BELGIUM
How to make the most of one day in Bruges
his is the main reason I visited Belgium. In 2010 I discovered this beautiful city through the movie «In Bruges», and it’s been in my bucket list ever since. It was meant to be a chill, relaxing trip and that’s exactly what it was, wandering around the «Venice of the North».
Bruges will captivate you with its timeless charm, romance, and old-world elegance.
Bruges is a beautifully preserved medieval city in Belgium that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Its cobblestone streets wind along scenic canals, past charming gabled houses, ancient churches, and lively market squares. The scent of freshly made waffles drifts through the air, mingling with the aroma of rich Belgian chocolate from local shops.
Whether you’re cruising the canals, walking in the alleys or around the Belfry tower, Bruges will captivate you with its timeless charm, romance, and old-world elegance. If you’re traveling by bus, you will stop at the Bargebrug – the bright red bridge that sticks out in the green of the landscape. It’s a short walk from the city center, but you’ll get to see Minnewater Bridge (or «The Lovers’ Bridge» – couples who walk across it together will have eternal love), the Poertoren (the defensive tower), the Rooms Convent (the almshouses, dating back to 1330, founded to provide shelter to poor women who chose a life of simplicity) and, of course, the swans!
The story of the swans
The swans, swimming or resting by the lake next to the Rooms Convent, are a symbol of Bruges. After the death of his wife Mary of Burgundy in 1482, Emperor Maximilian of Austria became deeply unpopular in Bruges. He banned festivals and imposed heavy taxes through his advisor Pieter Lanchals, angering the townspeople. Their frustration erupted into rebellion, and in 1488 Maximilian was captured and imprisoned, where he was forced to watch the execution of Lanchals.
According to legend, after escaping and reclaiming power, Maximilian cursed Bruges by ordering the city to keep 101 white swans—a tribute to his slain friend, whose name means “long neck.” Ever since, Bruges has kept swans on its canals, said to protect the city from ruin.
The Markt and the Belfry tower
From there on, the city unfolds like a fairytale. It feels like stepping into a beautifully preserved medieval painting. Cobbled streets and tranquil canals reflect centuries-old architecture. Don’t let the picture-perfect image fool you, you will find everything here. Staying true to its country’s heritage, I’ve had the most delicious waffles on a stick here (on go.fre) and, trust me when I say, one of the best, juiciest, tastiest burger at Bellicious. We waited a bit longer than expected on a tight schedule, but the food was 100% worth it.
At its heart lies the Markt, a grand square dominated by the Belfry tower.
Fun fact: the 83m-tall Belfry tower, built in the 13th century, may look straight but it leans about 87cm to the east! Despite that, it remains one of the most iconic landmarks. You can climb up 366 steps for panoramic views.
The Quay of the Rosary
The Quay of the Rosary (Rozenhoedkaai) is easily one of the most beautiful and photographed spots in Bruges. This scenic corner, where two canals meet, was once a busy trading spot for ships unloading salt and spices. Its name comes from the rosary sellers who used to work here centuries ago, adding a touch of history to the view. Today, it’s the perfect place to snap a photo or just soak up the magic of Bruges, especially at sunset when the water mirrors the old buildings and the Belfry glows in the background.
Along with the Belfry tower, the Quay of the Rosary appeared in the movie «In Bruges», with several key scenes filmed around this exact spot.
In Bruges
Bruges is one of those rare places that truly lives up to its storybook reputation. For some reason, I thought Bruges would be much smaller, but it turned out to be even more beautiful than I imagined. A bit too crowded, but that was expected. Whether you’re admiring the view from the Belfry, cruising along the waterways, or simply getting lost in its lanes, Bruges has a way of slowing you down.