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For over 100 years this historic house has served as a museum presenting an ever-growing collection of artifacts from daily life – both lowly and grand – dating from Bruges’ medieval Golden Age to the 19th century. The exhibits have benefited from a recent remodelling of the museum (see Gruuthusemuseum).

Lambic of various ages can be blended, and then fermented a second time in the bottle. This produces a beer called gueuze , fizzy like champagne and matured a further year or two to accentuate the winey qualities of the original product.

Rustic home of one of the best-loved poets in Dutch (and Flemish), the priest Guido Gezelle (1830–99).

German-born Hans Memling (c.1433–94) was probably trained by Rogier van der Weyden, and went on to become one of the most successful artists of his day. His control of composition, colour and detail results in works that combine beauty with profound compassion (see Two Museums of Bruges).

Over the last two decades, Belgium – Antwerp in particular – has shot to the forefront of the fashion world, with designers such as Ann Demeulemeester, Dries van Noten, Raf Simons and Walter Van Bierendonck. Many of the major designers have their own shops in Antwerp (see Shopping), but there are plenty of outlets elsewhere, notably in the Rue Dansaert in Brussels (see Rue Antoine Dansaert).

The ambience may be Latin but the music comes in all varieties at this lively dance club. Open late – all night at weekends. Three bars, restaurant.

Bruges’ biggest day out, the Procession of the Holy Blood follows an 800-year-old tradition: 40 days after Easter, the sacred relic of the Holy Blood is paraded around the streets in a colourful, spectacular, but at heart solemn procession featuring sumptuous medieval and biblical costumes.

Leading Art Nouveau designer (1863–1957) whose work laid the foundations for the Bauhaus movement.

Georges Remi (1907–83) was a self-taught illustrator from the Brussels suburb of Etterbeek. In 1929 he published a story called Tintin au Pays des Soviets , and Belgium’s most celebrated comic-strip character was born. Since then, 200 million Tintin books have been sold worldwide in some 50 languages. Georges Remi devised his pen name, Hergé, by simply reversing his initials and spelling out the sounds.

A smart, comfortable hotel in a 19th-century mansion, located in the old merchant quarter to the north of the Markt. It boasts a spa and fitness room in the cellar, and a sun deck on the roof.