For many the secret is already out; during the busy summer months, you’ll be sharing Bruges’ magic with a constant stream of tourists in the medieval core.

To really enjoy Bruges, stay one or two nights – day trippers miss out on the city’s stunning nocturnal floodlighting – and try to visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds.

The best times to visit are in spring, when daffodils carpet the tranquil courtyard of the historic begijnhof retreat, or outside of Christmas in winter, when you’ll have the magnificent, if icy, town almost all to yourself.