Captivated by Bruges

I remember the first time I came across a picture of Bruges Belguim. It looked as if this quaint little town came straight out of a different world. I just thought it had to have been photo shopped or made for a movie set. Then I did a little more research and discovered that this place really did exist.

During my first semester abroad, I had planned to stop in Brussels on my way to Amsterdam with hopes of doing a day trip to Bruges.   With not enough time, I sadly had to take a rain check on my day trip. However, I had high hopes that I would be back in Belgium once again.

colorful buildings that line the street in Markt Square

So of course the first trip I booked this semester was straight to Belgium, but this time without a doubt I would be making it to Bruges. I was determined and was not going to leave until I got to see this town in person. With train prices discounted on the weekends, our day trip train ride would cost under 20 euros round trip. My friends that joined me on this expedition could not turn this offer down, especially for such a great price.

After visiting Bruges in person, I find it hard to express how truly beautiful and unique it was. For lack of a better word, I would say this is the “cutest” town I have ever visited.

When my friends and I first arrived to Bruges, we got off the train around 9am. We wondered down narrow cobble stoned streets, passing quaint brick cottages that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. All tastefully decorated in bold colorful doorways and white-framed windowsills.

colorful doorways in Bruges

We were able to find our way to The Markt Square (main city center) by following a towering golden spire that hovered over the rest of the buildings. Eventually, it led us straight to the center as if it where an “X” on our treasure map.

Brick buildings around Markt Square

Traveling here during the low season definitely had its benefits. At this time in the morning, we were the only ones in the entire square. There were vividly painted buildings, horse drawn carriages, and a beautiful statue right in the middle, which we got to enjoy all to ourselves without the distractions of tourists.

With just a few items on our agenda and a full day to explore, we started our adventure by aimlessly choosing a direction away from the square and seeing where it would lead us. Every corner we turned down had new breathtaking sights to see. The homes along the waterfront seemed to sit on the very edge, and with just the slightest shift could be drifting off into the canal below.

Trees line the canals while homes sit right on the water front

We followed the canals through the outskirts of town. Overgrown trees lined the banks creating a dreamy landscape. As you can probably guess, I was falling deeper and deeper in love with this town the more it all unfolded.

After some time of exploration, everyone knew it was time for a chocolate break. In all seriousness, I think that is why the majority of the girls (including myself) wanted to go to Belgium in the first place. We headed to a shop called Dumon to sample some of Bruges finest chocolate. As we sampled each and every one from our mystery chocolate box, we made our way over to the iconic canal that bruges is famous for.

Dumon Chocolate Shop

We continued on our wondering after our short break for a few more hours until everyone seemed to have seen enough. In all honesty, I think I could have stayed there for days, meandering through canals, strolling past quaint chocolate shops, and getting lost along the brick cottage lines street.  I just loved this place!

Yes I’m sure I would have gotten tired of passing the same canals over and over. There is only so much you can see in Bruges, but I still loved this town nonetheless.

quaint cottage lining the backstreets of Bruges

For me, Bruges is one of those places I know I’ll find myself drifting off into a daydream when I’m back to my normal life and this whole adventure is over. It’s places like these that really remind me how beautiful life can be.

As I walked through the main square one last time, I thought about the chances that I would ever return to this town again. I realized those chances are pretty slim to none in all honesty, but I’m okay with that. I thought about how many people don’t even know a place like Bruges even exists, and I felt so privileged I got to experience it.

Bruges seems like it has been locked in time, undisturbed by the chaos of life that surrounds its borders. It is cute, quaint, and has so much character that makes it undoubtedly unique to most places I’ve been fortunate enough to visit.

iconic canal of Bruges

For anyone looking to get off the beaten path of the major European cities, consider making a pit stop in Bruges. I promise you will not be disappointed.