Bruges (Brugge) is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe. Often referred to as the “Venice of the North“, it is criss-crossed by canals, the main ring of which encloses the historic centre. It is a wonderful city with cobbled streets and lovely gabled houses that cast their reflections onto the water.

In the eleventh century Bruges was a major commercial centre for the wood industry, and by the late thirteenth century was the main link to Mediterranean trade. It soon became a major financial centre too, and in 1309 the Bourse opened, making the city more sophisticated money market in the entire region. By the sixteenth century, however, Bruges had split from the Netherlands and the port of Antwerp had taken over much of its trade, leaving Bruges to decline into a provincial backwater.   There is much fine art and architecture to see in Bruges. The Church of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk) boasts the highest brick spire in Europe and contains a sculpture of the Madonna by Michelangelo. The Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig Bloed Basiliek) is another famous church that displays a phial said to contain the blood of Christ. The Groeninge Museum contains paintings from six centuries, including works by Hans Memling and Jan Van Eyck, who lived and worked here.

If you tire to cultural sightseeing, take a trip on a canal or just sit in a pretty, peaceful spot and try one of the 350 or more beers.

What is there to see

The Groeninge Museum, the Memling Museum, the Church of Our Lady, the Beguinage (the Market Place)

You should know

This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000

What is it know for

Moules and chocolate are specialities of the area

How do I get there

By train or car from Brussels

Source: 501 Must Visit Destinations