Instagram post 17983449061890786 Instagram post 17983449061890786
🌴This place was no where to be seen on my Googl 🌴This place was no where to be seen on my Google searches. I just happened to stumble across it on my walk and it was my favourite spot of all. 🧡😍

🥾So this is your sign to just start walking and exploring 

📍Reeds Bay @thunder.bay.beach.bar 

Where was you’re favourite place that you just found by chance?
9  things to NEED to do on your Barbados holiday🌴🇧🇧:

🐟 Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday Night
⚡️ Go for a drink and swim @thunder.bay.beach.bar 
🌅Watch the Sunrise
🐢Swim with Turtles
⛵️Boat cruise with @silvermoonbarbados 
🌮Sunset Dinner @seashed_barbados 
🐎Watch the racehorses at Pebbles Beach 
🌊 Walk along the Hastings Boardwalk 
🌅Watch the sunset 

Anything I’m missing from the list?
Where is your “OMG” travel destination? Where is your “OMG” travel destination?
POV: you’ve taken 100,000 pics and videos on you POV: you’ve taken 100,000 pics and videos on your 1 week holiday 😅📸

Anyone else do the same! 

(📹Reel Credit @saradavies_)
🌅🌅🌅 🌅🌅🌅
Anyone else dreaming of a Euro summer? 💭💭💭
SWIMMING PIGS 🐖🐷🐽 🌴The Bahamas, more SWIMMING PIGS 🐖🐷🐽

🌴The Bahamas, more specifically the Exumas are famous for their resident swimming pigs. 

🏴‍☠️No one really knows why they have been out here but there are a couple of stories floating around.

🥓One of them being that they were left here by sailors who had planned to come back and cook them (poor piggy’s) but never made of back. 

🐟We even got to see stingsrays too (never did I think I would need a stingray and pig side by side with each other 😅)

⛵️There are a few boat companies that will take you to see these pigs and I went with @exumawatersports. I booked the half day tour which was $175 (you can book on a full day and also swim with reef sharks and see Pablo Escobars crashed plane). ✈️

Would you want to see the swimming pigs 

For more piggy cuteness follow @theswimmingpigs 🐽🐷🐖
What’s you definition of happiness ✈️⛵️🌍
✈️🧳How to pack using handluggage only! 

💰If you hate paying the RIDICULOUS prices for checked baggage like me, then here’s how to pack with hand luggage only. 

And yes I’m talking about week long (or more) holidays 😀 

👗Pack a mix and match wardrobe- you get brand new outfits whilst using the same clothes 

👠Pack 1 statement shoe plus a pair of casual ones 

✈️Wear your bulkiest items on the plane- eg jumpers and jackets (think joey from friends). Try to wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane too.

🧼Decant toiletries  into 100ml bottles and buy the rest of what you need at the airport. In fact, do an online order and get it delivered to the airport boots and you can pick it up after security

📦Use packing cubes to compress down your clothes and create more space in your hand luggage 

🫧And remember, you can wash your clothes abroad!! 

Have I missed anything?
I can’t wait to get back to Central America and I can’t wait to get back to Central America and be surrounded my volcanoes and lakes 😄🌋

Where do you feel the most free? 🦋

📍@Atitlansunsetlodge, Guatemala 🇬🇹
I mean the UK is fun but how much better is everyw I mean the UK is fun but how much better is everywhere else 😅😅😅

Where would you move to if you had the chance? 🌎🏡
𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐍 𝐎𝐍 𝐀 𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐓. 

💰Here are my top tips on how to travel often but keep the costs down. 

💙Be more flexible with you destinations and go to places that have the cheapest flights. ⬇️

My top tip for finding these is head to @skyscanner add in the dates you want to go and type in “EVERYWHERE” in to the destination box. @skyscanner will bring up the cheapest flights in ascending order. 

💙Use deal finding apps like @jacksflightclub @travelzoo_uk @secretescapes @holidaypirates @voyageprive_uk to find deals on flights, hotels and holidays. 

💙Avoid paying for checked luggage where possible. Try the clothes rolling technique, you’ll be surprised at how much you can fit in your hand luggage by doing this. 

💙Don’t splash out on fancy hotels if you don’t plan on being in the hotel much. This for example could be on a city break, chances are you will spend most of the day exploring and use your hotel litterally to sleep and shower. 

💙 If you are solo travelling, stay in a hostel. Meet people that you can do activities with , which can also help share/spread and cut costs.

💙 Get on to Google and find out the best free things to do at your destination.

