In the 2008 film "In Bruges," Colin Farrell's hit man character finds himself trapped in the beautiful town of Bruges, Belgium after a job gone wrong requires him and his partner to hide out. While his partner immediately succumbs to the charms of the city, Farrell's character initially resists the swans and the delicate architecture. However, by the end of the movie, just as he falls for his surroundings, most viewers will also find themselves hungering for a trip to wander through the canals and alleys of this enchanting European niche.
The film takes place at Christmas time, so if you'd like to see the city as close to its appearance in the film, winter is the time to go. However, it is a beautiful town any time of year, and you may enjoy a canal cruise more in warmer weather. Like any popular European destination, June and July are the most crowded months, and the small cobblestone streets and bridges of Bruges could be very busy during the summer season.
The historic center of Bruges has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, due to its elegantly preserved medieval character, and when your train pulls into the station you will immediately understand how this town inspired Irish playwright Martin McDonagh to write and direct the film. Just as the hit men on holiday do, you will want to take a guided tour of the canals. These inexpensive, half-hour trips start from five different points in the city and provide the best introduction to the quaint city.
Once you've seen Bruges from below and cruised alongside the swans, you may wish to see it from above, with the doves. The Belfry tower in the main square in Bruges offers fantastic views of the city. The tower is currently closed for reconstruction but will reopen in March, and the 366 step climb is well worth it for the stunning views of the medieval skyline. And don't worry, unlike the characters in the movie, you're not going to encounter a shoot-out in the tower during your trip!
After you've burned some calories climbing the tower, you will have earned an indulgence in the luxury of Belgian chocolate. Bruges considers itself the world's capital of chocolate, and it even has a chocolate museum, a chocolate trail, and a chocolate festival. With no less than 49 chocolate boutiques, you won't have any trouble finding something to satisfy your craving during your trip, and each shop's window display is more intricate and intoxicating than the one before it.
From Atlanta, Delta Airlines flies nonstop daily to Brussels, Belgium, with prices currently running around $1,000 round trip with fees. From the Brussels airport, a quick, inexpensive train ride will get you to Bruges. You may also wish to stay in Brussels and visit Bruges on a day trip - the country of Belgium is small enough that this would be a convenient way to see the town, and you may find less expensive accommodations in Brussels.
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