Bruges and romance go together like Belgium and beer — inevitably, and with good reason. The canals, the medieval architecture, the chocolate, the quiet courtyards — it's a city that seems designed for couples.

Day one: Start with coffee and pastries at a canal-side café. Walk through the Begijnhof — hold hands, be that couple — and continue to Minnewater Lake. The 'Lake of Love' name is historically inaccurate but who cares. Feed the swans.

Lunch: somewhere with a canal view. Café Terrastje on the Groenerei is small and intimate. Or Christophe on Garenmarkt for something more refined.

Afternoon: The Groeningemuseum together (discuss the paintings — van Eyck is a conversation starter). Then chocolate tasting at The Chocolate Line — Dominique Persoone will change how you think about chocolate.

Dinner: De Jonkman if you're splashing out (Michelin-starred, exceptional). Or Den Dyver for creative beer-pairing menus that are memorable without being stuffy.

Day two: Rent bikes and ride to Damme. Pack a picnic from the Saturday market. The canal path is flat and beautiful. In Damme, sit by the church and share pancakes.

Evening: Walk along the Rozenhoedkaai after dark. The city is empty. The canals glow. The Belfry is lit. This is the moment you came for.

Stay at Inn Bruges, obviously. Our suites were designed with exactly this kind of weekend in mind.