Bruges (Brugge to the Belgians) is a fascinating place. Really it’s a town that should exist in a fairy tale rather than reality. A fully medieval town almost entirely built of stone, surrounded by canals and crisscrossed by cobblestone streets, Bruges combines old world charm, stunning architecture and the most magnificent selection of beers and chocolates anywhere in the world. If there is one city that you are going to visit in Belgium make it Bruges. One of my favorite cities in all of Europe, Bruges is quite literally made of beer, chocolate and waffles. Between its restaurants and bars exists a never ending array of beer stores, chocolate stores and Belgian waffle shops. You can walk for hours in every direction and not find a single area of Bruges where you are within eyeshot of less than 5 different beer, chocolate and/or waffle shops.
The best place to stay in Bruges is Hotel Jan Brito. These stunning Victorian rooms with vaulted ceilings are about as nice of accommodation as you’re going to find anywhere in Europe. The hotel has 37 different unique rooms that span pretty much any budget you might have. They have an extensive breakfast buffet daily, a gorgeous garden area and a unique wellness area with sauna. The hotel is in an ideal location. Walking out the front door of the lobby places you in the center of Bruges’ old city. Bruges is an infinitely walkable city, but the hotel also offers cheap bicycle rentals if you prefer to see the city by bike. There is a local bus that goes from the train station to a stop that is only about a block or two from the hotel so it is easy to arrive via Europe’s extensive train network.
Another excellent option for a hotel is Martin Brugge. It’s located right in the middle of everything. It has very modern rooms and a nice, upscale hotel bar in the lobby. It lacks the old world charm and uniqueness of Hotel Jan Brito, but offers the comfort and predictability of a more standard hotel.
Best Things to do in Bruges
1 – 2be – Located in what might be Bruges’ most iconic building, exists one of its best bars and beer cellars. 2be is a large bar with a fantastic patio deck overhanging the main canal that runs through the center of the town. They have 16 unique Belgian beers on tap and somewhere around a million different types of bottled beers. Your first stop in town, just a short walk from Hotel Jan Brito, should be 2be where you’ll enjoy a flight of Belgian beers and one of the most beautiful views in Bruges from their waterfront terrace. The bar is open everyday from 11:00am to 7:30pm (8pm on the weekends) and is closed on Wednesday. The bar accepts only cash, but there is an ATM on site. Try one of their 4 beer taster flights to get a better sense of what Belgian beer has to offer.
Next to the 2be bar is an extensive gift shop that is well worth a look around and beneath the bar is one of the most astounding beer cellars in the world, featuring just wall after wall after wall of bottled beers. Make sure you take a full walk through the cellar before you leave.
2 – La Trappiste Brugge – This is by far my favorite bar in all of Bruges. It’s an underground, crypt-like bar lit entirely by candles which gives it a fully medieval feel. While they have dozens of different types of beer, they specialize in what is known as Trappiste Beer. The Trappists are an ancient Roman Catholic contemplative order of monks with history that tracks back hundreds of years to the dawn of Roman Catholicism. The rule of Saint Benedict, written in the 6th century, lays out the expectation for Trappiste monks, including vows of general poverty and simplicity. To fund their lifestyle the Trappiste monks often brew beer and make cheese which they sell in the local communities. All income from their beer sales go to funding the monastery where its produced as well as their charitable endeavors within the community. The bar features 18 different Belgian beers on tap and over 120 different kinds of beers in bottles. They also feature a weekly beer special, including some international marvels which is rare to find in Bruges.
3 – De Halve Maan Brouwerij – This brewery has been making some of Bruges best local beers since it opened in 1856. Make a point to stop by the brewery to get a fresh Brugge Zot or Straffe Hendrick. Also, don’t leave without taking their tour through the old brewery, it’s a fun way to spend an hour.
4 – Take a tour of the city’s canals by boat. By far the best way to see Bruges is from its bloodline, the city’s vast network of canals. Boats depart from jetties around the city throughout the day and evening and are fairly easy to find. The captains are usually full of information and great stories about the city’s history.
5 – Visit Bruges’ torture museum. Set in one of the oldest prisons in all of Europe the museum features a macabre collection of torture devices displayed in an underground bunker. It’s a great place to spend an hour or two if it starts to rain while you’re in town.
6 – Climb the Belfry of Bruges. Located at the center of Market Square in Bruges, is its most recognizable structure, The Belfry of Bruges. During peak hours the lines can be long, but early in the morning you usually can walk right up. 366 steps to the top is a good way to work off all those beers and chocolates, but it’s an even better way to get an incredible panoramic view of the city.
7 – Rent a bike and ride around Bruges canal that encircles the city. It’s an easy to follow trail that will take you around the outskirts of the city. While on your bike, make sure to stop at Bruges four remaining windmills. The Sint Janshuysmill was built in the 1770s and still grinds grain today, while two of the other mills have small museums inside.
8 – Go to the beach. Bruges doesn’t seem like a beach town, but, in fact, there are a few incredibly pretty beaches just a short drive outside the city. Both Knokke and Zeebrugge beaches are well worth your time if you go in Summer.
10 – Go see a free harp concert. Local harpist Luc Vanlaere puts on regular free harp performances at Site Oud Sint Jan, which is located on Mariastraat 38 right across from Our Lady Church. The concerts are typically performed from Tuesday to Saturday at 3pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm with each session lasting 40 min. I’ll be completely honest with you. While his music is beautiful, I couldn’t last 40 min listening to just classical harp music. If you’re really into music though it is a fun and interesting and very unique scene to check out, although don’t be surprised if you’re over it after 10-15 min.
