« In Bruges » (2008) turns the city into a character in its own right: the Markt belfry, the Dijver canal, the Rozenhoedkaai quay and the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce hotel pace the two hitmen's wanderings. A darkly hilarious love letter to the medieval city.
Bruges was once one of Europe's greatest ports, on par with London, until its channel to the sea, the Zwin, silted up and cut off its trade. Another treasure: the Church of Our Lady holds Michelangelo's « Madonna of Bruges », the only one of his sculptures to leave Italy in his lifetime.
Escape the Markt crowds by heading to the Beguinage and the Lake of Love (Minnewater), peaceful havens lined with swans south of the centre. A data eSIM lets you book ahead at the De Halve Maan brewery, which often sells out.