Rachel’s Interrail Adventures

After traveling on the night train from Linz, I was thrilled to be meeting up with Chris and Aimee in Brussels and we travelled 1 hour to Bruges together. The train was packed and some were standing – the first such train this whole holiday. Chris and Aimee took advantage of the ‘Duo Ticket’ 2 for 1 deal (EU16) using the SNCB app.

We were hungry by the time we got to our hostel (Snuffel) on the No6 Bus, and we had a very little time before our walking tour. We bought and quickly scoffed burger and chips near the hostel even though it was a bit pricey.

The walking tour (from Guru Walks app) was useful. A little long and sometimes boring but helpful to learn some interesting facts and see key places. I always recommend a walking or cycling tour when visiting a new place.

We enjoyed wandering around at the end of the tour too, the scenery and architecture really is wonderful.

Dinner was a small meal in a restaurant with some McDonalds afterwards to fill up on!

The hostel was really nice – staff were friendly, rooms were big, lockers were big and there was breakfast available for EU4. A bed in a dorm is around EU35 and a private room for two is around EU77.

Chris and Aimee had a rough first night due to the noisy party in the next door room. I guess there’s more of a chance of that happening in hostels. The hostel responded by giving them free breakfast, free bike hire and changed their room for them.

On our second day, we woke up to rain, so after breakfast we headed to a couple of museums.

Gruuthusemuseum was our first stop and it was brilliant with the included audio tour. I’d really recommend if you are interested in history especially. We bought combo tickets including the Gruuthusemuseum and the ‘Church of Our Lady’ for EU20 each. The church was good but not the most interesting I have been in.

We also visited the Apotheeka which was connected to the St John’s hospital (EU3). This was interesting in connection with the story of the Beguin widows which had been introduced to us by the walking tour guide. As a health care professional, Aimee particularly enjoyed this and we would have visited the St John’s hospital too except it was closed for renovation.

We chose a local chocolate shop to purchase some chocolate from – one with a local guild symbol. This ensures that the local businesses are supported.

We had the inevitable waffle for lunch and it was great! Chris also had a sandwich and some salami from the nearby Spar supermarket.

While he was buying the sandwich I spotted a ready meal macaroni cheese with 50% off as it was the last day before being out of date. So my dinner that day cost EU2.15 – not the most nutritious but fine. Chris and Aimee ordered pizza (12EU) and a McDonalds sharing box.

In terms of prices, we all felt that it was so expensive nearly everywhere we went. There are many cafes and restaurants but all the prices are grossly inflated. Bruges and Salzburg have been the most expensive places on my trip and they have by far felt the most ‘touristy’.

It really took the edge off enjoying Bruges to be honest. We had some Belgian fries, a waffle and of course some chocolate, but apart from that didn’t eat any ‘Belgian food’ as proper meals were so expensive.

I would recommend Bruges as a great place for a day trip or one night stay. It is beautiful and has a great history. But tourist prices and small size mean that one day is probably enough.