Survey Says: Brugges in January?
Jun 30th, 2008, 12:10 PM
#1
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Survey Says: Brugges in January?
It's obviously going to be cold...I know that much. Do you think Brugges would be a nice side-trip to take from Paris at this time of year (post New Years)?
I've read you can skate the canals if they're frozen, that the fry stand at the Belfry is not to be missed, and that beer and chocolate are staples in this diet, all of which are right up my alley.
There's a chance I might be traveling alone (single female- 28), so I'm wondering if this would be a good place to spend one day/night.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
I've read you can skate the canals if they're frozen, that the fry stand at the Belfry is not to be missed, and that beer and chocolate are staples in this diet, all of which are right up my alley.
There's a chance I might be traveling alone (single female- 28), so I'm wondering if this would be a good place to spend one day/night.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Jun 30th, 2008, 12:52 PM
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I have been to Brugge in Jan, and it is cold! However, the nice thing is it's less crowded.
OTOH, to me it's a long side-trip. Even if you take the nonstop train (which only runs once/day), it's still a 2.5 hour ride.
If I were you, I'd pick somewhere closer to Paris for my side-trip.
OTOH, to me it's a long side-trip. Even if you take the nonstop train (which only runs once/day), it's still a 2.5 hour ride.
If I were you, I'd pick somewhere closer to Paris for my side-trip.
Jun 30th, 2008, 02:15 PM
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I think it's been a long time since anyone was able to skate on frozen canals in Bruges (note to the OP: it's Bruges or Brugge, not Brugges).
It's more likely to be chilly and damp rather than frigidly cold. Sleet is always a possibility in Brugge (and Belgium) in winter. The nice thing is that many cafes in Brugge, unlike Paris, have fireplaces. Hot chocolate is usually very good and most cafes have some kind of warm wine or grog drink.
Bruges a a very doable daytrip, IMO, but it's a LONG day. Have a nice lunch in Brugge and then just a snack when you get back to Paris (the trip isn't much longer than the train ride from Paris to London and lots of people make that day trip--plus there's no check-in time for the TGV and Thalys, just make sure you board 2 minutes before departure.)
Brugge has a wonderful, stark, magical look in winter. Remember, it will get dark early, but it's a very safe town to wander around in. I've always found Thursdays to be the best day for a Brugge daytrip--all the museums are open but you don't have the week-end visitors. And caution: for such a tourism oriented town, ATMs for non-bank customers are kind of thin on the ground. There is one on the main square, but it has a tendency to run out of cash. Just something to keep in mind.
If you want to do some shopping, there's a very good Delvaux store right off the main square...
It's more likely to be chilly and damp rather than frigidly cold. Sleet is always a possibility in Brugge (and Belgium) in winter. The nice thing is that many cafes in Brugge, unlike Paris, have fireplaces. Hot chocolate is usually very good and most cafes have some kind of warm wine or grog drink.
Bruges a a very doable daytrip, IMO, but it's a LONG day. Have a nice lunch in Brugge and then just a snack when you get back to Paris (the trip isn't much longer than the train ride from Paris to London and lots of people make that day trip--plus there's no check-in time for the TGV and Thalys, just make sure you board 2 minutes before departure.)
Brugge has a wonderful, stark, magical look in winter. Remember, it will get dark early, but it's a very safe town to wander around in. I've always found Thursdays to be the best day for a Brugge daytrip--all the museums are open but you don't have the week-end visitors. And caution: for such a tourism oriented town, ATMs for non-bank customers are kind of thin on the ground. There is one on the main square, but it has a tendency to run out of cash. Just something to keep in mind.
If you want to do some shopping, there's a very good Delvaux store right off the main square...
Jun 30th, 2008, 02:38 PM
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Thank you to you both! I'm actually thinking of departing Paris on a Sunday and taking the train to Brugge (correct sp this time)to stay overnight. After looking at pictures, it seems too charming and enchanting to just make a day trip of it. And I've never been to Belgium, so I'd like to cruise around and experience more than just one meal (I travel to eat, and I like to eat my way through Europe).
Incidentally, and depending on my final plans, I may continue on to Brussels and catch a plane to Milan from there. I was trying to read up on Brussels and Rotterdam, but they don't seem as heavily touted as Brugge.
Do either of you have an opinion on either city?
Incidentally, and depending on my final plans, I may continue on to Brussels and catch a plane to Milan from there. I was trying to read up on Brussels and Rotterdam, but they don't seem as heavily touted as Brugge.
Do either of you have an opinion on either city?
Jun 30th, 2008, 02:51 PM
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Sounds good, but note: if your flight is on Ryanair, you'll be flying from Charleroi, not Brussels (don't buy into the "Brussels South" airport nonsense.
Brussels is full of wonderful, moderately priced nontouristy restaurants, two that we like:
Le Fruit Defendu (my favorite restaurant in Europe):
http://sites.resto.com/lefruitdefendu/
And Notos
www.notos.be
Brussels is full of wonderful, moderately priced nontouristy restaurants, two that we like:
Le Fruit Defendu (my favorite restaurant in Europe):
http://sites.resto.com/lefruitdefendu/
And Notos
www.notos.be
Jun 30th, 2008, 03:01 PM
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Wow, both of those restaurants look amazing, BTilke. Thank you for sharing!
And thank you for the info about the airports in Brussels. I would fly EasyJet if I go that route, as it flies to Malpensa from Brussels (Ryanair flies to Bergamo).
Going to figure out the logistics of where I'm headed, and perhaps I'll check back in here with questions. It sounds like Brugge is going to be on the agenda for sure!
And thank you for the info about the airports in Brussels. I would fly EasyJet if I go that route, as it flies to Malpensa from Brussels (Ryanair flies to Bergamo).
Going to figure out the logistics of where I'm headed, and perhaps I'll check back in here with questions. It sounds like Brugge is going to be on the agenda for sure!
Jun 30th, 2008, 10:53 PM
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Rotterdam would be way out of your way just to get a plane. Fly from Brussels. Rotterdam is a very modern city with a lively young atmosphere, but too far from Brugge!
Remember it gets dark at about 4pm in January - and is barely light by 9 am!
I wish we would get a winter for skating on canals - I long for a really cold crisp sunny winter, but those days a re gone I'm afraid. It will more likely be cool and damp, maybe if you are lucky cold (ie around freezing)and damp, and most likely grey cloudy weather.
Remember it gets dark at about 4pm in January - and is barely light by 9 am!
I wish we would get a winter for skating on canals - I long for a really cold crisp sunny winter, but those days a re gone I'm afraid. It will more likely be cool and damp, maybe if you are lucky cold (ie around freezing)and damp, and most likely grey cloudy weather.
Jul 1st, 2008, 08:57 AM
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I did a sidetrip to Brussels from Paris, with a visit to Brugge, which turned out to be a half-day, way too short, leave yourself a full day to explore, and to duck in & out of cafes for treats and warming up! I wish I'd thought to stay overnight.
