The preparation

I am one of those people who like to be prepared before going to a city. At least, I need to have a small plan for the day which can be easily rearranged. Moreover, I always do some research the day or week before. Pinterest search is now my friend to look for guides as much as the Tourism Info center.

I contacted the #visitbruges Tourist team to tell them I was coming and see if they do collabs with a blogger-photographer as myself. They kindly agreed and left me the most useful bunch of guides of the city.

How long to stay

I visited Bruges in one day but in order to experience it in toto, the ideal trip would be to stay in Bruges from 1 night up.

For instance, it would be a great idea to stay 1-2 nights in Bruges during the weekdays because it gives you the time to explore and inhale the magic atmosphere of the town at a slow pace.

Train Save Tip

Note that on weekends (Fri-Sun) there is a promotion of a free return. So you could think of going to Brussels on the weekend!

Is Bruges a walkable city?

Absolutely. I loved Bruges so much because you can walk everywhere from the train station to the center.

Everything is so close by but you can also decide to rent a bike in order to arrive at the windmills at the edge of the center near the bigger canal. Walking there is around 30 to 40 minutes so if you like walking and you have time, just go. 

That was the only place I didn’t go because we were running late and my friends didn’t want to walk that much.

Time to Explore it with me

Also, note that in Bruges I luckily haven’t seen one single electric scooter around. They would destroy the old atmosphere in my opinion. So either you walk or you bike.

Is Bruges tourists friendly?

This is one of the greatest points of Bruges because it is made for tourists. Meaning that you have almost every language guides, signs, people help you and the environment is very friendly. 

True, it is a romantic city but not only! The history, the architecture and the unique cityscape make Bruges a must-visit city of Belgium.

1.Minnewater & Begijnhof

This is the most romantic view of Bruges and I put it as the first must-see location because… do I need a why?

Autumn is coming, the yellow leaves are everywhere, the low sunset light is popping out and all the swans create an incredible atmosphere (I know swans are evil creatures, they bite me once, but they are cute). I would definitely suggest to stop by the park and take some time.

For more info about a romantic route to follow in Bruges here is the guide to follow.

More images, click to see the gallery

2.Narrow streets west of the Congress Center

I was left behind while we walked near the Congress Center because I was going in every little street I could find.

The particular front doors, details, positive quotes and the red bricks made me stay longer to photograph them. You will find a selection of my favourite snaps down below.

Some of the streets are Bakkersstraat, Koolbrandersstr and Oostmeers.

More images, click to see the gallery

3.The view near canals and bridges

We spotted a very chill location near the canal with no one around. I took the chance to take my favourite photographs of the trip.

The typical houses reflected on the water plus the beginning of autumn made this my secret favourite background.

Location: Spaanse Loskaai

• Bruges by Boat. To have an overall view of the city I suggest you go on a boat trip. They start from the Burg area and they take you up and down the canals giving you some interesting facts of the city.
• Get Lost. I am always driven by some nice house I see in that street of this street so I end up changing the suggested route to discover unusual sights. That’s how we get to Jan Van Eyckplain square or to the City Theatre.
• The Markt. The Market square in the city centre has the typical Belgium houses with nice triangular roofs in different colours. Next to them, there is the Belfry with its unique front.
• The Churches. In Bruges, there are some of the most spectacular medieval gothic churches such as St. Saviour’s Cathedral or the Church of our Lady.

Find a hidden spot

Alongside our routes of the city, we spotted some lovely locations. First of all the bridge near the Academiestraat and the street alongside the canal. It was on the shades and empty during lunchtime. Absolutely the perfect spot to take pictures with no unwanted people in the background.

The water reflection

Having all these canals and little lakes, it is easy to start and photograph reflections. Reflection of the building, of trees, of anything. When you come to Bruges definitely take at least one camera with you because the phone won’t be enough.

Look up at the architecture

The buildings are magnificent but the details of the roofs of their sculpture will take your attention. Do you know that the symbol of Bruges is a bear? You can find one on the corner of Burghers’ Lodge.

Legend says that the first Flemish Count had to defeat a huge bear to gain the city and so he did. To honour the memory of the bear, he chose to put it as the symbol of the city.

Neon signs lights

This is the photography dream! Or at least mine. I have never seen so many neon signs as in Belgium and Bruges has some amazing ones. This candy shop was a delight for my camera (I can only think of the amazing double exposures I could have done here) and it is placed in Zuidzandstraat.

Local shops

Mais Oui is an adorable clothing shop near Jan Van Eyckplein square. I was drowned by it by its witty books and blogger-friendly pink cards. Plus the candles and the pretty clothes. And the local sign at the front door says it all.

Mais Oui

Academiestraat 12, 8000 Brugge

shop here