I agree that it´s very hard to determine whether Brugge is Europe´s best-preserved medieval city, but it certainly ranks very near the top. The fact that after the city´s Hanseatic League/trading empire heyday, its economic fortunes plummeted was bad news for its people at the time, but a real boon for today´s visitors. The many canals and the chance of a pleasant boat ride give Brugge a Venice-like feel, and the many quiet spots (despite the big number of tourists) really do give the impression of a medieval town. Brugge is today no more one of Europe´s major trading ports (nearby Antwerp has taken over this role, since Brugge isn´t even on the sea anymore), but it still is one of the most interesting tourist destinations - certainly No.1 in Belgium. And for WH collectors - it features a belfry and a béguinage as well.