The most distinctive sound in Bruges is the carillon — 47 bells in the Belfry tower that play every quarter hour and give regular concerts. The city carillonneur plays full concerts on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sit in the Markt and let the music wash over you from above.

For live jazz, Du Phare on Sasplein is the city's best venue. It's informal, intimate, and the musicians are often excellent. Check their programme — there's usually something on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Concertgebouw hosts classical, jazz, contemporary, and world music in world-class acoustics. The programming is ambitious for a small city — major orchestras, international soloists, and adventurous contemporary work. Ticket prices are reasonable (€15-40) and it's rarely sold out.

For organ music, Sint-Salvatorskathedraal has a fine instrument and regular recitals. Hearing a Bach fugue fill a medieval cathedral is one of those experiences that reminds you why churches were built the way they were.

Retsin's Lucifernum on Twijnstraat is an eccentric salon-bar in a former Masonic lodge. They host occasional acoustic concerts and readings. The interior alone — chandeliers, leather chairs, dark wood — is worth a visit.

The Cactus Muziekcentrum manages Bruges' contemporary music programming, including the annual Cactus Festival in July. Throughout the year, they organise concerts in various venues around the city. Check cfrbrugge.be for the current programme.

Church concerts in summer: Many of Bruges' churches host classical concerts for tourists. Quality varies, but the acoustics and settings are always impressive.