Bruges in early Feb

[SpicyMarge]

I’ll be in Bruges for three nights at the end of Jan/start of Feb.

Already planning to hop on a train to Ghent, and possibly head to Oostende.

Staying on Niklaas Desparsstraat so very close to Grote Markt, Belfort etc. Planning on spending lots of time strolling around to look at canals and eat chocolate/waffles/moules/drink beer, plus hoping to head to Chuch of Our Lady to see the Michangelo, but would welcome any other recommendations.

We’re a couple in our 40s- generally happy to walk around, like nice cafes and restaurants.

Bruges is so lovely and so interesting. I enjoyed Choco-story the chocolate museum, and the Gruuthusemuseum (which is next to Our dear Lady church) was a real highlight. Beautiful medieval carvings, furniture, tapestries and art

Restaurant-wise, I can recommend Vlaminck ‘14 for lighter meals, Poules Moules and de Mangerie for an evening meal, and Diligence as a pub!

If you're only there 3 nights and you're already planning 2 day trips you wont have much time to explore at a leisurely pace

Bruge is too fantastic not to absorb it fully and properly, you can also hire some bikes and cycle out along the canals into the countryside.

I'd recommend the boat trip. Any of the several providers will do - it's the same route and price.
The museum pass is good value if you plan to do all the museums. You need to pay to see the Michelangelo and to go up the tower so that's a good chunk covered already.

Recent visit to Bruges - I can also recommend Poules Moules!
Plus there's a tapas place about a minute away from PM, very good too, name escapes me though!
Stumbled upon a brand new cocktail bar, Anda Lounge, nice vibe and good cocktails!

Definitely go to the Mozart Restaurant!! Meat was amazing, and the place is in an interesting building.

But 3 nights for me, I wouldn’t be hopping on a train anywhere I don’t think. Maybe for 1 morning or evening? It’s a lovely city to spend time wandering around.

Is that the All You Can Eat ribs place? It’s on the list but husband isn’t too keen- think he’s picturing a bad buffet 🤣

Just spotted a typo in my opening post- we’re actually there for your nights, not three! Apologies.

Thanks for all the recommendations so far everyone. All the research I’ve done is showing Bruge in December so obviously the Christmas markets and lights feature heavily. Sounds like there’s still plenty to do in Feb.

One of the days we’re there is a Monday and lots of museums etc seem closed so thinking that might be the day to head on the train somewhere.

Am really looking forward to frites and mayo.

We found there was about 2 days worth of stuff to do in Bruges. So one day trip - Ghent is lovely, honestly more to do there than in Bruges, far fewer tourists as well.

Oh no, the what to do on a Monday problem - wherever you go, things will be shut. We spent a cold rainy day in Antwerp desperate for anything to be open.

Bruges is probably your best bet as so much of it is just walking around, going on the boat trip, eating chocolates and frites.

If doing just the one day trip, I'd definitely choose Ghent. Beautiful city and, like PP said, less touristy than Bruges.

@SpicyMarge It’s nothing like that!
You order off the menu. Then if you want more ribs/steak/amazing jacket potatoes (they are incredible) you ask a waiter. I had the chicken skewer. Not sure I had anymore than my 1 portion! But my husband definitely made the most of it with the ribs.