
We've arrived at the second (and final) part of my Bruges travel diary, and I'm already itching to re-pack my bags and return to the historic city! I miss the colourful buildings and clip-clopping sound of horses navigating through the streets, though at least I have a ton of photos to swipe through whenever the place pops into mind. Speaking of which, Part One ended on the afternoon of my birthday, so let's pick things up from there...

Considering the mass of
sweet treats I'd indulged in throughout the day (oops), I wasn't too keen on the idea of a huge birthday dinner. Instead, we opted to return to one of my personal favourites,
Brasserie de Carré, a lovely restaurant located in the very heart of Bruges' Markt. I've never actually opted to sit indoors and instead have always chosen to enjoy views of the gorgeous Belfry of Bruges (the medieval bell tower) from the outdoor seating area. With room for sixty people, at 7pm it was fairly easy to get a table before the restaurant became much busier an hour later; perfect for quick service and a quiet no-frills meal. Birthday girl gone
wild...
Brasserie de Carré
Markt 26
8000 Bruges
Belgium
After dinner, the next couple of hours were spent meandering through the cobbled streets of Bruges. There truly is nothing I enjoy more than immersing myself in a city and taking in every last tiny detail. In particular, I noticed how quickly the sun set once it made the decision to disappear, and how beautifully bright everyone's clothing seemed to be that night. Armed with a bag full of macarons and flower-shaped chocolates from
Stefs Chocolatier, we eventually headed back to our Hotel Dukes' Palace for evening drinks.
Stefs Chocolatier
Breidelstraat 7
8000 Bruges
Belgium

This was probably one of my all-time favourite 'hotel returns' to have
ever experienced. The late-evening's wander back through Bruges ended with the sight of what looked like a dolls' house set against the midnight blue sky. Within, cosy lighting lit up bouquets of flowers and gem coloured sofas, while bar staff busied themselves taking final orders. There was something magically slow-paced about the midweek's night - the perfect end to a perfect day.
Wrap Body - Dorothy Perkins
Sandals - Dune
Bag - Chloé
L'Occitane toiletries | Mii Cosmetics Celestial Skin Shimmer Aurora c/o | Dauphines of New York for Anthropologie Gingham Headband c/o
After an undisturbed night's sleep, a similar breakfast to the day before awaited (see my Instagram!) before checking out and continuing to squeeze a few more hours out of Bruges. Time seems to go by so quickly when in the city - it's true, time flies when you're having fun! Seriously though, I don't think I'll ever tire of its beauty; there's always more to discover, more to admire, more to eat...

With the journey home just hours away, we had enough time to visit the
Begihnhof (Beguinage), which although has long seen the last Begijn pass away, is now home to a convent of Benedictine nuns. The 'whitewashed garden complex' is a beautifully serene place for a sense of calm and quiet reflection; the perfect place to spend twenty minutes or so, wandering through the small square and sitting quietly in the church.

Afterwards, I found myself once more drawn to the busy Markt of Bruges, this time opting for ice cream at the Häagen-Dazs Tearoom within
Merdian3 Brasserie. With an insane amount of tasty options on the menu (most set around 12 euros), I opted for the Chocolate Brownie Explosion, an undeniably indulgent option that sees warm brownies placed alongside scoops of ice cream, all of which is topped off with chopped hazelnuts and drizzled chocolate sauce. Though, apparently the Belgian Waffle Dream option is also de-lic-ious and also true to its name - a waffle-lover's dream!
Merdian3 Brasserie & Häagen-Dazs Tearoom
Markt 15
8000 Bruges
Belgium
Psst! If you're ordering from the Merdian3's Häagen-Dazs during the day, ask if you can be seated upstairs. There's no chance of going forgotten - and as we watched downstairs fill up, we had the entire upper-floor to ourselves!
This birthday-prompted visit to Bruges really was perfect from beginning to end; and it definitely won't be the last time I visit West Flanders' capital. Have you ever visited Bruges? Let me know what you thought of the Belgian city!
With love,
Gabrielle x
Wow what a beautiful city!! Hope your birthday was fantastic!! :)
ReplyDeleteRenee | Life After Lux
I'm blown away about this fabulous hotel... what a dream birthday celebration. Bruges is really a superb historical town. And I truly adore your outfit (that skirt...) keep that shining smile Gaby. I wish you a lovely Sunday :)
ReplyDeleteYaaaay it must have been such a great trip!! Burges looks like taken out of a fairytale! And you looked gorgeous as well! Particularly love your skirt! <3
ReplyDeleteSimimaus
i've never been to bruges but i've heard great things from so many people. it looks like you had a wonderful time, that zara skirt is so so pretty and perfect for a colourful city like this! x
ReplyDeletewww.thedressdiaries.co.uk
That place is amazing and your skirt is so so pretty! Also happy birthday :D
ReplyDeleteLA VEINE
This is such a lovely city! Hope you had a fantastic birthday. xx
ReplyDeleteSTYLEFORMANKIND.COM
Bloglovin
I love your skirt here! And of course, that location is amazing <3
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kyroandstyle.com
It looks so so lovely, love your midi skirt! Such a chic pattern! Xx
ReplyDeletewww.thefashionfolks.com
Wow, the chocolate brownie explosion is certainly a dream!
