Bruges: A Fairytale Itinerary 🏰✨

Bruges, Belgium’s medieval masterpiece, feels like a page from a storybook with its canals, cobblestones, and Gothic spires. Here’s a curated guide to the best things to do and see in this enchanting city.

Must-Do Activities
🛶 Canal Cruise: Glide through Bruges’ UNESCO canals (€12, 30 mins). Book early at Rozenhoedkaai for sunset views—sit starboard for Belfry pics! 🌅
🔔 Climb the Belfry: Conquer 366 steps in Markt Square’s 13th-century tower (€15). Pre-book online to skip lines; panoramic views of red roofs await. 📸
👟 Wander the Streets: Stroll Burg Square for the Holy Blood Basilica (free, see Christ’s blood relic) and Minnewater, the “Lake of Love.” Dawn walks = empty streets! 💕
🚴 Bike the City: Rent a bike (€10/day) to loop Minnewater Park or explore quiet Beguinage, a 13th-century nuns’ retreat. Wear flats—cobblestones are brutal! 🌳
🍫 Taste Bruges: Sip €5 hot cocoa at The Old Chocolate House (try chili-infused!). Savor waterzooi stew (€25) at De Karmeliet or rare Tripel beer at 't Brugs Beertje. 🍺

Must-See Sights
⛪ Church of Our Lady: Marvel at Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture (€2 entry). Towering Gothic architecture stuns.
🏰 Burg Square: Admire the ornate City Hall and its golden statues. Catch the free Holy Blood ceremony (11am, seasonal).
🌸 Beguinage: A serene courtyard with whitewashed houses and swans. Free entry; perfect for quiet reflection.
🎨 Groeninge Museum: See Flemish masterpieces by Jan van Eyck (€12). Compact but rich; 1-hour visit.
🛍 Markt Square: Heart of Bruges with colorful guildhalls. Hit Wednesday’s food market at 't Zand for stroopwafels (€3).

Tips & Tricks:
- Timing: Visit Oct-Apr for fewer crowds; arrive pre-8am for empty streets.
- Budget: Picnic with €4 waffles from Chez Albert.
- Transport: 1-hour train from Brussels (€20). Walk or bike—center’s compact!

Bruges is a living fairytale—wander, savor, and let it steal your heart! 🇧🇪🦢