Bruges after dark is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe. The medieval buildings are floodlit with warm light, the canals create reflections, and the absence of modern skyscrapers means the skyline looks like it did 500 years ago.

You need a tripod. Hand-held night photography in Bruges is frustrating — the light levels are low, and any decent shutter speed will introduce noise or blur. A compact travel tripod is sufficient.

Best locations:

Rozenhoedkaai: The classic shot, but at night the reflections in the canal double the image. Long exposure (2-4 seconds) smooths the water and creates a mirror effect.

Bonifacius Bridge: Lit by warm floodlights with the Church of Our Lady tower behind. Shoot from the garden path below for the best angle.

The Burg square: The City Hall and Basilica of the Holy Blood are dramatically lit. Wide-angle from the centre of the square captures the full scene.

Groenerei canal: The houses along this canal are lit with orange-yellow light that reflects beautifully. Shoot from the Peerdenbrug looking north.

The Belfry from Sint-Amandsstraat: A narrow street frames the tower with warm-lit buildings on either side. It compresses the depth dramatically with a telephoto lens.

Settings: ISO 400-800, aperture f/8-11 for sharpness, and let the shutter speed be whatever it needs to be. White balance on tungsten or around 3200K matches the warm floodlighting.

Best time: 30-45 minutes after sunset (blue hour) when there's still colour in the sky. Pure darkness works too, but the blue hour adds depth.