The fairytale city of Bruges, Belgium is renowned across the nation, continent, and world for its romantic allure, extraordinary architectural achievements, unique attractions, and fascinating history. Guests of vacation rentals and homes in Bruges are thrust into an entirely different world from what they are used to; instead of skyscrapers and subways, there are castles and drawbridges. At the peak of its medieval power in the thirteen hundreds, Bruges was a powerful fortified city, surrounded by nearly impregnable walls and secured by nine massive gates. Four of these gates still survive today; Smedenpoort, Ezelpoort, Kruispoort, and Gentpoort, as well as the defensive tower Poertoren. Among other things, these structures are known for swimming swans, drawbridges, and great views.

Although the neighboring country of the Netherlands is usually better known for its windmills, Bruges still hosts a series of beautiful and striking windmills; Bonne Chiere, Sint-Janshuismolen, Nieuwe Papegaaii, and Koeleweymolen mills grace a park on the outskirts of Bruges. There are also several gothic and baroque style churches in Bruges, including the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Church of our Lady, and Holy Savior Cathedral. Some important historical sites include Belfry and Market Halls, Bladelin House, Lace Center, the Town Hall, and Straffe Hendrik Brewery. Bruges also boasts a good deal of museums, including De Gouden Boom Brewery Museum, Groeninge Museum, Bruuthuse Museum, Memling Museum, and Stedelijk Museum voor Volkskunde.