💙Try to cook some meals where you can. I know part of travel is trying out new foods but if you are doing it often cooking one or two meals is a great way of cutting costs. Alternatively book accommodation that offers free breakfast as part of their package. 

💙 Walk as much as you can to cut down on transport costs.

💙Alternatively if walking isn’t an option and you’re in a city, buy their local travel transport card (eg Oyster card for London). I’ve found that a lot of European cities have super cheap train/tram/bus costs and are even cheaper with one of these cards. 

💙Rent a car. Renting a car can be sometimes miles cheaper than going on a package tour or excursion. Sometimes this isn’t the case but do your research first to see what’s your best option
Places to travel to in your 30’s when you’re n Places to travel to in your 30’s when you’re not as broke as your 20’s (AKA more expensive places) ✈️🍃3️⃣0️⃣

Do you have any recommendations? 🌅🐬
TRAVEL OFTEN AROUND YOUR 9-5⬇️ 🟠 Obvious c TRAVEL OFTEN AROUND YOUR 9-5⬇️

🟠 Obvious choice but make use of the weekends. Fly out on Friday night and home Sunday evening. Really good to squeeze in a mini city break. 

🟠 For longer holidays use the same method as above. Fly out on a Friday night and home the following Sunday. You can get almost 9 days away and only have to take 5 days off work.

🟠 Make use of your bank holidays. Tag on an extra day off around a bank holiday. For example around the Easter break. 

🟠If you are flying on weekdays fly out late evening and fly home early morning so you don’t have to take those flying days off work.

🟠 Work from your holiday. Commit to working one or two mornings whilst you are away. This can help in saving up a few half days when you get to the end of the year. However this is probably not worth it on shorter trips

🟠 If you are able to travel with work. Make a holiday out of that by tagging on a few days holiday after the work trip is over.

Do you have any other tips?
Instagram post 18167693284267175 Instagram post 18167693284267175
Travel ✈️🍃🌍❤️ Travel ✈️🍃🌍❤️
Instagram post 17999465992602774 Instagram post 17999465992602774
In need of sunshine and hot temperatures 🌡️☀️

Where’s your paradise? ⛵️🌴🐚
TRAVEL OFTEN AROUND YOUR 9-5⬇️ 🟠 Obvious c TRAVEL OFTEN AROUND YOUR 9-5⬇️

🟠 Obvious choice but make use of the weekends. Fly out on Friday night and home Sunday evening. Really good to squeeze in a mini city break. 

🟠 For longer holidays use the same method as above. Fly out on a Friday night and home the following Sunday. You can get almost 9 days away and only have to take 5 days off work.

🟠 Make use of your bank holidays. Tag on an extra day off around a bank holiday. For example around the Easter break. 

🟠If you are flying on weekdays fly out late evening and fly home early morning so you don’t have to take those flying days off work.

🟠 Work from your holiday. Commit to working one or two mornings whilst you are away. This can help in saving up a few half days when you get to the end of the year. However this is probably not worth it on shorter trips

🟠 If you are able to travel with work. Make a holiday out of that by tagging on a few days holiday after the work trip is over.

Do you have any other tips?
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    • Central America
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Christina in the Clouds

Adventure around a 9-5

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City Breaks, Europe · June 21, 2022

14 Fun Things to do in Bruges, Belgium

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Bruges, Belgium is a quaint and picturesque city located in the north of the country (and, yes it’s also the set of that popular Colin Farrell film, In Bruges). The city of Bruges is rather small, but don’t let it fool you, the city is packed full of charm and fun things to do. 

With colourful buildings, cobbled roads, streets lined with gorgeous flowers, gothic architecture and modest canals meandering through the city, a trip here will leave you feeling like you’ve been transported into a real-life fairy tale.

Over the last 5 years, I have visited over 20 European cities and can honestly say Bruges ticks all the boxes for a perfect European city getaway; beautiful scenery, interesting culture and incredible food. I love that the city is so small, it means that you can experience all of the fun things to do in Bruges in just 1-2 days. 

If experiencing a real-life fairy tale location, and eating incredible food sounds like your cup of tea, then read on. In this post i’ll go through all of the top things to do in Bruges to ensure that you have the perfect weekend getaway.

