Bruges and Ghent are two Belgian trading towns from Europe's Middle Ages. When their ports silted up and their markets changed, the old towns were preserved much as they existed in the 1400s. Both towns are traversed by canals, which increases their charm. On September 10, 2025, Dave and I took a walking tour of Bruges' picturesque buildings, followed by a canal tour of Ghent. Several years ago, we spent a long day in Bruges by ourselves, eating fresh mussels at a cafe and wandering the deserted streets after the tourists left. This trip, we had a quick once-over. Hopefully, we will be back again.
Bruges was cluttered with tourists, but we got a few chances to see the town's residents. We paused by a courtyard next to a home with the date, "1713" inscribed on its facade.
An elderly woman peeked out the door in her hair net and curlers.
Cafes filled the city, but there were also many alleys, where people disappeared around corners, alone, like this man with his cane.
The tour boats sailed past ancient brick and stucco buildings.
We ogled the ornate town hall, and pondered whether a carriage ride would increase our appreciation of this ancient city.
Belgium is famous for its chocolate, and we were seduced into buying a box.
Next stop was nearby Ghent, where we got just a taste of its charms through a boat ride on its canals.
We sailed through the center of town, with its churches, bridges, and ornate government buildings.
We passed its medieval castle.
And we sailed under a variety of picturesque bridges.
There were good times happening at the open air cafes along the shore.
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