Visiting Bruges’ Christmas Markets

You have little option but to eat copious amount of chocolate when in Bruges and you are bound to, like my husband, feel the effects of the rather strong beer hitting you after a swift afternoon sup. Fortunately, this is probably as dangerous as it gets. Unlike the 2008 Colin Farrell film ‘In Bruges’, we came across no shoot-outs or hitmen and this beautiful medieval town is a world away from the “Hell” described by Farrell’s character.

We spent four days in Bruges which was plenty, you could do it in two. Having longer gave us the chance to explore it at a slower pace (less stressful when you have a toddler in tow). Going at the end of November we were there in time for the Christmas markets and came back feeling rather festive. There isn’t loads to do or see in Bruges. It is just a great place to wander around. Here are a few things to do when in Bruges.

Bruges Market Square

The ‘Grote Markt’ is is a beautiful square lined with a stunning parliament building at one side, the imposing Belfort tower at another and numerous shops and restaurants on the others. For those familiar with the film ‘In Bruges’, the Belfry features as part of a rather gruesome scene towards the end – so don’t go near the edge! We decided against climbing up the 366 steps inside it – we didn’t fancy carrying our two year old up there! But, if you are child-free or have older kids check it out. The views are supposed to be amazing. The medieval building was originally used as an observation post looking out for danger.

Market square is also where the main Christmas market lies as well as an icing rink during the winter months. At the weekend it is incredibly busy, particularly in the evenings, as people gather to look at the goods on sale and stop for a bite to eat at one of the many food and drink vendors selling anything from waffles to crepes, beer and mulled wine. My hubby managed to master drinking this warm drink whilst carrying my daughter (who held onto his ears)  – and who said men couldn’t multi-task?

If you are anything like us, you are sure to get lost amongst the meandering cobbled streets of Bruges BUT somehow we always managed to find our way back to this main square! Whether we wanted to or not.

Chocolate in Bruges

It is everywhere. At breakfast, on the markets, at the many, many shops. It is indulgent, decadent and delicious! One of the top places to get your cocoa fix is The Chocolate Line (in Simon Stevinplein). It sells all sorts of shapes and sizes and flavours from chilli to tequila and earl grey. Plus, you get to see them being made them in the shop!

There are though some other, rather salacious chocolate shops, selling goods such as these.

For us, the chocolate indulgence began as soon as we woke up and this was the sight that greeted us as we came down for breakfast at our hotel (The Duke’s Palace) on a morning. Oh yep, chocolate lovers are in for a treat!

Eating out in Bruges

Chocolate the only sweet indulgence in Bruges, there’s waffles too. But, on the savoury side, forget mussels (leave them to Brussels). No, you want to get stuck into some of the Belgium stew. It comes with chips – of course – everything does there. We had this dish from a very quirky restaurant called The Flemish Pot. It was delicious!

Drinking in Bruges

There’s every flavour of beer you could want here with one establishment offering 500 different ones. But beware it is strong! My husband had a couple when we arrived which almost wrote him off. We’re talking around 8.5% alcohol so just get all your sightseeing out of the way before you get stuck in as that could be the day over and done with!

Christmas Markets in Bruges

There are two main markets which arrive towards the end of November. One is in the main market square where there is also the impressive icing rink and food vendors. To be honest, I wasn’t left reeling by the quality and variety of goods on display – perhaps I had high expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it was beautiful and Christmassy and there were a few stand out stalls – particularly the food ones – but there were also a lot selling average stuff like hats, scarves, jumpers, Christmas decorations and these rather bizarre troll ornaments.

The smaller market, located away from the main market square, (Simon Stevinplein) was probably my favourite and in the evening had a fairground, arcade and various game stalls. We won Mrs T a prize by catching some ducks with a hook. There are also loads of lovely shops in the area so a combination of the stalls and shops makes Bruges a good place to go shopping.

The Church Of Our Lady

This 13th century church holds the Michelangelo marble statue, Madonna and Child, which is well worth a look. It is the only sculpture to leave Italy during the great artist’s lifetime. This area of town is also great to meander along the nearby canals and take in the beautiful Gothic architecture. You can view all it all on a boat trip around the canals or even in a horse and cart but given it was late November we gave that a miss. Plus, Bruges is a very easy city to walk around.

Getting to Bruges from UK

We drove to Bruges from London. Loading up the car, we drove to Dover and got the EuroTunnel (we paid £79 return) then it was only around an hour from Calais. Very easy!

Alternatively, you can get a flight to Brussels and then train from there or Eurostar to Brussels and change. When you are there, Bruges is a very easy place to explore by foot but you can also hire a bicycle, get a boat tour or, if you are willing to splash out (around 25 euros), you can see Bruges by horse and cart.

Where to stay in Bruges?

There are loads of places for varying budgets in Bruges. We went for a bit of luxury, staying at the five star hotel The Duke’s Palace. The 15th century building is beautiful and very close to the centre of town – just a five minute walk from the main square. It also has a spa so you can get pampered after all the walking around.

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