View of the river and gothic architecture in Bruges Belgium

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post I will earn a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you. Thank you 🙂

Contents show
1 14 Fun Things to Do in Bruges
1.1 1) Climb up the Belfry Tower (Belfry of Bruges)
1.2 2) Explore Burg Square
1.3 3) Wander through the Markt
1.4 4) Enjoy the Bruges food and drinks scene
1.5 5) Hop on a Canal Tour
1.6 6) Visit one of Bruges many Museums
1.7 7) Indulge in some of the finest Belgian Chocolates
1.8 8) Have a drink by the Canal
1.9 9) Visit the In Bruges filming locations
1.10 10) Minnewater Park
1.11 11) Walk along St Bonifacius Bridge
1.12 12) View the Rozenhoedkaai
1.13 13) Pick up some goodies at one of the Bruges Markets
1.14 14) Take a Trip to Ghent

14 Fun Things to Do in Bruges

1) Climb up the Belfry Tower (Belfry of Bruges)

Chances are, wherever you are in Bruges you’ll be able to see this beautiful tower standing proud in the city skyline. The Belfry is a medieval bell tower in the heart of the city square. It once served as an observation deck to spot incoming danger and was also home to a treasury. These days the Belfry tower serves as one of Bruges tourist’s hot spots.

Climbing the 366 steps up the narrow spiral staircase will give you unparalleled birds-eye views of the city. The entrance fee to the tower is between €12-14 for adults and free for children under the age of 6.  This is definitely one of the best things to do in Bruges for first-timers and was my personal favourite.

View of Bruges City from the Belfry Tower
View of the Belfry Tower in the city sky line

2) Explore Burg Square

Burg Square is located just off the main Markt square. It is home to the city hall and boasts yet another display of impressive Gothic Architecture. Here you will not only find the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a church that dates back to the 12th century and is home to a relic of the Holy Blood. But you will also find Liberty palace, a decadent and impressive building from the 17th century. Burg square is the perfect place to admire Bruges’ historic architecture.

3)  Wander through the Markt

The Markt is home to both the Bruges town hall and the Belfry tower. The Markt is Bruges’ main square and is the lively hub of the city. Not only do bars and restaurants line the square, but it’s also another incredible place to admire some of the stunning Bruges architecture,  On your trip to Bruges, you will notice horses and carts trotting through the city. The Markt is where you can catch one of these and see the city from a different perspective.

Statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck in the Markt Square Bruges
Colourful Buildings located in Markt Square Bruges

4) Enjoy the Bruges food and drinks scene

For such a small city, Bruges has managed to pack in a host of incredible bars and restaurants to satisfy any palette. From fries covered in mayonnaise to Michelin star dining, and of course, Belgian beers and breweries galore, you certainly will not be leaving this city hungry or thirsty. Do not leave Bruges without trying mussels, waffles and some cherry beer!

Here are some of the best bars and restaurants you can visit in Bruges:

  • Den Gouden Harynck
  • 2BE Beer Wall
  • Le Trappiste
  • That’s Toast
  • Poules Moules
  • House of Waffles
  • De Gastro
  • Bieratelier
  • ‘t Brugs Beertje
Image of the outside of Le Trapiste bar in Bruges
House of Waffles, Bruges

5) Hop on a Canal Tour

Hop in a boat and cruise through the city. In my opinion, this is an unmissable Bruges activity. You’ll sail under beautiful bridges and get access to secret corners of Bruges not accessible by foot. There are five landing stages in the city from which you can catch the boat, you’ll find the busiest one at the Rozenhoedkaai.

The boat tours last 30-minutes and you’ll be taken to some of the most stunning spots in Bruges, complete with detailed descriptions from your captain about the places you visit. Tickets for €12 for adults, €7 for children between 3-11, and free for children under 3.  Alternatively, you can combine a boat trip and a walking tour which you can purchase here.

View of the canals in Bruges

6) Visit one of Bruges many Museums

If you want to get informed on the history of Bruges, admire some Flemish and Belgian art, or even learn about why Belgium is famous for its fries, then a trip to a museum will be one of the fun things to do in Bruges for you to do.

Here is a list of some of the museums you can visit:

  • Groeningemuseum – The best place to view 6 centuries’ worth of Belgian and Flemish Art
  • Bruges Beer Museum – An interactive experience where you can learn all about the beer-making process
  • Friet Museum – Where you can learn all about how fries became a Belgian Delicacy
  • Salvador Dali Exhibition – Where you can view more than 300 works from Salvador Dali
  • Torture Museum -The remains of the city’s eldest prison dating back to the middle ages

7) Indulge in some of the finest Belgian Chocolates

It would be truly criminal to visit Belgium and not try some of their sweet chocolate treats (unless of course, you don’t like chocolate, then we can let you off). You will find a heap of chocolate shops dotted throughout the city, especially along the Wollestraat. However, our favourite shop was Chocolatier Dumon a family-run business, which can be found in two different locations within Bruges. Make sure to pick up a 15-chocolate selection box for €8.50.

