I just remember it being a very organized port of call. So much so, that I don't remember much…read moreabout the building. Lol! The fact that I don't even remember seeing the Artes-Brugge-Cruise (ABC) terminal probably means that we boarded our tour bus directly from the ship. We disembarked as soon as our Concierge told us that our tour bus had arrived. The process went very smoothly. Our return to the ship after touring the Flemish side of Belgium was just as easy. The only security screening that I can recall was done onboard the ship. It's your typical commercial port, so there's not really a whole lot of scenery. We did see a Belgian Naval Station near us at Rederskaai. I remember my husband commenting to me about the frigate and mine hunting vessels docked along side of it. Leaving the port near the lighthouse on Westerdam was peaceful & uneventful. The North Sea was cold & dark in the early part of May. We had a sunny and beautiful land tour in Ypres despite all of that. What more can I say?

I love Bruges, and it has a special place in my heart. However, I will say that the cruise terminal…read morewasn't the best. There isn't much of a view, and you can't walk around the port - you have to take a bus provided either by the cruise or the port, which is free. Personally, the bus is what slows down the check-in process, especially since people often arrive in large groups. When we returned to the port, the security checks were quite thorough, so my advice is to have your coats and bags ready to place in the trays.

This city hall was over 600 years old and in open for public visits…read more Most of the first floor was freely accessible. A small gift shop and ticket counter was to the left after entering. After paying admission or scanning the Brugge Museum Card, all backpacks or large bags had to be stored in the free lockers behind the ticket desk before heading to the second floor. The main attraction was the Gothic room which was very ornate with epic paintings of Brugge history that wrapped around all four walls. Worth following along with the explanation placards (available at the entrance). A side room contained a VR map that traced the evolution of Brugge over time. Headphones needed to be set to your preferred language by the staff. After seeing the gothic room then head next door to the Renaissance Room (if it's open) or to the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

City Hall from 1376 in the Burg Square next to the Markt. There were benches & some greenery in…read morethis square. This is where locals get permits & licenses today. The beautiful square was filled with restaurants & shops.

Bruges is just an amazingly impressive old town. Even though big in size at first glance, it's very…read moreeasy to walk and to get around. Most of it is pretty flat, so also suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Just be aware that some cobbled streets might make it a bit more difficult It's hard to describe what to see and what to do. Your options are endless and one day will not be enough. Just to see to historic center takes more than a day. And that's without visiting museums or taking a little river/canal cruise. Maybe plan the big must-do's. And after that ... or during ... it's just fun to stroll around and get lost in the streets and lanes of Bruges. Some of the sights you really should check out: - Belfort Tower - Markt / Marktplatz - Brugse Vrije - Stadhuis Brugge - Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed - De Burg Square - Huidenvettersplein - Nepomucenusbrug - Meebrug - Sint-Salvatorskathedraal - Bonifazius Bridge - Zuidzandstraat - Dijver - Rozenhoedkaai - Steenstraat - Sint-Amandsstraat And that's just to cover the biggest and most famous sights and streets. Belgian Waffles and chocolate. Give them a try. Surely a must-do. We sampled some. But sadly weren't convinced much. Nothing beats Swiss chocolate. An amazing old town. We really enjoyed it. One of the most pretty historic old towns we know. And we've seen many. Bruges. Really a place you must see at least once in your life. We love it and will be back one day.

I used my Brugge Museum Pass (purchased online and most cost effective when visiting 3 or more…read moremuseums/activities in 72 hours) and had the QR code scanned for admittance. If you have any backpacks or bags then you must store them in the free lockers due to the tight confines on the staircase. The climb was up 366 steps that first started with stone but later turned into narrower wooden steps making a tight staircase with two way traffic. If timed correctly then you may see and hear the carillon in action for a few minutes. That was the highlight of my visit but there are scheduled carillon "concerts" to enjoy when in Brugge. The views were nice as could be on that cloudy morning. Wire screens on all opening impacted some photos but one can capture most of the city. On the way down I took my time and finally stopped to view the exhibits on the bells, drum (programming for ringing the bells), carillon, the tower history, etc. Before exiting the staff will rescan your ticket. There was a small gift shop after the turnstiles.

Awesome stair climb to the top. I'm a 47 year old male in decent shape and was able to handle it…read more This is the tallest structure in Bruges.

Moving Experience I…read morecould not get any photos because there was a religious ceremony inside. Seeing the ceremony was a moving experience.

The basilica was tucked away in a corner of this plaza hemmed in on one side by City Hall and the…read moreother side by the Basilica of St. Basil. I was able to enter the Basilica before mass and had the opportunity to explore both chapels. Upstairs was the ornate and richly painted chapel with a beautiful wooden ceiling. Downstairs the chapel was quite stark and a bit dark. Quite a contrast between the two different styles. The relic containing the cloth with the blood of Christ was located on a platform overseen by a sitting priest. One queued at the bottom while the person ahead spent time looking at the container. I suggest starting here before exploring the rest of the basilica in case of lines.

If you visit Bruges, you should absolutely stop by this gorgeous little bridge called…read moreBonifaciusbrug. It feels so classically romantic and gives heavy snow white medieval vibes, but does tend to get a bit busy with tourists since it's so pretty and easy to visit - it's free. All in all, if you're in Bruges and have a few minutes I would absolutely recommend walking over as it's an definite must-do for the area!

Built in 1910 this bridge looks much older than it is because of the style of architecture. If you…read moreare walking south of the old Burg square towards the Church of our Lady, walk along the Djiver Canal. You will cross between Arentshof and Gruuthuse. Sitting on top of the bridge maybe one of the most pictureque views of Brugge. Seek it out when it's not crowded. It is one of the most tranquil places in the city with the cathedral as your backdrop and the canal below you.

The Markt Square in Bruges is the central heart of the city. Cobblestone streets are throughout the…read moresquare and it's surrounded by stunning architecture. Here you will see the Belfry of Bruges. A prominent bell tower that you can climb for panoramic views of the city. In the square there are Beautiful historic buildings with plenty of restaurants and outdoor cafes. It's a lively and picturesque place to explore.

The entire historical city centre is a World Heritage City. Markt is the central square of Bruges…read more The Belfry (medieval bell tower) located here is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colorful old Guild Houses are another point of interest. When we visited, the Christmas Market was being set up. It would've been a great experience if only we came a few days later.

Otherworldly. Not a…read moresingle sequence of words strung together could accurately review this moment in time. It's an experience that will remain with me forever. I now know that a courtyard filled with daffodils is something I absolutely aspire to have. I used to think it was a few blueberry bushes and maybe a gardenia plant or two with vines of midnight jasmine but now I'm tossing an entire courtyard of daffodils onto that list. I love moments filled with a light breeze and pure tranquility. This is that moment, and a place that will make you feel things you didn't know were possible. It was the most incredible surprise.

It's cozy... But thats about it‍. They used to have a small gift shop but couldn't find it.read more