Beautiful Bruges (Bruges)

Member Name: mandyhaley

Product:	Bruges
Date:	18/07/01 (382 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Pretty and unspoilt

Disadvantages: Can get crowded in summer

Bruges is one of the most picturesque towns in Europe. With improved road links, it is now just over an hour’s drive from Calais. Parking is free and you can easily explore the town on foot. The current strength of the pound means there are some bargains to be had, or you could just soak up the wonderful atmosphere.

WHAT’S BRUGES LIKE?
It is a quaint old town with cobbled streets and canals running through it. You can take a guided boat ride (which is touristy, but interesting), or a horse-drawn carriage ride (more expensive!). The town is still unspoilt, and there is some lovely architecture in the main square. There is a wide variety of restaurants, many of which offer excellent value for money.

THINGS TO DO (besides shopping, eating and drinking)
There are a number of good museums, including a lace museum. The local brewery Straffe Hendrick runs regular tours (in a number of languages, including English), which include a glass of beer at the end! The tourist information office (in the main square) is informative, and will supply you with a free map and hints on what to do.

THINGS TO BUY
CHOCOLATE - Belgium is famous for its chocolates, and Bruges has a large number of shops to tempt you. There are the more well-known brands (Godiva, Leonadis, etc) plus MANY more. Expect to pay about half the UK prices. All shops accept credit cards, and most will also accept sterling and other European currencies.

BEER - Belgium is equally famous for its beer. There are many bars where you can enjoy a glass or two, and specialist shops where you can buy the souvenir packs and glasses to take home. I have found that it is cheaper to avoid these shops and buy Belgian beer in the French supermarkets on the way back to Calais.

LACE - You will also see lots of lace shops, with an overwhelming variety of items on display. I am personally not a great fan of these, but many people do buy lace souvenirs to take h
ome.

WHEN TO GO
Any time, although Christmas is my favourite time to visit. The town takes on a festive air, and there are some wonderful window displays in the shops. There are market stalls in the main square, an open-air ice rink. You can enjoy all this with a glass of mulled wine!

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