So Saturday just gone, I went on an amazing day trip to Bruges. And as I love sharing my travel articles, I thought I would write an article all about the food and my time exploring this beautiful city. It was brilliant day, we travelled through three different countries in just one day and sampled some really amazing food and also saw some brilliant sites. To take you back to the start of the day, we woke up early (4:30am!) and travelled to the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone. Then it was good bye England and bonjour France just 35 minutes later. We arrived in Calais, and then travelled about an hour journey along North-Eastern France and arrived in Bruges just before mid morning local time. I was really excited to travel back to Belgium, I’ve visited once before for a Battlefield’s trip which was an amazing experience, so coming back again was really great fun. It was also my first time visiting Bruges/Brugge. The day was really lovely and Bruges is such a lovely & idyllic city worth visiting!
The beautiful Koning Albertpark full of tulips
The Belfry/Belfort of Bruges- Medieval Bell Tower
Bruges is famous for it’s lace making
Walking around the Sint-Salvatorskathedraal (Holy Savior Cathedral)
ROZENHOEDKAAI- this is one of the most photographed spots in Bruges
Walking around the Markt (market square)
Now for the food…
I’ve picked my three top foods to try in Bruges. All of these foods included are street foods- so you can enjoy eating whilst walking around the city. I really love the simplicity of Belgian food, it’s edgy, quick to make and tastes really good.
Traditional Belgian Frites & Mayo
This is a traditional Belgian food- if you thought the French created this, then you’re wrong. The locals are very proud of their cuisine and as a tourist I couldn’t wait to try! Make sure you buy your Frites from a Friterie and I recommend eating the frites, or frietjes as they’re known in Flemish with some sort of condiment (we LOVE mayo, so that was our choice!), but there are other sauce choices such as ketchup, curry ketchup and tartare sauce. Enjoy whilst sitting or strolling around the Markt and soak up the atmosphere. As you can see from the picture below, the Frites are mega in Belgium, for very little money you get a really generous portion. The frites were also really well salted and the homemade mayo was the best I’ve had. I’m now going to try my best to recreate a recipe for you, so do watch out for that very soon!
Classic Waffles
We were actually in a chocolate shop just by the Waterways and we noticed the shop sold waffles. I’ve had Belgian waffles from Ypres before, and these waffles were equally as tasty and very luxurious! We had a choice of chocolate sauce, caramel or whipped cream. So of course, as the Belgians are famous for their chocolate I had no other choice but to dig into a delicious and very moorish chocolate sauce-drizzled waffle. Between us, we also tried a caramel waffle and a whipped cream topped waffle (looking at the picture, they’re very generous with the cream!). I would’ve loved all the three different combinations on one waffle! These waffles were also cooked to order and you could definitely tell they were freshly made to order. Amazing, buttery, and one of my favourites for sure!
Belgian Chocolate
I think we can all agree that Belgian chocolate is probably some of, or if not the best chocolate in the world. Rich, smooth and full of so many different chocolate flavour/filling combinations. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many different chocolate flavours ever before, anything from Tia Maria Cream (I love coffee and chocolate!), to hazelnut and to the classic sea shell chocolates. Also, when you go to Belgium there is literally a chocolate shop around every corner you turn- so you’re spoilt for choice! There are some benefits to travelling to Bruges at Easter, many of the chocolate shop windows are full of Easter chocolate displays- I love the tea cup full of Easter egg truffles in the below photos! Next time I’m in Bruges I will definitely visit the Chocolate museum- as I read about it and it sounds great fun.
Look at all that chocolate heaven…you can even buy your own chocolate bar to remember Brugge by!
Even though I’ve listed three of the must try foods, you can also try looks of other things! I took a few photos as we were walking around the city…
Lots of sweet and savoury food…and how about some chic cupcakes too?
I loved everything about Bruges, the atmosphere, culture, the friendly and welcoming people, and of course the brilliant food we got to try! We decided to walk around the city, but you could cycle around or tour by boat- both choices being very popular.
After one day in Bruges we’re already planning another trip back in the Summer and we would also LOVE to explore more of Belgium as well. I would definitely recommend Bruges as a lovely break. Whether it’s for one day or more, you’ll love it!
To find out more about the city click here.
I’ve never been to Bruges (and never visited Belgium). Looks like a lovely city. It is rather close to London… I should plan a short-break there soon. Beautiful pics.
Thanks Dani! I really recommend Bruges and Belgium for a holiday- such a great place! Bruges is very close to London- which is always a positive!
Lucky you, beautiful weather nice food, absolutely stupendous !
Thanks! I was! The food is amazing and the weather was stunning too!
