World Tour Stop 24 - Bruges, Belgium

In Bruges! I love this city so much. On my very first trip to Europe in 2012 I flew into Brussels and spent one lovely day in this town. It's definitely a place that you only need a weekend in (very small and easy to hit all the sites in a day or two) but it is just the cutest place ever. It is filled with so much history and beautiful architecture, has canals (and thus canal boat tours), breweries and chocolate. This city and Budapest were my two favorite cities prior to this trip, but I think now I have a few more favorites...does that make them favorites or just places I love?

Anyway, we left Paris after the quarterfinals match (GO USA!) and headed out to Bruges for the weekend. Bruges is about a two and a half hour drive from Paris and we rented a car for the six of us. so definitely a pleasant and easy trip.

Upon arrival we checked into our place and hopped on a bus to downtown. Our first stop was to visit the Halve Maan Tavern and do a brewery tour because they have a rooftop that overlooks the city and, in case you haven't noticed, I do love rooftop views.

We had dinner here as well and then walked around town where we encountered a marathon being completed in the main square. We went around and then watched the Neterlands game at an Irish Pub (with a couple more beers of course, because, when in Belgium).

The next morning we climbed the Belfry tower and got some more amazing views. Only 300 steps to the top but it is up and down on the same very narrow winding staircase so if you are claustrophobic maybe think twice about this one.

Such a beautiful view. We then went and had Belgium waffles from Oyya Waffles and Ice Cream which was the place that was highly recommended from our research and we were not disappointed. A waffle with chocolate and bananas or strawberries and whip cream, Yes, please!

The other thing that is a must do is the canal boat ride. It for about thirty minutes and is about ten Euros, so not too expensive and would definitely say is a must do when you're in a canal city. Our guide was amazing and did the entire tour in both English and German. I am so impressed by Europeans and the fact that they learn and use so many different languages interchangeably.

Our last stop was a beer tasting at Bourgogne des Flandres and while I am still going to say I preferred Halve Maan because the brewery views, this beer was still great. Things that Belgium excels at - Beer, Chocolate, Waffles, and views.

Until next time Belgium. What a lovely 36 hours!