One of our favourite things to do, wherever we go, is to stroll around in the evenings and after dark. No exception to that in Bruges, night-time was (almost) the best time for me. The day-tripper tourists had all gone, the streets were empty and exploring was such a pleasure.
Markt, the main square still bustled and its bars and restaurants were buzzing but less crowded than during the day. The surrounding streets though were so quiet and calm, we walked miles it seemed each evening along the deserted cobblestones.
A warmth and special glow descends over the city, it is beautifully lit but the evening sun also casts a special glow over all those fairytale buildings.
The canals were quiet too, boat traffic had ceased and the swans had the water to themselves.
We punctuated our wanderings with stops in different places to try out different Belgian beers – how could you not?
Some of my favourite memories of Bruges are wandering and enjoying the evening tranquility. A magical time to explore this magical city.
Wow….what a totally different vibe. It almost feels like a different place, deserted. And yet the beauty is still there. If you sit quietly you could probably sense history speaking to you. Strange that even locals don’t come out at night. Beautiful photos that capture this silent city.
It is like a different place isn’t it George – we felt so lucky to be staying there and seeing the two different sides of this gorgeous place.
Man, this brings back the memories! Bruges is a truly beautiful place. I found the most amazing cookie shop and spent entirely too much money in there..but worth every cent I spent! 😀 Lovely photos 🙂
That sounds like a cookie shop we would have loved too!! We spent entirely too much money on waffles – but again, like you say totally worth it!!
I agree with you, sometimes it’s just so lovely to see the light change after the sun sets and the difference in atmosphere… Lovely photos showing this. And it would be rude not to enjoy a Belgium beer… they are so strong!
I could never say no to a Belgian beer – like you say, that would be rude!! The city was just gorgeous after sunset, so quite and peaceful, quite the change to all the buzz and business of the day time.
awesome pictures
Thanks James – the evening gives the whole place quite a different ambiance.
Magical!
It really is Dee – we never tired of those evening strolls.
I wouldn’t, too! Your photos show how beautiful Bruges is. 🙂
Beautiful pictures – everything looks so serene!
Peaceful, serene and just stunning Meg – one of the best times to explore Bruges is the evening I think.
I totally agree – strolling around a new city in the twilight is one of my favourite things about travelling!
There’s just something different in the air isn’t there at twilight – everywhere is peaceful and has a completely relaxed ambiance, I loved it!!
How can anyone not enjoy the beauty without the crowds. We had a similar feeling in Venice … actually on St. Mark’s Square one evening.
So true – the calm that settles over the city once the day trippers and masses leave, it’s just perfect. Imagine St Mark’s Square would be just the same.
There has always been something magical about cities after dark! Whenever we are going to go “up” something to see a city view (Eiffel Tower, London Eye, Empire State Building, etc…) we always try to time it so that we can see darkness fall over the city from that vantage point. Then when we come down, it feels like we are entering a whole new city and we start exploring again.
That’s such a great idea – going to keep that one in mind and go up in the dark!!
Very nice and romantic 🙂 I like it, beautiful place. Bye. Kamila
It’s so perfect – daytime it’s gorgeous, after dark it’s really special Kamila!
It looks so beautiful and tranquil. They know how to light their buildings at night. I love your photo of the canal at night.
So true Laura, their lighting is just perfect. The canals at night were my favourites.
I Love at Evening’s Silent Tide
by: William B. Tappan (1794-1849)
I love at evening’s silent tide,
When busy care has flown,
In some sequestered dell to hide,
And pensive, muse alone.
‘Tis then in solitude refined,
Reflection feels its zest;
‘Tis then the contemplative mind
With reason’s charm is blest.
‘Tis then the expanding soul ascends
And roves in fields above,
And the mysterious Essence blends
With Uncreated Love.
O Solitude! thy soothing charm
Can conquer fell despair;
Can sad affliction’s sting disarm,
And banish every care.
While folly’s votary hates thy shrine,
And grandeur fears thy power–
Still be thy rich enjoyments mine,
To bless life’s fleeting hour.
Beautiful!!
It’s lovely at twilight, and evening! The canals look so peaceful. I want to try the beers too!
It is so serene and peaceful and a beer rounds off the evening stroll very nicely!!
Excellent pictures, and excellent suggestion! It’s true it’s a different world after dark.
Thanks Shefali, it’s true, the city is so vibrant and buzzing in the day, so peaceful and calm at night, we were privileged to see both sides.
The golden glow of the setting sun is simply magical.
It just gives the city a whole new ambiance and feel, perfect!
I love twilight and evening hours as well for exploring. Bruges is so charming during this time — like something out of a fairy tale 🙂
Completely agree Melissa, it is gorgeous in the day time but really as if you’ve been transported to a fairytale at night, the evening light makes the buildings even more surreal and lovely.
