Some cities you are bound to fall in love with. The moment I set foot in a new place, I instantly know if I like it. Sometimes it's the architecture of the buildings or the way it makes me feel. Other times it's the beauty of old and new structures, the combination of things. And from time to time it's the people, the way a few small sun rays light up a dark corner or the little side streets that have yet to be fully discovered.
I'm not one to believe much in fairytales, however if they were real, one would definitely take place in Bruges. Not to be too corny, but it really is one magical city. At least the old part is, the historic city center. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that it's one of the few World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.
I guess there's nothing like a perfect city, but Bruges comes pretty close to being called that. There is no trash lying around and beautiful brick buildings are flawlessly aligned in every street. Peaceful and picturesque, like no harm could ever come to anyone or anything here. Maybe that's what the fairytale vibe is all about. Considering that I had quite bad weather the whole time I had stayed in Belgium until the very day I visited Bruges, the city might actually have at least some magic to it.
I only stayed there for a day back in July last year, but I wouldn't want to miss it. Although I believe I'd never want to really live there (Yes, I do categorize cities according to that aspect. I haven't found many places yet, to which I could actually see myself moving in the future. However, a small number has already made it on the list.). I guess some places are maybe too good to be true. And perfection isn't everything, because after all, little flaws are what makes life interesting.
Nevertheless, I highly recommend seeing Bruges, if you have the chance. Even if it's just for a few hours, once in a while we should all dive into a fairytale.
This post isn't much of a city guide, but there is one thing I suggest you do. If you have the time, take a canal boat tour. Usually I rather explore a city by foot. I'm not a big fan of bus (or boat) tours. I like to take the time to walk around and maybe visit the not so touristy parts of cities as well. However, I believe that a boat tour in Bruges is different. Slowly floating through the narrow canals beneath the countless little bridges truly has its own charm.
The money you pay to go up the bell tower, also called the Belfry of Bruges, is also worth spent. On top you have an amazing view over the whole city. Downside to this experience is the lack of space and the vast number of people wanting to do just the same thing.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is Bruges and its magic.
And maybe, just maybe, you also find it when you visit the city one day.
Like Roald Dahl once said:
"Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."
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