Bruges, Belgium’s Prettiest City

Nico just wrapped up his intense exam period at uni (a whopping seven exams in less than three weeks), so we had planned a little weekend getaway to Luxembourg. Partially to celebrate him finishing his first semester and partially because we were both so desperate to get out of Belgium, having not left the country since we moved here in September.

Welp - the government announced that they were completing closing the borders and banning all non-essential travel in one of the world's harshest moves against COVID-19. While I do respect the necessity of this, given the state of the country and the EU, I do echo the opinions of many people quoted across various news outlets here in Belgium that this kind of thing should have been done a year ago. Having to go to these sorts of extreme measures signifies a failure to have curbed the virus early on and an inability to implement safe systems that would allow Belgians some sense of normality.

Alas, our plans to Luxembourg fell short and we decided to grin and bear it and stay closer to home. We've certainly explored tons of Belgium in these past few months!

So instead, we borrowed the car from Nico's parents and drove up to Bruges in the northwestern part of the country, in the heart of the Flemish region. Bruges is arguably the most beautiful city in the entire country. While we preferred the vibe of Antwerp, we found the architecture and buildings of Bruges to be unparalleled in idyllic beauty and quaint delight. The city is simply stunning, no matter which way you turn.

Bruges should be on every traveler's list when they come to Belgium! Here is our photo diary of our day in the most beautiful city in this country.