Every winter, I pick some destinations that exude historical charm and winter romance. This year, I chose Bruges, Belgium—a city often called the “Northern Venice.” During the winter season, it appears even more enchanting. Today, I’ll take you on a journey through Bruges to experience the unique allure of this ancient and beautiful city in the coldest months of the year.
1. The Winter Charm of Bruges
Bruges, as a city rich in history and culture, is captivating in every season, but I highly recommend visiting it in December. During this time, the streets are adorned with Christmas decorations, and the chilly weather enhances the magical holiday atmosphere. The canals of Bruges are especially charming in winter, particularly when snowflakes fall, and the water reflects the ancient buildings, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Here, you can stroll through narrow cobblestone alleys, marvel at the historic buildings, and taste authentic Belgian cuisine, such as hot chocolate, crispy waffles, and delicious Belgian beer.
Bruges is not only a city steeped in history but also one brimming with romance. In winter, the cold weather combined with the warm holiday spirit makes it an ideal travel destination for couples and families. For me, every corner of this city feels filled with the charm of classical Europe, adding many special memories to my travel journey.
2. Must-Visit Attractions in Bruges
1. Market Square (Markt)
Market Square is the heart of Bruges, rich in history, and it’s the starting point for exploring the city. Here, you’ll see many magnificent medieval buildings, with the Belfry of Bruges and the City Hall (Stadhuis) being the most famous. The Belfry, especially, stands at 83 meters tall, and climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the entire city. If you’re visiting Bruges, don’t miss the chance to climb this iconic tower.
Every year during Christmas, Bruges Market Square hosts a grand Christmas market, filled with festive goods, from handcrafted ornaments to winter delicacies. I spent a cozy afternoon here, sipping hot mulled wine and soaking in the holiday joy.
2. Bruges Canals
Bruges’ canals are often referred to as the “Northern Venice,” and the city’s waterway system is one of its most distinctive features. In winter, the canals are even more picturesque, especially when the water freezes over. I took a boat tour along the canals, and as the boat slowly moved, I admired the ancient buildings and bridges along the route. The reflections of these structures on the water were simply breathtaking.
3. Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is an elegant church located in the heart of Bruges. It is famous for housing the “Holy Blood Relic,” which is said to contain drops of the blood of Christ. Every year, pilgrims visit this church. Although I’m not a pilgrim myself, the church’s architectural style, murals, and the mysterious story of the relic left me in awe. If you’re interested in religious history, this is one of the must-see attractions in Bruges.
4. Groeningemuseum (Bruges Art Museum)
For art lovers, the Groeningemuseum is a place you simply can’t miss. It houses an extensive collection of Flemish paintings, including works by world-renowned artists like Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling. The museum building itself is also quite charming, nestled in a quiet part of the city, making it a perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon in Bruges.
3. Winter Activities in Bruges
In Bruges, winter activities are abundant. Besides visiting beautiful attractions, participating in local winter activities offers a unique experience.
1. Christmas Market
Every December, Bruges hosts a grand Christmas market. The market is filled with Christmas decorations, lights, and festive food stalls. You can pick up a special holiday gift or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine, all while embracing the warm holiday atmosphere. As a travel blogger, I especially love taking photos in the Christmas market, as it’s the perfect place to capture the beauty of winter.
2. Ice Skating
The city sets up an ice skating rink in the city center. My friends and I spent a fun afternoon skating, and around the rink, there are many stalls offering warm drinks and snacks. After skating, we stopped to taste a traditional Belgian treat—the waffle, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It was absolutely delicious.
3. Belgian Beer Tasting
Winter is the perfect season for beer, and Belgium is renowned for its beer. Bruges, as one of the country’s key beer destinations, offers various experiences. You can visit the Belgian Beer Museum to learn about the history and brewing process of Belgian beer, or enjoy a drink at one of the many local bars. Whether it’s the light taste of white beer or the rich flavor of dark beer, every variety is worth trying.
4. Travel Planning Tools: Help from Fiverr
When planning my trip to Bruges, I turned to Fiverr, a platform that greatly helped with my travel preparations. Fiverr is a globally recognized online platform that connects freelancers with clients, offering services such as custom travel itineraries, travel photography editing, and blog optimization. Through Fiverr, I found a professional travel consultant who helped me customize a detailed itinerary, making my Bruges trip even smoother.
Moreover, I also found a photographer on Fiverr who not only took beautiful travel photos for me but also provided photo editing services to make my pictures more artistic. Fiverr offers a wide range of services, almost everything I needed for my trip. Whether it was planning my itinerary or optimizing my travel blog content, Fiverr provided professional assistance to make my journey even more perfect.
Bruges, the city often called “Northern Venice,” reveals its unique charm in winter. Whether it’s the ancient architecture, romantic canals, or the lively Christmas markets, Bruges should be on every traveler’s bucket list. If you’re planning a trip to Bruges, remember to use platforms like Fiverr to customize a perfect travel plan and ensure your trip goes smoothly and joyfully.
The winter charm of Bruges is something every traveler should experience and savor. If you haven’t yet decided on your winter travel destination, Bruges will undoubtedly offer you a one-of-a-kind experience.
