A Weekend In Bruges At Christmas Time

Itinerary

Things to Do

Christmas Markets: The heart of the Christmas market is Markt (Market Square), less than 100 metres for our hotel. Just a few minutes away there’s other markets at Simon Stevinplein and in Minnewater you’ll find festive ice-skating and a winter bar. 

Food glorious food: Bruges is a great destination for foodies at any time of year with a unique and varied selection of delicacies on offer. From award-winning Michelin-star restaurants, authentic ‘brown cafes’ and world renowned moules-frites.  During the festive season intoxicating scents of chocolate, glühwein and waffles linger in the cobbled streets. 

Brewery Tours: With two local breweries in the centre of the City why not join a brewery tour with an included tasting of traditional Belgian Beer. De Halve Mann Brewery offers a behind the scenes tour of the family brewery where you’ll be able to soak in a spectacular 360° view over Bruges. Alternatively explore the brewery of Bourgogne des Flandres which offers an insightful visit followed by a tasting in their industrial chic taproom with canal views. 

The Diamond Museum: The museum shows how medieval Bruges was the first diamond city in the world, featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions, a shop dedicated to all things diamond-related, and a unique Diamond Polishing Show every day.

Chocolate Factory: Discover the success of the sweet chocolate drink in the royal courts of Spain, France and later on throughout the whole of Europe and, of course, find out how Belgium's make their chocolate and why it’s so delicious.

Lace Museum: The Lace Centre in Bruges hosts a museum, a training centre, workshops, and a lace shop whilst also displaying some top works from Bruges' collections. In the afternoons visitors can watch live demonstrations in the workshop on the upper floor.

Museums and Galleries: There’s a host of other museums and galleries such as; Historium Bruges, showcasing the fascinating history of Bruges; Dali Xpo-Gallery, a fantastic collection of world famous graphics and statues by the great artist Salvador Dali; Frietsmusuem, the history of the potato and Belgian fries; Groeningemuseum, a varied collection of Belgian art; Torture museum, one of the oldest prisons in Europe offering an impressive collection of artefacts and lifelike waxworks… and many more.

Architecture: Bruges’ architecture is predominantly Gothic with brickwork dating from the Middle Ages. At 83 metres high, climb the 366 steps to the top the 13^th century Belfort tower for outstanding views of the city; The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a 12^th century chapel housing a phial reputedly containing Christ’s blood. Other notable places of interest include St Bonifacius Bridge, known as Lovers Bridge; Stadhuis, the 14^th century Town Hall; Sint-Janshuismolen, a working windmill and Oude Civiele Griffie, Bruges’ former law court.

Accommodation

Ibis Brugge Centrum

The welcoming Ibis Brugges Centrum features a combination of modern design and medieval architecture and is in an ideal central location, only 950 yards from the Market Square and the Belfry.

The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a delicious breakfast and all en-suite bedrooms are equipped with a T.V and hairdryer.