Bruges: The Venice of the North

This post is part of our Europe travel series. If you missed the beginning of the trip, you can catch up here. In the previous post, I shared our time in Ghent. You can read it here.

After Ghent, our excitement grew as we headed to Bruges, a city in Belgium and the capital of West Flanders. Often called the “Venice of the North” for its beautiful canals, Bruges is small in size but rich in history and charm. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, thriving as a center for trade, especially cloth and textiles. Merchants from across the world came here, filling the city with energy and prosperity.

Over time, however, the waterways connecting Bruges to the sea silted up, and trade gradually shifted to Antwerp. Political and economic changes further slowed the city’s growth, and Bruges grew quieter. 
Ironically, this decline helped preserve its medieval beauty. While other cities modernized, Bruges remained largely untouched, retaining its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and old-world charm. The city also proudly carries Belgium’s rich beer tradition, with historic breweries and cozy cafés scattered throughout.

On the morning of May 21st, around 9 a.m., we caught a train from Ghent. The journey to Bruges was only about 40 minutes. Stepping out of the station, we entered a narrow cobblestone street. Other than a few travelers, there was hardly anyone around. We began walking through the lanes lined with old brick houses, their walls close together like tiny dolls’ houses. 

In about ten minutes, we reached the city center, already feeling as though we had stepped back into the 16th century. The town felt calm, magical, and timeless. The main square, known as the Market Square, has stood here since the 10th century. By the 12th century, an annual international fair drew traders from far and wide, making the square the vibrant heart of the city’s life and commerce.

Overlooking the square is the Belfry, rising 83 meters tall. Its tower stands strong against the sky, a symbol of Bruges’ wealth and power during its golden age. Long ago, its bells guided daily life and warned of danger. On one side of the square, colorful Dutch-style houses with stepped gables added a painterly charm. On the other, bustling cafés welcomed visitors with outdoor seating facing the open square. In the center stands the statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, local heroes who led the people of Bruges in a 14th-century revolt.

We had breakfast at Café Français Brasserie, right in the square. While enjoying our meal, we met a retired couple from London, curious travelers like us, and shared stories. The square was lively, with market vendors just opening their stalls. Fresh fruits, meats, cheeses, flowers, and baked goods filled the air with color and scent. It was cheerful and vibrant a perfect start to our day.

After breakfast, our Legends Free Walking Tour guide arrived at Market Square. We said goodbye to the London couple and joined the group. A short walk brought us to Burg Square, the historic political heart of Bruges.

Here stands the City Hall (Stadhuis), built in the 14th century and one of Belgium’s oldest city halls. Its Gothic architecture is exquisite, with tall, narrow windows, delicate arches, and statues carefully placed within niches. One detail especially caught my eye, the Bruges coat of arms. The golden lion represents Flanders, the brown bear symbolizes Bruges, and the central shield reflects the city’s historic identity. Seeing these symbols together made me appreciate how proudly the city displays its heritage and history.

Tucked into a corner of Burg Square, right next to City Hall, is the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Its Gothic architecture and golden statues make it truly unique. The basilica is believed to preserve a cloth stained with Jesus’ blood, making it sacred to many visitors.

Inside, soft light filtered through stained glass windows, painting the walls in delicate colors. The atmosphere was peaceful and reverent. The basilica has a lower and an upper chapel, with the relic displayed daily in the upper chapel. Standing before the relic, held by a priest, and seeing the solemn presence of the provost, the quiet reverence of the space made the moment profoundly moving.

From Burg Square, we saw a narrow street with a beautifully decorated arch, Blind Donkey Street (Blinde-Ezelstraat). Our guide told us that in the 14th century, a tavern here bore the same name. The street felt historic and charming.

Next, we reached the Vismarkt (Fish Market). Though the building dates to the 19th century, fish has been sold here for centuries. Even today, fresh fish is sold two days a week, a lively reminder of Bruges’ trading history.

Our guide also showed us the crooked rooftops of Bruges, leaning with age, and shared that some cobblestones had been stolen in the past leaving small empty spots in the streets. These little details added to the city’s storybook charm.

We stopped at a chocolate shop, tasted Bruges’ famous chocolates, and then crossed several quaint bridges. One was the Boniface Bridge, a small stone bridge offering lovely views of the canals and medieval buildings. 

From there, we visited one of Bruges’ historic beer tunnels. Dating back to medieval times, these underground canals allowed barrels of beer to be transported safely and kept cool, hidden from street traffic. It was fascinating to imagine the city’s bustling trade quietly carried out beneath our feet.

That was the last stop of our tour. We thanked our guide for the wonderful experience and then went our separate ways. It had been a truly enjoyable and memorable tour.

Next, we visited the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde. Unlike the small Beguinehof in Amsterdam, this one felt like a tiny self-contained village. Whitewashed houses surrounded a quiet courtyard with a central church. Walking through, we felt calm and reflective, as if time itself had slowed. Today, it serves mostly as a residential community for single women and the elderly, preserving its peaceful spirit.

Right next to the Beguinage is Minne Water (Lake of Love). The serene lake is framed by greenery and historic walls, its calm waters reflecting the nearby buildings. A legend tells of a fisherman’s daughter, Mina, and her love, Stramberg, ending tragically here giving the lake its romantic name. Swans glide gracefully across the water, often forming heart shapes with their necks, perfectly embodying the lake’s story of love and fidelity.

After lunch, we took a canal cruise, one of the most beautiful experiences of the trip. The canal stretched ahead, old brick houses hugged the water, and trees leaned gracefully over, their branches almost touching the surface. Passing under bridges felt like entering a hidden, magical world.

Along the way, we saw the entrance of Saint John’s Hospital, one of Europe’s oldest preserved hospitals. During plague times, patients were brought directly by boat through the canals to avoid spreading disease a fascinating glimpse into history.

After the canal cruise, we returned to the city center. One thing we immediately noticed was that chocolate shops were everywhere in Bruges. While we had seen a few in Ghent, Bruges felt as though all of Belgium’s chocolates had gathered in one city.

Displays of chocolates shaped like seashells, delicate tools, and colorful patterns filled the streets, tempting every passerby. Walking past them felt like wandering through a city made of cocoa and sweetness.

In the evening, around six o’clock, we had dinner at Manhattan's Burgers, enjoying a relaxed meal after a full day of exploring. By seven, we headed back to Ghent, bringing our Belgian adventure to a close. Bruges and Ghent had been, without a doubt, the most charming stops of our trip each brimming with history, winding canals, and unique character. 

After exploring the Netherlands and Belgium, our journey continued to France. The next morning, bright and early, we set off for Paris, ready to begin the next chapter of our European adventure. You can read those memories here.