True Relic of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ#BasilicaOfTheHolyBlood #Bruges #Belgium pic.twitter.com/LHqnmQGaJi
— TrueHolyFace (@TrueHolyFace) July 1, 2016
11 – What would a trip to a Medieval European city be without walking into a church or two? The only one of Michelangelo’s sculptures to leave Rome during the renaissance, Madonna and Child, is located at the Church of Our Lady. Look for Michelangelo’s signature “M” made with the Madonna’s left hand. There is a supposed cylinder of Jesus’ blood brought back from a crusade to Jerusalem at the Basilica of the Holy Blood. And, finally the Jerusalem Chapel is fairly impressive. Another relic of a pilgrimage to the holy land, this church is an exact replica of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, complete with a replica of Jesus’ grave which can be accessed through a hole in the wall.
Best Places to Eat in Bruges
The only restaurant in Bruges to hold three Michelin stars. Located in a modernized, nearly 200 year old barn, this restaurant specializes in growing its own ingredients on site, changing their menu seasonally. Get their extensive chef’s tasting menu and have it expertly paired by their Sommelier Joachim Boudens, who was voted First Sommelier of Belgium as well as Belgian Beer Ambassador.
Another Michelin Star restaurant. Chef Kristof rose to fame with Sea Grill in Brussels and Hof Van Cleve which won him an Elite Traveler Top 100 Restaurant award. This is inventive, fine dining, focused on molecular cooking combined with classic techniques.
A popular spot with the locals, L’Estaminet is a charming and cosy restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. No reservations. Perfect for walk-ins. Their Lasagna Diabolo a spicy lasagna with goat’s cheese, olives and sun dried tomatoes is a really well done unique take on a classic dish. The house speciality– the oven-baked spaghetti is also phenomenal.
The tastiest ribs you’ve ever tried, smothered in a chocolate and beer sauce. The restaurant offers an ‘all you can eat’ menu with a great selection of beers.
This is a no frills mussels and seafood spot that cooks the most perfect pot of garlic cream mussels that you’ll ever try.
A true Belgian Bistro where you’ll find the best stoverij beef stew in town. The outdoor seating overlooking this hotel’s lovely garden is particularly inviting on a nice day.
Local bistro with the most charming view in town. Right by the Belfry and overlooking the canals. Reasonably priced Belgian food with Leffe beer right out of the tank.
Best Places to Get Chocolate in Bruges
This is Bruges most famous chocolate shop. It oozes fairytale charm in this little brick cottage dwarfed between the much larger buildings that squeeze it form either side. Made entirely with raw ingredients, this family run business has been making chocolates for decades and is the standard barer for Belgian chocolates in Bruges.
National celebrity in the food industry and world renowned genius of chocolate, Dominique Persoone, regals visitors with an ever changing array of experimental chocolates that you’ll find nowhere else. Chocolates featuring fried onions, wasabi, saki, saffron curry, sudachi jelly and gingerbread are just some of his amazing concoctions.
Not just your standard chocolate shop, this is basically a chocolate restaurant which boasts the best hot chocolate in town. Choose the type of chocolate you want from dozens of options to make your own unique hot chocolate. Grab a table upstairs and enjoy the ride with chocolate varieties from all over the world.
Wonderful pralines, hot chocolate with sweet cinnamon biscuits, and rich truffles can be found at this legendary chocolatier’s shop.
A local favorite for their excellent quality and reasonable prices.
The Best Bars in Bruges
1 – 2be: A fantastic bar and beer shop with canal-side, outdoor seating, famous for their huge beer wall, extensive gift shop and beer flights.
2 – La Trappiste Brugge: A 16th century underground bar lit by candle light and specializing in Trappiste style Belgian beers.
3 – ’t Brugsch Bieratelier: Known for their 12 beer tasting float…no that is not a typo. 12 small glasses of beer lined up on a giant wooden plank just for you.
4 – The Druids Cellar: Another dark, dingy cave lit by candle light where you can get lost drinking dozens of different types of Belgian beer.
5 – Cafe Rose Red – A lovely and romantic spot to sit and drink a beer. Known for the myriad of red roses hanging from the ceilings.
6 – Cafe Vlissinghe: A bit outside of the city center, with cheaper beers than many of the more touristy areas, this bar is known for its incredible beer garden courtyard and a bocci ball court.
7 – Duvelorium Grand Beer Cafe: Specializing in all things Duvel, this balcony beer cafe overlooks the main square and is an excellent place to people watch.
8 – Da Halve Maan Brewerij: One of Bruges’ oldest and best breweries.
9 – The Bauhaus: This bar holds nightly beer tasting experiences designed to educate the drinkers on the differences between Belgium beers. Learn the difference between Tripels, Quadrupels, Trappist and Abbey beers, ales and more while getting to taste all of them for less than 15 Euro.
10 – De Garre: Part brewery, part bar, this place makes their own beer. Their Garre Tripel packs a punch though with over 11% alcohol.
Best Waffles in Bruges
There are generally 3 accepted places that stand slightly above the rest when it comes to Belgian waffles. These are Chez Albert, Lizzie’s Wafels and Ice Bar Oyya. Word to the wise though, these are treats that are made to be shared. Eating an entire Belgian waffle by oneself is the perfect way to ruin your day with a stomach ache. The amount of sugar is astounding.
