Bruges: Canals, Cobbles & Belgian Beer
Gothic squares, romantic waterways and a city made for wandering—finished with a favorite drink overlooking the canal.
Bruges felt almost unreal—cobblestone squares, stepped-gable houses, quiet canals and medieval towers unfolding around every corner.
Crowne Plaza Brugge
We stayed at Crowne Plaza Brugge, directly on historic Burg Square. Facing City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood—and only a short walk from the Markt—it was an ideal base for exploring the city entirely on foot.
The grand heart of Bruges.
The Markt is the city’s lively centerpiece, framed by historic façades and the 13th-century Belfry. A few steps away, Burg Square feels more formal and intimate, anchored by Bruges’ elaborate Gothic City Hall—one of the oldest town halls in the Low Countries.
Where Bruges turns romantic.
Away from the squares, we followed the waterways to Rosary Quay, one of the city’s most photographed views. The canals gave every walk a sense of discovery, with boats gliding beneath old stone bridges and medieval buildings reflected in the water.
Boniface Bridge was especially atmospheric, tucked beside the Gruuthuse Palace with views toward the Church of Our Lady. We also wandered through the greenery around Minnewater Park and the Lake of Love—a softer, quieter side of Bruges that lived up to its romantic name.
A canal-side pause at 2BE.
My favorite place for a drink was 2BE Bar, hidden behind the famous Beer Wall on Wollestraat. The terrace looks directly over the canal, with passing boats below and one of Bruges’ loveliest views beyond the railing.
It was the perfect place to slow down with a Belgian beer and watch the city move by—especially in the warm afternoon light.
“Bruges was storybook beautiful—grand in its squares, peaceful along the canals and best enjoyed one cobblestone at a time.”Eliza’s final thoughts
Bruges at a glance.
A romantic, highly walkable Belgian escape filled with Gothic architecture, quiet waterways and memorable canal-side stops.
- Destination
- Bruges, Belgium
- Stay
- Crowne Plaza Brugge
- Must See
- Markt, Burg & City Hall
- Best Walk
- Rosary Quay to Boniface Bridge
- Quiet Escape
- Minnewater & the Lake of Love
- Favorite Drink
- 2BE Bar