Winter is not my favorite season, but there’s something about Christmas that makes it a bit more bearable. It’s a magical time of the year that fills me with joy and excitement. From the sparkling lights to the festive decorations, everything turns into a real-life fairytale. And let’s not forget about the shopping, which is always a good excuse during this time of the year.
Christmas markets were not something that I was passionate about until I visited the Bruges Christmas Market. This charming market is one of the best-rated in Europe and it captured my heart. Ever since my visit to Bruges, I promised myself to visit a new Christmas market every year.
Bruges is a small, picturesque medieval city that looks like it was taken straight out of a storybook. Its unique architecture takes on a whole new level of charm during winter, and the city is decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. Bruges is one of the best examples of a city that has preserved its medieval architectural details.
1. How do you get to Bruges?
The easiest way is to fly to Charleroi Airport, and then take a train from there to Bruges or Bruxelles. There’s a direct train that takes you from Charleroi to Bruges at about 2h30. It costs somewhere between 15-25€/way. You can also travel from the airport to Bruges by bus, but the trip is a bit longer than the train, about 3h30min.
If you want to go from Bruxelles to Bruges, there’s a train that costs 10-15€/way and will take you to the destination in about 1h. And there’s also a bus, that has pretty much the same price, except that the trip takes longer, up to 2h.
You can also visit Bruges from Paris, either by train or bus. However, it’s recommended to take the bus, because there are direct buses for 20-40€/way. As for the train, there’s no direct train connection from Paris to Bruges. You need to take the train to Bruxelles first, and then go to Bruges from there. A direct bus trip from Paris to Bruges will take around 4h30min.
2. Accommodation in Bruges
Bruges is divided into several neighborhoods, with Ezelstraat being the most popular among tourists. The city center is small enough to be easily traversed by foot, and it is where you’ll find most of the accommodation options. However, if you’re on a tight budget, it might be wise to look for places to stay away from the city center, as prices tend to be higher in the heart of the city. It’s worth noting that Bruges’ city center has been recognized as a UNESCO Heritage site. Regardless of when you plan to travel, I recommend booking your accommodation in advance, as the best options tend to get booked quickly, particularly during the winter season.
3. Public transport in Bruges
Bruges is a charming city that offers a range of options for getting around. The most enjoyable and picturesque way to explore the city is on foot. The historic center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing for a leisurely stroll through its cobblestone streets. If you want to take in the city’s sights and sounds while getting some exercise, walking is definitely the way to go.
If you’re travelling with luggage or prefer a faster option, you can take the bus from the train station to the city center. The journey only takes around 10 minutes and is a convenient alternative.
In addition to walking and public transportation, biking is a popular option in Bruges. You’ll see locals and tourists alike riding bicycles through the city’s narrow streets. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and take in all the beautiful scenery that Bruges has to offer.
4. Bruges Christmas Market
It’s no secret that I came to Bruges for its well-known Christmas Market, which can be found in all the Christmas Market guides on the internet. The market, called “Grote Markt,” is all about festive winter decorations and lights – a lot of lights. Everything is dressed up in Christmas-themed decor, from the streets to every restaurant and shop window. It’s definitely a picturesque sight and you’ll likely end up taking tons of photos, just like I did.
As for the weather in Bruges, it’s pretty chilly in the winter due to its proximity to the North Sea. However, the festive atmosphere throughout the city will warm your heart and make up for any cold temperatures.
5. What should you eat in Bruges?
Starting with dessert is always a good idea in Belgium. Indulge in some of the world-renowned Belgian chocolate that is easily accessible everywhere. It’s so good that you could easily survive on it alone during your stay.
In addition to chocolate, you will also find a wide variety of meat dishes cooked in Belgian beer, including beef, duck breast, or rabbit. One of the most famous Belgian dishes is the “Flemish beefsteak,” which is roasted beef cooked in beer.
If you visit during Christmas, you’ll find a plethora of food options at the market, including Belgian fries, waffles, desserts made with Belgian chocolate, mulled wine, and hot chocolate.
If you plan to dine in the city center, specifically in Grote Markt, be aware that prices are generally higher than in less central restaurants.
6. What should you visit in Bruges
- Grote Markt -heart of the city and the place where the Bruges Christmas Market is organized
- Belfort van Brugge – medieval bell tower located in the city center and included in the UNESCO Heritage in 1999. The tower can be visited for 15€.
- Rozenhoedkaai – one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bruges, due to its wonderful panoramic view.
- Stadhuis – the city hall, and one of the oldest buildings in Bruges. It has a gothic architecture and it can be visited every day, from 9:30 to 17:00, for 8€.
- Basilica Holy Blood – built in the 12th century, this church is known for hosting a relic of the holy blood. Every year, lots of people attend the Holy Blood Procession when the blood is carried through the city by believers and priests. Tourists can visit the church for free, every day from 09:00 to 17:30.
- Notre Dame Cathedral– also known as The Church of Our Lady, is a very famous cultural and historical attraction in Bruges, and it hosts a series of important artworks, the most popular being the sculpture Madonna and Child by Michelangelo. The museum is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 to 17:00, and on Sunday from 13:30 to 17:00. The ticket costs 8€.
- Molens van Brugge – the windmills of Bruges are part of the city’s cultural heritage and can be visited for 5€.
- Chocolate Museum – there are a lot of chocolate museums all over Belgium, and Bruges makes no exception. You can visit it for 13€, and the tour takes 1h30min. For reservations, you can check this website.
- Fries Museum – yep, there’s a whole museum dedicated to fries only. During the tour, you will be introduced to the fries history and you’ll also find some interesting info about the dippings they come along with. You can make a reservation here, for 9.50€.
- Bruges Canals – last but not least, the Bruges Canal tours are one big attraction in this wonderful city. They will take you from Jan Van Eyck Square to Beguinage, and will give you the chance to uncover the Bruges hidden wonders from a different perspective. You can book a canal tour from March to November, and it will cost around 10-15€.
Enjoy your trips!🥰
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Bruges Christmas Market 2024 opens to visitors from November 24th to January 7th.
