I went to the fairytale city one hour from UK and it felt like Disneyland

Historical view of old Bruges and canals from Rozenhoedkaai with view of Belfry of Bruges
-Credit: (Image: (Image: Getty))


A short journey from the UK by plane or train transports you to a unique European city that feels like it's been lifted straight from a fairytale. Bruges, in Belgium, is a picturesque wonderland that seems more akin to Disneyland than reality. The historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts preserved buildings and intersecting canals.

It also houses an impressive array of Gothic and Renaissance art and architecture, not to mention some of the finest beer and chocolate money can buy. Stepping onto its cobbled streets, I was immediately enveloped by a warm wave of childhood nostalgia. Medieval buildings, winding canals, quaint shops and an abundance of chocolate combined to create a scene reminiscent of a Disney film.

I had to remind myself that this wasn't a movie set designed to mimic Beauty and the Beast's castle - this is simply what Bruges looks like. Indeed, every building in Bruges is steeped in history. Even the local McDonald's resides in a building dating back to 1527, which has been carefully renovated to incorporate historical features such as a water well. A legal dispute even ensued when McDonald's applied for a permit.

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Many of the spots in Bruges are packed with tourists
Many of the spots in Bruges are packed with tourists

As I meandered through the various streets, passing by landmarks such as The Belfry of Bruges that dominates the Markt square, it was difficult to comprehend that the city's architecture dates back centuries and wasn't merely constructed for a fairy tale.

The city's stunning architecture is mirrored in the tranquil canals, providing the perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts and romantics. If this doesn't evoke 'Disney' enough, envision the soft clatter of hooves on cobblestones as horse-drawn carriages traverse the winding streets.

Being a romantic at heart, the enchanting yet enigmatic allure of this historic city left me feeling as though I was in a dream. It's rare to discover a city devoid of cars, modern grey office and apartment buildings, and of course, vape shops from its skyline.

As I strolled through its lanes, I couldn't shake off the sensation of being in a carefully designed theme park. It almost seems too perfect. Shops peddling lace, chocolate and beer at every turn, each one seemingly tailored to blend with the city's medieval theme. It's as if the entire city has been orchestrated to portray a specific narrative of idyllic European charm.

Despite my initial thoughts, Bruges is not a city based on a Disney film and it predates many modern fairy tales that have been transformed into today's blockbusters. It's clear that the city is bustling with tourists who are as enamoured with the place as I am.

The dominant industry here appears to be tourism, but the vibrant local life, bustling market squares, and lively cafe culture had certainly captured my heart by the time I departed.

When reading reviews of Bruges, two themes consistently emerge. Firstly, the city's stunning beauty is universally acknowledged.

Secondly, there seems to be a consensus that there isn't much to do in the city. This is also true, at least on the surface, as there are no globally renowned attractions.

However, Bruges offers as much or as little as you desire. The narrow streets provide their own adventures, often centred around history, chocolate, beer, architecture, and art.

The number of museums is surprisingly high for such a small city. I could have easily spent days exploring.

For me, Bruges stands out as one of the few cities where you can visibly see the layers of history stacked upon each other. Nothing quite illustrates the contrast between centuries past and the present day like witnessing someone making a phone call while sat on a medieval bridge.

Bruges, with its carefully preserved history, often feels like a scene straight out of a Disney fairytale. As I left the city, my Uber driver shared that local authorities prohibit residents from altering their property facades unless necessary for structural or safety reasons.

This rule has allowed the city to retain its authenticity and resist change over the years.

Whether you view Bruges as a magical getaway or a beautifully crafted illusion, it's undeniably a captivating destination worth visiting.

Return flights from London to Bruges are available for £99 with BA. Alternatively, train travel takes approximately four hours and typically costs twice as much but is considerably more eco-friendly.