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Discover Bruges: Local Faves in Belgium’s Fairytale City 🇧🇪✨
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items Heading to Bruges soon?🇧🇪 I'm from the region, so I've got some great travel tips and local spots for you! No matter how long you're staying, this guide is here to help you explore the real Bruges. Think cosy cafés, romantic canals, secret streets,...
Map
Sections
6
General Tips
Hotels
Sightseeing
Activities
Shops
Food & Drinks
General Tips
Tips and general advice for planning your trip to Bruges.
If you are coming to Belgium, chances are you'll want to visit Paris or Amsterdam too. Or maybe you're coming from one of those cities and you're wondering what the easiest way to get here is? Well, by train is the best option in terms of ease, cost ...
Train tickets in Europe
One of the most common questions we get is about language. Bruges is in Flanders, where we speak Flemish, which is a dialect of Dutch. So please don't come with the assumption we speak French, as that would be very offensive to most locals. But don't...
Language?
Hotels
Hotels I highly recommend! Check out my other blog with even more options for all price ranges here!
If you're looking for the best luxury experience Bruges has to offer, this is the place for you. This five-star hotel is in a unique 15th-century former ducal residence. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and gorgeous, and there's a big garden where...
Dukes' Palace Bruges
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Looking for a cozy, charming stay in the heart of Bruges? Hotel De Orangerie is a real hidden gem! This 4-star boutique hotel is set in a former 15th-century convent right by the picturesque Dijver canal. The rooms are spacious, beautifully designed,...
Hotel De Orangerie
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Looking for a romantic, charming spot in Bruges? This 4-star hotel is like stepping into a fairy tale! The Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce is one of the most romantic hotel in Bruges, and for good reason. Couples love coming back to this 4-star hotel beca...
Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce
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The Hotel Dukes' Academie is an excellent 4-star hotel with a stylish, modern look and a warm, cosy atmosphere. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and spotlessly clean, making them ideal for a relaxing stay. You'll love the amazing breakfast and the...
Dukes' Academie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
De Tuilerieën is a gem right along one of Bruges' most picturesque canals! This 4-star boutique hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 15th-century mansion and offers the best of both worlds: rich historical character and contemporary comfort. The...
De Tuilerieën
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Staying at Hotel Jan Brito feels like stepping into a piece of Bruges’ history! It has this charming, romantic vibe that I love, and the beautiful garden adds to its peaceful atmosphere. Plus, it’s in an excellent location, making it easy to explore ...
Hotel Jan Brito
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If you're travelling with family or friends, this is a great option. It's got a modern look, it's affordable, and it's got everything you need, including an outdoor swimming pool! The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the hotel is in a quiet ar...
Novotel Brugge Centrum
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Hotel Ter Duinen is a charming, family-run hotel located along the picturesque Langerei canal. The welcoming staff makes you feel at home, and the clean, comfortable rooms are perfect for a relaxing stay. Breakfast is delicious with views of the wate...
Hotel Ter Duinen ⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re looking for something affordable but reliable, Ibis is a great option. It’s clean, simple, and has everything you need for a short stay. The location is right in the city center and close to all the main attractions. It’s perfect if you’re ...
Hotel Ibis Brugge Centrum ⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you're looking for a place that's comfortable, centrally located, and cozy, but at a reasonable price, I really recommend this one. The restaurant is amazing, too!
Gran Hotel De Passage ⭐️⭐️
If you're looking for a youth hostel with a modern, laid-back vibe, this is the place for you. It's reasonably priced, the decor is sleek and minimalist, and there's a great bar with local beers on tap. I'd suggest this one if you're travelling with ...
Snuffel Youth Hostel
Sightseeing
Things to see when walking around Bruges.
Bruges is such a gorgeous, welcoming place during the Christmas season! If you're lucky enough to be in Bruges at Christmas, you simply have to experience the Christmas market!
Bruges Christmas Market!
Bruges is such a beautiful, small city! It's absolutely perfect if you're only visiting for a day or two! You can just walk around and enjoy the sights – it's like a museum, and it's so romantic! It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your...
Historic Centre of Brugge
Welcome to the heart of Bruges! The market is a gorgeous little square with loads of terraces and restaurants, right next to the belfry. I wouldn't really recommend eating here, though. It's not the friendliest place, and there are some lovely places...
Grote Markt (Market Square)
This place has been completely renovated for three years and is now open to the public! It's free to visit, and I highly recommend it. You'll be blown away by the interior. Plus, you can enjoy a bite to eat and drink inside. It also showcases some be...
Provincial Court
Fancy a quiet break to sit or walk around? I highly recommend you check this place out! This UNESCO heritage site was once home to the beguines, a group of women who were less privileged. Now, it's home to nuns.
