Parking near your stay

About the hotel

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Barabas is a charming bed and breakfast in Bruges, located in historic mansions on the Groenerei. Behind the discreet façade in Hertsbergestraat, there is an elegant guest house that carefully preserves the soul of the sixteenth-century building. Old plank floors, fireplaces, beamed ceilings and antique furniture give the rooms a warm, homely feel, while contemporary comfort is everywhere. Think good beds, modern bathrooms, climate control, fast Wi-Fi and an intimate sitting area where you can retire after a day in the city.

The rooms and suites overlook the courtyard and the canal, giving you the feeling of staying in a quiet, almost rural oasis, while the historic center is just a few minutes' walk away. There are cozy junior suites for two, larger family rooms and a residence with a private waterfront terrace. Those looking for extra privacy can opt for the holiday home, a separate house on the canal where you stay completely at your own pace and still enjoy hotel service such as breakfast.

Breakfast is served in elegant salons or in the garden when the weather is nice. Fresh breads, local cheeses and charcuterie, sweet accents and coffee or tea make for a relaxing start to the day. During the day and at the weekend, Barabas is also sometimes used for intimate lunches, brunches and small celebrations, giving the place a lively but never busy character. Pets up to a certain weight are allowed, provided that guests respect some house rules to ensure peace and quiet in the house and garden. This makes Barabas feel both a private home and a carefully run bed and breakfast, ideal for couples, small families and travelers who want to experience Bruges in a quiet, sophisticated way.

The surroundings

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Barabas is located along one of the most popular canals in Bruges, between the Peerden Bridge and the Meebrug. As soon as you walk out of the street, you are at the Groenerei, one of the most photographed spots in the city. Here, trees, facades and bridges reflect in the water and tours slowly pass by. It is one of those places where Bruges shows its almost timeless character and where you can take beautiful walks both during the day and at dusk.

In the immediate vicinity are some of the city's most important squares. Via the narrow streets, you can walk to the Burg and the Markt in a few minutes, with the town hall, the basilica and the belfry as landmarks. Along the way, you'll pass small boutiques, antique shops, chocolatiers, and galleries. Just past the densest stream of visitors, you'll find tranquil corners like Jan van Eyck Square, where the rhythm slows down and you can have a coffee or lunch in peace.

The historic structure of Bruges is easy to feel here: winding alleys connect to small squares, bridges connect the various quays and towers and roofs pop up above the water everywhere. From Barabas, you can also quickly reach the Fish Market and Huidenvettersplein, two historic places where you can find cozy terraces and a few restaurants today. The combination of heritage, water and small-scale trade makes the area particularly pleasant for everyone who likes to explore while walking.

Things to do in the area

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• Walk along the Groenerei and across the Peerdebrug and Meebrug, two photogenic bridges from which you can enjoy beautiful views of the canals, the medieval facades and the courtyard of Barabas.
• Explore the Burg and Markt with their monumental buildings, climb the belfry for a panoramic view of the rooftops, and be amazed by small alleys and hidden courtyards along the way.
• Visit the Fish Market and Huidenvettersplein, where the classic colonnade, nearby quays and terraces provide a nice picture of the old life of Bruges around trade and water.

Restaurants & cafes

Restaurants
• Brutal
Small-scale restaurant on the Groenerei where seasonal products from the sea and the polder are cooked in an intimate setting. The chef works with a fixed menu that offers sophisticated, creative dishes in multiple courses, ideal for those who want to dine at a high level for an evening.

• Brasserie Uilenspiegel
Cosy brasserie on the Langestraat, near the water, with a terrace overlooking a bridge and the canal. The menu includes classics from Flemish and French cuisine, such as beef stew, fish dishes and daily suggestions, in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

• De Vlaamsche Pot
Living room-like restaurant in the center serving typical Flemish food, with dishes such as beef stew, water and royal snack. The interior with antique details and a courtyard gives the feeling that you are eating with a family from Bruges, making this place very popular with visitors who want to try local cuisine.

