48 hours in Bruges feels a bit like stepping into a fairytale, but one where the main characters are more likely to be on a quest for waffles rather than a princess. The cobbled streets, medieval charm, and canals whispering their way through the city set the perfect scene for 48 hours of wandering, munching, and attempting to take the perfect canal-side photo without a selfie stick intruding in the frame. It’s the kind of place where you wonder if locals ever get tired of living in such postcard-worthy surroundings, or if they just embrace it and secretly laugh at tourists wobbling over cobblestones in impractical shoes.
Start off in the Markt square, where the Belfry of Bruges looms over like a slightly judgy medieval guardian. Climbing it is a rite of passage, offering a panoramic view that makes every one of the 366 steps worth it. If legs aren’t up for it first thing in the morning, sitting down with a coffee at one of the overpriced but satisfyingly atmospheric cafés will do just fine. People-watching here is excellent, with a rotating cast of selfie-snapping visitors and impatient cyclists weaving through the crowds like it’s a sport.
The next logical step is a canal cruise, because no one comes to Bruges and skips the boats. A slow glide through the waterways makes for the perfect introduction to the city’s history, spiced up with the occasional enthusiastic duck photobombing your shots. The guides tend to pepper their tours with amusing historical anecdotes, proving that Bruges has been charming and slightly chaotic for centuries.
Wandering aimlessly should be the main activity of the day, but aim to bump into the Begijnhof, a tranquil courtyard where swans float about, and the Minnewater Park, also known as the Lake of Love, which might make even the most cynical feel vaguely romantic for a minute. A pitstop at a frites stand is non-negotiable. The secret? The sauce. Andalouse, samurai, truffle mayo—choose wisely. And, of course, don’t even think about calling them “French fries” unless you fancy a passionate history lesson from a local.
Afternoon demands a trip to the Groeningemuseum for a bit of Flemish art indulgence. Even if art history isn’t usually the thing, the dark and slightly dramatic works of Jan van Eyck and his peers have a way of grabbing attention. If that sounds too serious, the Beer Museum is always an option, where interactive exhibits are just a warm-up for the real reason anyone goes—tasting flights of Belgian brews with a canal view. Pair that with a pretzel or some local cheese, and suddenly, everything makes sense.
As evening rolls in, De Garre is the move. Tucked away in an alley that requires just the right amount of effort to locate, it serves one of the best local beers, Tripel van De Garre, with a side of cheese that’s frankly addictive. The ambiance is exactly what you want from a Bruges pub—dark wood, lively chatter, and a slow, delightful descent into beer-induced contentment. If there’s still room for dinner, a plate of Flemish stew or freshly caught mussels at a cosy bistro should do the trick. Make peace with the fact that every meal in Bruges seems to involve either beer, cheese, or both.
The second day starts with a buttery croissant or a classic Belgian breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien before heading to the Church of Our Lady to see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child. It’s not every day one casually stumbles upon a Michelangelo sculpture outside of Italy. A short stroll away, the Basilica of the Holy Blood offers the chance to see an alleged relic of Christ’s blood, kept in an ornate vial that gets ceremoniously paraded around the city once a year. Even if you’re not particularly religious, the sheer reverence of the place is worth experiencing.
A mid-morning hot chocolate break is entirely justified at The Old Chocolate House, where the DIY approach involves a cup of steaming milk and a hefty chunk of chocolate to dissolve at leisure. This might also be a good time to pick up some artisan pralines because resisting Belgian chocolate is futile. The chocolate scene in Bruges is serious business—some shops even offer pairings with beer, which is both genius and slightly dangerous.
A bike ride out to the windmills along the city’s edge shakes things up a bit. These old structures, standing like stoic giants against the skyline, are perfect for a breezy ride and a few dramatic photos. If cycling doesn’t appeal, a slow wander through the side streets, popping into antique shops and bookshops, works just as well. The second-hand bookshops here feel like treasure troves, often stocked with beautiful old editions of Flemish literature and the occasional English classic.
For a proper send-off, finish at a hidden courtyard café, preferably with a final beer in hand, to soak in the last bit of Bruges’ quiet magic. The city never quite rushes, so there’s no reason to either. Just one last waffle, perhaps? Maybe two. After all, it’d be rude not to.
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