Berlin

Bruges description: Bruges is affectionately known as the 'Venice of the north', and on arrival in the Belgian capital, it is easy to see why. A web of beautifully-kept canals await those holidaying in Bruges, providing a perfect way of seeing the medieval splendour of the city's architecture.

It is also famed for its beer, diamonds and lace-making, all of which can be enjoyed all over the city. The simple quiet of Bruges makes it one of the most of relaxing, romantic destinations in Europe.

How to get to Bruges

By air: The closest flight to Bruges is to fly to Brussels airport. This is around 110 km north-east of Bruges.

From Brussels airport, take a train to Brussels city centre, which should take 20 minutes. Regular train services run from Brussels centre to Bruges, in a journey that should take 90 minutes.

Weather in Belgium: www.weatheronline.co.uk

Where to stay in Bruges

Budget: Charlie Rockets is a good-value hostel based in what used to be a cinema, giving it that all-important quirk factor for travellers. Located near the canals, main square and bars, it also has an American diner feel.

Lybeer is snug, cosy and cheap, and based in the intoxicating medieval centre of Bruges. Facilities include a bar, library, inclusive breakfast buffet and private and dorm rooms.

Affordable: The Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce may not be bargain-basement, let alone easy to pronounce, but it is an exquisite building that offers an exquisite experience. Based right on the canals giving an ideal view of Bruges' waterways, it is plushly furnished but retains a homely feel.

Quiet, reserved, homely luxury is again the order of the day at Hotel Egmond. Located a little further out of the centre, it is an oasis of calm with rich gardens and friendly staff.

Luxury: You can spend your stay in Bruges at a finely-restored 15th century Flemish mansion, the Hotel De Tuilerieen, which seems like it has been untouched by time. Clad in aged fabrics, antiques and looked over by friendly staff, romantics can feel like they are stepping back in time.

Another hotel for the romantics after some luxury is Die Swaene, which sits on the picturesque canal. Ornate rooms and a fantastic restaurant mean that romantics need not leave the hotel, should they wish.

What to do in Bruges

Culture: Our Lady's Church is the highest tower in Bruges and is a popular medieval tourist attraction. Its ruggedly ornate exterior harks back to hundreds of years past, combining Romanesque with French Gothic for an exciting façade. Inside there is also the famous Madonna by Michelangelo, an absolute must for any art or culture lover in the Belgian capital.

The most important religious feature in Bruges is the Saint Salvator Cathedral, which is not as architecturally impressive as Our Lady's Church, but is of greater significance. It was originally intended to just be a church, but the main cathedral, St Donatius, was demolished by the French in the 19th century. After this, Saint Salvator was given a new, awe-inspiring tower, a symbol of revitalised Bruges.

Fine arts can be found at the Groeninge Museum, which starting collecting works in the early 18th century. Because of this, it contains a broad range of art to suit every taste, from the 14th century through to the 20th century. The jewel in the museum's crown is Jan Van Eyck's The Madonna with Canon Joris van der Paele.

Recreation: With it being the 'Venice of the north' a holiday in Bruges would not be complete without a trip along its fabled canals. There are regular boat trips, and it is a great way of taking in this medieval city.

As with other Belgian cities, there is a thriving diamond business in Bruges. It was here that the technique of diamond polishing was developed in the 15th century, and holidaymakers can take a tour Bruges Diamond House, where you can purchase and examine a wide range of the girl's best friend.

Nightlife: Take in a Belgian ale and a breath of history at Bruges' oldest pub. The Café Vlissinghe serves a large number of local tipples, and in spite of undergoing some necessary refurbishment since it opened in 1515, it retains its old charm.

Café Pick in the Eiermarkt is the place to head for a more kicking night out, with a buzzing atmosphere and the same great Belgian beer.

Sport: A game of football can be caught with FC Bruges, who play at the Jan Breydelstadion.

Festivals: The Musica Antiqua Festival is a summer celebration of classical music, and gives a platform to young Flemish musicians as well established old hands of the scene. The two week festival boasts a whole host of concerts, so there is plenty of opportunity to catch a bit of musical culture.

Klinkers is a popular and slightly livelier summer festival, with lots of parties in the city's medieval squares, with music taking in all styles, from tango to techno, as well as trendy film screenings.

Food: Belgium is famous for its mussels, and you can get some the freshest molluscs at Poules Moules, which offers a pleasant, street-side dining experience.

A little more pricey but oh-so-cool al fresco food, try Red! off the Markt.. Trendy on the inside, and gloriously floral in the garden, the cutting-edge French and Italian cuisine takes some beating.

Photo highlights of Bruges

Our Lady's Church
Our Lady's Church is Bruges' most impressive religious building, and is also the tallest structure in the city

Bruges canal
The waterways of Bruges are one of the city's biggest attractions, allowing holidaymakers to spend a relaxing day in a boat and see medieval Bruges from a different angle

Burg Square
Burg Square is one of the city's largest squares, and features arguably Bruges' most beautiful building, the intricately gothic town hall

Relevant Travelbite guides

Official Bruges tourism site

www.visitflanders.co.uk

Buy Bruges travel guides here