Tien and Paul's Travels: Bruges, Belgium

Bruges took the spot light in our trip planning for Belgium. The beautiful fairy-tale village, the picturesque canals, the intact medieval architecture and the prominent UNESCO World heritage site historic city center put Bruges on the top of our Belgium destination. Bruges also is a convenient stop on the SNCF train system from Paris to continue our travel northward. We stayed three nights in Bruges historic city center and took a day trip to Ghent during our stay.

Michelle has been my great companion so far. She was not only my travel partner, but also my tour guide, personal dietician and "porter" too. She prepared my breakfast, carried my luggage, lifting it on and off the train, etc...

The historic district

Taking a break before checking in our hotel

The center of town, Grote Markt Square was within a short walk from our hotel.

The prominent Belfry of Bruges

Grote Markt Square-Michelle hangs on tight to her Rick Steves' book.

City Hall

Grote Markt Square

Main street in the market Square

A canal cruise was the first touristy thing we did in Bruges. This 45 minute boat cruise was a great way to see this historic city from the canals. We caught the last boat cruise of the day and was able to avoid the crowd. We thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic cruise.

Ready for the canal cruise

Magnificent view around every bend

The charming houses on the canal

Bruges is known as the Venice of the North with its picturesque canals and lovely bridges

Church of Our Lady

Storybook houses along the canal

At night, the canals became magical and serene. The fairy-tale village framed by the gorgeous canals was the most memorable view during my evening promenade.

The Bell Tower in the evening

It's fun to try my new IPhone 11 camera on the canal scenery. Amazing what my little phone camera could capture the magical of a fairy tale village in the evening lights!

View along the canal

Some of my favorite views of the canal

Bruges has more than just beautiful canals and fairy-tale village. It's also well known for beer, chocolate and Belgian waffles. More sweets added to this already sweet city!

All-year-round Christmas store

Bruges popular snack - waffles

Marzipan and Stollen shop

"Home Depot" Chocolate

Chocolate and variety of sweets

The popular Dumon Chocolatier delights many American tourists

Our favorite ice cream parlor

Bruges also offers many interesting sites to visit in the historic center. Top tourist attractions are the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Church of Our Lady and the Gruuthuse museum.

The Church of Our Lady

Inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Beautiful stained glass window in the Basilica

The altar where tourists can view the Blood of Christ

Not far from the busy city center of Bruges, we enjoyed a pleasant stroll through the garden ground of the Beguinage of Bruges, a UNESCO world heritage site and the nearby Winnewaterpark.