Reminds me of Prague and Amsterdam
A long time since I’ve been to both of these places – think I need to go back soon!!
Early morning hours provide a different ambiance too. A different light, a different energy. Quieter than evenings (which are also my favorite), but lovely. We just got back from Prague, and the Charles Bridge at 7 am is exquisite! (By 10 am, the crowds arrive and the scene is entirely different.)
I love that time of day too, even out and about at home there is a lovely atmosphere and different feeling in the early morning. Good tip for Prague and the bridge too – feeling that I need to go there soon and I am sure once the crowds arrive the moment is somewhat lost.
What a beautiful evening! Looks like Bruges is a bit less crowded too, which must be nice. No better way to top it off than with some Belgian beer!
Evenings were perfect, apart from the main square it was almost deserted!! We lived strolling and what better way to finish the evening with Belgian beer!!
So lovely. I am posting soon on night time in Rome..I agree, can be the best time of day for these amazing cities.
Looking forward to seeing some Rome night time scenes!! Long time since I’ve been there, I’m sure it was gorgeous.
Reminds me of Prague. Beautiful pictures:)
Some one else mentioned how it reminded them of Prague too!! Another place I need to revisit….
Stunning!
Yes, it is so lovely in the twilight – but any time of day really!!
Just love your photographs, Joy. Bruges at night looks magical – thanks for sharing!
Thank you Susan, that’s exactly right, at night it is simply magical.
That was my favourite time too Joy! I thought Bruges was absolutely beautiful at night (we had a couple of nights there). I also thought the light with the setting sun over the old buildings was so pretty – it did cast a lovely glow over the town. I must have taken quite a few similar photos too so I’ve loved reminiscing with this post! Funnily enough I have some night photos taken in London which I was going to do for my next post – I think places are often at their most beautiful in the evenings! Hope you have an enjoyable weekend 🙂
There’s just something about that evening glow in a new place Rosemary, it changes the atmosphere and makes it magical. Looking forward to seeing your London pictures too!!
Magical is a good word to use Joy it captures the spirit of night time in a new place (or a familiar one). I’m just putting the finishing touches to this week’s post – I’ll publish it in the morning. I was going to go and watch the cricket on tv but after seeing the score think perhaps not! My dad will be very happy though! 🙂
Gorgeous place Joy. I love the swans on the canal 🙂
It was lovely to watch them when they had the canal all to themselves!
That beer looks like something out of a frat party in America :p bet it tasted awesome though!
It was great!!
So glad you enjoyed Bruges! Loved your pictures. Reminds us of our visits there. It’s truly a magical place.
It is a special city for sure – we had such a great time there.
I just added Belgium to my ‘must see’ list. Thank you!
It is a great place to spend time – a small country but so much to see and do.
How magical! I’ve wanted to visit ever since the film In Bruges, it looks so stunning. Lovely idea to show the day and night differences here!
Day and night were so different but equally beautiful, a stunning city.
I totally agree with you Joy! Bruges is so beautilful at dusk! (And quiet as well :)) It looks way more charming at night…
I loved it by day but by night it was simply magical.
I agree with you, Bruges and Gent are really two cities that are best visited at night. Fewer tourists and beautiful lights !
I loved exploring when the streets were empty and the light was dim, it turned the city into such a magical place.
Joy, I enjoy cities in the evening time and your photos are excellent! I would love to visit Bruges!
Thanks Pam, evenings are just magical in Bruges and it’s so beautiful at any time!
Up until now my association with Bruges has been that Brendan Gleason/Colin Farrell movie “In Bruges” which, frankly, I didn’t care for. But sometimes, you unintentionally let a story color your impression of a place. Thank you for sharing a different perspective. 🙂
I saw that movie years ago and didn’t care for it so much either – don’t remember too much about it. Don’t let it put you off Belgium though, it’s a gorgeous place with so much to see and do and then those beaches……
Noted. Thanks, Joy. Belgium is now on my “Travel To…” list. Especially as I read more of your posts. 🙂
hi
nice photos! I too visited Brugge and will post about it soon;)
Will look out for that Tanja – looking forward to reading about it!! Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
Oh I absolutely loved it!
HI! I’ve just uploaded my post on Bruges, hope you read it 🙂
Hi Tanja – I’ve already read it!! Great post and your pictures were lovely.
Thank you 🙂
Wonderful post Joy! We are heading to Bruges in December and we are very excited. Thank you for the sneak peak!
Jules
https://travelthroughus.wordpress.com/
Thanks you!! December would be such a lovely time to go – assume they will have Christmas markets? Hope you enjoy that gorgeous city as much as we did!!
Ha ha, yes, the market. We are actually going to fly in to Brussels and make that our base. It should be fantastic. I’ll come back and let you know when I’ve posted the trip details and pictures!