Enchanted in Bruges, Belgium

What’s an international trip without missing a bus or two?

We missed our bus from Amsterdam to Bruges! Panic? Nah! You need to leave room for such mishaps when planning everything on your own without a travel agency. On the bright side, I have a story to tell—something to look back on and smile about. Of course, we reached Bruges, just not in the way you’d expect.

A Detour Through Ghent

A quiet Sunday at Ghent Station ©Noyon Jyoti Parasara

We jumped onto the next available bus, one bound for Ghent. It dropped us off at a car park next to the railway station. Dragging our hefty holiday luggage, we managed to buy tickets, only to realise it was Sunday, so the usual trains weren’t running.

Ghent to Bruges is barely a 30-minute train ride—26 minutes, to be precise. Still, we arrived in the city a good two hours later than planned. To save time, we took an expensive cab from the train station to our hotel.

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A Hotel Experiment Best Left Untested

It was an unmanned hotel of sorts, where they left the keys in a box for us.
Pro tip: I know it sounds innovative, but stick to traditional hotels over quirky setups that prioritise concept over comfort. Ours felt like a university project run by wealthy kids who weren’t fully invested.

First Impressions of Bruges

Bruges in golden hour—no filter needed, just magic. ©Noyon Jyoti Parasara

Bruges, however, was nothing like our hotel. It felt like stepping into a painting—a place that needed no filters, with a warm colour tone all its own. I wasn’t entirely surprised; this was one of the cities I was most eager to visit, highly recommended by many. Yet, it still takes your breath away.

As someone used to navigating the dusty streets of Mumbai, Bruges hits differently. Its neat, cobbled, narrow streets lined with boutique hotels and serene canals, where a boat glides by every now and then, make it feel like a dream—one you’d gladly linger in.

Wandering Without a Map

We walked aimlessly, which is truly the best way to experience Bruges. Every turn reveals something postcard-worthy: a centuries-old building, a perfectly still canal reflecting the sky, or a couple sharing chips under a vintage lamppost. The city doesn’t demand attention; it charms you slowly, effortlessly.

![Image: Belfry of Bruges towering over Markt]
Caption: The Belfry of Bruges—366 steps of history and heartbeats.

Every corner seems to guide you somewhere magical. We wandered into the Markt, the heart of the city, where the Belfry of Bruges looms tall, its 366 steps daring anyone to climb for a view. I’ll admit, we didn’t take up the challenge that day.

A Visit to the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Basilica of the Holy Blood. ©Noyon Jyoti Parasara

Among the places we stumbled upon was the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Tucked in a corner of the bustling Burg Square, it doesn’t try to draw attention from the outside. In fact, we nearly walked past it, mistaking it for another of Bruges’ quaint old buildings.

But once inside, it felt like stepping into another world. Climbing the stairs offered glimpses of its history through the decades. We wondered if the relic would be on display to satisfy our curiosity. Of course, it wasn’t out in the open! But the possibility that the church holds such a significant piece of history left us thrilled.

Bruges After Dark

As night fell, Bruges became even more surreal. The amber streetlights cast a gentle glow over everything. We stood in the middle of Burg Square, simply soaking it all in. And the food—don’t even get me started!

Final Thoughts

Despite the initial travel hiccups, Bruges more than made up for it with its timeless charm and warm atmosphere. It’s a place where history, culture, and beauty blend seamlessly, inviting you to slow down and savour every moment.

I’m glad we didn’t have a “to-do list” for Bruges. You don’t need one. Just let yourself breathe in the calm. I left with my heart full—and a promise to return. Hopefully with fewer missed buses next time!

Next Up: Brussels!

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