Oh your time in Bruges sounds amazing!! I didn’t have enough time to visit Bruges when I was in Belgium, so I’m totally living through your photos! The Market Square looks absolutely ADORABLE, and I bet it was amazing being in Belgium in the lead up to Easter. Thanks for sharing (and giving me travel envy haha)
Thanks Gab! If you’re ever travelling around Europe again, I definitely recommend Bruges- beautiful city! The Markt was amazing- full of so much history and some amazing Friteries! The Easter chocolate displays are amazing as well!
I lloooveeee Bruges!! Thanks for this amazing post, makes me want to go back!!
Hi Sophie! Yes, I really miss the city now, can’t wait to plan my next visit too!
Looks like a fantastic trip! I always love seeing pictures from others’ travels – especially the food. Those little chocolates look incredible.
It was, Lisa! I’m the same regarding travel, I love reading about new places and countries to visit! The chocolates are, bought some extra home!
Looks like an amazing trip! Those tulips are just gorgeous!
Thanks Kelly! I was amazed by the stunning scenery and the park was just beautiful to walk through into the city centre!
What an amazing city with beautiful sights and amazing food! Can I come in your suitcase next time?
Bruges is so beautiful! And of course Erin! Hahaha!
I am fairly certain I’d gain 20 pounds after visiting Belgium – look at those chocolates! I’d have to try one of every kind! And those waffles! 🙂
Haha, I could’ve eaten so much whilst I was there! Moules Frite is definitely on my list next time and I could have run the shops out of chocolate too! The waffles were so good too! 🙂
Oh my gosh – so many beautiful pics!! And the food – YUM. I made a belgian waffle over the weekend but I’m sure it was no comparison to the ones you had! They look so yummy!
Thanks Leigha! I saw the waffles you made- look delish! Really happy you like the article!
So much gorgeousness! And deliciousness. Give me pretty architecture and chocolate and I’m one happy girl!
Hi Mary Frances! Really happy you like my article- the chocolate definitely is the best in Bruges!
What an awesome way to spend a day! The tulips make me happy just looking at them. And the frites and waffles are making me hungry!
It was a brilliant day- can’t believe we saw that much in just one day!
What a wonderful post! Love the lace and I’m not a lace fan…but it’s so delicate and pretty. And the food is to die for!
Thanks! I was amazed by the beautiful lace all around the city- really pretty! The food was to die for good!
Oh my goodness, what a great trip, Jess! Thanks for sharing with us. I love all of your photos, especially the food ones! 😛
Hi Patty! My pleasure, I really enjoyed writing about my trip! The food ones are pretty good- full of deliciousness! 🙂
The French are very scathing about the Belgians, saying the only food that comes out of Belgium are “frites”, I’d say that’s not a bad thing to export 😉
I know, typically French way of thinking! The Belgian food is definitely more than just Frites- delicious chocolate and beyond amazing waffles slathered in sauce- I pick that kind of food any day!
Beautiful pictures !
Thanks Eva!
what a beautiful city!!
It is! Thanks for reading Sarah!
Ugh! Pure food paradise! I love the french fries and mayo! I do that too!! SEE I am not the only oddball out there 🙂
It is pure paradise! Fries and mayo- always a big hit! I’ve been eating chips and mayo for as long as I can remember- so we both have something in common with the Belgians! 🙂
That sounds like an amazing trip! And don’t hesitate to share your travel adventures, I love reading about other places, especially the food there, on other blogs. 😀
It really was an amazing experience to see the city in a day! I’m the same regarding travel, I love reading about other countries food and travel hotspots! 🙂
I’ve never been to Belgium so thank you for this gorgeous tour. Everything looks so neat and tidy there! And Belgian chocolate…swoon!
You really must visit, Lorraine! My pleasure, it was great fun to write up about my trip. And don’t get me started on the amazing chocolate shops…:)
Thank you Jessica for taking us along to your enchanting trip! Love the market and the tulips are gorgeous, it reminds us on our visit to Amsterdam.
My absolute pleasure- was a lot of fun! The Markt is an amazing area, lots of history and full of various brilliant restaurants and street food stalls. I bet Amsterdam was an amazing city to visit- definitely down on my go-to list!
These pictures truly capture the beauty of it all, but I couldn’t stop salivating over the chocolates. Drool!
Thanks Kathy! The chocolate makes me salivate too- so good and luxurious!
I am so jealous of your trip, these pictures are stunning, while everything looks delicious the waffles in particular have gotten me hungry, hope you have the best time 🙂
Thank you! Really happy you like my photography! The waffles were seriously good- I just need to buy a waffle maker now! I had a brilliant time! 🙂
Wow – what beautiful tulips!!! The waffles and chocolates look to die for too, but I’m not so sure about the fries with mayo. I’ve heard that homemade mayo is a completely different creature than storebought – maybe I’ll have to give it a try after all!
