Officially Belgium’s second city, there won’t be many who’ve visited Bruges who think it deserves second place in anything. One of the most beautiful, fairytale cities in the world, you’ll find picturesque cobbled lanes, canal-lined main streets, quaint bridges, old beerhalls and wonderful stone buildings.
Bruges is a top destination for foodies too, with a fantastic heritage in traditional Belgian cuisine, including treats such as moules et frites, waffles and chocolate. Like all cities in Belgium, Bruges is also well-stocked with bars and cafés which sell an incredible range of beers produced locally, nationally and internationally.
Things to do in Bruges
- Discover torturous medieval instruments and gruesome anatomical paintings at Museum St-Janshospitaal
- Marvel at the excess and opulence of the Flemish and French artwork at Groeningemuseum
- You can’t help but love the beating heart of Bruges, Grote Markt, a classic European town square
- The stunning views from the dizzying heights of the Belfort makes the exhausting and slightly claustrophobic stairway worth it
- Take a journey through time at the Historium, a multimedia experience whisking you back to 1435, with a fictional love story providing the narrative
- Wander the whitewashed begijnhof garden complex, now also home to a convent of nuns!
Where to eat
- With over 80 chocolate shops in Bruges recognised by the Guild of Chocolatiers, you’ll be surrounded with wonderful options for a sweet treat
- It’s not just food on the menu at Brunch & Books, with a selection of books to buy or read as you enjoy fantastic brunch options
- Sorbetière de Medici serves up food which is a delight for the eyes and the stomach, as every sorbet, salad, pastry or coffee is a genuine work of art
- Probably Bruges’ number 1 restaurant, Park offers a sophisticated and romantic dining experience with a world-class wine list.
Grab a drink
- Witness the art of the barista at Li o Lait, which serves some of the best coffee in the whole of Bruges
- Over 100 beers, jazz and blues music, an art gallery and much more, Comptoir des Arts is the newest hip beer joint in Bruges
- Head to De Kelk for a selection of bafflingly inexpensive beers, and check out De Bierboom, 2 doors down, for a tasting hall and bottle shop.
- Tucked away just behind the main square down a tiny, narrow alley, Staminee de Garre has exclusive beers served with a matching cheese!
- Educate yourself in the finer aspects of beer creation with the De Halve Maan brewery tour, and enjoy a few samples too
- Probably the most friendly atmosphere in town, ‘t Brugs Beertje has an ambience all its own.
