WHEN -

May to September is best. It rains all year and has cool summers. May and June are the best.

STAY -

The award winning  Bonafacius Guest House

 is situated on the Dijver Canal near the very photogenic Bonafacius Bridge which it is named after. It was built in the 16th century and  has  been beautifully restored.

It has 3 rooms designated for couples only and  has a focus on romance. It exquisitely decorated and has a roof terrace with fantastic views of  the city skyline. It is in an enviable location in the historic heart of one of Europe's most charming medieval towns.

There are many major attractions nearby and you'll love just strolling around taking in all the sights.

There are 3 suites - Junior 28 sq m - Executive 31 sq m & Luxury 39 sq m with canal view

ABOUT -

Make your way to UNESCO Heritage Listed Bruges which is about an hour away from Brussels by train. Stay in this wonderful historical house set in a unique location and explore the fairy tale village of Bruges.

ADD ONS -

You're only a train ride away from many of the great capitals of Europe so the world (or Europe) is your oyster.

ROMANCE -

Jacuzzi in the room / Open log fire / Only 3 rooms designated for couples only

The town of Bruges is a very romantic place itself

Bar Rose Red / 't Zwart Huis - Jazz Den

Wine and cheese + picnics - public drinking here is ok

Private canal cruise from the Quay of the Rosary

Feed the Swans at the Lake of Love and cross the Lovers Bridge,  kiss each other and your love will be eternal

A romantic Hot Air Balloon flight for two / a Horse drawn Carriage ride

Chocolate High Tea at the Old Chocolate House / Fondue at Le Petit Patron

SUNRISES & SUNSETS -

Sunrise or sunset Hot Air Balloon rides

Sunset from the top of the Belfry

BUDGET -

European prices for everything. The Guest House has a two night minimum. 

HIGHLIGHTS -

Being at the centre of all that history with all the attractions being within walking distance of your cosy retreat

PAMPER -

High quality body products in the granite bathroom / Personal service from a very gracious host will make you feel like a member of the family

Head to one of the many spa hotels

Click here for a guide

RELAXING -

By the fire or on the roof terrace or in the park or on the water

VIEWS -

Overlooking the canal / Fabulous city views from the roof terrace

FOOD -

Breakfast is provided in the Gothic Room overlooking the canal or on the Terrace.  including Champagne and Belgian waffles

In front of the Guest House is the famous Michelin starred restaurant "De Gouden Harynck" which features inspirational French Cuisine. They have various lunch, mid week and tasting menu deals.

There are many Bistros nearby

Try Stoverij - a beef stew cooked in Belgian beer (Beef here is very good) - t'Bagientje Bistro is a good choice

The House of Waffles - 

sweet and savoury (traditional) - near the Torture Museum

Frituur de Gentpoorte - 

Fry shack for the best Belgian Fries in town

Carpe Diem - 

Tea room and bakery and ice cream

Diksmuids Boterhuis - 

over 200 cheeses with free samples

L'Estaminet - 

popular local restaurant with a terrace and a pub

The Potato Bar - 

get your carb fix

ICE CREAM / Gelato - Deijsbeer since 1922 / Oyya - for the Pistachio / Gelateria Da Vinci - for 40 flavours and great service / Fred's - for home made Australian style

DRINKS -

Free drinks from the mini bar

Belgian Beer

Belgian Hot Chocolate

Bar Des Amis - 

a good place to make friends

Cafe Vlissinghe - 

1515 the oldest pub in Bruges and probably the world - a special place with a terrace

Nocturne - for cocktails and piano music

SIGHTS -

The Belfry Tower - 

366 steps up the #1 attraction for breathtaking views and to hear the tuneful bells as well as the treasury and the keyboard used to play the bells. Go after the day tourists have gone home.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood - 

brought out at 2 pm daily

The Torture Museum - 

for something different

ACTIVITIES -

Markt - 

the big public plaza which is the main centre

Burg Square - 

the second plaza - good for waffles

Go chocolate 

shopping in Katelijnestraat home of the chocolate stores - make sure it says handmade in the shop window

De Halve Maan - 

Brewery tour

Stroll the Windmill Walk

SOUVENIRS -

Belgian Chocolate / Christmas ornaments / Flemish Tapestries / Tin Tin books / Antiques / Lace - world famous / Speculoos Biscuits - Since 1650 / Manneken - Pis momentos - weird but fun / Diamonds - it has been the centre of world diamond trade for 500 years / Chocalate Breasts

2be Beer Wall - 

for souvenirs, photos and beer

Chocolatier Dumon - 

one of the best

TIPS -

Come mid week to avoid the crowds

Nearly everything is closed on a Sunday

You need to book restaurants on Friday and Saturday nights

Pets are allowed - notify beforehand

Parking available - charges apply

CHEAPER OPTIONS -

In descending order of price and quality try Die Swaene -  Hotel Acacia -  Hotel Duc De Bourgogne -  Martin's Brugge or Hotel Notre Dame. 

VISAS -

Belgium is a Shengen State so 90 countries don't need visas and 150 countries do. The 90 countries will be allowed to stay for 90 days. In 2022 those 90 countries will need to get an online ETIAS authorisation. Check your local embassy to be sure

Click here for information

TRANSPORT -

You can connect to Bruges by rail from many European cities. The train from Brussels takes an hour. 

Brussels Zaventem Airport (BRU) - 

has direct flights to 190 destinations in 72 countries so it should be easy to find a flight. From the Train Station it is a short taxi ride to the Guest House.

Check here for flights.

EXTRA -

See Paris in 'Cities' and France in 'Countries'. Just scroll up for the menu.