EXC – Bruges Pics by Cyann Fielding (Image: Cyann Fielding/Reach PLC)
It might be just a quick trip from the UK via plane or train — but this unique European city feels like it’s from an altogether different world.
It’s a picturesque fairytale wonderland that feels like it has more in common with Disneyland than real life. So special is the city of Bruges in Belgium, in fact, that the historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of preserved buildings and criss-crossing canals. The city is also home to an impressive collection of Gothic and Renaissance art and architecrture, as well as the finest beer and chocolate money can buy.
From the moment I stepped foot onto its cobbled streets, a warm sense of childhood nostalgia washed over me. Medieval buildings, winding canals, miniature shops and chocolate galore culminated to create a set straight off of a Disney film. I had to remind myself it was not a film set, built to look like the castle from Beauty and the Beast, it is just what Bruges looks like.
From so many angles, Bruges looks like a film set (Image: Getty)
How can this be real? It looks like it was designed by Disney (Image: Getty)
In fact, all of the buildings you see in Bruges are rich with history. Even the McDonald’s is in a building which dates back to 1527, and was recently delicately renovated to include its historical elements such as a water well. A legal battle even took place after McDonald’s applied for a permit, Mirror reports.
As I explored the different streets, walking past, among other things, The Belfry of Bruges towering over the Markt square, it was hard to accept that the architecture of this city was in fact hundreds of years old and hadn’t just been built for the story of a prince and princess.
The architecture is reflected in the waters of the calm canals, offering the ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and romantics alike. And if this didn’t scream ‘Disney’ enough, imagine adding the subtle sound of hoofs hitting the cobbles as horse-drawn carriages parade through the meandering streets.
As a romantic myself, the fun yet mysterious charm of this historic city made me feel almost like I was in a dream-like state. It isn’t often you find a city where cars, shiny grey office and apartment blocks and, of course, vape stores are absent from the skyline. As I wandered through its streets, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being in a meticulously-crafted theme park.
One of the cobbled street in Bruges’ ‘old town’ (Image: Getty)
It’s almost too good to be true. Shops selling lace, chocolate and beer on every corner, each one seemingly curated to fit in with the city’s medieval theme. It’s as if the entire city has been staged to fit a particular narrative of quaint European bliss.
But, as I told myself repeatedly, of course Bruges isn’t based on a Disney film and it pre-dates most fairy tales, at least the modern ones that have been turned into today’s blockbusters. It is also clearly busy with tourists as in love with the place as I am, and there’s evidence that the tourism industry is the dominant one in the city, though the vibrant local life with bustling market squares and a lively cafe culture certainly had won over my heart by the time I left.
The Grote Markt square in Bruges (Image: Getty)
When looking at reviews of Bruges two themes will crop up. Firstly, that the city is stunning. This is true. And secondly, that there isn’t much to do in the city. This is also true, at least at a headline level. There are no world-famous attractions, for example.
But you can make as much or as little of Bruges as you wish. The narrow streets offer their own adventures, often along the themes of history, chocolate, beer, architecture and art. The number of museums is surprising for such a small city. I could have definitely spent days there.
For me, Bruges is one of the only cities I have visited where you can see the individual layers of history piling on top of each other. Nothing quite shows the juxtaposition between centuries ago and the modern day like someone sat on a medieval bridge making a phone call.
Bruges has preserved its history with care, and perhaps that is why it seems like a scene from a Disney fairytale. On the way out of Bruges, my Uber driver told me that the local authorities do not allow residents to change the facades of their properties, unless they have to for structural or safety reasons. By doing this, the city has managed to maintain its authenticity and not fall victim to change over the decades.
Whether you see Bruges as a magical escape or a beautifully crafted illusion, it remains a fascinating destination worth exploring.
London to Bruges flights can be yours for £99 return with BA. Travelling via train takes closer to four hours and typically costs double that, but is significantly more environmentally friendly.