Top 5 tips for a Christmas holiday in Bruges

There are very few cities that compare to Bruges in terms of festive cheer. Swans smooch in the picturesque canals, lights twinkle in the winter mist, and bells ring out on the cobbled lanes and streets.

Although the historic center is well visited, there are numerous alleyways to explore and many quiet canals to navigate. This beautifully preserved Flemish city is easily accessible by train from St Pancras International, and once you’re there, Bruges street maps will help you find your way around. Once you’ve arrived, here are five top tips to keep in mind

• ascend to the bell tower

Tap into your inner Colin Farrell and climb the Bell Tower; This Unesco-listed 13th-century building sits 83 meters above the iconic Market Square, offering panoramic views of the medieval sights below. The climb isn’t best attempted after a classic Bruges ale or two, however; too many could easily cause a trip up the tower’s 366 vertigo-inducing steps.

• gift shopping

Belgium is home to a thriving Christmas market, and Bruges has more than its fair share. Obvious shopping options are around Simon Stevinplein and Market Square, which offer tourist-oriented gifts and draw the crowds. But leave the bustle of the center behind and there are more attractive alternatives to discover. Many of the churches are home to old-style farmers’ markets selling authentic artisan goods such as locally made lace, ornate chocolates, and marzipan-infused treats. Thaw around one of the small fires that line the streets and warm up with a steaming hot Belgian drink.

• Taste the local drink

It wouldn’t do to leave Belgium without trying some of the revered local beers. With everything from pale hoppy half pints to dark bitters and light fruity beers, there is something for every beer enthusiast. A local favorite is Brugse Zot, which roughly translates to witch fool. try it on ‘t Brugs Beertje (the bear of Bruges). This cozy brown bar is tucked away on a small side street off the main strip and is usually packed with a mix of tourists and locals, all leaning against a selection of rough-hewn, prepared wooden furniture.

• be lost

Bruges city guides document the city’s plethora of magnificent museums, beautiful gardens, enticing squares and enchanting churches. It’s very pedestrian-friendly, and walking is one of the best ways to stay warm, so pack a pair of flats and stroll along the canals, heading for St Bonifacius Bridge or the Minnewater, known to locals as the lake. of love. Or for something a little more luxurious, try a horse-drawn carriage. It may be a bit pricey, but walking the snowy streets is an experience not to be forgotten in a hurry.

• Indulge in the local festive fayre.

Belgian cuisine is sumptuously varied and perfectly suited to hearty winter meals. Some of the most popular snacks are found at the many chip stands, but don’t let a mandatory dollop of mayo slip away. A Belgian waffle covered in chocolate and cream is a must, and will certainly warm up the cockle. To escape the cold, venture to Cambrinusa popular brasserie with a beer list as thick as a phone book.