The irregular and winding streets with their numerous canals and open spaces squares epitomise the medieval spirit and character of Bruges, turning it into one of the one of Europe's most intricate cities. Walking through all the sights, you are bound to hit the same place twice.
Bruges is often compared to Venice. However, Bruges has its own unique charm and beauty. The architecture of this picturesque city is individual. Unlike unlike Venice, there are green trees and carriages pulled by Flemish horses, many houses with beautiful facades, brick chimneys, lime alleys and acacia trees. To admire this splendid city and to see it it in all its glamour by taking a boat trip along the canals, gazing from the the reflections of majestic buildings through the branches of the trees. You will see stone bridges, hidden courtyards, irregularly shaped houses overhanging the water and snow-white swans gliding through the canals. It is the residents' mutual love for these that has led to the swans always return to Bruges.
Individual streets of the city are themselves landmarks and keep interesting facts and stories. For example, the narrowest street is called Bath Street. The most important, Sand Street, has preserved numerous guild houses. On Diver Quay, horse branding is a testament to its past: it used to be a horse trading centre. The numerous canals are always calm, so you can feel how slowly time flows through the quiet and cosy streets of Bruges.