Cafes & bars
• 2nd Bar
Beer bar and shop near the water, famous for its long beer wall and terrace overlooking the canal. Here you can sample a very wide selection of Belgian beers, from classics to special editions, while looking out over one of the city's most iconic street corners.

• Café't Klein Venice
Authentic café on the edge of the Rozenhoedkaai, with a south-facing terrace that overlooks the water and the city's towers. It is an excellent place to take a break with coffee during the day or enjoy a Belgian beer in a typical Bruges setting in the evening.

• Beer café't Brugs Beertje
Cozy brown bar in a narrow street not far from the Markt, famous for its impressive menu of Belgian beers. Inside, you'll find a cozy, somewhat nostalgic atmosphere with old billboards and an audience of both locals and travelers who are happy to advise on new beers to discover.

Lunch shops
• Blackbird
Brunch boutique on Jan van Eyckplein where colorful, often plant-based dishes are central. It offers extensive breakfast options, bowls, salads and homemade cakes, served in a stylish interior overlooking a quiet waterfront square.

• Boho Brunch
Light, contemporary shop in the center where the menu revolves around all-day breakfast and lunch. Think açai bowls, pancakes, sourdough bread with toppings and fresh salads, served in an interior with lots of plants and natural materials that feels like a small urban bohemian oasis.

• Gravy and Tartine
Cozy breakfast and lunch spot near Jan van Eyck Square, known for its wide range of sandwiches, breakfast formulas and brunch dishes. You can go there early in the day for a hearty breakfast or later for a light lunch with soup, sandwiches and homemade sweets.

Accessibility

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• By car, drive via the highway to Bruges and follow the signs to the center. From the main ring road around the city, you will be guided via the access roads and the Unesco roundabout to the historic city center, where Hertsbergestraat and Groenerei form part of a quiet, car-free network of streets.

• If you arrive by train at Bruges station, you can travel to Barabas on foot, by bus or by taxi. The walk takes about twenty to twenty-five minutes and takes you along the Minnewater and the inner ring road, while buses and taxis take you close to the Groenerei in a short time.

• Cyclists can easily reach Barabas via the marked routes to the center, and find various places in the area to park their bikes safely. The bed and breakfast also offers attractive cycling routes to the polders and villages around Bruges, so you can easily combine city and landscape.

Parking

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Because Barabas is located in the middle of the old center, there is no private parking garage at the property itself. Guests arriving by car are encouraged to use the underground car parks just outside the city's narrowest streets. The nearest option is Parking Pandreitje, a short walk from the Groenerei. This underground car park is located on the edge of the historic center, so you can leave the car safely and then reach the bed and breakfast in a few minutes on foot.

When Pandreitje is full, Parking Langestraat, also known as Alfa Parking Langestraat, offers a full-fledged alternative at about the same distance. Both garages operate at similar rates and allow you to leave the car longer, which is convenient for a weekend or longer stay. In addition, there are charging points for electric cars in these car parks, so that even those who drive electric cars can charge the car close to the residence.

Above ground parking in the immediate vicinity is possible but less recommended, because parking time is limited there and you have to take out a new ticket regularly. If you still want to load and unload briefly at Hertsbergestraat, you can park your car in front of the door to unload luggage, and then drive to an underground car park. This way, you combine the ease of arrival at the door with the security of a safe, long-term parking space near Barabas.

Summary

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Barabas is a characterful bed and breakfast in Bruges, located in historic mansions on one of the city's most beautiful canals. Inside, you'll find spacious rooms and suites, a luxurious residence with a terrace, and a separate waterfront cottage, all decorated with a combination of authentic elements and modern comfort. Breakfast, garden and water views make the stay particularly peaceful, while the Burg, the Markt, the Fish Market and other sights are within walking distance.

In the immediate vicinity, you'll discover a wide range of restaurants, beer bars and brunch spots, from fine canal-side gastronomy to cozy lunch addresses in squares and waterside corners. Underground car parks such as Pandreitje and Langestraat ensure that you can park your car safely and continue exploring the city on foot. When you choose Barabas, you opt for a stay where hospitality, heritage, views and culinary opportunities come together in the quiet heart of Bruges.

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