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.

Bruges, Belgium

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.
The Belfort, Bruges, Belgium

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?

Bruges Christmas Market

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

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!

The Chocolate Line, Bruges

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

Rude Chocolate In Bruges

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!

Chocolate at breakfast At Dukes Palace, Bruges

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!
Belgium stew

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!

Belgium beer in Bruges

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.
Christmas Market, Bruges

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.

Christmas market in BrugesThe 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.

Bruges church

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!

EuroTunnel

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.

Bruges

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 (paying around £120 a night including breakfast). 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 that walking around.

The Duke's Palace Hotel

Pin For Later

What to do and see in Bruges during Christmas

Wander Mum


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Wander Mum

I've always loved to travel so when my two daughters came along, I didn't stop. Travelling as a family can have its ups and downs but I love showing my children the world and helping others navigate travelling with children in tow.

72 Comments
    1. Exactly! Three key ingredients for a good holiday. Was really pretty with the markets but would love beautiful at any time of year. Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes

  1. We’ve never taken the kids to Bruges, but I remember going there myself years ago and loving it. I think it looks great for a lovely short break -and am desperate to try the chocolate at breakfast!! You don’t get that in our house…..#citytripping

  2. I first wanted to visit after seeing ‘In Bruges’, so I’m glad to hear there was no violence and it’s as beautiful as it appeared. And chocolate for breakfast sounds excellent.

    Also, I’ve never heard the terms ‘stuck in’ or ‘splash out’ before, but they both seem like good descriptors!

    #CityTripping

    1. Haha – I hope they made sense! Next time you visit the UK you can impress! I was re-reading the post and did think it sounded rather colloquial but thought I’d stick with it.

  3. I have never been to Bruges I keep passing it over for other places but i think I need to go! It looks great and my husband wants some of those chocolates!!! (he was rather impressed when I showed him) Maybe somewhere for our annual February train trip around Europe! #citytripping
    Tracy Collins recently posted…A day in MontenegroMy Profile

  4. I went to Bruges as a day trip from Paris a few years ago and I said the exact same thing, that it’s a pretty place to go to but there’s not much to do except to wander around which isn’t a bad thing. I wouldn’t mind wandering around there for a week if I have the time but if constrained in time, 2 days is enough or probably even 1.

    Then their tourism board replied to me and said that I’m wrong, that there are lots to do in Bruges. LOL. I wouldn’t mind going back though, it’s a beautiful place. I’m not into sweets so skipped all the chocolates and drank all the fruit beer instead. :p
    Noemi of Pinay Flying High recently posted…Christmas In London | Covent Garden Christmas LightsMy Profile

  5. You might not believe this but I had no idea about how chocolatey Belgium was before going to Bruges. It’s just everywhere isnt it. Not that it’s a problem! Such an easy place to get to and wander around – might go back for a quick visit next year thanks to your post #citytripping
    Katy Clarke recently posted…Top gifts for people going travellingMy Profile

  6. Oh I never knew that Belgian beer contains 8.5% alcohol because the one that I have tasted in Malaysia is Hoegaarden and that’s 4% alcohol..wow, good to know. If I get to Belgium one day, I’ll remember this! #citytripping

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