Chrismukkah in Belgium!
From Bruges to Brussels, a week in Belgium.
This past holiday vacation, my family went on a tour through Belgium. We began in Bruges, before heading to spend Christmas in Ghent, followed by a WWI tour in Ypres before our journey to Brussels. Our final day we trained up for a day tour in Antwerp, what a week!
We had a wonderful trip, despite minor noro virus that hit me in the final days. Still, hard to complain when we have our family together! (Miss you Mel <3)
Highlight Reel
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Highlight Reel ⋆
Dinner at El Greco
Lumiere Mussels
Brat Winter
Street Meat!
Walking tour in Ghent
Greetings from Pillows
Merry X-mas!
And Happy Hanukah!
Top of the Belfry at In Flanders Fields Museum
The Menin Gate
Chocolaterie at the Royal Mall in Brussels
A Magritte Treat
Mom stealing bread for me as I was bedridden
Boat Cruise in Bruges
Ferry Wheel in Bruges
Nina's Pint at Giuseppes
Stop 1: Bruges
We arrived to Bruges late on December 23rd and had a fabulous meal at El Greco, a Greek restaurant near the center of town.
From there, we went back to our adorable and historic lodging, Hotel Navarra, for a good night’s sleep!
We woke up and enjoyed our first Belgian waffle before walking through the various Christmas markets. Then, in the afternoon we went on a wonderful walking and boat tour (click here to book!) that taught us about Bruges history as a medieval trading hub in the 12th century.
Bruges is coined as “impossibly cute” and it truly was! However, our guide recommended we avoid Bruges in the summer as it’s an absolute mob scene with tourists.
Stop 2: Ghent
I found Ghent to be one of most underrated cities I’ve ever been to (that and San Miguel!) Beautiful gothic buildings, rich history, and of course, another fabulous Christmas market!
We only spent two days in Ghent on Christmas Eve and Christmas, but thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Pillows Grand Hotel, our dinner at Beiruti, and our walking tour of Ghent from Get your Guide
Stop 3: Ypres
On the 26th, we left and took an hour train to Ypres, where we spent the better half of a day at the In Flanders Field Museum. This museum focused on the atrocities of WWI, with a special focus on how this effected Belgium. Highly recommend.
From there, we used H&S driver service to pick us up and take us to Flanders Field American Memorial which was incredibly moving. This was an immaculately maintained memorial which honors 411 American Soldiers who passed in Flanders during WWI. Local Belgians have adopted these graves to make sure they are never forgotten. On the chapel entrance, there was the words “Greet Them Ever With Grateful Hearts”, and a powerful short two minute video about how Belgians honor these fallen soldiers.
All in all, a wonderful day, although admittedly much more somber than us galavanting around Bruges and Ghent!
Stop 4: Brussels
Brussels was even better than I remembered! We had a jam packed morning where we divided and conquered. Nina and Baba went to the Musical Instruments Museum which they raved about, while Mom and I went to the Royal Arts Museum for their special Magritte exhibit. Fabulous dreamscape painting!
We then grabbed a quick bite and rested for a bit before heading to the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert aka a beautiful shopping mall where we went into no less than 8 chocolateries. We bought many a souvenirs for gifts and then went on a fabulous walking and chocolate/beer tasting tour! Our guide, Walid, was fantastic and we ended the tour with an impressive beer tasting. It was also a chance to meet other folks that we’re traveling so I’d highly recommend this as well if you’re a solo traveler for some company!
After that, we soaked up the booze with hearty ramen that was satisfying before heading back to the hotel!