Bruges has a complicated relationship with tourism. The city's beauty attracts 8 million visitors annually, but most of them cram into the same square kilometre of medieval centre, visit for a few hours, and leave. The city gets the wear and tear without much of the economic benefit.

The simplest thing you can do: stay overnight. Day-trippers outnumber overnight guests massively, but overnight visitors spend more, spread it more evenly, and experience a city that the day-trippers never see — Bruges after 7pm, when the tour buses leave and the streets empty out.

Eat where locals eat. The restaurants on the Markt and along the main tourist streets pay premium rents, which means premium prices and often mediocre food. Walk five minutes in any direction and you'll find places that are better and cheaper.

Use local transport. Bruges is walkable, but for longer distances, the city bus system is excellent. Bikes are even better — and they don't add to the pedestrian congestion in the narrow streets.

Visit the less-known quarters. The Sint-Anna neighbourhood east of the centre has genuine local character — bakeries, corner cafés, and streets where you might be the only tourist. The area around the old city gates (Kruispoort, Gentpoort) is beautiful and uncrowded.

Buy from independent shops rather than chains. The chocolate shops, lace makers, and artisans who work in Bruges are increasingly squeezed by rising rents. Supporting them keeps the city authentic.