Getting there: LeShuttle and an easy drive

This was my first time using  LeShuttle, as in the past we have always taken the ferry, and I was genuinely impressed with how smooth and time‑efficient it was. Being able to stay in the car, simply drive on in Folkestone and drive off again in Calais made the whole experience feel very straightforward. From Calais, the drive up to Bruges is also very easy and took around 90 minutes. The route is mainly motorway, clearly signposted and not at all daunting, even if you are not used to driving abroad, which really set the tone for a stress‑free few days.

Checking in: Hotel Aragon

For our base, we chose Hotel Aragon, a charming and very centrally located hotel in Bruges. It was only a few minutes’ walk from the main Markt square, which meant we could step out of the door and immediately be in the heart of the city.

The location worked perfectly for a short break: we did not waste any time on public transport or long walks into the centre, and it made it very easy to pop back during the day to freshen up or drop off a bit of shopping.

We stayed for 2 nights, which I felt was just the right amount of time to get a real flavour of Bruges without rushing.

Day 1: First tastes of Bruges

After arriving and checking in, we headed out for a quick bite at a café called That’s Toast. It was a lovely, relaxed spot and ideal to refuel before some exploring. From there, we walked straight to one of Bruges’ most iconic viewpoints: Rozenhoedkaai.

Boat tour from Rozenhoedkaai

Rozenhoedkaai is every bit as picturesque as the photos suggest, with its canals, gabled buildings and little bridges. We decided to take a boat tour from here, which turned out to be a fantastic way to start our time in the city.

Gliding along the canals gave us a wonderful first overview of Bruges and helped us get our bearings. The commentary added a bit of history and local insight, and seeing the city from the water really shows off its beauty.

We had not pre‑booked the boat tour and, despite it being a bank holiday Monday and half term, the queues were short and moved quickly. It felt very relaxed and spontaneous, which suited the mood of the trip perfectly.

Belgian beer by the water

After the boat tour, we could not resist stopping at Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery. This was a real highlight: we sampled some Belgian beer and relaxed on the terrace overlooking the water.

It was one of those simple, perfect holiday moments: sitting in the fresh air, watching the world go by on the canals, and enjoying a local beer in exactly the right setting.

vening in Bruges

Later, we wandered back to the hotel to freshen up before heading out for a leisurely evening meal. Staying so close to the centre meant we could stroll through the cobbled streets as the day‑trippers disappeared and the city took on a softer, more intimate atmosphere.

Bruges in the evening feels incredibly romantic and atmospheric, with its lit‑up buildings reflected in the canals and the gentle sound of bells in the background.

Day 2: Towers, windmills and waffles

Our second day began with a lovely breakfast at the hotel, before we headed straight to the Belfry Tower in Markt Square. As the weather was really hot while we were there (around 29 degrees), we decided to do the climb first thing in the morning, before it got too warm or too busy.

Climbing the steps to the top is definitely a bit of a workout, but the views over Bruges are worth every step. Looking out across the rooftops and canals really gives you a sense of how compact and beautiful the city is.

Walking to the Bruges windmills

After conquering the Belfry, we decided to walk out to see the four windmills on the edge of Bruges. It made a lovely contrast to the bustle of the centre: a slightly quieter walk, a chance to see a different side to the city and soak up the sunshine. We stopped for a drink on the way and just enjoyed taking things at our own pace.

Waffles, history and virtual reality

Once we had wandered back into the centre, it felt like the perfect time to sample some Belgian waffles. Sitting down with freshly made waffles felt like a very “Bruges” moment and was a definite hit.

In the afternoon, we visited the Historium museum, which we all really enjoyed. It brings the history of Bruges to life in an engaging way, and we especially loved the optional virtual reality experience, which added something extra and memorable. You can also step out onto the rooftop terrace at the Historium for great views over the square, which is well worth doing.

Beers, comics and a relaxed evening

After the museum, we still had time to simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. We stopped at 2be Bar, which has an impressive beer wall displaying a huge variety of Belgian beers, as well as an outside terrace overlooking the canal. It is also right next to a Tin Tin and Smurf shop, which added a fun, playful touch to our stop there.

In the evening, we headed out for a pre‑dinner cocktail, then on to a restaurant called Poules Moules, where we sat outside in the square to eat. It was the perfect setting for our final evening, surrounded by the buzz of the city. After dinner, we took a last gentle walk to Minnewater Park before heading back to the hotel, really making the most of our final night.

Heading home: a sweet send‑off

On our final morning, we squeezed in a bit of last‑minute shopping. Top of the list was picking up some chocolate from Dumon, a shop recommended by our hotel, which made a perfect treat to bring home. After that, it was time to drive back to Calais and return to the UK via LeShuttle.

Again, the journey felt very easy and straightforward, and within a few hours we were back in Kent, feeling as though we had enjoyed a proper break without any of the usual travel stress.

Ready to plan your own Bruges short break?

If this has inspired you to experience Bruges for yourself, I would love to help you plan your own short break. Whether you are thinking of driving over on Le Shuttle as we did, or you would prefer to travel another way, I can tailor a trip to suit you, from handpicked hotels to the little touches that make it feel special.

Contact me to start planning your Bruges escape and let me take care of the details for you.