Brugge and Ghent are two of the most interesting cities in Belgium, but often overlooked in favor of Brussels or Antwerp. This article suggests attractions that are worth the tourist's time, and gives an overview of the atmosphere encountered in both towns.
Brugge (Bruges) and Ghent, Belgium have a lot to offer, especially if you enjoy beautiful old buildings and hundreds of years of history and art. The canals in both cities also offer a romance reminiscent of Venice, although the ambience is decidedly Flemish. Both Dutch and French are spoken here, so you can see a lively blending of both cultures – the attention to detail in the food that is so very French, and the love of bicycles and beer that is so very Dutch. You will encounter friendly people, find some of the finest chocolate in the world, and enjoy great food and stunning architecture. What’s not to love about Brugge and Ghent?
Magical Brugge
If you’re limber enough, the very first thing you should do in Brugge is climb the 366 steps to the top of the bell tower belfry, which will give you a fantastic view of the city (and countless photo ops!). It is an exhausting climb, but absolutely worth it. The bell tower itself is one of the most prominent sights in Bruges, and quite old, dating from the 13th century. When you come down, you can refresh yourself at one of the many cafes in the square, and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the Provinciaal Hof.
The Burg is one of Europe’s finest medieval squares. The Stadhuis (Town Hall) is located here, as is the Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed (Basilica of the Holy Blood). Visit the Stadhuis to get a view of the incredible Gothic Hall. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is home to a vial of Christ’s blood, which is brought out every Friday for all to see. The Church of Our Lady (which houses Michaelangelo’s “Madonna and Child”) is also another must-see. Both churches contain plenty of wonderful art, but if your eyes don’t get enough to feast upon, a trip to the Groeninge Museum is also in order. This museum displays some wonderful paintings of the Flemish primitives. Another fun museum in Bruges is the Gruuthuse Museum, which displays remnants of Flanders’ medieval past, including a guillotine.
If you plan to visit many museums, it would be wise to purchase a museum pass, which is available at the ticket counter in most of Brugge’s museums. It will save you a lot of money. You can gain admission to 5 museums for a much lower cost than paying individual admission charges.
A boat tour on the canals is a lovely way to relax and see the city. A horse and buggy ride, which you can catch in this square, is a fine way to see the city while giving your feet a rest. The ride includes a ten minute stop at Minnewater to feed the horse. Leisurely strolling through the city is also a wonderful thing. Every trip needs a little spontaneity, and you’ll discover little nooks and crannies that you’ll want to explore further.
No trip to Brugge is complete without a visit to Minnewater - the “Lake of Love” - and the Beguinage, which is now a Benedictine convent. It is a beautiful and peaceful area where you can enjoy the dozens of swans swimming in the surrounding waters. The Beguinage is also the most photographed location in Bruges.
Gorgeous Ghent
Ghent is also a city that is well worth a day or two of your time. Gravensteen Castle is a fun place to visit. Not only does walking along the castle wall give you stunning views of the city, but there is also a rather chilling, yet impressive display of medieval torture paraphernalia that was used in the castle during the medieval period. You can also see the castle dungeon and the cellar, which was used as a stable and a torture chamber at different times.
Of all the churches in Ghent, St. Bavo’s (Sint Baafskaathedral) is probably the most impressive. There is an astonishing amount of art housed inside the cathedral, all fantastic sculptures and paintings as far as the eye can see, including Van Eyck’s famous painting, “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” which is said to be Belgium’s greatest treasure. St. Bavo’s also has some interesting sarchophagi, which are works of art in themselves. The crypt is interesting to look at, with some of the graves dating hundreds of years. Check out Bosch’s “Christ Carrying the Cross,” a fascinating painting that dates back to 1490. There are some beautiful and well-preserved clerical clothes on display as well that date from the 16th and 17th centuries.
You can take boat tours on the canals and horse and buggy rides in Ghent as well. But Ghent is compact enough that you can just stroll along the canals, admire the fantastic guild houses and explore whatever strikes your fancy.
Useful Information
If you are concerned about a language barrier when you travel, not to worry! Here, many of the locals speak fluent English in addition to French and Dutch (Flemish), so communication is not a problem. Don’t expect that all restaurants will have English on their menus, however. Many of them just have Flemish and French. Bring a menu translator if you need to, or don’t be afraid to ask if you’re not sure what something is. Menus are always posted outside of the restaurant or cafe, so you can see what they offer before going in.
Of course, you cannot resist buying Belgian chocolates while you are there. There are many chocolate shops, each offering unique flavors and chocolate designs. They also have very beautiful window displays, particularly around holidays. Lace and tapestries are also widely available and Belgium is also well known for its beer. There are countless shops that sell these items all over Brugge, but not as many in Ghent.
Just a word of caution: the streets are clogged with pedestrian, bicycle, and horse and buggy traffic, making driving through town difficult. Ghent also has a tram system, so tourists must take care when crossing tram lines. Both cities are pretty compact, and everything can be seen better on foot anyway. Just bring sturdy shoes for walking on cobblestones.
The weather is also frequently wet and windy, so be sure to pack an umbrella or a raincoat, even in summer.
A trip to Brugge and Ghent is a must if your European vacation includes Belgium. Take a few days to visit these two cities. Their impressive architecture, beautiful art, and gastronomic pleasures rival those of any of the European capitals. Just bring a French dictionary and a sense of adventure and don’t leave without a box of truffles and without a taste of the world famous Belgian waffle!