I have booked a day trip, from Paris to Bruges, with Paris Vision... it's long, but looks fairly relaxed. I'm thinking we can see some of the countryside from the bus. Anyone take this tour recently? I noticed someone took it back in 2001 and enjoyed it. Any recommendations for cafés? Also, is the Tourist Office near the market place? I have ordered a guide book and map of Bruges, so perhaps those questions will be answered.

Sandy

I don't know about the tour, but yes the tourist office is in the Markt. I suggest you stay away from the restaurants in the Markt. Go outside of that area. Expensive and the one we went to wasn't that great. Buy the waffles from the small waffle stands and take it to the markt to eat. We had a waffle from one of the restaurants in the Markt and it was horrible. The little stands are really great. Just so you know, the wagon that sells Frits in the Markt...Frits are just French Fries like we get here. I don't know about any other place. That was the only one we tried. When you go into the lace shops, ask them for Belgium handmade lace. They do carry other machine made lace and they are very happy to tell you the difference.

Ann,
Thank you so much for the great tips Glad to know the Belgian waffles are better at the stands. Also good to know the tourist office is in the Markt. I know that we get a 1 hour tour with the Paris Vision tour, so maybe they would have told us that, but good to know ahead of time.

Sandy

There seems to be only one ATM in Bruges. It's also at the Markt and has a terribly long line outside of it at peak times. Take 'waffle cash' with you after leaving Paris!
Don't miss the Groening Museum, fabulous art, and the merchants house, the Gruithuis. I was very impressed with them both.

I took a trip with Cityrama a few years back. I really enjoyed the boat ride that highlighted the beautiful architecture. Don't forget to save time for chocolate sampling!

Re waffles ... if you want a real Brussels (Belgian) waffle you will not find those at the stalls. At the waffle stalls they sell 'suikerwafels' that are industrially made and have nothing to do with real Brussels waffles. Brussels waffles can be found in most tearooms. Delicious with hot chololate!

Thanks, everyone, for your great tips! We'll definitely take the boat tour and make time for chocolate, as well as Belgian beer Henneth, good to know there's only one ATM. I'll make it a point to arrive with a little cash for meals. Speaking of meals, I'll look out for a tearoom, Myrium. I wonder if anyone has tried this one... I think it's also a B&B:

http://www.verdibrugge.com/

Sandy

Sandypaws, that was exactly the one I had in mind for hot chocolate and waffles!

Myriam,
It certainly looks attractive, doesn't it?

Sandy

Another question on Bruges... I have two guidebooks on Bruges, and neither says how to actually get to Lake Minnewater. Has anyone walked there from the Markt? If so, do you remember how long it took? Thanks!

Sandy

Ahhh yes .. Verdi
We had a lovely lunch there on the recommendation of one MyriamC

sfowler & MyriamC,
Glad to have 2 recommendations to this tea room Thanks!

Sandy