Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is a time when I share something I'm thinking out loud about and invite you to link up and do the same. Today I'm continuing the recap of my trip to Belgium with my son Ian. We're on Day 3. If you missed days 1 and 2, you can find them
HERE and
HERE.
By Day 3, we had mostly shaken off the jet lag and were feeling much more like ourselves. We started the morning bright and early, heading straight to the train station. Our destination for the day was the charming city of Bruges!
I had heard so many wonderful things about this city and was so excited to finally experience it for myself. Known for its stunning medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and rich cultural heritage, it felt like stepping into a storybook. Our first stop was the Belfry, a magnificent 13th-century tower that has long stood as a symbol of the city’s power and prosperity. And if you’re willing to make the climb to the top, you’re rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views overlooking the entire city.
To reach the top, you’ll need to make the climb up all 366 stairs. It’s definitely a workout, but the stunning views waiting at the top make every step worthwhile!
Along the way, you'll get to see the many city hallmarks, including the city seal and treasury. Also along the way is the impressive music roll that controls the carillon. We didn't get to hear the bells play, but if you visit on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday from 11:00 to 12:00 you can.
Once at the top, the views are absolutely spectacular! Stretching out in every direction, the city looks like something straight out of a postcard. Along the edge of the tower, distances to cities both near and far are engraved into the stone, adding such a unique and interesting touch to the experience.
After making our way back down, we were more than ready for lunch! Ian discovered a restaurant called
Ammuni that had been named one of the top 50 pizzerias in 2023, so of course we had to check it out. The pizza was absolutely delicious, but the real standout for us was the Spaghetti alla Carbonara — it completely won us over! If you’re ever in the area, this spot is definitely worth a visit. It had everything you could want: amazing food, friendly service, and prices that were surprisingly reasonable.
With full bellies, we walked the short distance to the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Inside you will find the relic identified as the Holy Blood of Jesus Christ that was brought to Bruges from the Holy Land during the Second Crusade in the 12th century. No pictures are allowed of this piece. But the church itself is stunning!
Next up was a relaxing boat ride through the canals. For the next half hour, we sat back and enjoyed the beautiful scenery drifting by around us while listening to stories and bits of history about the city. It was such a peaceful way to take in the sights, and seeing the architecture and charming streets from the water gave us a completely different perspective of the area.
We decided to visit the Chocolate Museum next. To be completely honest, after experiencing it, this is probably one stop I could have skipped. I think Ian enjoyed it a bit more than I did, but overall we both felt like our time may have been better spent exploring more of the city. That said, I did love seeing the beautiful dishes and displays throughout the museum — those were definitely my favorite part!
On our way back to the train station, we made a quick stop at the Church of Our Lady Museum. The church itself is absolutely stunning, filled with beautiful architecture, intricate details, and a peaceful atmosphere that instantly makes you slow down and take it all in. Walking through the museum gave us one last opportunity to soak in the city’s incredible history and artistry before heading out. It ended up being such a lovely and memorable way to wrap up our time there.
Inside this church, you can see Michelangelo's marble "Madonna and Child" along with several other beautiful pieces of art. There was beauty everywhere you looked inside!
Our day in Bruges was absolutely wonderful! If we had the chance to do it all over again, I would definitely plan to spend at least one night there so we could slow down and explore even more of the charming little shops and quiet streets. Everywhere we turned, there was something beautiful or interesting to take in — from the picturesque buildings and canals to the hidden corners full of character and history. It truly felt like a city meant to be wandered and enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Now it's your turn. What are you thinking about today? Link up and share!
