Bruges, the Venice of northern Europe

During your visit to Bruges, you'll realize that this historic city offers much more than just souvenir shops, canal cruise boats and romantic coaches. The inner city vies with Amsterdam for the title 'Venice of Northern Europe'.

Regardless of this, you'll experience Bruges as one big open-air museum. Many houses are built in the traditional Bruges' style, with windows from top to bottom. The city's profile is dominated by three towers, which you'll already have spotted in the distance. The Halletoren (Market Tower), Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady), with its statue by Michelangelo, and the Sint-Salvatorkathedraal (St Salvador Cathedral).

Magnificent houses and buildings line the streets and surround Bruges' numerous small squares. Whatever you do, don't forget to take in the beautiful facades - especially in the centre, where the shop windows tend to divert your attention. The shopping in Bruges is exceptionally good!

The city landscape is dominated by the canals, known locally as 'reitjes'. There are many squares, one or two of which, de Markt (the Market) and de Burg (the Citadel), are for pedestrians only. Take care you don't get run over by one of the many coaches. While the city is certainly busy, just duck into a alley or side street for some quiet. Don't expect to find all of Bruges' most beautiful attractions on the main streets.

If you're in Bruges, you can't avoid tasting various local specialities like beer, chocolate, genever, waffles and Flemish chips. It's clear from the numerous restaurants with one or more stars that you can dine very well indeed in this city. But there are also plenty of places to suit a more modest budget. Enjoy a good Belgian beer in one of the many cafes before or after dining.