The Bridges of Bruges

Wednesday 07/09/2022

Usually we avoid the major tourist hotspots. But Bruges? You have to see it at least once in your life!

Since probably many people think the same, the number of visitors to Bruges is correspondingly high. In September, the peak holiday season is already over, but the old town is still very lively during the day. Tourist groups wind their way through the narrow streets behind their tour guides, the sound of horse-drawn carriages is omnipresent, and crowded tourist boats provide activity on the Brugse Reien (something similar to the canals in Amsterdam). And the incredibly delicious Belgian beer costs more than elsewhere.

The Camping Memling is also quite busy, from where you can reach the old town comfortably by bike in fifteen minutes. It is recommended to make a reservation!

The exhibition of works by Nigerian artist Otobong Nkanga at the Sint-Janshospital (museabrugge.de) is absolutely worth seeing and lasts until September 25th. The two exhibition halls alone in the former hospital are worth a visit and the entrance fee! Nkanga has incorporated this place directly into her artworks, including three absolutely magnificent large-scale tapestries.

A few minutes' walk from the Grand Market with the Belfry, it noticeably becomes quieter and the city belongs (at least partially) to the locals again. For example, in the square in front of the Concert Gebouw or in the late afternoon hours in the former craft quarter with the Jan-van-Eyck monument. Here, some very idyllic scenes have been created.