Jan Van Laethem
Nikkor. What else?
I'm originally from Belgium and have visited Bruges 20 or 25 times. Whenever I go back to Belgium on holiday, I dedicate at least one day to Bruges, there is so much to explore and it is really a photographer's paradise.
If you go by car, by all means park in one of the public parkings near the town center. Do not try to enter the center of Bruges by car, driving through is very difficult, as you will inevitably encounter many one-way streets that will lead you away from the center.
From your parking space, follow the directions towards the Belfort. You can't really miss it, because it is one of the highest buildings in the center. It is possible to visit the Belfort and to climb all the way to the top (if my memory does not betray me, there are some 366 steps and it gets a bit cramped near the top). The views you get from the top are literally breathtaking and the picture opportunities are great. You will have a long line in August though, so if you plan to climb the tower, get in line early.
From the Belfort, when you leave, take the pedestrian street on your right and you will get to the square with the town hall. From this square, the best thing is to follow the route explained in the following link. It is only a few kilometers and can easily be done walking. There are many opportunities to take a boat trip along this route.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/bruges/0105010008.html
About halfway through the route there is an excellent restaurant called "Maria van Bourgondie". Not exactly cheap, but probably the best food in town.
When you get to the lake at the end, you can then walk back and take some side routes to explore a bit further.
Take plenty of films, try the chocolate, beer, crepes (pannekoeken) en goufres (wafels) and enjoy. It will be an unforgettable experience that you will want to repeat over and over.
If you go by car, by all means park in one of the public parkings near the town center. Do not try to enter the center of Bruges by car, driving through is very difficult, as you will inevitably encounter many one-way streets that will lead you away from the center.
From your parking space, follow the directions towards the Belfort. You can't really miss it, because it is one of the highest buildings in the center. It is possible to visit the Belfort and to climb all the way to the top (if my memory does not betray me, there are some 366 steps and it gets a bit cramped near the top). The views you get from the top are literally breathtaking and the picture opportunities are great. You will have a long line in August though, so if you plan to climb the tower, get in line early.
From the Belfort, when you leave, take the pedestrian street on your right and you will get to the square with the town hall. From this square, the best thing is to follow the route explained in the following link. It is only a few kilometers and can easily be done walking. There are many opportunities to take a boat trip along this route.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/bruges/0105010008.html
About halfway through the route there is an excellent restaurant called "Maria van Bourgondie". Not exactly cheap, but probably the best food in town.
When you get to the lake at the end, you can then walk back and take some side routes to explore a bit further.
Take plenty of films, try the chocolate, beer, crepes (pannekoeken) en goufres (wafels) and enjoy. It will be an unforgettable experience that you will want to repeat over and over.
tritiated
Well-known
British can't take their beer?? I beg to differ!
jpa66
Jan as in "Jan and Dean"
I would definitely take some color film along with Tri-X. Since I only like to shoot slides, I'd recommend the Fuji or Kodak film that best pleases your personal preference. IMHO, a super-saturated film like Velvia would be too much for Brugges. I'd opt for something more subdued.
Brugges is a great place. Just wander around and get lost - you'll have plenty of photo ops. Just watch out for the bicycles! I believe that they are allowed to go the opposite way down one-way streets, and there may be some other things that they can do which they can't in the US.
Also, don't speak French to them! I tried this and got funny looks, as well as a response in English. That part of Belgium isn't very partial to the French.
I second the advice for the Zot beer - a fine brew.
And you must get a Belgian waffle! I never had a bad one while there, and they're everywhere ( and very tasty... ).
Have fun!
Brugges is a great place. Just wander around and get lost - you'll have plenty of photo ops. Just watch out for the bicycles! I believe that they are allowed to go the opposite way down one-way streets, and there may be some other things that they can do which they can't in the US.
Also, don't speak French to them! I tried this and got funny looks, as well as a response in English. That part of Belgium isn't very partial to the French.
I second the advice for the Zot beer - a fine brew.
And you must get a Belgian waffle! I never had a bad one while there, and they're everywhere ( and very tasty... ).
Have fun!