Bruges is too tiny to keep pace with Brussels or Antwerp when it comes to shopping, but it certainly has its moments. This little city is a monument to the skills of lace-makers, chocolatiers, and brewers. You’ll find souvenir shops selling machine-made lace concentrated around Mark and Burg, but the best, and way more expensive, handmade types of lace are bobbin, ribbon, princess, or needlepoint. If you’re after a handcrafted chemise or tablecloth, check out Rococo at Wollestraat 18 and Point de Rose on the same street at Wollestraat 27. Souvenirs of a more perishable nature include Oud-Brugge cheese from Diksmuids Boterhuis at Geldmuntstraat 23, and marzipan from Brown Sugar at Mariastraat 1, but best of all chocolate, which Bruges is simply mad for. Pick up delicious arrays of calorie-laden confectionary from Mary at Katelijnestraat 21, or the four branches of ChocOHolic on Katelijnestraat and Wollestraat.

Local beers such as Straffe Hendrik, Brugs Tarwebier, and Brugge Tripel can be tracked down at 2be on Wollestraat 53 , or Bacchus Cornelius at Academiestraat 17, where you’ll also find a selection of stone-bottled, ginlike liqueur jenever.

If you’re looking for unusual gifts for back home, try the slice of Christmas that is De Witter Pelikaan at Vlamingstraat 23 for festive baubles and handmade wooden toys. Most stores are open Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, with hours extended to 9 pm on Friday. Many open on Sunday as well, especially in summer.

If you’re after a piece of silverware or pre-loved diamond rings, the weekend Antiques and Flea Market on Dijver puts on a fine show alongside the canal from March to October, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 pm.