Bruges. Few places we leave are immediately calling us to return. Bruges is at the top of our “must return to” list. There were so many magical things about this visit. It was something that’d been on my travel list for quite some time. Having tried multiple times to squeeze it in on other trips, it just never worked out. So when we were planning our last trip, NYC, India, Israel & Germany with family for a couple days, I asked if we could tac on a couple more days to see Bruges finally. I couldn’t be happier that we did it!

Because it was just a one night stay, I wanted to find a cool spot. I really struggled with the choice as there seemed to be many nice options. Some cost more, some less, some had canal views, some had two night minimums. We decided on Nuit Blanche, the number 2 reason Bruges was so amazing.

The number 3, and probably best reason, was our friends the Martins flying in from Bulgaria last minute to join us. They literally texted us when we were on our way to the airport in Tel Aviv, and said they were flying to meet us. The room we’d booked at Nuit Blanche was large enough for the four of us, so it worked out perfectly! We arrived around 10pm to the amazing view above, out our bedroom window. We could hardly believe it. Even though it was late, we wanted to find some food. We strolled through the Markt, Bruges is just gorgeous at night.

The next morning, we enjoyed a fabulous breakfast at Nuit Blanche, and David, it’s owner, shared his must see spots around town. We devoured the amazing food and set out, David’s map in hand.

David’s house backs up to Lovers Bridge. It was so windy the day we were in Bruges that parks and the Belfry were closed. We would’ve missed this bridge if it hadn’t been right at David’s.

The boat ride on the canal is a must, in my opinion. It’s a great way to see the city, it’s not long and not too expensive. They call it the Venice of the North, and I see why. Every turn has a beautiful bridge and a gorgeous site. It truly feels like a magical place.

All the chocolate we had in Bruges was amazing. We had The Chocolate Kiss & The Chocolate Line. The Old Hot Chocolate House had amazing hot chocolate. We had some good fries in the Markt as well. We wanted to go up in the Belfry, but due to wind, it was closed.

We strolled back to Nuit Blance, enjoyed one last look out the window and set off for the airport.

Our final stop on our way out of town was the Homeless Jesus Statue. It was especially cool to see because we’d seen another one in Israel, just days before. We got one last selfie before jumping in the car and heading for the Brussels airport. I was sad to know we’d be leaving our friends so soon. Travel is amazing, but especially with good friends!

We cannot wait to plan a trip back to Bruges. We didn’t even have quite 24 hours there and yet it was plenty of time to steal our hearts. Til we meet again Bruges, til we meet again.