Bruges, a city renowned for its medieval architecture, offers a serene escape, particularly when visited outside the peak summer months. Travel expert Kate Wickers highlights the appeal of exploring its quieter corners, such as the Beguinage, a tranquil 13th-century almshouse complex set in gardens.
The city's compact, canal-laced center is easily navigable on foot, rewarding early morning or late evening exploration. Visiting attractions like the Church of Our Lady just before its 5 p.m. closing time can provide an opportunity to admire Michelangelo's Madonna and Child sculpture with fewer crowds.
Bruges also maintains its authenticity through a growing number of independent shops, including artisan chocolatiers and traditional waffle houses.
For accommodation, the family-owned Hotel Van Cleef, located on a picturesque canal in the Sint-Anna district, offers a luxurious experience. With a history linked to the Van Cleef family, relatives of Henry VIII’s fourth wife Anne of Cleves, the hotel features 18th-century architecture updated with contemporary art. Its 16 rooms boast marble bathrooms with hot-tub baths and high-end furnishings. A continental breakfast is served either in the Green Room or on the terrace, and the hotel can arrange activities such as chocolate-making classes and boat tours. Doubles at Hotel Van Cleef start at £348 per night.
Alternatively, the Boutique Hotel Sablon, the city's oldest hotel, provides a more budget-friendly option. Situated on a quiet street off the busy Noordzandstraat shopping thoroughfare, its 16th-century facade gives way to a recently renovated interior characterized by a fresh, bohemian style and modern art. The hotel offers 43 rooms, including nine suites. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet featuring local cheeses and Belgian waffles. Doubles at Hotel Sablon start at £125 per night.
Travel to Bruges from London is available with British Airways, with return flights starting from £103. The city is approximately a ten-minute walk from the main square, Markt.