December 2024

Thoughts.

I’ve had it in my head to visit Bruges for some time. The promise of my favorite food groups – beer, waffles, beer, chocolate and french fries – tucked all into one cozy place has lurked in the depths of my mind. We lured one of my oldest pals Simon and his family to meet us there. The actual moment of reuniting was my absolute favorite part: in the middle of the very festive Bruges Christmas Market complete with sausages and beer in the sun. The perfect Belgian moment. 

That said, Bruges was really (really) crowded and while its fairytale scenery resembles a movie set, the hordes of people made it feel like an adult Disneyland. If there’s an off-season, that’s when I’d go.

Stay.

• In the center. We stayed outside the city center at the Radisson. It was new and nice enough. But with the uncertain weather, I wish we were a little closer to the action to easily pop in and out to take a break in the room.  

Eat. Drink.

• In the Mood – dinner in the park. Swanky setting, vaguely surly service. But a nice non-touristy option in the park for an adults dinner. 
• Bourgogne des Flandres. My favorite brewery tour. Why? Because the very cool brewery tour also had a very cool kids scavenger hunt. Everybody wins.
• De Halve Mann. Also a cool tour but admittedly we may have been on the verge of beer-ed out by then. Definitely worth the visit; has a nice restaurant for food after.
• Beerwall. Ridiculous bar with what felt like 10,000 beers. 
• FritBar. I never found the fries of my dreams in Bruges. But this place offered plenty of fried fun for the mounds of potatoes with themes. And approximately 20 dipping sauces.  
• Carpe Diem Bakkerji. Delicious quiches and all of the other carbs. Eat inside for maximum breakfasting. 

 Play.

• Chocolate Workshops. Sweetest highlight. The kids loved making truffles and we got to learn about Belgian chocolate making. 
• Boat Tour. Have to. It’s the best way to see the canals and a handful of the 80 bridges in the town!