Bruges' 50-odd bridges are guaranteed to make you sigh. There are lots of cobbled, wobbly specimens to wander across, the Peerdenbrug being the most ancient. For something more unusual, head to the Barge Bridge linking the Bargeplein at the edge of the city with the Minnewater Park. Asymmetrical and painted a vibrant red, the bridge is shaped like a reptile. Don't miss the contemporary gem that is the Conzettbridge, named after Swiss architect Jürg Conzett and perfectly integrated into Bruges' medieval landscape.

Shop for diamonds of all shapes, sizes and carats from Brugs Diamanthuis, set in a 16th-century listed building, or handmade lace from the Kantcentrum (Peperstraat). Irresistible chocolate tempts on every corner in Bruges and you'd have to be strong-willed not to give in at some point. Head to Pralinette on Wollestraat, where you can watch chocolates being made before taking your pick. The Chocolate Line's truffles are to die for; bold foodies will go for their ‘fusion pralines' filled with vinegar or chilli.

Head to Damme for the day, Bruges' ancient port. The two are still linked by the tree-lined and scenic Damse Vaart, which continues across the Dutch border to Sluis and the Zwin. Don't miss the picture-perfect windmills and the town hall, a late Gothic treasure. Sample the freshest catch at one of Damme's many seafood restaurants.

Flanders dishes up plenty of regional delights to make mouths water and Bruges is no exception. Savour crunchy croquettes stuffed with North Sea shrimps or white-tipped endives. For a snack on the run, go Belgian with frietjes (chips) and a dollop of mayonnaise on the side. Fancy something sweet? Eat crisp waffles topped with whipped cream, or Belgian pralines and cinnamon-flavoured Speculoos biscuits.

Bruges' sleek, modern Concertgebouw stages opera, dance, classical concerts and theatre. If neo-renaissance grandeur is more your thing, head for the Koninklijke Stadsschouwburg. Many recitals and one-off productions also take place in the centre's centuries-old churches. For visual arts, we've got two words for you: Groeninge Museum. Marvel at the works of Flemish Primitives, Renaissance and Baroque Flemish masters, with Symbolist and Flemish Expressionist masterpieces thrown into the mix.

For a wonderful gourmet experience - delicious local cheeses, exotic hams and tasty home made dishes - visit The Delicatessen de Westhoek, Nordzandstraat. Barbara

Did you know that the Minnewaterpark in Bruges boasts its very own Lake of Love? And there are free concerts there in the summer. Forget Venice, this is the most romantic place on earth! Sylvia Paul, London

Despite its petite size, there's plenty of nightlife on offer in Bruges, and it's hard to know what's good. We picked up a free copy of Agenda Brugge from the tourist office for live acts. We checked out a few bars we probably wouldn't have known about otherwise. Rick Veerma, Manchester

We stumbled upon a funny little museum on a recent trip to Bruges, apparently it had just opened. Lumina Domestica is dedicated to the history of lighting, from prehistorical times to modern-day interior lighting. I wouldn't have thought of it myself but we were intrigued and so ventured inside. Marie, Namur

Where: Lumina Domestica, Wijnzakstraat 2 (near Sint-Jansplein), 8000 Bruges, +32 (0) 50 61 22 37

Lumina Domestica website

For a wonderful gourmet experience - delicious local cheeses, exotic hams and tasty home made dishes - visit The Delicatessen de Westhoek, Nordzandstraat. Barbara Mitchell, London