Bruges is a city located in the picturesque country of Belgium and the first glance one get when going there makes one feel they stepped in a fairy tale. Despite being a small city, it is filled with fascinating historic landmarks, beautiful channels and impressive architecture that provide a great contrast to the contemporary world of the present day. This beautiful city, also known as the Venice of the North, is ideal for guests who look for an exciting travel experience combining a rich history, architecture, and romance. Whether you will learn its history from looking at the structures, savor the delightful chocolate that it offers, or just immersed with the narrow roads of the city, one could definitely say that Bruges will not leave visitors disappointed.
Discovering the Magic of Bruges
The moment of arrival to the city is even like a jump back in time to the Middle Ages. There is more to Venice than just the romantic feeling, however its gothic, medieval style buildings and glassy calm waterways provide a fresh fairy tale experience. Start at the Market Place which is the central place of Bruges and visit Belfry of Bruges, which is a great piece of architecture. As for a thrill, you can try going up its stairs, 366 of them, for a great view of the city and historical significance too.
Not far from the Gate of St. Jacob, there is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which is also a sight worth seeing. This beautiful Church is said to contain a vial of Christ Blood and remains one of the best examples of architectural brilliance that forms part of Bruges’ spiritual past. Many museums exist in the city, so visit Groeningemuseum and Gruuthuse Museum which study the art and culture of the city.
The Allure of Bruges’ Canals
Cruising through the city via waterways would be one sightseeing trip to take as it serves as one of the highlighting tourist activities in Bruges. These waterways for which Bruges is nicknamed ‘The Venice of the North’ offer an exquisite view of the architectonic styles of buildings and the symmetrical greenery of gardens there. With its labyrinth of waterways, you will understand as you sail along that Bruges has been christened the Venice of the North.
The canals also reveal some of the attractions that are not easily noticeable in the city of Bruges. The begijnhof is a yard with white painted houses free from the city noise and crowds providing a quiet and calm atmosphere. This used to be the dwelling place of a group of beguines, is now occupied by Benedictine nuns and has always been more of a praying ground.
Small Airport Parking: Convenient and Cost-Effective
Organizing a holiday trip to the beautiful town of Bruges is easier said than done and particularly so if one has to fly from a large airport such as the Gatwick airport; however, with good and cheap airport parking options the task becomes a lot easier. Off-site parking lots are more advantageous than those within the airport restrictions and cheaper when compared to large parking lots.
In our research, we found that small airport parking has several advantages, one of which is that there is less fuss involved. This means that while parking might be a nightmare at most of the big airports there is close and easy parking space at the small airports. It is however important to recognize that this ease of access is particularly beneficial when assessing long stay parking Gatwick deals. This means that in cases where you have to park your car, you should consider small airport ones as this will make your trip to be well started.
Indulging in Bruges’ Culinary Delights
If you are an enthusiast of chocolate, you will consider Bruges as a paradise for you. Antal of local chocolatiers, where each of them has been creating his or her specialities. The Choco–Story or the Chocolate Museum has a lot to offer, giving interesting information about the origin and the creation of chocolate. Definitely do not forget to bring some pralines for the road as a way of telling yourselves that you guys had a sweet time in Luxembourg.
For those who seek a heartier meal, Bruges is home to several fine dining establishments with Michelin stars serving some of the finest Belgian dishes. Pleasing eye and palate, from the freshly caught fish to authentic and delicious fish stews, visitors are offered a rich gastronomic choice in Bruges.
Exploring Bruges’ Cultural Scene
Bruges’ cultural scene is as rich and varied as its history. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and film to literature and folklore. The Bruges Triennial, an international contemporary art exhibition, transforms the city into an open-air gallery, showcasing innovative works by artists from around the world.
Music lovers will appreciate the city’s vibrant classical music scene. The Concertgebouw Brugge, a state-of-the-art concert hall, hosts performances by world-class orchestras and soloists. For a more traditional experience, visit one of the many churches in Bruges that regularly hold organ and choral concerts.
Practical Tips for Visiting Bruges
To make the most of your trip to Bruges, consider the following practical tips:To make the most of your trip to Bruges, consider the following practical tips:
Accommodation:
Agency or appointed travel insurance block your accommodations ahead of time particularly if you are planning on visiting popular travel time of the year. For aspiring tourists, it is worth noting there are many types of accommodations in Bruges including bed and breakfasts, country house hotels and luxury hotels.
Transport:
Bruges is also quite compact so most of the attractions can be easily reached on foot that is why walking around the town gives the best impression. If your journey is farther, then it is recommendable to hire a bicycle or use buses that are locally available.
Weather:
Bruges has a temperate maritime climate so be sure and dress right according to the weather conditions expected on the day of your visit. Summers are therefore relatively moderate while cold and damp conditions characterise the winter season.
Conclusion
Bruges is a city that perfectly combines both its ancient beauty and the joyful energy of today, thus offering a true vacation for those who dare to travel there. Buildings have been constructed, generic visitor attractions include Gothic towers, canals and cobbled streets, About Food and the Arts: Bruges has cuisines and arts of various types make the city a favorite for everyone. To this effect, the following are factors you need to consider when planning for your visit: Gatwick Airport as one of the largest airports in the world is usually busy all through the year, and therefore, the convenience of small airport parking should be an essential consideration before you decide the mode of transport to use since they are more economical than those of the large airports. As far as parking facilities are concerned, if a visitor gets the right choice, then there will be no stress when you are to start the fairy-tale city break in Bruges.
