One good reason to spend the night in Bruges or at least stay late is to enjoy the magnificent scenery after the sun goes down as the city thoughtfully has placed a multitude of floodlights at every worthwhile building in town.
As spectacular as the architecture is during the day, it really takes your breath away at night. You’ll be sorry if you don’t bring a tripod though I managed to get a few decent shots despite (or perhaps because?!) the large quantities of Belgian beers I tried that day.
Updated Feb 17, 2007
Walking in the streets of Brugge when the bulk of visitors have left is an awesome experience. Suddenly, hearing the carriages and the horses running is not annoying anymore. In daylight, this could be just so because it's so crowded, this unusual sound and sighting are just stressing, making you think of a fake reality. However, at night, it's just so romantic.
How many times haven't I imagined those scenes of carriages in the dark, running in cobblestoned streets, delivering some important persons (or their lovers, their spouses) at the foot of their townhouses ? Though those persons don't want to get noticed. The carriage driver with his black hat and a black windbreaker. The carriage passes near to you, pedestrian, just moves quickly. You just have the idea that it was his last hour of service... He is tired, just revigorated by the fresh air brushing his face. Read Edith Wharton describing 19th century New York society in winter. You'll get the point. :-)
And the sights ? Hmmm.. I've told a lot about the waters, the twinkling lights in the dark, some lighting that reveals the shape of some building...
After some walk, though... you may need to get warm ? If it is cold, you may stop at some pubs for beer or other warm drinks of your choice.
I'd choose some spots near the beguinage area, though. The center would not be as serene as here.
What a nightlife !
Dress Code: In winter, raincoat or windbreaker or a full coat. Your shawl, probably a hood on and you go !
Written Dec 2, 2005
Address: Brugge
This is what I meant. The most romantic spot of Brugge gets even more romantic at night: Minnewater! There were hardly any people here (Brugge is a real day trip destination, the streets get empty in the evenings!), the reflections of the buildings and trees in the water, silence (apart from the constant clicking of cameras when you are here with VTers)..... beautiful!
Updated Jan 11, 2004
Address: Brugge
This view took my breath away. The lights at St. Janshospitaal, the reflections in the water ..... soooo beautiful. I thought it couldn't get any better. See the next tip and see that it can always get better ;)
Updated Jan 11, 2004
Address: Brugge
Stroll through the city, along the canals and stop at one of the many terraces.
Soak in the pretty pictures of houses in lights, and reflections on the water.
Then stop at one of the pubs and taste a good Bruges beer like Brugse triple.
Updated Aug 17, 2003
Back on Rozenhoedekaai with many great restaurants and a very special medieval atmosphere with all these houses built of stones.
And it was almost empty of people at 11.00 p.m. , when I made my walk in July 2002.
During the other day it was very hard to take pics, as busloads of tourists started here to go on river-cruises
Updated Jan 8, 2003
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Kerk
Church of Our Lady - Liebfrauenkirche
It's absolutely worth to have a look inside in order to see the famous " madonna and child " by Michelangelo.
Of course its locked at night - but you may do it the next morning
Updated Jan 8, 2003
Take a walk now to Rozenhoedekaij, where most of the cruise-boats will be anchored at night.
There are plenty of good restaurants around that place and you will have a great view otowards the Belfry
Updated Jan 8, 2003
This big square is just behind the Provincial court and you may walk there from the Grandplace within 3 minutes
From the right :
The Basilica of the Holy Blood
The City Hall with its great gothic fassade
The Reformer's Palace
Updated Jan 8, 2003
You will easily see the Belfry from all places in town - so try to get there first.
The Grand Place will not be very crowded at night, except for the street-cafes, opposite of the Belfry.
There was a temporary tribune on the square , maybe for an open-air-concert and it was removed the other day.
Updated Jan 8, 2003
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You will easily see the Belfry from all places in town - so try to get there first.The Grand Place will not be very crowded at night, except for the...
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Q: I will be in Brugge this Chrisatmas Eve and trying to find a moderate priced restaurant that will be open that evening.

A: you might need reservation for that date. try put brugge in the destination space above for tips by posters like us in restaurant section. Hope it help your planning
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