Bruges' medieval centre survived intact largely because the city fell into economic decline after its canal silted up in the 1500s, a stroke of bad luck for its merchants that turned into extraordinary good fortune for anyone visiting six centuries later.
The Markt and the Canals
The Belfort, the bell tower overlooking the Markt square, has 366 narrow steps to a viewing platform over the city's stepped gables and canals, go early to avoid both the queue and the midday crowds filling the square below.
A canal boat tour, though touristy, is genuinely the best way to see the city's back gardens and quieter waterways in twenty-five minutes, go in late afternoon when the light on the water is at its best.
Chocolate and Beer
Bruges has one of the highest concentrations of chocolate shops per capita anywhere, and the good ones (Dumon, Chocolaterie Sukerbuyc) are genuine family workshops rather than tourist-trap chains. Ask for a tasting before committing to a box.
Belgian beer culture runs deep here, De Halve Maan brewery, in the city centre, runs tours ending in a rooftop tasting, and its Brugse Zot is piped underground directly to the bottling plant outside town via a purpose-built pipeline.
Recommended Stay · Bruges · Historic Centre
Hotel Dukes' Palace
A 15th-century palace once home to Burgundian dukes, now a hotel with a spa built into the original vaulted cellars, a short walk from the Markt and the canals.
