Bruges Journals

A day in Brugge/Bruges

A May 2004 trip to Bruges by FlyBalletGuy

Quote: The most romantic city in Europe or overly precious tourist trap? It depends on the day!

A day in Brugge/Bruges

Overview

Quote:

I’m torn between finding Brugge beautiful or finding it a tourist trap. I probably came at the worst time, a Sunday afternoon. Because Brugge’s shops remain open on Sunday when they close in surrounding cities, the streets are overcrowded with both tourists and local shoppers. The town is peppered with gaggles of English and Japanese tour groups gawking at the white swans the city keeps to swim in the canals. And yet, walk into the Begijnhof or along the Minnewater and you’re transported to a quiet, marvelously preserved medieval place. Looking at the massive belfry tower (the symbol of Brugge’s independence as a city state in the middle ages) from the Rozenhoedkai as the sun sets is the most stu...Read More

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Hotel Ensor

Hotel

Quote:

The Hotel Ensor is right off t’Zand on the Speelmansrei. It’s an affordable budget choice, 53EUR for a single with breakfast booked directly from their website (www.ensorhotel.be). It’s a simple, welcoming place with spacious rooms and the feel (both good and less good – like linoleum flooring and aging mismatched bath towels) of being in someone’s guest room. Friendly staff, a pretty canal opposite, but it backs onto a main thoroughfare so you hear traffic noise. No real services in the room beyond a phone and bathroom with shower. Breakfast was a buffet with plenty of choices. Fine for touring, if you’re going for a romantic getaway, splurge on a more glamorous hotel.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on May 5, 2004

Hotel Ensor
Speelmansrei 10
Bruges, Belgium