A lively jumble of cobbled streets, photogenic canals and gilded landmarks, Bruges is a corker of a medieval city. The best way to see it is on foot, although hopping on one of the little boats ferrying tourists up and down the canal is also an excellent way to get your bearings. You could easily see the major sights in a day: climb to the top of the Belfry, wander down to greet the swans at Minnewater Park, or get your fill of Primitives and other relics in the beautifully preserved churches and museums. It may be packed with Michelin-star restaurants, but pocket-sized Bruges can be a bit quiet in the evenings. It pays to have a lovely hotel to retreat to and here are 10 of the best.
The best hotels in Bruges are:
The Hotel Van Cleef is light, airy and luxurious
(Hotel Van Cleef)
Neighbourhood: Sint Anna
Counts and dukes once called this elegant canalside mansion home and no effort has been spared to keep that glamorous heritage alive. Lofty and light filled, Hotel Van Cleef is unabashedly maximalist, tastefully crammed with Missoni and Hermès textiles, bold patterns and Italianate sculptures. If you can’t plump for a canal-view room (generously fitted with a whirlpool bath), make time to sit on the charming terrace and watch the boats go by. Make sure to ask for recommendations – the staff here know every good table in town.
Price: Doubles from €308 (£265)
Get cosy at Kind of OJ
(Kind of OJ)
Neighbourhood: West Brugge
Backing onto a quiet stretch of canal, Kind of OJ is an interior designer’s dream: a bijou B&B with just three beautifully decorated suites. Everything has been handpicked, from the fluffy sheepskin rugs by Belgian designer, Carine Boxy, to the striking art on the walls. Stocked with luxe Aesop products, the bathrooms are particularly delicious (the L suite has a mezzanine tub, and the XL suite an Instagram-worthy red and green number). Snuggle up in front of the fireplace in the sprawling living space downstairs: it’s the perfect excuse to stay in.
Price: Doubles from €273 (£235)
The rustic exterior of the sixteenth century Bonifacious
(Bonifacious)
Neighbourhood: Groeninge
A rustic brick and wood house dating back to the 16th century, Bonifacius has been sensitively converted to a charming guesthouse on a central stretch of the canal. Don’t expect cutting-edge Belgian design here, however. Rooms are elegantly dressed in soft greys and classic florals; some have four-poster beds. There’s a pretty waterfront…
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