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Bruges “exudes a storybook atmosphere”, with medieval architecture, cobbled squares and picturesque canals, which have earned it the title of “the most photogenic city in Europe”, Lindsay Cohn said in Travel + Leisure. With the summer tourists gone and the Christmas market crowds still to come, fall is the perfect time to let this city “enchant” you.

Bruges’ intimate size makes it the perfect place for a weekend getaway. THE UNESCO World Heritage the city is charming and compact, easy to explore in a few days.

Spend the trip marveling at the Gothic architecture of the historic city center, strolling through museums of iconic Flemish art, and sipping hot chocolate.

Top attractions and things to do

Groeninge Museum

The “treasure of Bruges art” is “small but exquisite”, said Antony Mason in The telegraph. Home to “some of the greatest works of Northern Europe”, the museum’s art spans six centuries, with a “fascinating” collection of 19th-century Belgian symbolist works and artworks by Flemish artists Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Hugo van der Goes.

Old belfry

Measuring 83 meters, this 13th-century monument is an imposing symbol of Bruges’ powerful past. The 366-step climb is tough, but worth it for the “scenic views” of downtown and the “well-earned sense of accomplishment,” Cohn said in Travel + Leisure. During your hike, take a treasure break to see the city’s stamps and seals from the Middle Ages. To hear the carillonneur play the 47 bells of the tower, plan your visit on a Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday.

Boat trip on the canals

While one first thinks of Amsterdam for its canals, Bruges’ scenic waterways are a “must,” Cohn said. The city is steeped in Gilded Age history, and a boat tour offers unbeatable angles from which to admire the architecture. As you travel down the canal, experienced guides will give you insight into the canal’s historical significance.

Saint-Jean Hospital

The 12th century building is one of the oldest and best preserved hospitals in Europe. As you wander through the medieval rooms and attic, learn about the history of healing in Bruges. In the hospital chapel, admire Hans Memling’s six “exquisitely precise” works, Mason told The Telegraph.

Where to stay

Overlooking the canal in the Sint-Anna district, the award-winning Van Cleef Hotel is within walking distance of the city’s highlights. Originally the Van Cleef family’s mansion, the space is a “precious gem in a city that already sparkles,” Lois Alter Mark said in Forbes. The boutique hotel is still a family affair and offers “the right mix of sophistication and practicality”.

If you want to learn about the city’s medieval history, opt for the Gothic guesthouse Nuit Blanche, “the living embodiment of a Van Eyck painting,” said Good housekeeping. The “atmospheric” interior has hosted the likes of Winston Churchill and Belgian royalty.

The Pand Hotel feels like a “sanctuary,” located on a quiet street behind the canal, Cohn said. Located in a carriage house, the “atmospheric” library and lounges are filled with “precious antiques, collectibles and art.” The suites are equally luxurious, each equipped with “exquisite textiles, fireplaces and four-poster beds.”

For a similar “boutique feel”, on a budget, try Monsieur Ernest in the Ezelstraat district, said The times. This “trendy hotel” was originally a brasserie and its design is “a clever mix of old and new”.

Eat and drink

Starting your tour of Belgian sweets with The Old Chocolate House is a “must”, said Richard Mellor in The times. Don’t be intimidated by the long queues, the “best hot chocolate in Belgium” is definitely worth it.

Once you’ve finished your mug, head over to Albert Waffles, for a treat that will make you “groan with delight” and understand why Belgian waffles are so special, said Alter Mark in Forbes.

The desserts are fantastic, but Bruges is full of “really good chefs” and the restaurant landscape is “very competitive,” Mason said in The telegraph. The cuisine is typically French or Franco-Belgian but with “ingenious twists”. You will definitely encounter good food in Bruges, but it can be expensive, so watch out for set lunch menus at the best restaurants.

For an intimate but “exceptional” dinner, head to Bistro Bruut, with only 22 seats. Bistro Christophe is larger, “popular with the locals” and offers “swaggering” and “robust and quality” Franco-Belgian cuisine.

For a Michelin-recommended meal, try Quatre Vins, winner of the Bib Gourmand award, awarded for good quality and value for money. The interior is “cosy” and the range of international dishes on the menu are ideal for sharing “in a friendly and lively atmosphere”, said the Michelin Guide. Highlights include “steamed pork belly in crunchy hispi (sharp) cabbage in a rich barbecue sauce” and the “lovely range of biodynamic and natural wines”. Owners Maxinne and Olivier are dedicated to good service and will “go out of their way to make guests feel at home at their fun establishment.”