Beautiful Brugge
For our last day on our Thanksgiving adventure, we started early in Brugge, went on a very cold walking tour, and ended the day by flying out of Brussels airport.
BURRR in Brugge
Whilst I love our Airbnb, the only downside is the bathroom is located downstairs in a non-heated section… Thus, our shower and getting ready was extremely cold… to the point where I purposefully turned the shower on and let it steam up the room before I undressed!
Next, we made a very chilly walk to my preferred breakfast place. Despite it only selling fancy bagels, the restaurant was completely booked! It was only 10am! I am not sure how we kept getting so “lucky”…
A Very Cold Wander
Because we missed breakfast, we decided to go on a very cold wander through the wonderful little streets. More importantly, the streets were empty and we were able to see the great Brugge sights without any tourists!
First, we accidentally stopped by the most famous Brugge landmark by the pretty canal. It is the place in most of the postcards plus according to our guide, the most photographed spot in Beligum. I wonder if it is the most photographed spot in Belgium!
Next, we walked over to the new and old fish market. In the old times, they sold fish here now, but nowadays the new fish market sells both artisan goods and fish on the weekdays! Not only does Brugge have great Christmas markets, but there are even more markets!
Finally, one of the last stops on our wander through Brugge is our friend’s highly recommended chocolate shop, St Juliet. While you cannot go wrong with chocolate stores in Beligum, we chose Juliet because it was a family owned and run business. Inside this place of magic, we had a difficult time selecting the goods! We eventually with yummy looking chocolate almonds, normal chocolate, and then decorated reindeer and Santas!
Christmas Markets
Unlike the previous evening, the markets were not full and we could fully explore them without losing each other or working our way through a crowd! In Markt Square, the scenery with the tree, lights, stalls, and weather combined for a beautiful morning!
During our laps around the Christmas markets, MF finally did some shopping. Usually, she procrastinates on buying gifts for herself or others but she knew crowds were likely to come as the day trippers made their way from Brussels! In the end, we purchased lovely little ornaments that represent Brugge!
Pizza Time!
Because we missed breakfast and hadn’t been able to find a café, certain people were hangry. Very, hangry. Whoops. Plus, to make matters slightly worse, we both were very cold as we hadn’t properly prepared for the weather. Thankfully, we found a gem of a spot just outside the main square and city hall called Amuni.
As expected, when you are patiently waiting outside the door at opening times, you are the first people inside the restaurant! I think they were a little surprised!
For our appetiser, we had a different, yet tasty burrata salad! I say different because it was presented differently compared to our London-based Sicilian grocery store and Italy. For our appetiser, we ordered and devoured a salami and rocket pizza. While we may have been a little bit hungry at the end, I knew what awaited me at the market – waffles and chocolate!
Legends Walking Tour
After researching online, we found a great walking tour via Legends Walking Tours. Although today turned to be a very cold day, the weather was actually perfect compared to past Thanksgivings as the sun was out and the sky was blue! Thus, when we arrived at the meeting point for the walking tour, we had a very large group! Luckily, we had a great tour guy in Louis, but it was still hard to hear!
History of Brugge
Dating back to the medival ages, Brugges has always been a coastal city and quite frequently prospered throughout history. Because of the city’s proximity to the now-Netherlands, the Flanders kingdom dominated the area. In fact, it shares many characteristics with the Flemish people of Netherlands as most of the ground sinks because it is very low to the sea ground.
Obviously, throughout its history, the city was taken over by the French. However, the city fought back and gained it’s independence, only to be unified with the other big cities to form Belgium.
Beer Pipes
As one can expect in Beligum, they are crazy about their beer. In 2016, a little town wanted the De Halve Maan beer so badly, they built pipes from the brewery, through the city, to the town!
Notwithstanding this fun fact, Louis said this is one of the most well-known beers in Belgium! If only we had more time!
Travel Tip: The beer tours at De Halve Maan are fantastic!
Back to Brussels
Although we were hoping to avoid the rush hour crowds back to Brussels, I think we chose the wrong train… Plus, we also chose the wrong side of the platform to wait on the train as it was a shorter train so we were last onto the train!
Thankfully, MF was able to find a seat, but I had to stand in the very crowded walkways. It was very refreshing to hear several American accents on the train, but I would have preferred a seat on the train! Once the train stopped at Ghent, I was able to snag a seat for the last 45 minutes!
From Brugge, it is actually a really simple train to the airport. Once we arrived at Brussels Midi, we changed platforms to get on a fast train to the airport. Within 20 minutes, we were at the airport!
Lounging at Brussels Airport
Because our last visit was via the Eurostar train, we have not been to the Brussels airport. Within the departure terminal, we were rather impressed! However, the story changed once we were in the departures area after customs as there was nothing there!
Pro Tip: Eat before you go to the Brussels airport! OR any airport for that matter unless it has a lounge of course
After walking past $25 burger and fries, we settled for an odd dinner of fries, Starbucks cheese toastie, and Sprite. It worked as I was getting a little hungry!
From Brussels, we would be flying on Brussels Airlines, which is a tiny subsidiary airline of Luftansa. Our flight was slightly delayed and we had to check MF’s bag at the gate so it was a little annoying to be back on a non-budget airline where you weren’t guaranteed your carry-on. Plus, it was getting late and I was getting anxious!
Once our flight finally took off, it was one of the quickest flights we have taken outside of the Birmingham to Atlanta flight. We have an excellent turn at Heathrow airport and quickly returned home within 45 minutes, including collecting a bag, thanks to a cheap Heathrow express ticket and a taxi!
Pro Tip: Worth repeating, but if you know you’re flying into Heathrow, buy the Heathrow Express well in advance for it to be really cheap!
The UnChartered Summary
Strolling through the cobblestone streets, Brugge is picturesque and beautiful whether it is summer or winter. Our time in Brugge was surrounded by delicious beer, waffles, and chocolate. Brugge is perfect for an overnight trip!
- Brugge is much calmer on a Sunday, compared to a Saturday! It made for a much better day exploring the sleepy village!
- The walking tour is great because it provides a story behind the famous Brugge sights.
- Must. Try. All. Belgian Beer/Waffles/Chocolates!
- I would highly r