From Amsterdam, we moved to Bruges, a city that cherishes its architectural and
artistic treasures from the past in Belgium.
Refreshment was served about 15 minutes after leaving the station.
Most of the street are occupied by restaurants and cafes - people were seen enjoying their afternoon wine, beer and other refreshment.
This Belfry is one of the city's most prominent symbols. Formerly it housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and
served as an observation post for spotting fires and other danger. It has a narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps. This 83-metre-high building, which leans about a metre to the east.
Bruges is a chocolate paradise - a huge assortment of flavors and chocolate
goodies with excellent quality.
There was non-stop queue at this Waffles shop - we waited for about 20 minutes to get our Waffles.
We returned to the Square at sunset and had our dinner at a lovely little restaurant just off the main square near our hotel.
We boarded this Thalys International express train at Amsterdam.
Deluxe carriage with free wi-fi on-board + individual electric sockets for recharging electronic equipment.
A wide selection of drinks and snacks were also available in the Thalys Bar carriage.
Arrived Bruges via Antwerpen, Belgium just at noon. From Bruges station, it's about 6-7 minutes taxi ride to our hotel.
Hotel Navarra, an elegant 17th-century mansion with 94 rooms. A 4 star standard, situated in the heart of the city near the world famous Market Square and its Belfry Tower.
Arrived Bruges via Antwerpen, Belgium just at noon. From Bruges station, it's about 6-7 minutes taxi ride to our hotel.
Lunch at this local restaurant.
My first Belgian draft beer!
Beer followed by the delicious Belgian cuisine !
After a good meal, we ventured into the attractions of Bruges, like the Market Square and the Belfry Tower.
According to the Bruges' guide book, the square was used as a marketplace since 958, and a weekly market was held here from 985 - more than a thousand years ago. Today, the large square is ringed by banks, a post office, and many guild houses converted into restaurants.
According to the Bruges' guide book, the square was used as a marketplace since 958, and a weekly market was held here from 985 - more than a thousand years ago. Today, the large square is ringed by banks, a post office, and many guild houses converted into restaurants.
The market Square was full of people in the afternoon. It was a good place to start or end a walking tour.
One of the city's most
impressive monuments are the Belfry and Cloth Hall. It is a beautiful
neo-gothic structure. Its predecessor was in Classical style of the early 1800s.
Close-up of the tower. It is believed that this Belfry Tower was already standing in Bruges since 1240. It was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1280.
The canal boat tour is one of the most popular tour in Bruges.
We walked the streets for some window shopping.
Horse carriage tour - many of them were on the road that afternoon.
They came in all shapes - exciting creations.
Scrumptious !!!
Houses along of the most picturesque canals.
The bar tender recommended this Belgian beer. The flavour was rich, fruity with a fresh-bitter finish.
This restaurant served a variety of food - our selection was based on the suggestion from the waitress.
This restaurant served a variety of food - our selection was based on the suggestion from the waitress.
The house special, a robust and flavoursome Rabbit stew, accompanied by those fabulous Belgian frites! Delicious!
Traditional beef stew marinated in beer.
The salad, bread and frites.
Despite a full house, the service was extremely efficient. The food was well prepared and tasty! It's a good dinner to end a tiring day!
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