Bruges is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe, which means it's also one of the most over-photographed. The same angles show up on every Instagram feed. Here's how to do better.

The Rozenhoedkaai is the classic shot — the canal bend with the Belfry rising behind medieval rooftops. Everyone shoots it from the bridge. Instead, walk 50 metres south along the Dijver and shoot from below, including the trees and their reflections. Early morning, before 8am, the water is still and the light is golden.

For the Belfry, skip the Markt. Walk to the courtyard behind it (accessible through the passage next to the Historium) and shoot upward through the inner archway. It frames the tower dramatically.

The Bonifacius Bridge is best shot from the garden of the Arentshuis museum. You'll need to pay museum entry (€7), but you get an angle that no one else has — the bridge with the Church of Our Lady tower behind it.

For canal reflections, the Groenerei is better than the Dijver. It's narrower, so the buildings reflect more completely. Shoot from the Peerdenbrug looking north.

Golden hour in Bruges shifts with the seasons. In April, sunset is around 8:30pm. The light hits the west-facing facades along the Langerei canal perfectly.

Overcast days are actually better for most Bruges photography. The even light brings out the textures of old brick and stone without harsh shadows.