After two beautiful days sightseeing in Brussels, we are now heading towards South Holland. We take a little detour to the the Flemish region of Belgium to visit the city of Bruges. It is an one hour drive from Brussels.

Already while looking for the car park we are completely fascinated by the beautiful old town. However, finding a parking space is difficult, but we lack the time to be able to park outside the city. Finally, we find parking in the central car park Biekorf. The parking fees are surprisingly humane.

Our first journey leads us to the Friet Museum on Vlamingstraat. It is supposed to be the first and only french-fry Museum in the world. In Brussels, we have already discovered that the Belgian fries taste especially good. Here, we also find out why. They are double-fried and are therefore extra crispy!

Friet Museum, Bruges

The exhibition provides information on the history of the potato and shows – thanks to old equipment – how fries were produced earlier. In a short film, the modern french-fries production is then presented. That the right sauce is also very important, we already learned in Brussels. In the museum there are recipes for the perfect preparation. It is a “light” and fun museum visit and therefore perfect for kids and those who generally avoid Museums.

Friet Museum, Bruges

After a good hour we have seen everything and we head down to the basement. Learning so much about french-fries works up an appetite. Good thing that you can buy some right here. Sadly, we note that these are our last Belgian fries on this trip.

Yummy!

The museum is open from 10am to 5pm. Admission costs 7 euros for adults. With the admission ticket you also get a discount coupon for the french-fries restaurant in the basement. More information can be found here: http://www.frietmuseum.be/en/

After the savory follows something sweet. The Chocolate Museum Choco-Story is our next destination. In a beautiful brick building from the 15th century, that was a wine bar earlier, is the museum – spread over four floors – located.

Chocolate Museum Choco-Story

As the name of the museum suggests, much on the history of chocolate is discussed in this exhibition. The discovery of cocoa and the initial processing of chocolate is explained. We learn that the Mayas and Aztecs already worshipped hot chocolate. On the next floors you can visit the cups and cans collection, learn everything about the recovery of the cocoa bean and today’s chocolate production. Other than that, there is also a chocolate figures exhibition.

Of course, addressed is also why Belgian chocolate is particularly very tasty. At the end of the visit, a demonstration is given with tasting. Hmm delicious!

Choco-Story, Bruges

Choco-Story, Bruges

Click here for the website of the Chocolate Museum: http://choco-story-brugge.be/ENG/

After we have checked off our museum visits and no longer have any time pressure, we can now explore the old town. We stroll through the busy streets with its many shops. Our route takes us to the market square (Grote Markt). There stands the landmark of the city, the Belfry of Bruges. The tower can also be climbed. However, always only 70 people may enjoy the view simultaneously and so there can be a long waiting time.

Belfry of Bruges

The market square is bustling with intense activity, horse-drawn carriages clatter over the cobblestones and you do not know where to look first. In addition to Belfry there is also the impressive Provincial Court in Gothic style to explore. From the collection of cafés and restaurants, housed in small colorful houses, you can soak up the atmosphere.

Provincial CourtGrote Markt

The historic center of Bruges is crisscrossed by canals, which can be explored on a boat tour. We stroll along the water, savoring the views from the small stone bridges and enjoy the idyllic motifs.

Boat Tour, Bruges Canals, Bruges

Our walk takes us further to Rozenhoedkaai, which is supposed to be the most photographed place in Bruges. That does not surprise us. We sit on the wall and let its special flair affect us. Bruges really is a little gem!

Rozenhoedkaai, Bruges Rozenhoedkaai, Bruges

We continue to the town hall and the Liberty of Bruges. The former court building is now a museum and can be visited. A highlight is a fireplace made of oak from the year 1528.

Right next to City Hall stands The Basilica of the Holy Blood. Here a very special relic is kept: a vial with the blood of Christ. Every year on Ascension Day it is worn during the Holy Blood procession through Bruges.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood

On the way back to the parking lot we treat ourselves to a Belgian waffle. Glad we decided to make a stop in Bruges! Too bad we did not schedule in more time here. The capital of the Belgian province of West Flanders deserved more attention. Maybe it brings us again to this area. For now, we head on to South Holland.

Thank you for reading. I am always happy to receive comments and if you like you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram. If you prefer to be notified of new posts via email, you can subscribe by adding your email address here:

This article was orginally posted in German on www.neverseenbefore.de.
Many thanks to Kim for the translation.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *