Often called the "Venice of the North," Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. Unlike Ghent, which evolved and industrialized, Bruges essentially froze in time after its economic decline in the 16th century when its harbor silted up and trade moved to Antwerp.

This economic stagnation ironically preserved its medieval character, with its network of canals, cobblestone streets, and Gothic architecture remaining largely untouched. By the 19th century, wealthy British tourists rediscovered Bruges, with poets and writers romanticizing its beauty and initiating early tourism. Today, its entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a glimpse into a genuine medieval European trading city.

While undeniably more touristy than Ghent, visiting Bruges on a day trip allows you to experience its fairy-tale atmosphere without the evening crowds when tour buses have departed. The city is renowned for chocolate-making traditions, legendary Belgian beer, and the picturesque canals that once served as vital commercial arteries.