In West Flanders in Belgium lies the city of Bruges, a charming medieval town that is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Stroll through Bruges' narrow cobblestone streets and across the many bridges found in this canal-based city and marvel at the town's gothic stone architecture while you're at it. While seeing most of Bruges in a day is a possibility, try to stay overnight to see the city's historic sites flooded in lights!

How to get here:

Bruges is easily accessible by train, with the historic city center just a short walk from the main station. Everything can be reached on foot, with cars being more of a hindrance than a help.

Highlights

Grote Markt and Burg:

Bruges' most important sites are located in the heart of the historic town center. Start at Grote Markt, the city's marketplace, which houses the 83 m (272 ft) Belfort (Belfry). The Belfry was built in the 13th century as an observation tower to spot fires and to showcase the wealth Bruges had accumulated through European commerce. For the Belfry to keep its paramount image, no modern buildings taller than it may be constructed. Climb the 366 steps of its winding staircase and be rewarded with a panoramic vista of the city's red rooftops, medieval buildings, and canals, all the way up to Zeebrugge, Bruge's port at the north sea. Right beside the Belfry is the Historium, a museum perfect for anyone having a hard time imagining life in the 15th century by only looking at relics of the time. The Historium takes you back to the Golden Age through audio-guided interactive exhibits and special effects for an immersive experience. Continue just a few meters west of the Markt to the Burg, Bruges' architecturally most important square. Visit the Stadhuis (City Hall), a late 14th-century gothic-style building and the oldest city hall in Belgium. Most notably, the Stadhuis houses the Gotische Zaal (Gothic Room), a lavish neo-gothic style room with high, arched oak ceilings and murals painted in the 19th century that depict historic scenes. Also located at the Burg is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a chapel built in the 12th century, which was only promoted to a basilica in 1923. The Basilica receives its name from the holy relic held here: a piece of cloth said to be stained by Jesus' blood from his crucifixion. It was brought to the Basilica by the Count of Flanders during the Second Crusade in 1147. If for religious purposes or simply to admire the beautiful architecture of the church, the Basilica is worth a visit.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk:

The 122 m (400 ft) tall spire of the Church of Our Lady marks not only the highest building in Bruges but also the 2nd tallest brick building in the world! For this reason, the enormous church took two centuries (13th - 15th) to complete. Today it houses various artworks, most notably the marble statue "Madonna and Child" by Michaelangelo. Just next to the church lies Bonifaciusbridge, Bruges's smallest bridge, and a great photo-op with a good view onto Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk. As the bridge is often over-crowded, try to visit early.

Canal Tour:

Be sure to book a cruise through Bruges' canals to re-visit your favorite sights and to view the city from a different angle. Offered between March and November, the tours all follow the same 30-minute route between the Begijnhof and Jan Van Eyckplein in the old Hanseatic Quarter. Hop on at Rozenhodkaai right next to the Burg. Rozenhodkaai is the most photographed place in Bruges and for good reason: the scenery includes a view of the Belfry across the canal, as well as the prettiest residential buildings on the canal, built in the distinct flemish/dutch canal architectural style. The canal cruise will take you past the Burg and Markt up north to Bruges' former Hanseatic harbor. Nowadays it is called Jan van Eyck Square, named after the famous 15th-century painter, who is commemorated with a statue here. After the tour, make your way to De Halve Maan, a family brewery that has been brewing true Belgian beer for 500 years! Fun Fact: to avoid having to navigate trucks from the brewery through the narrow streets of the city center to their bottling plant, De Halve Maan has built a 2 km long (1.2 miles) beer pipeline!

Minnewater:

On the way to Minnewater at the southern end of the city center, stop by the Begijnhof. The modern-day UNESCO world heritage site was founded in 1245 and is now home to benedictine nuns. Take a peaceful stroll through its garden, away from the bustling life of the city. Continue your walk at Minnewaterlake and immerse yourself in the whimsical surroundings. Minnewater is home to large flocks of swans: the most romantic of birds and Bruges' graceful symbols. Fittingly, the lake carries the epithet "the Lake of Love" in homage to the legend of a girl named Minna who is said to have died here, after finally being united with her star-crossed lover. Cross Minnewaterbrug with your own significant other and, according to folklore, receive eternal love! To round off the experience, settle down on one of the plentiful benches and enjoy a sunset picnic along with a stunning view of the Minnewaterkasteel, a neo-gothic castle built in 1893, on the opposite lakeshore.