The first thing that I think of when I think about Bruges, Belgium isn’t books. It’s canals, then waffles, then beer. So, it was a lovely surprise to find that Bruges is also a bookish town in the most unexpected ways.

Books & Brunch combines two of my favourite things — eating and reading. Set in a secondhand bookshop, you can browse and buy books while you wait for your order to be loving made and delivered. Outdoor tables are available for warm days.

The Novel is a charming cafe just far enough away from the historical centre of town that you don’t feel like a tourist. With good coffee and light fare, it’s a lovely place to stop before a day exploring Bruges.