Zeebrugge is a gateway to the UNESCO city of Bruges, beloved by historians for its splendid old architecture and tranquil canals. One of the most beautifully preserved medieval cities in Europe, Bruges’s lovely houses were built by wealthy merchants, and are a testament to its former prominence as an English wool and Flemish textile trade center. The cobblestone streets and tranquil canals are a pleasure to explore, along with the 14th-century Stadhuis (Town Hall), the Belfry of Bruges and the city’s quaint boutiques, offering handmade lace.