. Yes, a place with cobbled streets, white washed alms-houses, Victorian street lamps, hand-made chocolates and surrounded by dreamlike canals running through the entire city does exist! You can never get enough of Bruges and will crave to be here again. I surely do!

Some wise man/woman once quoted, ‘The best way to see a country, unless you are pressed for time, is to travel on foot.’ It holds true for Bruges! So if you have a day or a couple of days’, you must go & explore this place this Flemish wonderland.

Take a peek at my top experiences:

Markt platz

This is the main centre area of Bruges with lots of historic buildings in the backdrop. It's breath-taking to see the entire square and just go back in time. You must settle on some fries and beer, before exploring around this medieval Belgian city. Surely, wherever you are putting up in Bruges, you will definitely come across this main square. Do spend some time here to just soak in the vibe.

The Markt Square

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

Bruges city tour mini vans - very helpful and informative

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

Minnewater lake

Well! If Europe is famous for its squares, this lake is famous for its houses around. I have come across some of the prettiest looking homes, while strolling the city following the lake. And yes, the best way to walk across this town is forgetting the Google maps and just following the lake. You can get lost, but there are always people to help you with directions.

And how do I know this? #When we were lost in Bruges

Ok so we did get lost post dinner, and one kind gentleman who was otherwise closing his store, drew the city map and explained us the way to Markt square. Thanks to him, we easily figured our way back. #GodBlessThePeopleofBruges#LovelySouls

#The Miinewater lake

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

A pretty housing overlooking the lake

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

#The Blue Door instant love: Yes, I admit, we just loved this house! I mean what is not to love rite?;)

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

#when you are the Bollywood People

It is when you realize how famous are Hindi movies; even more outside India. While strolling the lake, we were waved by this group of tourists who acknowledged us as ‘Bollywood people, India’! We were equally thrilled and we waved back. The next instance the guy steering the motor-boat shouted back ‘Shahrukh Khan’ and we too excitedly said ‘Namaste and cheered for SRK’, and we bonded and exchanged smiles and also our goodbyes. It just felt so good to be acknowledged by strangers. I am sure for every traveller, these small moments are what makes traveling worth while. The joys of knowing and bonding with the unknown!

Exchange of greetings!!

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

Bruges art route

I saw this from the city tour bus. We were really short of time to explore this place on foot. But if you are not so time crunched, do spend some leisure time walking with the windmills in the backdrop. C’mon have a look at the pictures and tell me you are not tempted at all?!

The picturesque windmills. One of the 4 still operational.

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

Beguinage

Just behind Minnewater Park, is the atmospheric whitewashed front of the Beguinage, and a quiet convent garden with poplar trees for a quite evening walk.

Enroute Beguinage

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

Belfort

Also, known as the Belfry of Bruges, is one of the most prominent structures dating back to the 13th century. This medieval belltower was essentially an observatory post, and for centuries have warned the residents against fire or attacks, or for announcing social and cultural gatherings. You can still climb up to the top floor of this tower, which has some 366 stairs and enjoy the panoramic view of this entire city.

The Night vision - The Belfort/Belfry

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

The Basilica of the Holy Blood

This is a very beautiful church. Exactly how I pictured it to be. On my first evening at Bruges, visiting hours were over and I was quite disappointed, so next day early morning I visited this place and it was so peaceful.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

Inside The Basilica

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

Choco story

This is a fun experience. Also, quite easy to locate. This was a must on my list as I love chocolates! It’s a very basic museum which details the chocolate making process, showcases few handmade chocolates and good place for kids. Not that we did not enjoy it. Along with the tickets they gave us bars of handmade chocolates. Was so tempting!! There’s a Choco Jungle Bar inside this museum which serves smoothies and snacks, and has fascinating décor.

# the déjà vu moment inside museum

So, the time we entered there were already a group of 25 to 30 school students who had come for their field visit. (We all had that, even in India). Their teacher had given them a group assignment where certain questions based on their visit to Chocolate museum. It was fun seeing them running around for answers, quite a nostalgic feeling.

So much to eat :P

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

T-Zand square

This historic square was seen right across the hotel we stayed in. Thanks to our host #AlbertOne Bruges for our pleasant stay and sumptuous breakfast. It was great to know first-hand information on what to see and eat. No matter how much ever you google and read on blogs, knowing the place is never the same online as described by a resident.

T-Zand square

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

The other squares and sites

The 14th century fish market. The Europeans are great marketeers.. no doubt ;)

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

The botanical garden

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

One of the lanes leading to a chruch

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

A square close to the Basilica

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

A display garden near a eat-out

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

The narrowest alley in Bruges - connecting houses

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

A walking trail

Photo of ‘Into the fairy-tale town of Flanders’ – Bruges by Ipshita

Well! I left Bruges with so many memories and one wish to visit sometime in Christmas. (If you didn't know, it has one of the best winter markets in Europe!).

Go explore!!