The medieval city of Bruges defines picturesque. Elegant towers and gables, inviting market squares and picture postcard canals and cobbles create an unspoilt sense of place that has captured imaginations for centuries. And if you stay in one of our hand-picked best hotels in Bruges you’re guaranteed to be greeting with the warmest of welcomes.
LANDMARKS
Most of Bruges’ glorious medieval centre is intact, so from your luxury hotel you’ll find almost everything surrounding you is a landmark. However, towering 83 metres above the square is the 13th-century Belfort. It’s well worth climbing the 366 steps to enjoy a unique vista across the city’s spires and red tiled roofs.
HISTORY
Bruges as a city of canals and fine architecture began to emerge in the 12th Century. Within the shelter of the city walls, wool and cloth industries thrived and international trade prospered. It’s a history that’s still apparent as you wander the streets today.
SHOPPING
You can indulge in the thoroughly modern pastime of browsing exclusive shops, wandering the cobbled streets in search of local delicacies or the famous traditional hand made lace. Chocolate lovers should note that Bruges has more than 50 mouth watering chocolate shops, including some who experiment with avant-garde flavours.
Retsin’s Lucifernum is a former Masonic lodge owned – so legend goes – by a vampire. Now an exclusive venue that opens only on Saturdays.
