Visiting Brussels and debating on whether to choose Bruges or Ghent for a day trip? If you can’t do both and have to pick one here are my thoughts… hopefully it will help you decide! But if not, why not both? See below.
Years ago, I took a course on Medieval art history and rented the movie In Bruges one night. (If you have not seen it–it is a black comedy with the stunning backdrop of Bruges throughout) That semester I fell in love and vowed that one day I would visit. It took me longer than I wanted but I finally made it there! It was a milestone trip, so I picked a full day trip to Bruges (link here) on my birthday, which included a 2+ hour guided tour along with free time to explore. However, as I was researching the trip, I found Ghent’s history and art was calling to me as well– luckily, I had an extra day, so I didn’t have to choose just one! Both tours met outside the Central train station, close to our hotel so it was an easy walk each morning. Read on for my review of both tours.
Bruges Tour: After an hour and a half bus ride, we walked by the Lake of Love before arriving at Begijnhof, a world heritage site dating back to the mid 13th-century. It was once home to emancipated laywomen (non-ordained women of the church) but now inhabited by nuns from two Orders– Saint Benedict and Vincent de Paul, as well as local single women. We continued the guided tour and walked by the Saint John Hospital and learned of the Medieval health system of Bruges, stopping next in front of the Church of Our Lady, where we learned about the marble sculpture of the Madonna of Bruges– Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child. The tour does not go inside but it is worth checking out during your free time!
We then continued along, stopping at various locations like the City Hall, the Old Civil Registry, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood– this part Romanesque & part Gothic cathedral houses a holy relic said to contain the blood of Jesus. Again, the tour does not go inside but it is worth checking out on your own. Inside is Saint Basil chapel (12th century) and the Chapel of the Holy Blood (early 16th century), the two are visually very different from one another but both are stunning architecture! The tour ends at the Market Square, where the guide will make recommendation for lunch and while waffles are always top of my list in Belgium, there are plenty of other places to recommend! My recommendation for after lunch and/or waffle and a bit of sightseeing, you make sure to visit Brugse Zot and grab a beer. You will need to walk by on your way back to the bus so just make sure you leave time…
Ghent Tour: The bus ride to Ghent from Brussels is about an hour, arriving within easy walking distance of the Ghent Town Hall. After learning a bit of history and architectural influences, the tour continues past the Bell Tower and St. Bavo’s Cathedral– the latter is home to “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” aka The Ghent Altarpiece by Jan Van Eyck (15th c.) It has been masterfully reconstructed after being dismantled and scattered. While the tour does not go in, it is worth using your free time to check it out. The lines can be long and does cost additional money, I recommend you purchase a ticket then go over to Bier Central and enjoy a flight of beer while you wait!
The tour continues and eventually passes through St. Veerlepein Square, next to Gravensteen Castle, where you will learn of it’s dark past as an execution site and how it is now a happier place– the square lights are connected to the local maternity ward and flash when a child is born. Across the cobblestone street is Gravensteen Castle, built in the 12th century and home to the Counts of Flanders for 150 years. Once abandoned by the Counts in the 1350’s, it was repurposed as a court, prison, mint, cotton mill and many other uses. It is worth visiting after the walking tour, you only need an hour (or less if you rush) to learn it’s history and get a great view of the city from the roof. Once the tour concludes, you will have time to tour on your own and I recommend you return back to the Korenlei & Graslei riverbank and take a boat ride. It offers a unique view of Ghent from the water! If not your thing, grab a bite and a cherry kriek lambic beer and people watch on the busy riverbank.
Bruges or Ghent– Only one day? Which one will you pick? Tough choice, I know! Why not just do both– Link to Bruges and Ghent combined day trip! While you don’t have as much time to explore on your own, you will see the highlights and experience the best of both in one day.
Time Travel & Spirits: Travel Advice from a History Buff who likes to Imbibe while Discovering the Past…
Time Travel and Spirits... 