bruges

Most visitors to Belgium tour its capital, Brussels. But Bruges, just an hour away from Brussels, is Belgium’s hidden jewel. Bruges is a city of wonderfully preserved medieval houses and picturesque canals. While the official language of Bruges is Flemish, many of its occupants speak English well and are very friendly to tourists. During your visit to Bruges, a boat tour is the best way to see the city. Bruges is riddled with canals, and drifting through tranquil waters is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. The river guides are incredibly informative, and you will learn a lot about the history of Bruges. The waters are lovely, but Bruges does tend to be cold—don’t forget to bring a jacket.

Dusty rooms, faded pictures—for many people, the word lace implies old. Recently, though, lace has been making a comeback in a big way.