Sunday, October 20, 2024

Beer and waffles in Bruges, Belgium

We went on a day trip to Bruges from Ghent as it was just around fifty kilometres away that could be covered in an hour.

Bruges, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is a picturesque city in Belgium known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and enchanting canals. 


Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features cobblestone streets, charming squares, and landmarks such as the Belfry of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

Bruges has a rich and complex history that dates back to the early medieval period. Originally a settlement of the Celtic tribe, it developed significantly during the 9th century as a trading post due to its strategic location near the North Sea.

In the 12th and 13th centuries, Bruges flourished as a major commercial hub in Europe, especially in the wool trade. The construction of canals facilitated trade, connecting the city to the sea and enabling it to become a vital port. This period saw the rise of powerful merchant guilds and the establishment of the Bruges Bourse, one of the first stock exchanges.

The city reached its peak in the 14th century, becoming a cultural and artistic center. Notable works from this time include the famous Flemish Primitives, such as Jan van Eyck. However, by the 15th century, Bruges began to decline due to silting in its harbor, which reduced its trading capacity.


In the 16th and 17th centuries, Bruges faced further economic challenges but managed to retain its artistic heritage. The Industrial Revolution brought some revitalization, but the city transformed into a quiet, medieval town.

Today, Bruges is celebrated for its historical significance and beauty, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to experience its rich cultural legacy. Its preservation as a UNESCO World Heritage site underscores its importance as a medieval urban center.



Our first item on the ‘to-do’ list was a boat cruise down the canal as we would manage to see most of the city without breaking into a sweat.


The cruise was wonderful with a knowledgeable boat captain who kept pointing out the various sights on the way. He had a great sense of humour too!


Next on our list was to try out the various beers of Belgium followed by a quick snack. Not to forget the ‘French’ fries that originated in Belgium and of course to satiate our sweet tooth, the world famous Belgian waffles!


Before long it was evening and time to get back to Ghent after a lovely satisfying day in Bruges, ending it on a sweet note!

Linking with image-in-ing

24 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    I have fond memories of Bruges - mainly food related!!! It is a gem of a city and your photos do it justice. YAM xx

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  2. What a lovely glimpse into your trip to Bruges! It sounds like a perfect day trip filled with rich history and beautiful architecture. I love how you described Bruges as the "Venice of the North"—the canals and cobblestone streets must make it feel so enchanting! And of course, beer and waffles are the perfect way to enjoy the local flavors. Thank you for sharing this!

    Check out my new blog post too!

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  3. Sounds like an amazing day in Bruges.
    The boat cruise is a fun way to see the sights.
    Ah, Belgian waffles and beer—can't go wrong with that combo!
    Thanks for sharing your adventure!

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  4. I would also sign up for such a cruise. You can visit quite a lot.

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  5. I'd love to go there. Your photos want to make me visit more now :-D I've heard they have a great Christmas Market too. Have you ever been to Scotland?

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    Replies
    1. You must! Amazing place indeed!
      You wanted to know if I've been to Scotland, yes and have blogged about it at https://instantwords.blogspot.com/2019/01/fun-and-sights-in-scotland.html

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  6. Wow... We know the cinema film about Brügge. And we would like to travel there, a most fantastic city indeed. Thank you for sharing.

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  7. How about Belgian chocolate? I love Belgian chocolate!
    Bring me one. ^_^
    nice to visit this blog. I am from Indonesia.

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    Replies
    1. Gorged on those in Ghent 😜
      Thank you for the visit.

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  8. Here I am getting to know your blog and joining your friends.
    I invite you to read (and follow if you wish) my blog about movies and haikus.
    (ꈍᴗꈍ) Poetic and cinematic greetings.

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  9. A beautiful city! I wish they would build houses as beautiful today as they did back then.

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  10. Loved the way you presented this beautiful city.

    Mount Kailash is also one such beautiful summit, check out my new blog to know more about Mount Kailash and do visit frequently
    https://felixanoopthekkekara.blogspot.com/2024/11/mount-kailash-journey-to-center-of.html

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  11. What a charming day trip to Bruges! The combination of its rich history, beautiful canals, and delicious Belgian treats like beer, fries, and waffles sounds absolutely delightful. The boat cruise with a humorous captain must have been a great way to see the city. Thanks for sharing your lovely adventure!

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  12. That waffle gave me a long pause. Yum! I'm no drinker but I definitely want to visit here someday. Love the architecture too. Thanks for bringing me on a quick tour with this blog.

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Beer and waffles in Bruges, Belgium

We went on a day trip to Bruges from Ghent as it was just around fifty kilometres away that could be covered in an hour. Bruges, often ref...