I guess the YOLO (you only live once) syndrome had dawn on me. To be very honest, I’ve not done a solo trip before. Since I was in Europe this time for my #girlgangtakesgreece, I extended my stay after Antwerp and did a solo travel to Bruges (Brugge in Dutch).
WHY BRUGES?
Since I was in Antwerp, and I had previously visited Brussels, I thought of doing a smaller city near to Antwerp this time around.
After doing some research, I got to know that this historic city center is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. That itself caught my attention and got me interested.
Being a solo traveler, you have to be more careful and be smart.
HOW TO GET TO BRUGES
I went to Bruges from Antwerp with a train. It runs every hour from Antwerp Central but fast trains are once every two hours. Fast train have lesser stops.
It takes about 1.5 hours from Antwerp Central to Brugge with the fast train. The train ride costs about 16 Euro.
WHAT TO DO IN BRUGES
Be prepared to walk a lot! It’s OK too if you don’t want to walk, as you can always take a taxi from the city center to the train station. That was what I did because it was just too cold when the sun set to walk back to the train station.
Once I arrived at the Brugge train station, I decided to walk into Minnewaterpark to see the canal. After some beautiful pictures of the canal, I walked to the city center.
Along the way, I see many beautiful older buildings and church. Like the Sint-Salvatorskathedraal. I found out that this cathedral was built in 1127! Such a beauty that has been kept beautiful for so long.
Every season in Europe is beautiful and have their own unique charm.
If anything at all, make sure to see the Markt area and the Provincial Court. It is worth a few pictures on a good day, especially the City Hall. A friend of mine went a few days later and it was a rainy day. So, she didn’t manage to capture these beautiful buildings with a nice background.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO BRUGES
Every season in Europe is beautiful and have their own unique charm. I can’t comment much about Summer as I minimize my travels during this time. The crowd during Summer can be overwhelming. The good thing about traveling in summer is a lightweight luggage.
For me, the best times to travel are Spring and Fall. Weather is manageable and so is the crowd. Lines to museum, restaurants and touristy spots are shorter.
Just a reminder that a lot of shops in Bruges closes at 5-6pm on Sundays. Some are not even open on Sunday. Restaurants and cafes near the Markt (plaza area) do open till late. So, you don’t have to worry about dinner.
BE SMART WHEN TRAVEL SOLO
Last but not least, being a solo traveler, you have to be more careful and be smart. Yes, it may be something you are proud of doing and have the bucket list checked, but there are prowlers everywhere, including online! When you share your proud moment immediately online, you will not know who’s noticing and what people with bad intentions might do.
In Europe, pickpockets are everywhere, especially in touristy areas. I highly suggest carrying a crossbody bag and make sure that it’s always in front of you and in your view at all time.
Have you done a solo travel before? Where have you been on a solo trip?
