http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16043
Forget the churches and canals, just wander among the hundreds of bric-a-brac, car boot-type stall holders who cover the parkscape. Odd coins, objects, books, collectables, everything is there! What a treat!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16043 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16038
If you walk from here through Vismart, depending on the time of day, your children will delight in the fish or toys and crafts on display.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16038 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16035 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16035 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16032
The food was simply delicious, the service was excellent, and the surroundings beautiful. I highly recommend this restaurant. Our selection was the five-course Menu Romeo & Juliette.
This was also one of the most expensive meals we've ever had, close to €300 for two adults and a child. This price, however, included two decent bottles of wine from the Margaux region, early 90s. We felt that the quality of the food, wine, surroundings and service made this meal well worth the price.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16032 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16030 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16030 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16029
Start with a morning brewery tour, there are two within walking distance of the centre with free tastings! Then, head for lunch at one of the swanky restaurants by the fish market (go on splash out - you only live once) where you get a different beer with each course and even your own beer waiter!

Then head for one of the taverns near the Cathedral to try a Kwak or two, just for the glass it comes in (think chemical warfare and you'll get the idea). Then if you dare, try climbing the Belfort Bell tower for comic effect or sober up with a walk around the city walls or by sampling a chocolate or waffle or a chocolate waffle!

Finally, end the day sipping your favourite beer while eating mussels and watching the world go by at one of the many restaurants in the Markt Square. Perfect!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16029 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16027 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16027 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16026
The natives won’t be heading to work, the shops haven’t opened and the tourists have yet to rise. Grab breakfast in Vrijdagmarkt square before climbing the dizzy heights of the Belfry all to yourself; a feat more imaginable than the 366 steps that are necessary.

Take a solitary moment to reflect in the Church Of Our Lady and you’ll have just enough time left to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Lake of Love’s swans.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16026 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16008 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16008 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16005
There are quite a few very steep steps so take the tour before sampling the beer but the added bonus is the fantastic panoramic view of the city from the rooftop. Included in the modest price (around €4) is a glass of the wonderful Zot beer. There is also a good café/bar. A Votre Santé!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16005 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16004 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16004 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16003 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16003 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16001 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16001 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15997 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15997 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14685 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14685 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14681
Their hot chocolate is served with the same sort of care as the Japanese serve tea.

They also claim to have the only British tea in Brugge, although why you would drink that I do not know!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14681 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14676
Not only has the interior been sympathetically redesigned with a suitable nautical theme, the excellent restaurant and extremely helpful and friendly staff reward selective travellers with a memorable experience.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14676 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14672
Before your tour begins, the friendly chap at the ticket counter will tell you gleefully that you need to climb more than 200 steep steps to the top after you hand him your 3.90 Euro for your tour.

Well, that's not such a bad deal, after all, the view of Bruges is indeed panoramic and more scenic than the one at the Belfry Tower.

Also, a cool beer (included in the price of your tour ticket ) is a rich reward if you do manage to climb down alive on those steep steps.

Brewery De Halve Maan is at Walplein 26 8000 Brugge.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14672 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14643 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14643 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14641
Use the multi-storey by the station - all day parking is cheap and the old city is just across the road and through a small park.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14641