Anyone for Bruges? Belgium, That Is.

If you love beer, the best place in the world to try some new brews is Belgium. There are more than 125 breweries in a country smaller than the state of South Carolina with roughly 800 standard beers. If you include seasonal and one-offs, that number jumps to 8,700.

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is similar to any other large European metropolitan city. While it definitely possesses some charm, a smaller town like Bruges is more our speed. Bruges is a perfect place to rent bikes and see a lot in a short amount of time. Bikes range from $10-20 per day and can be picked up all over town.




There is a bike and walking loop around the old part of town that takes you through parks, old moats and drawbridges that protected the city, windmills and plenty of pubs. The coast is also only about ten miles away along a canal which connects Bruges to Zeebrugge, a village on Belgium’s coast.

Our favorite pub in town is Brugs Beertje (www.brugsbeertje.be) which has more than 300 Belgian beers to choose from in a menu that resembles a karaoke book. One of Scott’s favorites is Delirium Nocturnum, which is characterized by a pink elephant on the label. (We assume this mascot was chosen due to the fact that this extremely strong drink nearly made Scott see elephants on our walk back to the hostel after a few of these.)

Drinking in a small place like Brugs Beertje provides a great experience because nearly all the beers have different glasses—many resembling wine or cognac glasses—and are poured by the bartender since each has a particular way to flow into the glass and settle. We never knew beer could be this in depth and delicious at the same time. But be aware of the alcohol content, as many range from 7-13%. (This will be listed in the karaoke book.)

Fruit beer is great for people like Krystin who don’t like the taste of beer but want to try something new. Fruit beers abroad are not like many “fruity beers” in the States, especially the holiday brews or citrus-flavored summer lagers that are actually normal beer made from hops and barley with fruit flavors added for a sometimes not very pleasant taste. The best Belgian fruit beers are made from fruit instead of hops to give the beer an entirely different, sweeter taste. Krystin hates beer, but drank the fruit kind all night in varieties from cherry, raspberry, banana, peach and blackcurrant.

Aside from the delicious beverages to be had in this quaint town, Bruges is simply an excellent place to slow down from a whirlwind trip and relax for a few days. Just sit in the main square watching the horse drawn carriages and listen to the church bells, or meander along the canals as you browse the wares of the local shops.

During your stay in Bruges, you may want to try a Belgian specialty: the waffle! Just make sure it is made fresh… and preferably has generous amounts of ice cream, whipped cream and fruit. Don’t settle for one from a vendor that is premade. Belgium is also known for its French fries; they did invent them, after all. Vendors will sell them to take away in white paper cones with small forks. Mayonnaise is the topping of choice, but ketchup should also be on hand. Just ask for “frites” (pronounced “freets”), and you will be one satisfied—and well-nourished—traveler.