Scenic strolls, champagne pit stops and chocolate galore. Go the extra mile this Mother’s Day and take your mum on a Belgian break to thank her for being your number one. Bruges is a bustling city with so much to do, but with so little time to do it all you could leave your ‘relaxing’ getaway feeling exhausted. We’ve created the ideal itinerary for a one-night stay with mum, fitting in all the main sights while not forgetting to make time for chocolate and champagne...
WHERE TO STAY
Perfectly located in the heart of Bruges’ historic Old Town is The Bauhaus with lovely, private ensuite rooms and a traditional Belgian bar downstairs. Just a short stroll away are tonnes of the city’s best restaurants and bars, and the city centre’s shopping and sights can all be reached by foot.
The Bauhaus offers all its guests a delicious free continental breakfast so you won’t even have to think about where to head for your morning fix. If you’re beer fans, join in the Bauhaus bar’s nightly beer tasting. It’s a great way to sample a good range of local brews in the beer capital of Europe.
MORNING
GO FOR A BIKE RIDE
One of the best ways to see Bruges is by bike as the streets are made super safe for cyclists. Hire one at the Bauhaus reception from just €6 and cycle up to see the Sint-Janshuis Mill before heading back down to Burg Square, down to Rozenhoedkaai, around Queen Astrid Park and back again via ‘In Bruges’ location Meestraat Bridge. The whole route will only take about 15 minutes however you will definitely be stopping for lots of photos along the way - the canals around here are postcard-perfect.
MARKT SQUARE AND VIEWS AT THE BELFRY TOWER
Park up your bike somewhere nearby and head to Markt Square to see the multi-coloured houses and, if you’re there on a Wednesday, have a mooch around the market.
The Belfry Tower on the southern side of the square boasts the best, panoramic views in Bruges. Climb up the 366 steps to the top and your mum will thank you for it!
TRY SOME BELGIAN FRITES
When lunchtime hits, lines of people begin to form in front of the two green food carts in the Markt square to taste the local delight that is a simple box of piping hot frites and sauce. Curried ketchup, Thai mayo and a Hollandaise sauce to die for are all on the menu here. We’re drooling at the thought.
AFTERNOON
DUMON CHOCOLATIER
Make a quick stop at one of Bruges’ most famous and fairytale-like chocolate shops, Dumon Chocolatier to pick up some handmade Belgian chocs to bring home with you. Whether you’re looking for truffles, bon bons or chocolate figurines, this family-run spot makes it all (using all raw ingredients). You’ll be spoilt for choice!
Check out the
CHOCO-STORY MUSEUM
You’ve been to the chocolate shop but this is where your afternoon of indulgence really begins, at Bruges’ tastiest museum… The Choco-Story Museum is exactly what the name suggests. It will tell you the history of Belgian chocolate, how it's made with a professional demonstration plus LOTS of free hand-made chocolate samples. Yum.
AUX MERVEILLEUX DE FRED
This classy cafe on the edge of the Markt square is a gorgeous place to stop and relax after a busy morning and to celebrate why you and your mum are in Bruges. Sit at a table on the second floor and watch the meringue-makers at work whilst sipping on a glass of bubbles.
EVENING
PIETER POURBUS
It would be a shame to visit Belgium and not sample some of the local cuisine. Pieter Pourbus is a quaint, traditionally decorated restaurant that consistently flows with local regulars so you know you’re in for a delicious meal.
There are plenty of dishes to choose from ranging from monkfish to steak, and it’s all cooked to perfection every time.
BEER AT T' POATERSGAT
Just across the road you’ll see a small hole at the bottom of the wall. Don’t be fooled, just descend the stairs and you’ll enter one of the best hidden bars in Bruges. There are 120 beers on offer so there’s a great, lively atmosphere all night.
Ask the staff to give you a hand at choosing a good beer for you both - they’re usually spot on at choosing what you’d like in just a few questions!
COCKTAILS AT GROOT VLAENDEREN
If your mum isn’t much of a beer drinker, head here for some of the best cocktails in the city. They’re a little on the pricey side but your mum is worth it, right?
NEXT DAY
GROENINGEN MUSEUM
Once you’ve woken up and had breakfast at the Bauhaus, walk 15 minutes to Bruges’ art and design museum, the Groeningen Museum. You’ll find an impressive collection of paintings from Belgian and Flemish artists so you and your mum will really get a feel of the country’s arty background, history and heritage.
CANAL TOUR
Taking a boat tour of the city is one of the most popular thing to do in Bruges. For €8 you can take a half-hour guided canal cruise from the bridge on Wollestraat, just a few minutes walk from the museum, to see the best of Bruges from the water.
CHEZ ALBERT WAFFLES
You can’t leave Bruges before you’ve tasted a true Belgian waffle, and the ones at Chez Albert are heavenly. Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle and covered in Belgian chocolate and fresh strawberries is the one and only way to enjoy this classic treat.
After a short but sweet night away, you’ll go home having seen some beautiful sights, been to some fascinating (and delicious) museums and eaten some amazing food. It’ll be a Mother’s Day you and your mum will remember forever.
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