ReplyDeleteBack to Bruges! What a lovely way to spend your birthday! I'm already thinking about our city break for next year and having never been to Bruges and having fallen in love with it via your photos, I definitely think it's going to have to be on the list!
Oh and belated happy birthday Gabrielle! x
Musings & More
So many beautiful pictures & I absolutely love the print of the skirt you're wearing in the very first pics :)
ReplyDeleteNati xx
www.simplyartdicted.com
Stunning photos of Bruges here Gabrielle, and the architecture is just gorgeous! I'd love to visit this place one day. I also love your skirt in these shots and I'm glad to hear you had such a lovely time, and I hope you enjoyed your birthday! - Tasha
ReplyDeleteOh, Gabrielle! You describe, both in words and photos, such beautiful settings! Bruges looks and sounds like a wonderful place to visit! Gorgeous photos of the Hotel Duke's Palace! Stunning!
ReplyDeleteLuci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
I just can't get over how pretty Bruges looks! You take lovely photos that really really make me wanna up and leave to visit this Belgian beauty right away :) xx
ReplyDeleteJess | Jess in Retrospect
I really need to add Bruges to the list of places to visit. The city look stunning.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love your printed skirt. Where is it from?
www.mydailywear.co.uk
Hi Izabela, the printed midi skirt is new in at Zara :)
DeleteGabrielle x
Every time I stumble upon this city on the internet, I think of that amazing movie, In Bruges...I have the urge to visit this place...It looks so lovely.
ReplyDeleteWoW! This city looks so beautiful. I love the colors of the buildings! Happy belated birthday.
ReplyDeletexo, Christina
http://www.christinabeex3.com/
Great photos and impressions! And you look so happy here! xoxo
ReplyDeletewww.naomella.com
What a truly lovely way and place to celebrate your birthday in Gabrielle! Bruges really looks amazing through your eyes and I hope I will get to visit one day.
ReplyDeleteamazing photos, hope you had a lovely time!
ReplyDeletewww.rebelrebel.co | Youtube x
You have the best travel photos and glad you had such an amazing experience on your birthday! Love that little tie knot on the front of your skirt!
ReplyDeleteMacarons and Mischief
Oh, these places you visit and those foods! I'm so wishing I was there too.
ReplyDeleteAnother item added to my bucket list.
Girl, Bruges looks beyond incredible but I can't take my eyes off of that skirt. So so pretty!!
ReplyDeleteElle
www.theellenextdoor.com
xx
Birthdays are all about treating yourself and who could resist all these amazing shops in Bruges! Such an amazing post - love all your beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteYour skirt is so gorgeous hun and this hotel looks beyond amazing! :) xx
ReplyDeletewww.fashionjazz.co.za
Even more stunning photos and yummy food. :)
ReplyDeleteI love it, looks like such a wonderful place, I must visit it one day. And you look amazing xx
ReplyDeleteYou look like you had such an amazing time - everything is so picturesque and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat skirt you wore, I've never seen anything like it - so gorgeous!
Georgia | The Weekend Attic
I love that Zara midi skirt on you Gab! Am so glad you had such an amazing time looking so fab and enjoying the magnificence of the castle and munching on good foods! I hope I can have some yummy ice-cream right now as I am still recovering from a bad cough ;( Happy new week by the way!
ReplyDeletexx Aldora
www.AldoraMuses.com
Your trip to Bruges looks like so much fun and I love your skirt! I visited Bruges a few years ago and I fell in love with the city too!
ReplyDeletehttp://thecourtneydiaries.com
Oh wow your birthday weekend looked so wonderful wish I could have a Birthday weekend like this! But I an going to Paris to visit my step family and for Paris Fashion Week!
ReplyDeleteAllie of ALLIENYC
www.allienyc.com
Sweets and chocolate from Bruges are famous... I'm happy you lived such a wonderful birthday-weekend, you look so happy a really beutiful :)))
ReplyDeletexoxo
www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com
I love your outfit! You look beautiful! I will definitely have to visit Bruges one day! :) xx
ReplyDeleteI've visited for a day! Was based in Brussels, heading out there by train. It was snowing. The wine was warm and the mussels and chips tasty! It's a great city, beautifully captured in your post
ReplyDeleteThose desserts look dreamy! What a beautiful trip <3 And you look stunning!
