From Amsterdam it’s a bit of a jaunt to get to Bruges (or Brugge) by public transport, so I wouldn’t go for the day- it’s more of an overnight situation.
Bruges is such a darling town. Not sure if you’ve seen the movie, but thankfully most of that craziness never happened while I was there. Side note- if you are wondering where you know the main movie chick from and you don’t want to consult imdb.com – she is Fleur Delacour. You’re welcome.
When you arrive at the station, you think it is super far from the centre, but it isn’t- just look at a map. So, depending on where you are staying, you should probably walk. It is a lot quicker since cabs have to battle the tiny cobblestone roads and pedestrians.
Along with the fact that the driver would have to listen to you loudly whispering to your travel buddy things like HOW MUCH IS IT?! or LOOK AT HOW QUICKLY THE METER GOES UP! and no taxi (Uber didn’t exist when I wrote this 10 years ago) driver wants to hear that.
I heard the bell tower has stunning views from the top, which I didn’t get to see because I am out of shape and prefer to eat ice cream and sweet treats rather than walk in an upward direction.
where to (not) eat
Speaking of waffles, Chez Albert has some delectable ones. For some delicious Greek food, go to The Olive Tree.
Whatever you do- and I can’t stress this enough- I don’t care if you are so hungry your stomach sounds like two geese mating or if your mouth is hangover-dry. You are better off dying with no taste in your mouth rather than the remnants of the horrible meal you would have had if you ate at the main square Markt.
One of the worst meals (food, service and prices!- three fatal stab wounds to my heart) I ever had in all my travels was at a restaurant there that serves pasta. It is in one of those orange-coloured, pretty buildings that you see, the middle one in most photos of Bruges. I don’t even want to find or type the name of the restaurant. Just heed my warning and avoid all food in the Bruges main square Markt.
As a rule of thumb (I’m not done my rant yet). NEVER eat in a plaza. If I need to get you a What Word Corrine Do (WWCD) bracelet, I will. I made a whole bunch of them that nobody seems to want, but my cat – then I remembered I don’t have a cat.
stuff to do in bruges
If you missed seeing some windmills while you were in the Netherlands or if you simply have a thing for windmills (no judgements), Bruges has some! Type in Sint-Janshuismolen or Bonne Chieremolen Bruges into Google maps and you can see where they are! It is a lovely area for a picnic or a free sit on the grass because you don’t have a blanket/ towel too.
I did one of the popular canal boat cruises. It was brilliant all thanks to the cute doggie in the window named Fidele, that has since passed away. I’m so sorry for bringing it up, but the doggie was perfection and I wanted to honour his memory. Without the dog I’m sure the boat cruise is good- but the dog did make it much better. He is apparently one of the most photographed dogs in the world and I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about this.
The only thing I didn’t like on the boat tour was the whole pressure/ obligation to tip afterwards, especially since I spent a butt load for the original ticket since it was €8-10 at the time. In 2026 it is €15.00! Cue me loud whispering to my non-existent cat HOW MUCH IS IT?! or WHAT DOES THAT COST ON A PER-MINUTE BASIS?!
Don’t get me started on these prices of living nowadays…
