Discover an oasis of calm. Go to the Beguinage, a beautiful small green and shaded space flanked by distinctive white buildings and crossed with paths. Sisters of the religious St. Benedict order have taken the place of the former beguines of the former cloistered community. Its atmosphere is wonderfully serene.

The Begijnhof is just off Wijngaardplein and has a shop, church and small museum. There are signs asking people to be silent (though not always obeyed).

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Hire a bike from Bruges station for the day (you'll need a passport as ID) and head for the village of Damme.

Cycle along quiet tree-lined canals and stop in Damme for a coffee or lunch. Then continue along more traffic-free tree-lined canals, popping into the odd village along the way.

Bike hire is very reasonable at about 15 euros for the day.

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Travel by Eurostar to Bruges in December to enjoy the wonderful Christmas market in the Burg.

Stay at the quaint Azalea Hotel in Wurfhagestraat overlooking a small canal, enjoying an excellent breakfast in the elegant dining room.

Eat mussels and eels at the Breidel - De Coninc restaurant on Breidelstraat. So romantic!

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