ReplyDeleteStephanie | www.stephykeung.com
Seriously your photos makes me want to visit Brugge, they look amazing and of course you look stunning as always! I hope your birthday was good and you had a great time! Chocolate brownie explosion looks so damn yummy, middle of the night is not the best time to see a dessert photo :) x
ReplyDeleteEla BellaWorld
Happy belated birthday! My mouth was seriously watering when I saw that lovely chocolate shop. And I absolutely LOVE your print skirt. What a wonderful post, beautiful city, and gorgeous photos of you. :) XO
ReplyDeleteJanea | theSTYLetti
Gosh, Gabrielle! Looks like you had the best and most wonderful birthday celebration. I adore you in the midi skirt and grey top, you look absolutely lovely.
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
Looks like such a nice few days away! I love the skirt you wore on your birthday, and of course there couldn't be anything better to do on a birthday than go away and explore a different city and eat lots of food!
ReplyDeletelittlehenrylee.net
Belated happy birthday dear !
ReplyDeleteBeautiful memories and some equally amazing clicks. I love reading your posts.
http://rasoirecipe.com/hyderabadi-bagara-baingan-aubergine-curry/
You're one lucky gal, Gabrielle! Happy Birthday & stay young & pretty always, dear! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing! Looks like you had the greatest time ever! <3
ReplyDeletewww.SHVETA.com
Beautiful as always,I hope you had an amazing birthday and I hope that all your wishes will come true!
ReplyDeleteHugs from Alexandra ~ Impavid Blog
The chocolate brownie explosion sounds absolutely delicious and is making me feel so hungry right now :) This looks like the perfect get away and I'm so glad you had a fab birthday break! x
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely birthday! Bruges looks so nice!
ReplyDeletehttp://violettedaily.com/
Prior to reading your birthday recaps, I hadn't heard of Bruges before and now, I want to go! I've only ever heard people mention how great Belgium is, but never really mention specific cities or towns. It looks so incredibly charming and I'm sure all the chocolate was delicious, I don't blame you for indulging, I would too! I also love your midi skirt, I would've never have guessed it was from Zara! It's the perfect skirt to wear there, it has a very similar cultural vibe! Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have a great week ahead!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jalisa
www.thestylecontour.com
I hope I get to visit Bruges one day. Seeing it through your eyes really made me love it. There are some really stunning buildings, I bet that strolling this city is a feast for the eyes. I'm happy to hear you had such a lovely birthday celebration. We all need to relax a bit and this trip of yours seemed to went well, so all good as they say:).
ReplyDeleteI really like that skirt. The print is absolutely divine. Pairing this skirt with that grey wrap body made the print on the skirt stand out even more...Such a feminine and gorgeous outfit. Very birthday appropriate. You sure looked fantastic on your special day!
www.modaodaradosti.blogspot.com
These photographs really do have the wow factor and Bruges looks totally different from when I visited a few years ago, there are so many hidden gems dotted around that would draw me back to explore it more.
ReplyDeleteYour outfit here is fantastic, I just love the skirt you are wearing, such a stunning lady :) The perfect Birthday Bruges outfit!
Laura xo
www.shehearts.net
The birthday celebration rolls on! Love this- and love that gorgeous skirt you wore!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Loving all of the pic showing the historic buildings and great architecture. Your skirt was so pretty and the print was so fab!
ReplyDeleteLaToya
www.toyastales.blogspot.com
Your pictures look fantastic! Hope you had a great birthday!
ReplyDeleteXo, Maryam
www.glamandposh.com
What a gorgeous birthday girl! Loving your skirt and the pictures!
ReplyDeleteXoXo,
Tamara - LoveofMode.com
Magical post Gabrielle and really beautiful photos. So glad you had a lovely birthday in Bruges! That Zara midi skirt is beyond dreamy as well! X
ReplyDeleteKate Louise Blogs
Thank you for sharing these photos and places. I enjoyed. Also, cute outfits.
ReplyDeleteWould you like to follow each other?
https://glaringwaves.blogspot.ba/
It looks like you are in a fairytale, gorgeous pictures!
ReplyDeletexo
www.carinavardie.com
Happy Belated Birthday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to spend your birthday.
That Haagen Daz looks so good
And I love your skirt.
