Sunday, June 23, 2024

Bruges- Belgium Travel Journal part-2

 

Bruges is one of Europe’s best-preserved cities. This is evidenced by its historic city centre, the entirety of which has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. The historic centre of Bruges is compact and easily walkable. Even with only one day in Bruges, we managed to see and do everything we came here to experience. Here are some of the main tourist attractions in Bruges that we saw during our self-guided walking tour of Bruges’ The Old Town. 

 

Bruges, a charming city in Belgium, captured our hearts with its enchanting canals, cobblestone streets, inspiring architecture are almost awfully picturesque and of course, mouth-watering Belgian waffles.

 

French fries (called Vlaamse frites, or “Flemish fries,” for the region of Flanders, in which Bruges lies) are another guilty local pleasure.

It was so fun to just wander around and take in all of the details. Bruges is a tourist hotspot so the crowds can be thick and there are always. We’ll explore into the history of Bruges, wander the streets, and experience the delights of this enchanting European destination. 

After a short walk, we found ourselves in the heart of Bruges, ready to explore its cobblestone streets and unravel its history. The city’s well-preserved medieval architecture took us back in time. As we strolled along the winding roads, we admired the ornate facades, gabled houses, and towering belfries. Each corner revealed a new architectural gem, telling stories of Bruges’ prosperous past as a bustling trading center.

Burg (Burg Square)

The Market Square is the heart of Bruges, but the Burg Square is its soul. For centuries this has been the centre of power in the city, and Bruges’ city administration still occupies the 14th century Gothic Town Hall. This grand, majestic square is lined with monumental landmark buildings. These were built over the centuries, and reflect the building style of their age. A handy architectural guide assembled in a single square!

 

Although the Burg Square is actually packed with highlights. Over the centuries, several majestic buildings have been constructed, each in the prevailing architectural style of the moment. Bruges history in an abundance of historical objects: majestic tapestries, colourful glass windows, elegant wood sculptures, historical lace, Burgundian manuscripts, etc. Each tells a particular Bruges story.

 

There are lots of ways to explore Bruges and you won’t be disappointed if you try to see the city by foot. But for something a bit special, perhaps you could try a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Still, their presence contributed to the overall charm of the Market. Horse drawn carriages wait in the square for tourist to whisk around Bruges. Carriage tours start and end at the Market Square. I enjoyed the rhythmic clopping of horse’s hooves.

Canals of Bruges

These small canals, overlaid by historic arch bridges, are typical of the city’s character. At the end of this cobblestone road.

 

The canals have for centuries been the veins of the city, winding through Bruges and treating you to another magnificent view around every bend. Take a stroll or a boat trip and discover secret gardens, romantic bridges and medieval facades reflected in the water.

Canal cruise of the medieval city

 

A Bruges itinerary would not be complete without allowing time for a canal cruise. A Canal tour, which was a fantastic way to immerse ourselves in the city’s charm. Bruges boasts an intricate network of canals, earning it the nickname “Venice of the North.” Gliding through the waterways, we marveled at medieval buildings, picturesque bridges, and idyllic scenery. 

 

And while we were in a boat full of other people, it was still a peaceful and enchanting experience that allowed us to view the city from a whole new perspective.

 

In Bruges, it means you’ll cruise past the oldest wooden buildings in this medieval city as well as learn more about various buildings and landmarks from the local guide on board. I loved the canal cruise because we passed by a lot of very beautiful buildings and the pretty Rozenhoedkaai, saw some swans gracefully floating .

 

Bruges crafts some of the most luxurious lace in the world. 

 

Pop into one of the lace shops dotted around the city to buy a lace souvenir, or better yet visit the Lace Centre to learn more about the history of lace in Bruges.

One of Bruges’ most attractions is the windmills. A windmill located in the city of Bruges .We explored into the history of Bruges, wander the streets, and experience the delights of this enchanting European destination.  

 


Stunningly picturesque Bruges, in the Flanders region of Belgium,

 

 is often hailed as one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. Bruges is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. 

 

Many of the buildings date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, including the impressive Belfry in Market Square. Walking through the medieval cobblestone meandering canals, , and historic architecture making it a destination that seems to have been plucked straight from a fairy tale. feels like stepping back in time and it is an incredible place to visit.

Friday, June 21, 2024

Belgium Trip- Brussels Travel journal-1

 

One long weekend we planned to visit Belgium .

Belgium is a country in Northwestern Europe.Belgium stands as one of the most highly developed countries in Europe, drawing the attention of tourists from across the globe. Nestled between France, Germany, and the Netherlands, the country is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and mouth-watering delicacies. Despite its modest size, Belgium has left an indelible mark on the world stage, earning itself a reputation for excellence in various fields Belgium is a haven for chocolate enthusiasts! Renowned worldwide for its delicious chocolate. Belgium has made significant contributions to the world of comic strips and graphic novel.It is renowned for being home to the global diamond hub, Antwerp. French fries, actually originated in Belgium.I tasted French fries. They are truly scrumptious. Belgians are crazy about football. So things that make Belgium unique.

Its long 7hr journey,  from frankfurt in between we stopped fora lunch and move forward. First we visit Brussels Capital of Belgium. Brussels, the captivating capital of Belgium, is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and modernity.

In Brussels we visited Atomium.

The Atomium is an icon in Belgium and one of the most unique museum experiences you can have around the world. The 102m tall building is shaped like an atom structure, and the museum is housed inside the different spheres.it was built for the 1958 Brussels’ World Fair and exudes the retro feel of the time. The structure is 102m high (= 335 feet) and several hundred feet wide. It definitely shouldn’t take long to see the iron crystal taking over the skyline! There are nine interconnecting spheres, although you can only visit five of them. And you can move between them on escalators and stairways.

 

The main attraction inside the Atomium is the panoramic views from the top level. The museum is interesting, especially if you like architecture and design. We loved weaving our way from atom to atom and finding out some more about its history as we went along And there were some brilliant retro products along the way too.. It is historic and yet futuristic and circular yet a tower…a total contradiction and certainly unique. 

 

For panoramic views You can travel by elevator (originally the fastest in Europe) to the top sphere.  You can take the record-breaking elevator to the top for panoramic views over Brussels, and then make your way through the different spheres to learn about the history and construction of the Atomium.

However, it is a really fun experience to enter the Atomium and walk through the globes.