Bruges … The canals run through the city like a string of pearls, giving it the well-deserved nickname “the Venice of the North.” With its cobblestone paths, brick arches, stone churches and quaint bridges, it’s almost impossible to take a bad photo. The addition of swans on the water, horse-drawn carriages in the lanes and daffodils in the park make it almost magical.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bruges has the best-preserved example of a medieval city center, with its clock tower towering over the large open market. The center is closed to cars, so the beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can easily be explored on foot, although a boat ride along the tranquil canals is well worth it.