Venice of the North

Our trip today to Bruges, Belgium has expanded our travel bucket list, adding yet another country to our growing roster of must-visit destinations.

Bruges, a picturesque city in northwest Belgium, boasts a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages when it flourished as a major trading port. Its well-preserved medieval architecture and network of canals have earned it the nickname "Venice of the North."

Bruges, also known as Brugge in Dutch, is a charming medieval city with its picturesaue canals, arched stone bridges, cobblestone streets, and a well-preserved historic center that give it a fairy-tale appearance.

Our walking tour meandered through the heart of the city, including the Markt, the central square dominated by the iconic Belfry tower. This impressive structure, soaring 273 feet into the sky and crowned with 48 bells, set the tone [literally ] for our journey. We then wandered to the Burg square, where the Gothic Town Hall stood proudly, its ornate facade a testament to the city's rich history.

As we strolled along, we paused to admire notable religious sites, including the serene Church of Our Lady and the historic Basilica of the Holy Blood. Our path took us along charming walkways, where we sidestepped bicycles and marveled at an array of sights: elegant statues (including several of horses), bubbling fountains, and rows of narrow houses. One particular home caught our eye - a rare wooden structure that had survived the centuries, offering a glimpse into the city's distant past.

Bruges is renowned for its contributions to Belgian culinary traditions, famed for pioneering frites (french fries), and perfecting waffles, chocolate, and beer. The city is home to numerous artisanal chocolatiers who create exquisite pralines and truffles using traditional methods. Our visit to the Choco-Story 9chocolate museum0 treated us to an engaging chocolate-making demonstration, offering a sweet glimpse into this delectable art.

Bruges also boasts a rich brewing tradition, with local breweries crafting unique Belgian ales, including the renowned Zot. We concluded our visit to this historic city by savoring Zot beer alongside exquisite goat cheese croquettes. Nothing like savoring local brews and creamy cheese in a quaint café while we watched horse-drawn carriages clop along cobblestone streets—a quintessential Bruges experience.

These culinary delights, combined with Bruges' stunning historic center, created an unforgettable experience in our growing list of countries which now includes Belgium.