Between Paris and Amsterdam lies Bruges, a smaller and more picturesque Belgian city than nearby Brussels or Antwerp. We decided to spend two days slowly soaking in the charm of this medieval city. Walking around the winding streets and canals of Bruges often drums up the feeling of being in a fairy tale. We found time to sample the fries, waffles, beer and chocolate of course! One day is probably sufficient for Bruges if you get in early.

We thought the best way to show off the city was a mini photo tour. Enjoy!

Belfort, the belfry towering over the center of Bruges in Markt Square since 1300.  Only 366 steps to the top! — Belfort, the belfry towering over the center of Bruges in Markt Square since 1300. Only 366 steps to the top!

Row of cafes and buildings along Markt Square, the main square in town.

People watching, including ourselves, in Markt Square.

A chocolate skull, one of many chocolates we tried from The Chocolate Line in Simon Stevinplein Square.

People watching while enjoying some chocolate.  This kid was basically modeling for me! — People watching while enjoying some chocolate. This kid was basically modeling for me!

Fries from Chez Vincent with three of their many sauces to try.  We loved this place!  The chicken nuggets are the best we've ever had. — Fries from Chez Vincent with three of their many sauces to try. We loved this place! The chicken nuggets are the best we've ever had.

Stephen at the doors of St. Salvator's Cathedral.

We stopped for some Belgian beer at 't Brugs Beertje.  They have hundreds of beers and the staff is helpful. — We stopped for some Belgian beer at 't Brugs Beertje. They have hundreds of beers and the staff is helpful.

Tired after eating and drinking all day.

Exploring the canals on Day 2 in Bruges.

Window shopping.  Marzipan and chocolate tools in Bruges. — Window shopping. Marzipan and chocolate tools in Bruges.

Smedenpoort, one of four remaining city gates in Bruges.

The city made us feel like we had stepped back in time.

Belgian waffles are famous throughout the world.  Here is a photo of the waffle irons because our waffle didn't last long enough to snap a photo!  Honestly though, we both prefer Wafels and Dinges in NYC to the waffles we tried in Bruges! — Belgian waffles are famous throughout the world. Here is a photo of the waffle irons because our waffle didn't last long enough to snap a photo! Honestly though, we both prefer Wafels and Dinges in NYC to the waffles we tried in Bruges!

Carriage rides are a very popular activity in Bruges.

At Begijnhof, a tranquil community in Bruges which includes a convent of Benedictine nuns.  You must be silent on the grounds. — At Begijnhof, a tranquil community in Bruges which includes a convent of Benedictine nuns. You must be silent on the grounds.

Stephen following the rules at Begijnhof.

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