Bruges, Belgium, World’s most beautiful canal cities

The capital of West Flanders is lovely and underrated, and the well-preserved city centre of brick Gothic architecture was once the stomping ground of Flemish old master painters. Tour the canals that seem to make a moat around the old town: Dijver runs between antique shops and the Church of Our Lady; Groene Rei is tree-lined and tranquil; and Spinolarei has stepped gable houses. (WorldCheery)