Rick Steves' Europe: Bruges, Belgium
Belgium's exquisitely preserved medieval city is home to picturesque canals, gilded architecture, great beer and handcrafted chocolate
- By Rick Steves
- Smithsonian magazine, May 2010
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(Alan Copson / JAI / Corbis)
Bruges, which gets Rick Steves' vote for the sweetest town in Belgium, has a passion for chocolate. You'll be tempted by display windows all over town.
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Comments (4)
I was in Bruges in 1956, just after the World's Fair in Brussels. I was in a high school group of boys from South Yorkshire. Bruges was fascinating for many reasons: the antique shop windows were full of flint-lock pistols, the cheapest being just beyond my means. The architecture and canals were romantic, the shops great for practising French; I learned, for instance that "a little bit" was not "un peu peu". The pool tables in the bars we were allowed into but not to drink alcohol were fascinating with their bumper bollards scattered over the surface of the table. I went home still preferring Cadbury's to Belgian chocolate, and that hasn't changed in 55 years. I have been back to Bruges a couple of times with a much higher appreciation of its history and art, but have unfortunately not made any great inroads into the products of its 365 breweries.
Posted by David Walmsley on December 8,2011 | 09:57 PM
I lived in The Hague, The Netherlands, for 4 years. Each year I was there, I made several trips to Bruges for the weekend (or a long weekend). It is one of my favorite places.....great food (yes, the chocolate and beer and so many other foods are excellent!), great sites, etc.
I remember a number of times I would sit out in the town square and order a bucket full of mussels in white wine sauce and just totally relax and people watch for a couple of hours. And, yes, the frites are really tasty......along with the mayo that usually comes with them in Belgium and The Netherlands.
It's been about 5 years since I've been to Bruges....I feel like buying a ticket tomorrow to go back!
I'd also recommend the Belgian town of Ghent. Somewhat similar to Bruges, but more of a college town. I also went there a few times a year while living in Europe. Each summer they have the Gentse Feesten, a big carnival that's lots of fun.
Posted by Richard on August 12,2010 | 05:52 PM
Every Saturday and Sunday for the Last 15 years we watch Rick Steves and Belgium is one of our favorite places . Any information supplied for the backpackers of the college years to the business travelers of the 20's and 30's who are now parents in their forties, for fanmily travel is very helpful via Rick Steves programs. I wanted to say Thank You for keeping the Travel bug alive!!!
Posted by Thomas D Leavitt on July 14,2010 | 10:44 AM
The town square in Brugges is one of my favorite in all of Europe. This town is called the Venice of the North for a good reason. There is plenty of good lodging, good cuisine, and wonderful culture.
Posted by Michael L. Smith on June 17,2010 | 11:50 AM