The beauty of the medieval city of Bruges, Belgium is absolutely postcard-perfect. The cobblestone streets, ancient architecture, and no less than 80 bridges spanning the city’s network of canals are like the setting of a fairytale.

Such beauty alone draws travelers, but Bruges is more than just a pretty place. It has plenty of interesting things to do and see, as well as intriguing spots to eat and drink, to fill a two to three night stay. Travel Maestro tip: Summer’s nice weather draws hordes of tourists to Bruges. During high season, plan to visit during the week days to avoid the heavier crowds during the weekends. I visited on a Monday through Wednesday during the peak season of early July and it was not uncomfortably crowded.

Top Attractions in Bruges

Bruges’ historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage site with parts of the oldest buildings dating to the second century. You can see the most impressive sites and appreciate the medieval heritage of the city several ways. A half-hour narrated canal boat tour or a horse-and-buggy ride is the place to be on a hot summer day. You can also cover the historic center on a walking tour in about two hours. Travel Maestro tip: Covington can arrange a local English-speaking guide to share entertaining facts and legends about Bruges on a private walking tour.

Grote Markt (Market Square) is a center of activity where you’ll find a number of outdoor cafes, stylish shops, and the world-famous 13th-century belfry. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can climb 366 stairs to the top to inspect the 47-bell carillon and enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of Bruges. My fiancé and I wandered into the courtyard behind the entrance to the belfry just before dusk on our first evening in Bruges. As we marveled at the stone enclosure and tower, and postulated stories of the people who had lived and worked there centuries before (as I tend to do), the carillon began to chime. It wasn’t until that moment that I realized we had fortuitously happened on a performance of the summer live carillon concert series (mid-June through mid-September, Monday and Wednesday at 9:00 pm). We sat in that ancient courtyard for an hour as darkness fell over the fortress walls, listening to everything from Elvis and the Bee Gees to Handel played on the 18th-century bells. It was absolutely magical!

Another square, the Burg, is a showplace of architectural styles through the ages. Among its buildings is the 12th-century Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses the Relic of the Holy Blood and other artifacts from the Crusades. The 14th-century town hall is also on the square. Be sure to go upstairs to the very ornate Gothic Hall. Travel Maestro tip: To discover a relatively unknown gem, enter the Crowne Plaza hotel and go to its basement, where you will be able to visit the remains of the Saint Donatian Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral located on the Burg that was destroyed during the aftermath of the French Revolution (Free).

Food and Libations in Bruges

Bruges is arguably the chocolate capital of the world, with over 50 chocolatiers making their own handmade chocolates. Gorgeous confections line the shelves of shops on every corner, making it nearly impossible to choose. We asked our hotelier which shop was his favorite and we certainly weren’t disappointed, although I suspect they are all excellent.

Belgium is a world authority on beer and Bruges has lots of pubs in cozy alleys and medieval cellars serving top-notch Belgian Trappist beers and local ales. Being the responsible researcher that I am, we dutifully sampled local brews at several charming establishments. We also enjoyed a visit to the Museum of Beer, where we learned about the history of beer, beer types and different brewing processes on a self-guided iPad tour. The ticket included a tasting at the end, overlooking Market Square.

Bruges offers a wide range of cuisines for the discerning foodie, although Poules Moules (mussels and frites) are ubiquitous at the al fresco cafes, as are Belgian waffles and ice cream at the street stands. Be sure to try the typical Flemish stew called vlaamse stoverij, made with fine Belgian dark beer. It’s delicious. Bruges is also home to two of the top three gastronomic restaurants in Belgium (De Karmeliet and Hertog Jan), each boasting three Michelin stars. Travel Maestro tip: The prices in the cafes on the main squares are higher than equally charming spots off the beaten path. Explore the winding cobbled alleys for less expensive options.

Experience the Vibrant Culture of Bruges Festivals

Bruges enjoys its festivals, and several are worthy of foregoing the warm weather of high season for events that occur in the latter part of the year. Jazz lovers will enjoy the free Jazz in the Park event in September; beer aficionados can sample the best brews of 40 Belgian breweries at the annual fall BAB-bierfestival in the Belfry courtyard; chocoholics shouldn’t miss the annual Choco-Late Festival held at the Belfort bell tower in November; The Bruges Christmas Market is a popular event in November and December; and the Snow and Ice sculpture festival at Station Square runs November to January.

Bruges is a rewarding add-on to any central Europe trip, easily accessible by train, car or bicycle. It’s quite charming and romantic – and very tasty! For assistance in adding Bruges to your next European vacation, contact the vacation advisors at Covington Travel.