Bruges City Breaks 2012

Bruges is a delightful and wonderfully preserved medieval town and can be enjoyed most over a short stay of a few nights or even a day trip. The weather may not always be ideal, however, the beer on tap is probably the best in the world and the food isn’t too bad either. It's a great place to spend a city break or short holiday.

The City

Bruges is located in the Flanders region of Belgium and the people here speak Flemish which is quite similar to Dutch. English is almost universally spoken, but it is generally greatly appreciated if holiday makers try the local lingo.

You can see Bruges best from the water. Canal boat trips are available in various locations along the waterways and most feature multi lingual guides who will give you a decent history of the town. Not to be missed. Alternatively, if you feel up to it, you can hire a bicycle. Cycling through the streets of Bruges is pleasant, but can be extremely bumpy due to the cobbled streets.

Eating and Drinking

Of course, Bruges is famous for it’s wide selection of beers. There are over one thousand on offer throughout the city’s bars, cafes and bistros and most are delicious. It’s a far cry from the traditional British pint of fizzy pale lager.

De Halve Maan is a beer museum and for a six euro fee you can get a tour of the brewery and a tasting at the end of the tour. Belgian beers are among the best in the world and the variety can be truly mind boggling, but if you like a pint at home, you would be well advised to sample a few different kinds. There are dark, blonde and fruit beers to name a few, however, be careful and always check the bottle as some of them can be up to 10% proof or more!

When eating out, of course, mussells and chips are always a favourite. Usually served in a white wine sauce and with white crusty bread and butter, they are generally a treat. Belgian restaurants aren’t quite as sophisticated as in nearby Paris, but are generally of good quality.

Chocolate shops are also a speciality here and you can buy practically anything shaped in chocolate - and I mean anything!

Weather

Due to Bruges’ being so close to the North Sea, winters can be bitterly cold and even in summer you never can tell when a shower is going to roll in from the sea, however, any time I have visited (always in the summer) the weather has been great for the most part.

I would recommend Bruges to anyone looking for a pleasant short city break. It’s quite a cosmopolitan little city with nice people, safe streets, good food and most of all fantastic beer. Op uw gezondheid! (That’s cheers in Flemish).