population: 0.118 million

extension: 138.4 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Bruges and interested in museums, the Groeningemuseum and the Memling Museum are two great options to consider. Both museums house a stunning collection of Flemish art, with the Groeningemuseum featuring works by renowned artists such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling. Additionally, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady) also has a museum section where you can see Michelangelo's famous sculpture "Madonna and Child." If you're looking for similar types of museums in the area, you may want to check out the Musea Brugge network, which includes several other museums dedicated to art, history, and culture in Bruges.

Food

Some of the most popular and typical dishes to eat in Bruges according to local people include:

1. Moules-frites: This is a dish of mussels and fries that is a staple of Belgian cuisine.

2. Carbonade flamande: This is a hearty beef stew made with beer, onions, and spices.

3. Waterzooi: A classic Flemish dish made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and cream.

4. Stoofvlees: Slow-cooked beef stewed in beer and served with fries.

5. Belgian waffles: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these are a must-try when visiting Belgium.

6. Speculoos: A type of spiced biscuit that's often served with coffee or tea.

7. Chocolate: Belgium is known for its high-quality chocolate, so be sure to indulge in some pralines or truffles while you're there.

8. Flemish asparagus: When in season (April-June), the white asparagus from Flanders is a real delicacy and typically served with hollandaise sauce.

9. Cheese: Belgium has a variety of delicious cheeses, including Brugge Blomme and Herve.

These dishes are all well-loved by locals and visitors alike and offer a taste of traditional Belgian cuisine.

Activities

If you're looking for fun activities that are popular with locals in Bruges, here are a few ideas:

1. Take a canal boat tour: Bruges is known as the "Venice of the North" because of its network of picturesque canals. Taking a boat tour is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and learn about its history.

2. Visit the market square: Locals often gather in the Markt, Bruges' main market square, where you'll find a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops. You can also see the famous Belfry tower and historic buildings such as the Provinciaal Hof.

3. Sample Belgian chocolate: Chocolate is a big part of Belgian culture, and there are many chocolatiers in Bruges where you can sample some of the best. Local favorites include Dumon Chocolatier, The Chocolate Line, and Pralinette.

4. Explore the Beguinages: These picturesque, tranquil communities were originally founded by religious women in the Middle Ages and have been well-preserved over the centuries. In Bruges, you can visit two Beguinages, the Begijnhof Ten Wijngaerde and the smaller Begijnhof De Wijngaard.

5. Enjoy local beer: Belgium is famous for its beer, and Bruges has a number of traditional pubs and breweries where you can try some of the most popular brews. Look for bars that serve beers made by local breweries such as De Halve Maan or Bourgogne des Flandres.

These are just a few ideas to get you started - there's plenty more to see and do in Bruges!