Belgium - Bruges

“Trust your heart if the seas catch fire, live by love though the stars walk backward.” – E.E. Cummings

Dijver Canal

I am not sure why I included this quote - maybe because Bruges is so romantic and soulful, or maybe because I simply loved the quote and am in one of those autumn moods where you just want to feel cozy and soft. Where you want to believe that love really does conquer all and makes all this insanity in the world somehow manageable. And just drink hot chocolate and good red wine which brings me back to Bruges. Although compared to Venice, it's definitely more like Amsterdam with a nod to Boston, just because of all the weeping willows which reminds me of the Commons. And all the decadent food - mussels and fries, beer, chocolate and more chocolate. I am not a big dessert person but I did snag some hot chocolate to get through the chilly but beautiful weather! Like many trips, perfect place to go off season and especially the fall as it's designed to be warm and cozy.

Fall at its Finest

Alot of great history here - the Basilica of the Holy Blood is a stunning little church that claims to have a vile of Christ's blood, which is on display at certain times of the week, with shortest weekend lines on Fridays after 2pm (even off season, the weekends are a zoo). Also here is one of the very few Michelangelo statues outside Italy, the Madonna and Child at the Church of our Lady.

Basilica of Holy Blood

Then there is the Belfry, the medieval bell tower with 366 steps to climb to the top - honestly other than the exercise, its really not worth the wait or the price except to be there when the bells actually ring! If you're looking for some exercise, better to walk all the way east to the Windmills!

Must Dos
1) Eat mussels & fries, you won't be sorry. So many good places, even on the square - Central was great. The local beer, Brugge Zot! is brewed in town and there are pipes underneath the city used to transport beer all around to pubs. I am not one to comment on the waffles and chocolates but they looked great. And for those of you who know me well, you will know why I spent alot of time at Le Pain Quotidien, the lovely Belgian cafe is great for a healthy breakfast of eggs and avocado in lieu of dessert again...to each their own!

2) Shop - all the lovely Christmas markets (although a bit early) were amazing for little gifts and ideas, especially for kids with little countdown to Christmas stockings which were my fav! Puts you in a good mood if nothing else. There are a ton of local boutiques with lovely wool and winter clothes, as well as all the high street brands. I loved all the beauty shops as well - good for winter lotions. And of course all the linen and lace shops - the best non-touristy one was Home Linen on Vlamingrstraat 4 where they had lingerie bags and lavender and lace. Don't forget alot of great home stores, including my fav right next to LPQ. ha.

LPQ Heaven!

The Sweetest Christmas Stockings...

3) Hotel de Tuilerieën was so great - little fireplace in the bar, so cozy! Felt like staying in someone's house, and part of SLH so just lovely overall. Didn't try spa but next time. Right on the Dijver canal so amazing views and a small market right in the park on weekends.

4) Chocolate Shops- If you love chocolate, perhaps better to do your own research as I am not a huge fan and I found Chocolate Line and the other shops very commercial and touristy. I did love Pralinette for their hot chocolate bar and great take-home containers of cocoa and hot chocolate and all kinds of goodness for anyone who does love chocolate.

Overall, a great little town for a quick getaway via EuroStar from London - and 1 hour from Brussels. There was a 10K race which I would consider next year, good way to motivate and see the city!

Park across street from Hotel

Canals...

And more canals...but still so lovely!