Trip Review: Being in Brugge
After a wonderful first day in Liege, we just didn’t want to leave! However, all good things must come to an end so we took our train to Brugge.
Belgian Breakfast
Although our time in Belgium has been limited, we figured the breakfast would be very similar to their French neighbours. We were not that surprised that our breakfast was absolutely lovely! Set inside their historic dining room, we felt extremely classy as we sat there in our pajamas.
Because we delayed our train to Brugge, we originally had an early breakfast time although most people would call 8:30 a late breakfast! For our free breakfast, we had delicious fresh scrambled eggs, bread, jam, butter, waffles, fruit, and then the usual French breakfast of meats and cheeses! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Bbbrrrrr in Belgium
As soon as we packed, I realised we might have made a mistake in our packing list as the weather was nearly 31 degrees and I definitely wasn’t prepared for it! I was worried we would cut our time short in order to hide from the cold. Furthermore, the top 10 things on TripAdvisor indicated Liege was a very small city…
During our stroll through the city centre, we found a few shopping malls and then tiny alleyways filled with cheese, meat, and wine shops! If only it wasn’t 10am!
Christmas Markets, Take Two
As the market opened at 11, these folks are on French time so they opened very slowly, usually at 11:15! Similar to our evening, most of the stalls were food and drink centered so I took advantage! I had my first Belgian waffle and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Because the stalls were mostly food and I was cold, I wanted to leave earlier than anticipated. However, the Christmas market guru was not ready to leave! Mary Frances insisted we just take 1-2 more laps around the market and I went along!
Onto Brugge
As we were onto Brugge, we tried our first bus of the trip despite MF’s pleas for a taxi! Not only do I not speak French, Liege does not have Uber! Thankfully, it was a really easy to get a bus from our B&B once we picked up our bags.
To get to Brugge, there is a train every hour that takes approximately 2.5 hours. While we could have booked a ticket at the station, I booked online to save paper and for only 21 euros per person. Relatively cheap compared to others!
Unsurprisingly, the train was remarkably uneventful. Thankfully, the weather was really sunny so we could see the beautiful countryside pass us.
Public Transport in Brugge
Unbeknownst to me, I thought Brugge was too small to have public transportation! However, the bus system is very good and has plenty of times! Because our AirB&B was a 40 minute walk from the station, we hopped on our second bus of the day and headed that way!Along the way, we both were very grateful for the bus! Not only did the people look cold, but there were so many people! The streets were insanely busy with day trippers! We would be in for a crowded evening!
Beer-in-B
Because the hotels in Brugge are very expensive, especially over the Christmas season, I went for an affordable Airbnb. While I knew the Airbnb would be awesome, reality was so much better!! As we walked in, I think Mary Frances knew I would be in trouble.
The downstairs is a really amazing mom and pop beer store with a small little bar. I instantly knew that I would be returning shortly! In our lodging upstairs, we had a lovely king size bed completed with a big living room. By far, this place already is one of the best stays!
Beer O’Clock
After I changed for our evening activities, I went downstairs and had a front row seat to the wonderful beer hall. Our hosts, Rudy and Marina, poured me a home brew that they created of 8% and I sat down to chat all things beer!In the coming weeks, they are changing their store from a “general” Belgian beer store to a Belgian Trappist beer.
At first, I didn’t realise the change until Rudy mentioned it meant going from 500-800 beers to about 47 beers. While Trappist beers are considered some of the world’s oldest brews, there are only 13 monasteries left that produce them. Of course, Rudy will still sell his tasty “light” Belgian beer!
By far, this Airbnb comes with its own cheap experience! The beer is less than 3 euros and can be enjoyed with friendly faces! Plus, if you can’t handle the beer, one can just stumble upstairs!
Oh Brugge
Because I hadn’t eaten all day, I was getting hangry and needed to eat after my 8% beer! Thus, we went to the Christmas markets in search of tasty treats! Unlike our first two stops, Brugge has both the “off the beaten track”, day trip, and annoying tourists – making us say Oh Brugge.
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Brugge
Worst of all for MF, the crowds were everywhere! We thought folks would start heading back to Brugge around 5-6pm, but we were sadly mistaken. However, we were not discouraged so we both ordered a mulled wine and carried on with the markets!
Christmas Markets
Brugge has three lovely markets – one in the famous Markt square, the other is more local on the side of the road, and the newest addition is Mineewater.
Tonight, we wanted to see the square and the local one as Minerawater is a bit far to walk at night compared to our AirBnB. Plus, Rudy told us it has lights and ice skating and I wanted food! We also wanted to try this fantastic restaurant in Brugge but had to get there early since we couldn’t get reservations.
Markt Square
At the main historic square, the beautiful buildings are lit by the colourful Christmas lights and trees. There is an outside ring of stalls and a great mix of tasty desserts (such as waffles and chocolates), dinner (sausages, meat and cheeses!), and mulled wine and everything else. Because I was hungry, I ordered a foot long bratwurst with mustard and we enjoyed it under the Christmas tree!
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Markt Square
Thankfully, we were able to snag a spot so we people watched and thoroughly enjoyed our mulled wine and bratwurst!
Local Market
At the local market, which is about a 5 minute walk from the square, we were told it had more knick knack stalls for general shopping as well as playgrounds and games for the kids.
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Waffle!
Once we arrived, I quickly shuffled MF to the shopping side as we were instantly surrounded by kiddos. Thankfully, the stalls were very entertaining and had fantastic things. Although a common misperception, we don’t actually purchase many things at the markets. We usually look for unique ornaments and then any other cool gifts for friends.
Thai Night
After a few laps, we decided to see if we could snag a table at In't Nieuw Museum. Unfortunately, the place was completely booked! Because it was close to our AirBnB, we ultimately went back to grab cheap Thai takeaway that our hosts recommended and cheap grocery store beer. Whilst not the most entertaining meal, we both thoroughly enjoyed our significantly cheaper food!
The UnChartered Summary
- Thankfully, we only stayed in Liege for one night and I have to say the No. 5 Bed and Breakfast was very worth it!
- Brugge is extremely beautiful during the Christmas season, but prepare yourself for crowds!
- Similar to our other markets, be sure to make a reservation! In't Nieuw Museum looks good!