Begijnhof Ten Wijngaerde (Beguinage of the Vineyard)
Bruges is on the small side, but you'll be amazed at how many hidden gems there are and how lovely it is to stumble upon them! A casual stroll through the small streets is all you need to soak up some truly gorgeous sights.
Get Lost in the Small Streets
You can visit this stunning 12th-century church for free. It's famous for housing a relic believed to contain drops of Christ's blood. Whether or not you're interested in this, it's definitely worth a visit for the very mysterious and architecturally...
Basilica of the Holy Blood
It's not the oldest bridge, but it's the most loved and visited because of its mystic, historical and romantic atmosphere. It's not just the bridge, the whole place is breathtaking!
Boniface Bridge (Bonifaciusbrug)
Activities
Looking for some fun activities? I got some great recommendations!
You must visit Halve Maan, the brewery of Brugse Zot. You can visit the brewery for a guided tour and then have a taste of the beer. You can also just have lunch or dinner in the restaurant and enjoy a glass of Brugse Zot.
Brewery De Halve Maan
It's a really popular activity and a favourite among tourists in Bruges and Belgium in general, and for good reason! There's nothing quite like making your own chocolate, and discover Belgium in a new way!
Belgian Praline and Chocolate Workshop
Do you want to get to know the real Bruges, told by locals who are really enthusiastic and can tell you all about the history, stories, and interesting facts? Then this walking tour is perfect for you!
Walking Tour by Locals!
Do you want to visit a fun museum with the kids? Why not head to the Fries Museum and grab some tasty fries at the end of your visit?
Frietmuseum (Fries Museum)
Loved by tourists! Bruges is full of canals, so why not discover the city by boat? It's also really romantic!
Boat Tour on the Canals
Did you know that in Flanders, we love to cycle? It might not be the first thing that springs to mind, but you can actually explore Bruges by bike. It's a great way to get around the city, so I'd highly recommend giving it a try!
Guided Retro Bike Tour
Are you interested in the history of the Great War? It might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Bruges, but the city is actually in the West Flanders region, which has lots of WWI sites nearby. This history-focused day trip...
Great War Flanders Fields Tour
Looking for something fun and new to do? Why not save your legs and try this popular activity in the city that tourists just love!
Guided Rickshaw Tour
Shops
Shops in Bruges that I love.
Do you love books? This is an international bookstore with a wonderful selection of books, especially lots of great travel books in English!
The Reyghere Bookstore
Are you into thrift shopping like me? If so, you'll love this place! They have an amazing selection and it's just a fun shop!
Think Twice
If you're in Bruges at Christmas and love Christmas ornaments, you've got to check this place out! They've got such lovely, high-quality items for Christmas, and I'm sure you'll find something you love!
Käthe Wohlfahrt Store
I absolutely love this store! It's got the cutest items for your home, decor, and garden.
Dille & Kamille
Food & Drinks
Places to go for a quick bite, drinks, coffee and more.
Here you can treat yourself to some truly delicious gluten-free waffles with a whole range of delicious flavours and toppings! Some people say it's the best waffle they've ever had!
Otto Waffle Atelier
If there's a classic in Belgian cuisine, it's "balletjes in tomatensaus", which means meatballs in tomato sauce. Yes, you can make me very happy with this super simple dish. Go here to get your balls (they also have veggie options) in your favourite ...
Odette
If you're looking for a taste of authentic Flemish cuisine, this is the place to go. The setting is really cozy, and the price/quality ratio is amazing!
PASSAGE BRUGES
This cool little coffee shop is a real treat for coffee lovers! Come and enjoy some delicious coffee and cakes here.
EspressoBar - I Love Coffee
Are you looking for something tasty, filling and heart-warming that won't break the bank? You simply have to try this place! They make the most amazing takeout pitas! I always go there if I want to eat something hearty.
The Olive Street Food
It's a great spot for high-quality coffee, cakes, brunches, lunches, and so on. If you're looking for a quick bite, this is the place to go!
Kaffee Kamiel
Do you love beer? GO. HERE.
Le Trappiste
Find the best chocolate in Bruges here!
The Chocolate Line
Looking for some tasty food at a fair price? There are great drinks, snacks and more at the local cinema!
Lumiere Cinema
If you're looking for a place where the locals eat their waffles and pancakes, this is it. The quality is amazing, the portions are huge, and it's just perfect. I always go here for a waffle.
Lizzie's Wafels
This is such a cool place! It's literally a wall full of beer! Go here to buy beer or to have a drink.
2be shop - The Beerwall - 2be bar
You're in Bruges for the day and want to grab something filling, healthy and quick without resorting to street food? This is the perfect solution! Really delicious and healthy soups.
SOUP