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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Bruges

19 replies

PickledMoomin · 09/09/2013 21:22

DP are thinking of a weekend break to Bruges for my birthday at the end of November.

Has anybody been? Did you enjoy it? Where did you stay? What did you do? Eurostar?

Thanks Grin

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Shakey1500 · 09/09/2013 21:23

Watching with interest Smile

Was thinking a weekend away in Jan.

Original poster
PickledMoomin · 09/09/2013 21:26

Should say DP and I. Have given up wine Sunday-Friday and I'm nowhere near as sharp.

Eurostar prices to Brussels are around £100 return each. Seems good value. Not sure about the prices from Brussels to Bruges

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Shakey1500 · 09/09/2013 21:33

Ahh we're oop North so would fly (save time).

There's (I've heard) a great "beer tour" which visits a ye olde brewery. No more details though. The architecture looks stunning. There's a great selection of hotels on trip advisor, but tons to trawl through. I'd rather have a closer recommendation.

dreamingbohemian · 09/09/2013 21:39

We once went to Brussels for a long weekend, and spent the day in Bruges. Bruges is absolutely gorgeous, really really lovely. I seem to remember it was not too far on the train nor expensive. Definitely a nice day trip. We preferred to stay in Brussels as bigger and more options but I'm sure you could have a nice weekend in Bruges.

BirdyBedtime · 09/09/2013 21:45

Friends of ours went last year and loved it. They flew from Edinburgh and stayed in a boutique B&B.

Screwfox · 09/09/2013 21:57

i fancy driving - it doesnt look far

Original poster
PickledMoomin · 10/09/2013 07:59

Bumping to get some tips

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Original poster
PickledMoomin · 10/09/2013 17:45

Bumping again

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wintersdawn · 10/09/2013 18:00

bruges is lovely been on girls weekend and with dh, much better than Brussels. the tourist bits aren't cheap, id avoid the main square for evening meals there are some much nicer restaurants in the streets around. the hotels outside of the old quarter are cheaper but don't have as much character.

wintersdawn · 10/09/2013 18:04

just noticed the dates you are thinking of going, research if the Christmas markets are on then, might make it more expensive but they are lovely. Diamond and chocolate museums are both good for something indoors to do. if the weather's nice wondering along the canals can uncover some lovely areas and a horse carriage on an evening isn't cheap but it is romanticWink

juneau · 10/09/2013 18:06

We went to Bruges as a couple of day trips (we were staying nearby). I loved it. I thought it might be really touristy and that it wouldn't be that nice because of it, but I was really pleasantly surprised. The Flemish architecture with the stepped gables is really pretty, the canal cruise is nice, if you like Fine Art there are some great examples of the Flemish Masters in various museums and churches, there are lots of good, inexpensive restaurants, and it's romantic - we were there in July with DS1, who was a toddler at the time, and I still thought it was romantic! Lots of nice bars too in which to sit and people watch, although it might be nicer to find a cosy one and curl up with a pint of very good Belgian beer in Nov. I don't even like beer, but the fruity ones are really rather delicious (I remember a really nice raspberry one).

stemstitch · 10/09/2013 18:07

It's like a fucking fairy tale.

[You probably have to have seen 'In Bruges' to get that joke...]

In all honesty, yes, it's very pretty. I only spent a day there as was staying in Brussels but it was lovely.

Original poster
PickledMoomin · 11/09/2013 11:00

I think we'll stay in Bruges rather than Brussels. Not sure where though...

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recall · 11/09/2013 11:03

this place is very lush

recall · 11/09/2013 11:04

Grand Hotel Casselbergh…I stayed there for a few days with my Mum and it was fantastic, I can't recommend it highly enough.

Original poster
PickledMoomin · 11/09/2013 11:30

It looks lovely! Was it central?

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Brillig · 11/09/2013 11:53

I've been a few times and yes, it's lovely. Christmas market in the main historic square is rather underwhelming, I have to say, though there's a very big general market on Saturdays out on the fringes of town which is lively and busy, but has the normal sort of stalls (clothing, bags, food etc).

If you like chocolate, there are something like 47 chocolate shops, so that'll keep you busy Grin

The Memling Museum is great if you like art/culture, and I highly recommend a walk to the Begijnhof (almshouses) which are lovely and very picturesque.

I'd also recommend the Gruuthusehof restaurant if you want a 'special' meal; its tourist menu is really good value and delicious (despite being called a tourist menu, iyswim). But I'd steer very well clear of the restaurants around the main square.

If you're there for a few days, it's an easy train ride to Ghent, another very historic Flemish town.

recall · 11/09/2013 15:31

Pickledmoomon yes…right in the centre of town.

Original poster
PickledMoomin · 11/09/2013 18:00

Really helpful. Thanks.

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