Such a beautiful city, it looks amazing! It sounds like you had a fab time xx
ReplyDeleteGemma ♥ | Miss Makeup Magpie
I swear I've been waiting for this post, how did I miss it three days ago? Regardless, you haven't disappointed! This really looks like the dreamiest birthday trip. I adore both of your outfits (especially that skirt, wow), and the buildings are stunning!
ReplyDeleteAmber | y a c h t s m a a n
What a gorgeous skirt, Gabrielle - and I love the way you have captured the golden hour in Bruges
ReplyDeleteWow! This is beautiful pretty, breathtaking photos you've got here.
ReplyDeletewww.tessyonyia.com
Happy Birthday! It looks like you had an amazing time & I adore your outfit.
ReplyDeleteTFM BLOG
The skirt you're wearing is so cute! And wow is every corner in Bruges just totally Instagrammable?? Love it all!
ReplyDeleteTina
www.justatinabit.com
Bruges is a special place to spend your birthday, such a splendid and historical city. Happy Belated Birthday, Gabrielle! Your skirt is utterly adorable, I love the print and blend of colours.
ReplyDelete/Madison x
A birthday well spent! :)
ReplyDelete<3 | X ALY | Aly In Wanderland | Latest: Red Dress & Thigh High Boots
What amazing pictures, it looks like a wonderful place!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day :)
Rosanna x
Rose's Rooftop
Such a fabulous way to celebrate your birthday. Your photos are as gorgeous as always. And the weather was very good. I've been told that it rains a lot in this beautiful city.
ReplyDeleteJasmine x
Jas Claire
Belated Happy Birthday Beautiful! You look gorgeous in this skirt!! I love your pictures of Bruges. I really want to visit this city because I always heard how beautiful it is and also to eat some good chocolate, waffles, mussels and fries :) Ok I'm all about food ahahah
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying your birthday trip.
Love,
Aurelie | http://www.surface85.com
This is why I love Europe. Look at these beautiful historic buildings, including those colorfuls in the background! I have always wanted to go backpacking in Europe :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thequinoxfashion.com/
Such a perfect way to celebrate your birthday! The photos are so beautiful and breathtaking. Love your skirt as well, so gorgeous! x
ReplyDeleteFace to Curls | http://facetocurls.com
Oh, I wish I could relive such a wonderful weekend in Bruges! Nice to see that everything was perfect during your stay.
ReplyDeleteLUXESSED
Oh wow what a great post. It looks like you had such a great time. I mentioned on Instagram that I love your skirt but I will say it again it's gorgeous! Gemma x
ReplyDeletewww.jacquardflower.uk
The upstairs looks lovely! to enjoy a nice relaxing time. It looks perfect for an evening event as well. I just love all your photos, especially the style pictures. That skirt from Zara is amazing! I love how classy it looks and goes well with a casual outfit. This looks like such a fun place I bet you wouldn't wish to leave. I feel this way quite often when I travel. Wonderful post can't wait to see more :) http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2016/09/rocking-romance.html
ReplyDeleteLook at all these photos, wow!!! I think I need a holiday. You look so beautiful and that Zara skirt is everything. I love it a lot!
ReplyDeletehttp://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk
Ah, it all looks truly lovely :) Such pleasure to look through your wonderful memories!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pret-a-reporter.co.uk/blog/
Your skirt is so pretty
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures
Such a beautiful city, you must had a blast on your birthday. I've enjoyed your series of post, nicely written and entertaining.
ReplyDeletewww.busyandfab.com
This looks so beautiful. Happy Birthday.
ReplyDeletehttp://anaturellecraving.blogspot.com
Instagram: nyashanicole
XOXO
Such lovely pictures !Seems like you had a really great trip for your birthday !
ReplyDeleteI have a big crush for the scarf print of your skirt.
xx,
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com/
What a beautiful city! I absolutely love the look of your skirt! Think I may need to check it out on the Zara website right now.
ReplyDeleteChristina ♥ https://caliope-couture.com
If only I could go there! It looks so beautiful, and it's so true (sadly) that time flies when you're having fun, and on holidays that's usually always the case...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love that skirt on you as well.
www.thesundaymode.com
Happy belated birthday Gabrielle! I see you have had a fantastic trip to Bruge. I've been once before many, many years for the Christmas markets and I remember the city as a magical place with its cute little cobbled sidestreets and shops to discover. Hope to go back one day as it is such a charming place. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteCaz | Style Lingua
Beautiful city and you look fabulous! The skirt is just beautiful. Love! What a fabulous way to spend your birthday!
ReplyDeleteTe dejo mi blog de poesia por si quieres criticar gracias.
ReplyDeleteMe gusta mucho el tuyo.
http://anna-historias.blogspot.com.es.