Thank you!! The waffles were all amazing- I devoured my portion without any problems! I LOVE frites and mayo- so I knew I was gonna love the proper Belgian kind- fresh mayo is better on so many un-describable levels! You definitely need to try, I’m actually hoping to put up a recipe in a few weeks too!
Jessica, I’ve been to Brugges a few times and LOVE it! Especially the frites, waffles and chocolate!! You’ve made me think about visiting again, now!
Thanks so much Helen! Brugge is such an amazing place, you’ll love revisiting the city again! Aren’t frites, waffles and chocolate the best foods ever?! Hope you do go back!
I couldn’t agree more with you about Bruges. I visited it like 15 year ago (maybe more); my first thought was how such a small place can possibly house so many beautiful treasures!!!
Great pics, Jess; now I positively long to go back there…
Besos
Hi Rosa! Wow, you’ll definitely LOVE to visit again! I think it’s such an underrated city! Really happy you like my article- thanks for stopping by!
Besos! 🙂
Such a beautiful city with great street food! I’d love a waffle right about now! Great post
Thank you! The street food scene is amazing- definitely worth a visit!
I’ve been to bruges during the fall but your photos make me want to plan a trip in the spring when the tulips are in bloom.
Hi Karen! I bet Bruges in Autumn is amazing- the Spring tulips were definitely a beautiful highlight! Hope you do plan a trip!
Jess! This is crazy good timing. I’m actually heading over to Brussels (and of course Bruges) in a couple of weeks. I totally took notes from your pictures and advice. Thank you for posting this!! And to think that we almost crossed paths, too. 🙂
Hi David! Wow, so happy you’re going to head over to Brussels and Bruges- super exciting! I really enjoyed just one day- definitely could’ve spent even longer in beautiful Belgium. It’s weird nearly crossing paths as well! 🙂
OMG, those waffles look amazing!
I know, waffle heaven! 🙂
Oh my goodness – lovely trip and great photos…but I really, really love all that chocolate! Sounds heavenly!
Thank you Monica! It was a great trip- wish I could’ve stayed longer! And, yeah the chocolate really is heavenly!
Waffles and chocolate?! Can it get any better? The photos are great!
Thanks Lillian! I know, best thing ever, right?!
Such a delicious Post Jess. I went to the world expo a few years back and in the belgium pavillion we went nuts and ate so many tasty things. Including frites with mayo, waffles and yes, the best beers ever. Europe is high on my #wishlist indeed.
Hi Amy, thanks for stopping by! That sounds absolutely amazing fun, the Belgian food is so good! I was meaning to try some beer as well too- maybe next time! See i’d love to see more of Europe, but a tour of Australia is on my wish list now!
WOW, looks like an amazing trip! And all the food looks delicious 🙂
Thank you- it was! 🙂
Too funny, my mother went to Bruges last week too!! I have never been but would love to. Such a lovely post Jess, and all that delicious Belgium food….;-)
That’s so cool Jo! Bruges is certainly very popular isn’t it?! Really happy you like the article and yeah, the Belgian food is amazing! 🙂
Your photos are gorgeous and the food looks absolutely incredible!
Thank you Amanda!
What lovely pictures! Can I come????
Thanks!
All of these pictures look amazing, Jess. But I must admit that I am dying to grab a couple of those candies. So jealous!!
Yes, the sweets/chocolate were amazing!
Bruges sounds like a lot of fun! Beautiful city and beautiful food… the waffles look delicious!
It really was fun!
Your site is so beautiful!! Thanks for passing by my blog so that I could find yours! =)
Thank you so much- you’re really kind! 🙂
Sigh! So beautiful…! I wish. It’s so cool that you can breeze through three different countries in a morning’s time! And there’s so much to see in Bruges. Thanks for sharing, it’s fun to live vicariously through you!
Hi Allie! Bruges was amazing, I can’t wait to go back and visit again! I know, it’s weird living in the South-East of England we’re quite close to other countries- so a day trip sometimes is a brilliant, fun thing to do! Glad you like the article, thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I am so jealous that you live close enough to do a day trip. I have wanted to visit for a long time but haven’t had the chance. Your pictures are beautiful, and I’d love to try the foods. Looking forward to your recipe recreation!
Thank you Tiffany! I can’t wait to recreate the frites- all the food was amazing!
I am LOVING this post Jessica and am completely feeling like I am living the European life through you!!!! Your pictures are gorgeous and your descriptions mesmerizing!!
Thank you Renee! Really pleased you like the article- it was a great city and brilliant fun! Have a great weekend!
What a fantastic day trip Jessica! Everything looks gorgeous – I love all the pictures and yummy food – thanks so much for sharing with us 🙂
My pleasure! It was so super fun as you can possible tell! 🙂
lovely pics 🙂 It looks like a lovely day in beautiful Bruges!
Thank you- and it was! 🙂