City short break in Bruges

Perfectly preserved and criss-crossed with attractive waterways, medieval Bruges is a gem, and a delight to visit in any season. Winter sees skaters skimming along the frozen canals and the pretty shops and cafés glow with warmth, while in summer months cafés spill out onto the pavements and sunlit squares.

The local seafood is delicious – mussels from around Zeebrugge and shrimps from Ostend are particularly tasty. Your meal should, of course, be washed down with one of the famous Belgian beers. There is a vast range to choose from, and a huge variety of differently-shaped glasses to match. The Trappist beers tend to be quite strong, while the white beers are lighter. For something a bit different, try one of the fruit-flavoured beers – take your pick from passion fruit, raspberry and cherry, among others.

A boat trip along the canals can provide an interesting introduction to the city, but the best way to explore the narrow streets and appreciate fully the architectural richness of the step-gabled buildings is on foot. The 600-year-old City Hall, the Renaissance Old Recorders' House, and the 17th-century Provost's House are among the most splendid. For a panoramic view of the city, climb the 366 steps up to the belfry of the Church of Our Lady.

Elsewhere, an excellent variety of enticing shops – including numerous specialist boutiques selling lace and delicious handmade chocolates – vie for attention with churches, galleries and museums, the subjects of which include Flemish art, lace, folklore and Belgian beer. (Most museums close on either Monday or Tuesday.) Or while away an hour or so browsing the stalls of the twice-weekly market, held on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Traveller Reviews of This Trip

Efficiently run hotel, well placed for the town centre. Very clean. Good choice at breakfast…Thanks as always for an excellent service. We have travelled with you for 8 or so years now and find the whole outfit most impressive. Mr M, Northumberland, 04/06/2009

Excellent hotel. Quiet, yet close to centre and away from tourist hordes! Friendly but efficient owner. Mr C, Colchester, 02/05/2009

For more reviews of this trip, see: Reviews of City break in Bruges