Ghent Belgium -Travel Journal -Part -3

 

Ghent Belgium

After visiting Burges next day we went to Ghent. It was one of the most important cities in Europe . Ghent is a beautiful, quaint city. Winding, narrow, cobbled streets interweave locals and tourists throughout the city. With sweeping bridges and ornate cathedrals, it’s a lot of beauty to take in. Ultimately, it’s magical, and as a tourist, We felt lucky to spend an afternoon there.

 

 

It’s a pleasure to explore the charming historic center of Ghent on foot, filled with narrow streets, beautiful facades, and lively squares .Ghent is a great walking city. With plenty of pedestrian areas is to just wander and walk around.

 

 The city is built on the confluence of two rivers – the Lys (Leie) and Scheldt (Schelde) rivers, which contributed to the city’s wealth in the Middle Ages – they could tax the boats on grain as they travelled through from France. Along the river, you will see the beautiful stepped gable houses and other notable buildings such as the old meat market.

 

 We had an eventual destination, but from the moment we arrived, we just walked toward whatever interested us. A great entry into the central part of the city, we crossed over the Sint-Michielsbrug bridge.

 

This view of St Michaels Church in Ghent Belgium from the bridge is framed by the dark green branches of a tree from above, the bridge is lined with tourists and has the beautiful church architecture in the background.A narrow street in Ghent Belgium lined with shop windows and tourists coming and going. Bunting flags are lining the street from above crossing the street horizontally from opposite buildings.

 

Another great option for getting around Ghent is to take a canal tour. Thee view of Ghent from the water is absolutely charming. One of the city’s most noticeable landmarks and the pride of the people of Ghent are the canals that run through the city.

 The Ghent Canals have been used by ships to travel through the city since the 11th Century and they have played an important role in the culture of the city ever since. In addition to their practical use, they are also part of what makes this city so beautiful and charming. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective!

The Gravensteen Castle

The Gravensteen dates all the way back to 1180. It is a very cool medieval castle that is definitely worth checking out. The castle was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1354 and has served various other purposes throughout its life.

 

While the castle is really impressive to see from the outside, especially from the water,  We didn’t went inside

St. Michael’s Bridge (Sint-Michielshelling)

One of the prettiest spots in all of Ghent has to be on the St. Michael’s bridge.  Known locally as Sint-Michielshelling, the bridge is in the epicenter of everything that makes Ghent the charming city that it is.  From the bridge, you can capture a picture of all three of Ghent’s famous towers in a row.

Graffiti Street

Werregarenstraat, also known as Graffiti Street, is a constantly changing canvas of street art. It’s a unique and colorful place to visit – although it may be a place for young and inexperienced artists to practice, you can see some really cool piece and it’s a great vibe!

 

Graffiti on every surface through the alley — some in the traditional graffiti style, some like artwork. I’ve been told the graffiti changes over time so either they start anew or keep layering it on top. Either way, it’s worth a short or a long walk to just admire or to take photos. I seriously can’t explain how enthralled I was by it. Simply saying graffiti wall, it sounds cool, but not all consuming. Walking through the alley, with colors everywhere, it’s a truly unique experience.

 

Ghent is a beautiful, picturesque city waiting for you to uncover its charms. It is a hidden gem, and I highly recommend adding this destination to your travel list. With its enchanting canals, majestic cathedral, historic castle, charming cobblestone streets, and scenic bridges, Ghent makes for a perfect day trip and a budget-friendly destination.

Knokke-Heist Belgium  

We stayed in Knokke-Heist just opposite to North sea. Nestled on the north-east coast of Belgium, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, historic buildings, spectacular scenery, and panoramic views. It is also a city that lies very close to the Dutch border.

 

Look for the orange roof tiles of the coastal villas or give in to the lure of the stately shopping avenues and charming polder villages. Well-thought-through contemporary architecture adds a little spice to the mix.

 

 The wide beaches with their soft, golden sand, which is just perfect for building sandcastles. You can Find a comfortable beach lounger to sip your drink, or take a refreshing plunge in the white-crested waves of the North Sea.   

 

where the beach grass gently sways in the breeze. Both of the 18th-century windmills offer travelers the opportunity to briefly step back in time to see Belgium’s old architecture at its finest.

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.