Prajakta Koli calls Bruges a real-life fairytale place: 8 magical spots to explore in Belgium’s UNESCO city

Prajakta Koli describes Bruges as a real-life fairytale — here are 8 magical spots that capture the charm of Belgium’s iconic UNESCO-listed city. (Image: Instagram/ @mostlysane and Canva)

• Prajakta Koli calls Bruges a real-life fairytale city
• Bruges is known for canals, medieval squares, and historic sites
• Top sights include Begijnhof, Minnewater, and Church of Our Lady

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Imagine a place where cobbled streets wind past centuries-old houses, swans glide across quiet canals, and horse carriages clip-clop through medieval squares. That dreamy setting isn’t from a storybook—it’s real, and it’s called Bruges.

During a recent conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia on the Millennial Hangout Podcast, digital creator Prajakta Koli, widely recognised by her online persona MostlySane, shared her deep love for the Belgian city, calling it one of the most magical places she has ever visited.

“The nicest place that I think about all the time is Bruges. It’s like a fairy tale that exists,” she said during the podcast.

For travellers dreaming of a picturesque European escape, Bruges might just be the closest thing to stepping into a real-life fairy tale.

Bruges

A city that feels 'straight out of a fairy tale'

According to Prajakta, what makes Bruges unforgettable is its slow, charming way of life. “You either walk, or take a horse carriage, or a boat… because there are a lot of canals, or a cycle,” she said, describing the relaxed pace that makes the city feel almost magical.

Unlike many bustling European destinations, Bruges invites you to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. Strolling through narrow cobbled lanes, watching reflections of medieval buildings in canals, or cycling along quiet streets quickly makes you understand why travellers—and creators like Prajakta—fall in love with the place.

Often called one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, Bruges is filled with historic churches, charming market squares, and whitewashed almshouses that seem frozen in time.

Why Bruges should be on every traveller’s bucket list

If you set out to design a perfect medieval town, it would probably look exactly like Bruges. Dreamy canals connect photogenic squares, Gothic towers rise above the skyline, and quaint bridges appear around every corner. The city is compact, scenic, and incredibly walkable—making it ideal for slow travel.

Here are some must-visit sights that define the charm of Bruges.

Bruges

1. Begijnhof (The Beguinage)

Founded in 1245, this peaceful complex is one of the most serene corners of the city. The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde is known for its white-fronted houses and tranquil garden, where beguines—independent religious women—once lived in quiet devotion. Today, the UNESCO-listed site remains a sanctuary of calm, inhabited by Benedictine nuns and single women seeking a peaceful lifestyle.

2. The dreamy Canals of Bruges

The canals are the lifeline of Bruges and one of the main reasons the city feels so romantic. Take a boat ride through the winding waterways, and you’ll pass medieval facades, secret gardens, and stone bridges reflected in the water. When morning mist rolls in, and swans glide by, the scene feels almost surreal.

3. Burg Square – the soul of the city

While the nearby market square is the lively heart of Bruges, Burg Square is its historic soul. Surrounded by architectural landmarks, the square showcases buildings from different eras, including the magnificent Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Gothic Bruges City Hall. Walking through the square feels like stepping through a living architectural timeline.

4. Concertgebouw Brugge – where art meets history

This modern cultural landmark proves that Bruges isn’t just about the past. The concert hall hosts world-class performances in classical music and contemporary dance, and its acoustics are considered among the best in Europe.

Bruges

5. Gruuthusemuseum – a journey through Bruges’ past

History lovers shouldn’t miss this fascinating museum. With more than 600 exhibits, the museum traces Bruges’ journey from its Burgundian golden age to its rediscovery during the 19th-century neo-Gothic revival. Expect tapestries, lacework, stained glass, and centuries-old artefacts.

6. Minnewater – the romantic “Lake of Love”

Few places in Bruges feel as romantic as Minnewater. Legends say water nymphs once lived here, giving the lake its poetic name. With graceful swans, leafy trees, and charming bridges, it’s one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city.

7. Rozenhoedkaai – Bruges’ most photogenic corner

If you’ve ever seen a postcard from Bruges, chances are it was taken here. Once a marketplace where rosaries were sold, Rozenhoedkaai is now the city’s most famous photo spot, offering postcard-perfect canal views.

8. Church of Our Lady – Home to Michelangelo’s Masterpiece

One of Bruges’ most iconic landmarks, the Church of Our Lady houses Michelangelo’s famous Madonna and Child, one of the rare works by the Renaissance master found outside Italy.

Travel tips for visiting Bruges

If you’re planning a trip to Bruges, here are a few tips to make the most of it:

1. Explore on foot or by bicycle: The city is compact, making walking or cycling the best way to discover hidden corners.

2. Take a canal boat tour: It’s the most magical way to see Bruges from a different perspective.

3. Visit early morning or evening: The city feels even more enchanting when crowds thin out.

4. Don’t rush: Bruges is best enjoyed slowly—exactly the way Prajakta described it.

Bruges

The kind of place you keep thinking about

For Prajakta Koli, Bruges is more than just another travel destination—it’s a place she keeps thinking about long after leaving. And honestly, once you wander through its cobbled streets, glide along its canals, or watch swans at Minnewater, you’ll probably feel the same way.

Because some cities are beautiful.

Bruges feels like a dream you can actually visit.