Those looking to make a late festive getaway could do a lot worse than visiting this charming European city with an “amazing” Christmas market and streets which look like they are from a fairytale.
Bruges in Belgium’s Flanders region looks like the scene of a Christmas card with its gingerbread house-style buildings and pretty cobbled streets.
Its highly regarded Christmas market pulls in thousands every year and is packed with stalls selling everything from sweet treats to arts and crafts along with a central ice rink which glistens against the backdrop of twinkling lights.
And the market runs well into January, giving visitors plenty of time to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Of course most visitors to Belgium will be looking to get their hands on the country’s famous chocolate and the capital of Flanders has plenty for those with a sweet tooth.
Not only is Bruges home to the Choco-Story chocolate museum which tells visitors the history of the brown stuff, but it also has the Belgian Chocolate Workshop offering courses on making the perfect bars, hot chocolates and truffles among other items.
Landmark lovers will find plenty to gaze upon in the city including the towering Belfry of Bruges, Basilica of the Holy Blood church and the Groeningemuseum which houses a collection of six centuries of Flemish art.
Those who want to see the city without getting tired can take a relaxing boat ride around the city’s canal, which shows off most of the city’s historic architecture including some sights which would not be visible by foot.
Shoppers will find plenty of independent traders across the city with something to suit all tastes from record shops to vintage clothing dealers.
The Bruges Beer Experience offers visitors the perfect way to end the day, by sampling a massive selection of booze and learning about the world of brewing.
Those wishing to sample Bruges for themselves can get a return flight from London Heathrow with British Airways for about £90 in January.