Bruges

Having found Ghent to be quite spectacular, we didn't really expect Bruges to surpass it.  It did, however, and has now made it to the top of our Most Beautiful Cities in Europe list.  Virtually every corner turned reveals a quaint streetscape, charming square or picturesque canal. 


Many of the medieval buildings are still standing are and maintained in very good shape.  This does mean, however, that the city is packed with tourists and all the trappings of tourism.  The main arteries in the old city centre consist primarily of shops selling souvenirs, Belgian chocolates (the country's best chocolates being offered at virtually every shop) and waffles. 

We spent some of our time in Bruges doing chores like laundry and replacing the bicycle that was stolen in Ghent (a very expensive mistake!) and spent most of our tourist time just walking around.  The girls and I visited only one museum, a medieval hospital with artifacts and art from the late middle ages.  Needless to say, it makes us thankful to be living in the age of advanced medical science!