Chocolatier Dumon, Bruges
Image of skull shaped chocolates in Bruges
 

8) Have a drink by the Canal

If you’re visiting Bruges in the summer then having a drink along the river is one of the most fun things to do. Pick one of the bars located along the Predikherenrei (Punta Est was our personal fave) , order your favourite drink and watch the world go by with the sun shining on your face. Perfect.

Punta Est Cafe Bruges

9)  Visit the In Bruges filming locations

As if the name wasn’t already a big giveaway, Bruges was the set of the popular Colin Farrell film, In Bruges. And if you are a big movie buff, then this will be one of the most fun things to do in Bruges for you. Luckily, a lot of these spots are places I have already mentioned in this post, so you can kill two birds with one stone.

Popular In Bruges filming locations:

  • Minnewater Park
  • Belfry of Bruges
  • The Rozenhoedkaai
  • Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce Hotel
  • Gruuthusemuseum
  • Basilica of the Holy Blood
  • Burg Square

10) Minnewater Park

Minnewater park and the lake is a stunning nature spot located in the heart of Bruges, and a great place to come and relax with a picnic, sit down with a good book, or do a spot of people watching. Legend has it that Minnewater is named after a young girl, Minna, who ran into the forest to be with her true love.

Minnewater Park, Bruges

11) Walk along St Bonifacius Bridge

Bonifacius Bridge is a small but spectacular bridge, located close to a  beautiful lush green courtyard. It’s known to be quite the romantic spot, and definitely lived up to that reputation when we witnessed a proposal (in case you’re wondering, she said yes). The bridge is well known for being one of the most iconic things to do in Bruges, so I would recommend getting down early to avoid the crowds and get some nice shots! 

12) View the Rozenhoedkaai

The Rozenhoedkaai, a small quay in the centre of the city,  is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in Bruges, and one of the most popular places.  You won’t find this surprising when you lay your eyes on Rozenhoedkaai yourself. The area is surrounded by Gothic Architecture,  canals and elegant swans floating through the water, meaning that this spot is highly photogenic and yes, you guessed it, Instagram-worthy.

Rozenhoedkaai Bruges
Rozenhoedkaai Bruges

13) Pick up some goodies at one of the Bruges Markets

The great thing about Bruges is that you will always find some sort of interesting market display, from food to art to books there will be something to pique your interest (find out more about the markets days and times here). On a Saturday we stumbled across a second-hand book and bric-a-brac Market along the canal which seemed a hit with locals and tourists alike.

Man selling books at a Bruges Market
Man painting at Bruges Market

14)  Take a Trip to Ghent

If you are looking for even more things to do beyond Bruges, then why not take a trip to Ghent. Ghent is another stunning Belgian city, it’s much like Bruges in its look and feel but just on a slightly larger scale. The journey from Bruges to Ghent is quick and easy. You can catch the train from Bruges Central station, into Ghent and the journey will take you about 20-25 minutes. A one-way ticket into Ghent will set you back €10.

Bruges View from Belfry Tower

The centre of  Bruges is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, so it’s definitely worth the visit, as you can see from the list above there are so many fun things to do in Bruges. Things you simply cannot miss when visiting this city are Climbing up the Belfry Tower, cruising along the canals, exploring the Markt and Burg square and of course, trying all the delicious food.  If you have any more questions about visiting Bruges, then please leave a comment in the box below and I would be happy to answer.

Looking for more European Adventures? Click here to see more.

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I'm Christina a part-time traveller who is exploring the world around my 9-5. From canyons to coasts, I love all kinds of adventures. I've created this space to provide you with all the travel inspiration and my top tips for seeing more of the world in less time.

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Instagram post 17983449061890786 Instagram post 17983449061890786
🌴This place was no where to be seen on my Googl 🌴This place was no where to be seen on my Google searches. I just happened to stumble across it on my walk and it was my favourite spot of all. 🧡😍

🥾So this is your sign to just start walking and exploring 

📍Reeds Bay @thunder.bay.beach.bar 

Where was you’re favourite place that you just found by chance?
9  things to NEED to do on your Barbados holiday🌴🇧🇧:

🐟 Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday Night
⚡️ Go for a drink and swim @thunder.bay.beach.bar 
🌅Watch the Sunrise
🐢Swim with Turtles
⛵️Boat cruise with @silvermoonbarbados 
🌮Sunset Dinner @seashed_barbados 
🐎Watch the racehorses at Pebbles Beach 
🌊 Walk along the Hastings Boardwalk 
🌅Watch the sunset 

Anything I’m missing from the list?
Where is your “OMG” travel destination? Where is your “OMG” travel destination?
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