Explore

Bruges is much more than an open-air museum. Behind its historic façades lies a vibrant city of makers, artisans, museums, cafés and hidden corners — and beyond the city walls, a landscape of quiet polders, picturesque villages and the nearby coast. Whether you prefer culture, food, cycling or simply slowing down, everything is within easy reach.

Our favourite Bruges

Breakfast & lunch

  • Kaffee Kamiel — Trendy spot for bowls, pancakes, toasts and good coffee.
  • Nomad — Fresh, seasonal brunch in a bright, contemporary setting.
  • Blackbird — A favourite for vegetarian breakfasts, smoothies and healthy bowls.
  • Coffeebar Adriaan — Quality coffee, homemade pastries and a relaxed local atmosphere.

Dining

  • Rose Red — Cosy restaurant with sharing dishes and an impressive beer selection. Cordoeaniersstraat 16, Bruges
  • Gran Kaffee de Passage — Belgian classics in a charming, timeless bistro. Dweersstraat 26, Bruges
  • De Stoepa — World cuisine with Asian influences in a lively, informal setting. Oostmeers 124, Bruges
  • Kaffee Roger — Stylish neighbourhood bistro with a beautiful courtyard terrace. Baliestraat 6, Bruges
  • Amunì — Authentic Sicilian cooking and sourdough pizzas on the Burg. Burg 9, Bruges
  • Cuvée — Natural wines and seasonal sharing plates in an intimate room. Philipstockstraat 41, Bruges

Coffee

  • DEES Specialty Coffee — Thoughtfully sourced coffee in a contemporary setting.
  • Kaffee Kamiel — Hidden from the crowds, with a lovely courtyard.
  • Postbar — A neighbourhood café with the everyday rhythm of Bruges.

Wine & beer

  • Cuvée — Natural wines and small plates in a warm, intimate atmosphere.
  • Bie Jimmy — A stylish, welcoming spot for an aperitif and small bites.
  • 't Hof van Beroep — Craft beers, natural wines and a lively local crowd.
  • Rose Red — Hundreds of Belgian beers in a cosy, hidden setting.

Bookshops

  • De Raaklijn — Independent bookshop loved for literature, art, architecture and design.
  • De Reyghere — Bruges' iconic family-run bookstore with an extensive collection.

Art & design

  • Handmade in Brugge — Local makers and contemporary craftsmanship.
  • Galerie Pinsart — Contemporary art in an intimate gallery setting.
  • Bruges Triennial — Art and architecture in dialogue with the historic city.
  • BRUSK — Bruges' new museum and exhibition venue for contemporary art.

Explore the region

Bruges

A city best discovered on foot. Behind its historic façades lies a vibrant city of makers, artisans, museums, cafés, restaurants and hidden corners, where centuries of history meet contemporary culture and everyday life. Bruges reveals itself slowly — one of the reasons locals never tire of it.

Around Bruges (Brugse Ommeland)

The clock ticks a little slower in the Brugse Ommeland. Starred chefs and small, passionate producers, atmospheric canals, flat polders made for cycling and walking, and castles dotted across the countryside — all a stone's throw from the sea, with Bruges as its beating heart.

Damme

A picturesque village near Bruges, known for its historic charm, peaceful canals and windmill — perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride with views over the polders. You can even take the Lamme Goedzak canal boat to and from Bruges.

The Coast

Wide sandy beaches, dunes and lively seaside towns from De Panne to Knokke-Heist, in every season. Relaxing, strolling, dining and active enjoyment — the sand and the sea are never far away.

The Westhoek

An exceptional region where flat fields alternate with gentle hills, and a landscape that still remembers its history. In the Westhoek you learn to enjoy every moment — from a picon in a local bar to a starred table — always welcomed with open arms.

Zeeland (the Netherlands)

Just across the border, a coastal paradise of pristine beaches, charming seaside villages and stunning dunes — a haven for nature lovers and water-sports enthusiasts, and famous for its fresh mussels and oysters.