Solos' Charlotte visited the picturesque city of Bruges last December and calls it “THE place to visit for festive vibes!” With its quaint cobbled streets, incredible chocolate shops, and a variety of Belgian beers to try, Bruges offers an unforgettable experience. Best of all, the small city is easily walkable; no public transport needed.
“Surrounded by stunning architectural buildings, you'll find a few different Christmas market setups as you wander through the city. A Belgian waffle is a must-try while you're there, but there's a whole array of foods, drinks, and gifts to browse, creating a truly festive atmosphere. It's a perfect place to pick up any last-minute Christmas presents!"
Here are some of the top things to do while there:
Must-do museums
"Belgium is renowned for its chocolate and chips. Visiting these museums is a fascinating experience to learn about the history of each, and of course, to sample both—Choco-Story and the Friet museum. You can even get a deal for visiting both museums, conveniently located close to each other!"
Brewery Tours
"For beer enthusiasts, visiting some of the local pubs is a must. The brewery tour at De Halve Maan is fantastic and goes beyond a standard brewery tour. You'll walk through the history of Bruges' beers, witnessing the evolution of the brewing process in an authentic city location and even see the pipeline that connects to the bottling site just outside the city!"
Best view in the house
"For a fantastic view over the city and the main square of the Christmas markets, head to the top of the Belfry of Bruges tower – a breathtaking experience, especially after watching the film 'In Bruges' in anticipation of my visit, where the tower is heavily featured."
Eat, drink, laugh, repeat
A few food and drink recommendations would include Otto Waffle Atelier – offering amazing waffles, including gluten-free options. A great group meal location would be the Mexican restaurant Más Brugge which served delicious food and cocktails (unless you wish to opt for more traditional cuisine!)
If you're after a unique bar experience, visit La Trappiste, situated in an 800-year-old medieval cellar, boasting 26 different beers on tap and 150 bottled beers! It's a popular spot, so plan your visit accordingly.
If you’d like to explore Bruges' Christmas Markets with a group of like-minded solo travellers, secure your place!