🏰✨ Bruges Summer Guide: A Fairytale Escape with Canals, Chocolate & Cobblestones

#summervacay 📍 Why Visit in Summer? Bruges (Brugge) is magical in summer—think flower-filled squares, twilight canal cruises, and open-air concerts. Though popular, early mornings/late evenings offer crowd-free charm. 🗓️ 2-Day Itinerary: Medieval Wonders & Hidden Gems Day 1: Iconic Sights & Canals 8:00 AM: Markt Square Sunrise Climb the Belfry (366 steps) for 360° views (opens at 9 AM; arrive early to avoid lines). 10:00 AM: Basilica of the Holy Blood See the relic of Christ’s blood in its gem-encrusted vial. 12:00 PM: Lunch at ‘t Bagientje Try Flemish beef stew with a Brugse Zot beer. 2:00 PM: Canal Boat Tour (€14, 30min) Glide past swan-filled waterways and hidden gardens. 4:00 PM: Groeningemuseum Flemish masters like Van Eyck (cool AC break!). 7:00 PM: Dinner at De Gastro Michelin-starred shrimp croquettes in a cozy alley. Day 2: Local Flavors & Secret Spots 9:00 AM: Bike to Minnewater Lake Rent a bike (€12/day) and pedal past "Love Lake’s" arched bridge. 11:00 AM: Chocolate Workshop at Choco-Story Make (and eat!) pralines (book ahead). 2:00 PM: Begijnhof A 13th-century beguine convent with whispering poplars. 4:00 PM: Windmill Walk Stroll the Kruisvest path past four historic windmills. 8:00 PM: Evening Ghost Tour Spooky tales in lantern-lit alleys (ends with a jenever tasting). 🌷 Summer Highlights: ✅ Canal-side Jazz: Free concerts at ‘t Zand square (July-Aug). ✅ Horse-Drawn Carriages: Romantic but go early (before 10 AM). ✅ Hidden Courtyards: Find the "Godshuizen" almshouses near Sint-Annarei. 📌 Pro Tips: Train: 1hr from Brussels (direct IC trains every 30min). Avoid Crowds: Sundays are busiest; Tuesdays quieter. Must-Try: "Bruges Trio"—waffles, fries from Frietmuseum, and hot chocolate at Old Chocolate House. "Bruges isn’t just postcard-perfect—it’s a living storybook where every cobblestone whispers history." Ready to step into the tale? 🍫🦢