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Sunparks De Haan aan zee Belgian East coast

Sunparks De Haan aan zee

Bruges: between world heritage and 'frieten' (chips)

Bruges is some twenty kilometres from Sunparks De Haan aan Zee. Bruges markt (central market square) is the perfect place to start your trip exploring the town. The imposing Belfry, built in the 13th century towers over the market square. Feel like warming up your muscles? Try climbing the 366 steps of this exquisite specimen of world heritage, taking you 83 metres higher up, where you will be awaited by an unforgettable view overlooking the town. Back down, the choice is entirely yours. How about boarding a horse-drawn carriage for a ride around the town centre? Or do you prefer to foot it?
Whatever you do, be sure to visit the unique Frietmuseum in Vlamingstraat. Here, you will be intimately acquainted with the deepest and darkest secrets of our national dish. Just nearby is the Burg. Pop into the town hall, built in 1376. The Gothic Hall, adorned with splendorous wall paintings, is a work of art in its own right. A little further up, you can embark for a boat ride on the reien (the canals) at Huidenvettersplein or Rozenhoedkaai. No doubt about it: the Venice of the North is revealed to most stunning effect from the waterside.
Back on dry land, the Groeninge Museum makes for an indelible experience. The world-renowned museum collection holds paintings from the Flemish Primitives, including Jan van Eyck, and is an absolute must. Afterwards, there is plenty of time for you to stroll around friendly Katelijnestraat to stock up on delicacies and souvenirs. Before you know it, you will find yourself at the Beguinage. Bruges world heritage site number 3 dates back to 1230. You will discover the dwellings of the beguines who lived here for centuries amidst the peace and tranquility of the green.
You are not likely to go hungry or thirsty in Bruges. The town is positively strewn with friendly little squares that are home to cafés and restaurants. Just in front of the Beguinage for example, you can descend on an outdoor terrace and admire the view of the elegant swans.
Here is a tip for gourmets: the Chocolate Line where chocolatier Dominique Persoone welcomes visitors with chocolates mixed with chilli, wasabi, peas and tequila. Tina Turner and The Rolling Stones are just some of the celebs that patron his shop.

Bruges is around twenty kilometres from Sunparks De Haan aan Zee. Perfect for anyone who enjoys culture and atmosphere.

09:30: Learn everything you always wanted to know about our national dish: 'frieten'

Ostend natives endearingly call their church tower 'de Peperbusse'. Whereas its real common or garden name is Sint-Pieterstoren (Saint Peter tower).

15:00: Celebrity chocolate in Bruges

Get a pleasant shock from shock-o-latier Dominique Persoone and visit his The Chocolate Line shop in Bruges to go from one surprise to the next.